Health & Medical

Travel Health Insurance

Before leaving home, review your health plan to see whether your coverage extends to travel outside your home country. If you're not covered, be sure to obtain travel health insurance before visiting Canada. And remember to carry your insurance ID card and emergency numbers with you when you visit.

Canadian Hospitals & Medical Services

Canadian hospitals and medical services provide an excellent standard of care. Most hospitals are publicly managed with costs for services set by provincial and hospital authorities. Hospital care for non-residents of Canada is charged at a daily rate or calculated based on medical condition and length of stay. Charges vary across the country, but range from $1,000-$2,000 a day.

Hospital emergency rooms are open 24 hours for emergency care. Most cities also have walk-in clinics where non-emergency treatment or consultation is available without an appointment. Costs vary by clinic and medical attention required. Check local phone books in the yellow pages section under "Clinics, Medical" for a list of walk-in clinics.

For more information on health and safety for travellers to Canada, visit the Canada International website.

Prescriptions & Pharmacies

Remember to bring along all prescription medications you expect to need during your visit, as well as copies of your prescription in case you run out. You'll find pharmacies easily accessible throughout Canada. Most large cities have at least one 24-hour pharmacy operation and many grocery stores have in-store pharmacies.

All prescription medicines should be carried in their original containers, with pharmacy labels indicating the type of drugs and that they are being used under prescription. If you don't have the original package, bring along a copy of the prescription or a letter from your doctor.

It is also a good idea to bring along an extra pair of prescription eyeglasses or contact lenses, or alternatively, a prescription from your eye doctor in the event your glasses or contact lenses need to be replaced.    

Emergency Services

Most Canadian cities have 911 emergency services. In an emergency, you can reach police, fire or ambulance services by dialing 911 on any telephone. If 911 service is unavailable, dial "0" for the operator and ask for police, fire or ambulance service. There is no charge for emergency calls placed from a public pay phone.

Immunizations & Vaccinations

No special immunizations or vaccinations are required to visit Canada. If you're travelling with children, it's always a good idea to ensure they are up-to-date on routine childhood immunizations before international travel. Contact a qualified health professional in your area for more advice. For current travel health information, visit the Public Health Agency of Canada website.

Mail, Phone & Internet

Local & Long-distance Calling

The Canadian phone system operates much like the United States phone system.
Phone numbers in Canada have 10 digits. The first three digits are the area code followed by the seven-digit local number (e.g., 555-555-5555). When making a long-distance call out of the local area, dial "1" followed by the three-digit area code and the seven-digit local number.

To make international (non-U.S.) calls from Canada, first dial 011 and then the country code (e.g., France, 33). Next, dial the area code and number.

Phone books provide a listing of North American area codes and frequently called international country codes.

For long distance directory assistance, call 1 + the area code + 555-1212. Directory assistance is free from pay phones. Instructions for local and long distance dialing are also listed on pay phones and found in the front pages of the phone book.

For operator assistance, dial 0. To reach police, fire and ambulance services in an emergency, dial 911. Dial 411 for directory assistance.

Pay Phones

You'll find pay phones at airports, bus stations, hotels, shopping malls, as well as on street corners and at busy intersections. Many pay phones accept calling cards and credit cards. Local calls throughout Canada vary from 25¢-35¢ for three minutes at a pay phone. Instructions for local and long distance dialing are usually listed on the phone as well as in the front pages of the phone book.

To reach directory assistance, dial 411. For long distance directory assistance, call 1 + the area code + 555-1212. Directory assistance is free from a pay phone.

Using Your Mobile/Cell Phone in Canada

Mobile phone coverage in Canada will vary depending on the type of cell phone you use, your local mobile service provider and plan, and the system upon which your phone operates. Many companies in the U.S. and abroad have partnerships and programs available to provide roaming coverage in Canada.

Contact your mobile service provider to learn about its international roaming coverage services and to determine if your phone is compatible with Canadian networks and frequencies.

Postal Services

You'll find post offices in most communities across Canada. Retail postal outlets are also conveniently located in many drugstores, convenience stores and at shopping malls.

The cost to mail a standard postcard or letter within Canada is 52¢. The rate to the U.S. is 93¢ and $1.55 for all other international destinations. All postage rates are calculated according to the size and weight of your letter or parcel. For complete letter and parcel shipping rates or to locate a post office near you, visit the Canada Post website.

Internet & E-mail

You'll rarely be out of touch by e-mail or without web access while visiting Canada. Most Canadian cities have cybercafés and coffee shops that offer wireless Internet access to their patrons. Hotels often have an Internet terminal or wireless Internet available for guests and public libraries offer free access to the Internet for limited periods of time.

Public Holidays

Banks, government offices, schools and some stores in Canada are closed on the following public holidays, also known as federal statutory holidays:

New Year's Day – January 1
Good Friday – April 6, 2007 (varies year to year)
Easter Monday – April 9, 2007 (varies year to year)
Victoria Day – May 21, 2007 (the Monday preceding May 25)
Canada Day – July 1, 2007 (observed July 2 if July 1 falls on a Sunday)
Labour Day – Sept 3, 2007 (first Monday of September)
Thanksgiving Day – Oct 8, 2007 (second Monday of October)
Remembrance Day – November 11
Christmas Day – December 25
Boxing Day – December 26

Provincial Statutory Holidays

Canadian provinces also have statutory holidays to commemorate special events and celebrations:

