canada
Welcome
Motto: A mari usque ad mare (Latin) "From Sea to Sea"
Anthem: "O Canada" Royal anthem: "God Save the King"
Canada is a vast and rugged land. It is the second largest country in the world, but it has only one-half of one percent of the world's population.
Capital: Ottawa.
Population: 38,929 million inhabitants.
Gross Domestic Product - GDP (PPP): $2.240 trillion.
Official languages: French & English.
Area: 9,984,670 km2.
Water (%): 11.76.
Currency: Canadian dollar (CAD).
Safety rating: Ranked 12 on the Global Peace Index with a score of 1.39. This means that Canada is THE safest
country in America.
Food
Poutine
Warm, gooey and indulgent, the famous Canadian snack of fries, cheese curds and gravy is now adored the world over. It debuted in rural Quebec snack bars in the 1950s and found its way onto Canada-wide fast-food menus by the late 1980s. While poutine purists insist on cheese curds made in eastern Quebec, today’s poutine variations are endless, featuring everything from extravagant foie gras toppers to homemade oven-fry bases.
Pâté chinois (pronounced [pɑte ʃinwa]) ('Chinese pie')
It is called Chinese pie because most workers ate their meat, potatoes and corn separately but workers of mainly Asian origins, combined their rations to create shepherd's pie, a more communal dish. The French-Canadian railway workers liked this new concoction, adopted the dish, and called it “pâté chinois”, which loosely translates to Chinese pie. It is a traditional recipe in both Québécois cuisine and Acadian cuisine. The dish is made with layered ground beef (sometimes mixed with sautéed diced onions) on the bottom, canned corn (either whole-kernel, creamed, or a mixture) for the middle layer, and mashed potatoes on top.
Ketchup Chips
Since the 1970s, Canadians have eaten tons of these crunchy chips. While both Canadian and American companies have laid claim to the original recipe, this addictive, finger-staining snack has been wholeheartedly embraced in the Great White North. These days it’s tough to find a chip with the same zippy flavour outside our borders. Crumbled ketchup chips are amazing sprinkled over baked squash, fried eggs and popcorn.
Nanaimo Bars
There are as many origin stories for these three-layer bars as there are recipe variations. One thing is for sure, though: Nanaimo bars are named after the city in British Columbia. The creamy, custardy centre is what sets Nanaimo bars apart from the buttercream-filled New York slice—both have a smooth chocolate topping and a rich graham cracker crust. You can personalize any of the layers or turn the bars into a completely different dessert, but their B.C. heritage still shines through.
Maple Syrup
Canada produces 80 percent of the world’s maple syrup, so we reign supreme when it comes to this sweet treat. We love it so much that we even made the sugar maple our national tree! Luckily for us, it is a versatile ingredient—you can add a touch of maple goodness to just about any dish you can imagine, from salads to cakes to roasts.
Montreal Smoked Meat
This salty, smoky deli beef is a Canadian sandwich superstar, best slathered with mustard and sandwiched in rye bread. Montreal smoked meat is dry-rubbed with more garlic and savoury spices than its sweeter deli cousin, pastrami, before being smoked, steamed and sliced. Think beyond the sandwich and bring Montreal smoked meat’s intense flavours to salads, tacos and appetizers.
Lobster
Sweet, succulent lobster from our Atlantic waters is loved across the globe. Once a cheap food source for servants and prisoners, Canadian lobster is now the ultimate delicacy. But don’t let its fancy status intimidate you—lobster is meant to be enjoyed! Whether it’s served whole in a Maritime boil or chunked in a long bun with a big dollop of mayonnaise, there’s a lobster dish for every Canadian taste (and budget).
Transportation
Depending on the distances you are traveling, there are many ways to get around. For local travel there are subways, buses, taxis or even by foot, bicycle or dogsled. Intercity travel implies much larger distances, for which there are planes, trains and buses/coaches.
