Travel Canada Tourism Information
Some Facts About Canada
Canada occupies the northern half of the North American continent and has a land mass of 9 970 610 km2.
It is the second-largest country in the world after Russia.
Canada encompasses six time zones.
"O'Canada" is our national anthem.
English and French are Canada's official languages.
Distances in Canada are measured in kilometres. Speed limit signs are in kilometres per hour. (Miles x 1.6 =" "kilometres. Kilometres x 0.6 =" "miles)
|
 | | |
 |
|
|
Temperature/Seasonal Climate
The climate ranges from humid continental in the south to subarctic in the north. Temperatures are given officially in degrees Celsius with the Fahrenheit equivalent often added. For an exact conversion of Fahrenheit to Celsius: subtract 32 from number of degrees F, then multiply by 5/9. Conversely, multiply degrees Celsius by 9/5, then add 32 to get degrees Fahrenheit. As a general guide, 20C is room temperature, 30C is a hot day and -20 is a cold winter day.
Due to Canada's vast size, temperatures vary tremendously from region to region and even within the different regions. Generally, the lowest temperatures are recorded in January and the highest in July.
|
| | |
|
|
|
Weather
Canadian weather is much the same as that of northern United States. June, July and August are our summer months, when days are usually warm, though nights may be cool, particularly in the north. Medium to heavy-weight clothing is recommended from mid-September to mid-November and from mid-March through April. During the winter you'll need to dress warmly.
For specific weather information, please contact:
Environment Canada - Public Weather Recording
Web site |
| | |
|
|
|
Useful Information For Visitors
Credit Cards - Most major credit cards are welcome in Canada. Debit cards are also widely accepted at many establishments. Currency - We recommend that visitors use Canadian funds. It is best to exchange your money at financial institutions such as banks, trust companies and currency exchanges. Currency exchange offices can be found at most airports and at some provincial travel information centres. Other businesses such as hotels and stores will exchange your currency but the rate is not generally as good as at a financial institution.
Goods and Services Tax (GST) Refund - Visitors from outside Canada may claim a refund of the seven per cent federal GST (Goods and Services Tax) on accumulated purchases of a minimum of $200, provided that each receipt is at least $50 in goods before tax and that the goods are taken out of Canada within 60 days of purchase. GST charged on hotel and motel accommodation is also eligible for refund. Excluded items are consumable goods, transportation, services, rentals, campsites, cruise ship cabins and train berths.
Visitor Rebate Program
Revenue Canada
Summerside Tax Centre
Summerside, PEI
C1N 6C6
CANADA
Tel: 1-800-66VISIT (1-800-668-4748) (toll free from anywhere in Canada)
The provinces of Quebec and Manitoba allow application for a rebate on provincial taxes. For details, check with the provincial tourism information offices. As of April 1, 1997 the HST or "harmonized sales tax" is a 15% tax that replaces the provincial sales tax (PST) and GST in the provinces of Newfoundland & Labrador, Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick. |
| | |
|
|
|
Customs and Immigration
American visitors crossing the border, either way, may be asked to verify their citizenship with such documents as a passport, or a birth or baptismal certificate. Naturalized U.S. citizens should carry a naturalization certificate. Permanent U.S. residents who are not U.S. citizens are advised to bring their "green card". For citizens of certain countries Canada requires a visitors visa to be obtained from their nearest Canadian Consulate before entry into Canada. Travellers should check to see if this is required of them before their trip.
Travellers under the age of 18 and unaccompanied by a parent need a letter of permission to travel in Canada from a parent or guardian.
What Can I Bring?
Pets |
| | |
|
|
|
Health Insurance
Visitors are strongly urged to obtain medical travel insurance before coming to Canada. Make sure your health insurance will cover your costs outside of your home country, or purchase medical travel insurance from a travel agent.If you are taking medicine prescribed by your doctor, bring an adequate supply and a copy of the prescription in case it needs to be renewed by a doctor in Canada.
| | |
©1997-2006. Tamil-Media.com |
To Top