Regional Trains
“ GO train ” is the most used railway system in the southern part of the province of Ontario. This transportation system, connects many cities around the Greater Toronto Area such as Mississauga, Oakville, Woodbridge, etc. This system is separate from the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC), so you need a separate ticket. One of the cities adjacent to Toronto is Mississauga, which has its own network of buses called Mississauga transit. There is currently an initiative to try and make the all of the public transportation entities in the Greater Toronto Area (Toronto and surrounding cities) unite their charges. In the near future, it may be possible to travel from Toronto to say Woodbridge (which is 45 minutes north of the Toronto center), with one pass for all the transportation you use to get there.
National Trains
Nationally, trains are operated by VIA Rail. You can travel from the easternmost to the westernmost coasts of Canada. Prices differ significantly depending on the time of year and the length of the trip. To get a notion of the time and distance the national train network might cover, take into account that a train ride from Toronto to Vancouver takes approximately three days and three nights for the distance of 2800 miles (4500 kilometres). See www.viarail.ca.
Buses / Coaches
In Canada, the national bus network is extensive. There are connections to Canadian and US destinations. Different bus/coach operators exist, there a couple of big players and a number of smaller regional and national EI: Greyhound.
operators.
Taxi
Most cities have at least three different taxi companies, so it can help to familiarize yourself with them. Metered fares are usually regulated at the city level and are not negotiable. Taxi drivers in all major cities need to have an identification that issued by the city that certifies that their activity is legal and that the unit complies with safety regulations. You can also use UBER or LYFT.
Public transportation
Toronto:
In Toronto, the public transportation service is called the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC).This service covers the entire city of Toronto and uses a subway (metro) and a bus network. Regular fares effective July 2007 are as follows:
Metropass - Transferable (MonthlyPass): $99.75
Metropass - Discount Plan (Annual per month): $91.50
Five Tickets: $10.50
Ten Tickets: $21.00
Cash Fare (1 trip): $2.75
Day Pass: $8.50
Montreal: In Montreal, the public transportation authority is called the Société de transport de Montréal (STM ). The subway network has 4 lines with pretty comprehensive coverage of the city.
CAM (MonthlyPass): $65.00
CAM (WeeklyPass): $19.00
Six Ticket Strip: $11.75
Cash Fare (1 trip): $2.75
Tourist Card (1 day): $9.00
Tourist Card (3 day): $17.00
Children and students get discounts to ride the Montreal public transportation.
Price are subject to change please review fare on Official websites.
Car Rental
American driver's licenses are valid in Canada. You also have to bring proof of insurance to rent a car. Popular car rental services: Avis, Budjet...
Best things to do
Banff National Park – Alberta
Established in 1883 and a World Heritage Site, Banff is renowned for the beauty of the Canadian Rocky Mountains, the lush unspoiled landscapes, and unique thermal hot springs. With over one thousand miles of hikeable trails in the summer, pristine lakes to canoe or kayak, and superb skiing in the winter, Banff is truly an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise. The downtown area offers quaint shops and beautiful hotels.
Old Quebec – Quebec
Don’t have the budget for Europe? Take a trip back in time to Old Quebec. Literally like venturing into another country, Old Quebec is the only walled city north of Mexico, the oldest in North America. With over half a millennium of history, the architecture in Old Quebec is some of the oldest, and most astounding in Canada. Enjoy the mix of heritage, culture, architecture and art. Home to cobblestone streets and the iconic Château Frontenac, as well as the world famous winter carnival, Quebec City is sure to fascinate and delight visitors of all ages.
Anne of Green Gables- Prince Edward Island
Known as the birthplace of Confederation in 1864, PEI has a rich history dating back thousands of years. Visit the gabled house that inspired Lucy Maud Montgomery’s Anne of Green Gables, in the Prince Edward Island National Park. Don’t miss the site of Montgomery’s Cavendish home, where guided tours are given. When available, enjoy the Anne of Green Gables musical performed live at local Theatres.
Niagara Falls
From family fun to a romantic couple’s getaway, Niagara Falls offers it all. No matter the season, the Niagara region offers entertainment for all ages. Known for its captivating falls and incredible sightseeing, the Niagara region also offers a host of other activities including live music and theatre, to museums and cruises, shopping, golfing, and camping.
Whistler Blackcomb – British Columbia
Internationally regarded as one of the top four season resorts in North America, Whistler is any winter sports enthusiast’s dream. Featured as the alpine venue for the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games, Whistler is also a great vacation destination for the whole family. Unique boutiques, award winning restaurants, an active nightlife, and beautiful hotels complete the quant alpine village.
Parliament of Canada – Ontario
One of Canada’s most beautiful architectural features, the Parliament of Canada building is a must see. Located in Ottawa, Canada’s capital city, the building features breathtaking architecture, sculpture, and art. During the day take a guided tour or explore on your own. Be sure to experience the wonder of the Parliament illuminated at night.
Drumheller – Alberta
Known as the dinosaur capital of the world, Drumheller is located in the heart of the Canadian Badlands. In the late 1800’s, while searching for coal amidst the rolling coulees near the Red Deer River, a dinosaur skull was found. Visit the Royal Tyrrell museum to see a wide variety of dinosaur and fossil exhibits, or visit the Atlas Coal Mine, a National Historic Site.
Attend a hockey game (anywhere in Canada)
Hockey is almost synonymous with Canada. If you want to attend an NHL game in Canada (the best of the best), you’ll find franchises in Montreal, Ottawa, Toronto, Winnipeg, Calgary, Edmonton, and Vancouver. Minor league franchises can be found in many more towns throughout the country. Tickets to lower-level leagues will also be cheaper. So if you’re looking to see a game on a budget just to have the experience, check out one of the smaller leagues.
Shortened list of fun activities around Canada
- Dog sledding in Canmore (Alberta)
- Ice castles in Edmonton (Alberta)
- Skiing and snowboarding in the Rocky Mountains (Alberta)
- Ice skating in downtown Vancouver (British Columbia)
- Ziplining in winter in Whistler (British Columbia)
- Ice skating on the Rideau Canal (Ontario)
- Toboggan slide in Quebec City (Quebec)
- Visit Montreal’s Underground City (Quebec)
- Visit the Montreal Light Festival (Quebec)
- Drink ice wine at Niagara on the Lake (Ontario)
This one is Definitely on my list!!!
Best time to visit
Cheapest time to visit
There are fewer tourists, making January the least expensive month for winter travel in Canada. The temperature starts to rise. Schools generally have their spring break in February. There are a lot of tourists and many families on vacation; prices are therefore higher.
The most popular time to visit Canada is generally between June and October, when the weather is either warm or pleasant.
The best time to visit Canada is Spring (March to May) and Fall (September to November). These are the shoulder months when the crowds are less, and the weather is neither hot nor cold. Not only the weather is pleasing, but it provides fantastic opportunities to be outdoors hiking, canoeing, kayaking, etc.
If you would love to explore the winter wonderland, the best time to visit Canada is between November and March. However, if you are not a fan of cold and harsh weather, then it might not be the best time to travel.
Summer (June to August) is a busy time in Canada as it is the peak season with travellers coming from all over the globe. Canada is a country of extremes. It has two coasts, six time zones, Rockies and with Arctic tundra in consideration, a lot is going on. But, it embraces all seasons and weather conditions and offers the best for their tourists.
Seasons in Canada
- Spring in Canada (March - May)
- Summer in Canada (June - August)
- Autumn in Canada (September - November)
- Winter in Canada (December - February)
Personally, I Love Winter & February is one of my favorite month, after April.
Quick tips
Canada is generally a very safe place to travel or live, with crime rates that are comparably very low in most Canadian tourist destinations. Canada scored a 6.67 out of ten for its overall safety for women traveling alone, and was ranked eighth safest country for women to travel in solo.
For tourist visits to Canada of less than 180 days, U.S. citizens do not need visas. Other types of travel generally require visas. I invite you to review this information directly with governmental services.
Always walk on broader and well-lit streets during night, and travel with people, if possible in some dangerous areas. Again, Canada is relatively very safe and it should not be too much of an issue to go out for a walk.
Quebec is the French speaking province of Canada, all the other provinces have English as official language.