British Columbia
British Columbia Day – first Monday of August
Alberta
Alberta Family Day – third Monday of February
Heritage Day – first Monday of August
Saskatchewan
Civic Holiday – first Monday of August
Family Day – third Monday of February
Manitoba
Civic Holiday – first Monday of August
Ontario
Civic Holiday – first Monday of August
Quebec
National Day – June 24
New Brunswick
New Brunswick Day – first Monday of August
Nova Scotia
Natal Day – first Monday of August, except in Halifax where it varies from year-to-year, usually held in August or July
Prince Edward Island
Natal Day – by proclamation, usually on first Monday of August
Newfoundland & Labrador
Celebrated on nearest Monday:
St. Patrick's Day – March 17
St. George's Day – April 23
Discovery Day – June 24
Memorial Day – July 1
Orangemen's Day – July 12
Regatta Day/Civic Holiday – fixed by municipal council orders
Yukon
Discovery Day – third Monday of August
Northwest Territories
Civic Holiday – first Monday of August
National Aboriginal Day – June 21
Nunavut
Nunavut Day – July 9 (public service holiday)

Weather & Seasons

Climate & Weather

Canada stretches from the Atlantic to the Pacific oceans, sharing the southern latitude of Rome and reaching all the way up to the Arctic. Across such a vast landscape temperature and climate varies dramatically. In May alone, you can ski the Olympic-calibre mountain terrain of the west coast or attend the world’s largest tulip festival in central Canada.

For current climate and weather conditions by province and territory, visit Environment Canada or the Weather Network websites.

Seasons & Temperatures

No matter when you come, Canada’s seasons offer dramatic displays of color and vibrant life.

Spring

Spring arrives as early as February on the west coast. In the rest of Canada, temperatures warm up in early April and the pleasant spring weather extends to June. Where else can you head north on a dogsledding adventure, paddle remote coastal waters or walk through the wonderland of cherry blossoms exploding in bloom, but in coastal BC?

Summer

Summers across Canada bring warm to hot weather from late May to late September. The hot summer months arrive in June and carry on through August, with July often the hottest summer month. This is the prime time of year to venture out to a wilderness lodge and fish in waters that have barely seen a ripple from another angler, kayak among the beluga whales in Churchill, MB, or catch the world-renowned Wild West fun of the Calgary Stampede.

Fall

Fall months bring cool, pleasant temperatures, particularly in September and October. It's the best time of year to catch the spectacular autumn leaves in eastern Canada, enjoy long hikes in the crisp air, visit world-class museums and galleries, or bask in the spotlight at the Toronto International Film Festival.

Winter

Much of the Canadian landscape is blanketed in snow in winter, with snowfall beginning in late October and temperatures generally going below the freezing point. However, winters are much milder on the west coast, where if any snow falls, it doesn't stay long, and golfers have been known to hit the links year-round.

Canadian winters offer ideal conditions for dream ski vacations. The ski season runs from December until late March in the east, and extends to late May (and sometimes even June) in the ski hills of the west. You can find out more on the Ski Canada website. In winter, you can experience a host of winter festivals and ice carnivals, and the chance to glide along the world's longest skating rink, the Rideau Canal.

Time Zones

Canada encompasses six of the world's 24 time zones. From east to west, they are: Newfoundland Time Zone, Atlantic Time Zone, Eastern Time Zone, Central Time Zone, Mountain Time Zone and Pacific Time Zone. Some provinces and territories encompass two or even three time zones within their borders. View the interactive map to show the six Canadian time zones as well as current times in all zones.

Pacific Time, Canada’s westernmost time zone, is 8 hours behind Coordinated Universal Time during the observance of Standard Time; it is 7 hours behind during Daylight Saving Time. The easternmost time zone is Newfoundland Time, which is 4-1/2 hours ahead of Pacific Time.

Daylight Saving Time

Daylight Saving Time is in effect in Canada from the second Sunday of March to the first Sunday of November. For information on the start and end of Daylight Saving Time across the provinces and territories, visit the National Research Council website.

Currency & Money

Canadian Currency

The Canadian currency system uses dollars ($) and cents (¢) similar to the U.S., Australia and New Zealand.

Canada now has one- and two-dollar coins, often called the "loonie" and the "toonie," in addition to 1¢, 5¢, 10¢ and 25¢ coins. Paper money comes in different colors and designs. The most common are $5 bills (blue), $10 bills (purple), $20 bills (green), $50 bills (red) and $100 bills (brown). You may still see some old red $2 bills, which remain valid currency.

Most hotels, stores and restaurants will accept U.S. dollars, though sometimes at a lower rate than banks or airports. Large hotels will usually give you a rate similar to those at the bank. It is always a good idea to convert some of your money to Canadian currency prior to leaving home.

Exchanging Currency in Canada

You can change money at any recognized financial institution, bank, trust company or currency exchange in Canada. Many stores, hotels and restaurants will also exchange currency, but often offer a lower rate than a financial institution. Be sure to convert some of your money prior to leaving home.

For information on currency exchange rates, check out the Bank of Canada's Currency Converter.

Sales Taxes & GST

The GST, or "goods and services tax," is a 5 percent federal tax applied to most goods and services provided in Canada.

In all provinces except Alberta, there is an additional provincial sales tax (PST) of between 5 percent to 8 percent added to purchases and financial transactions. The HST or "harmonized sales tax" is a 13 percent tax that replaces the PST and GST in the provinces of Newfoundland & Labrador, Nova Scotia and New Brunswick. Some hotels and retailers include the GST or HST in their prices; others add it on separately.

Visitor Tax Rebates

On March 19, 2007, the Government of Canada confirmed their intention to eliminate the GST/HST Visitor Rebate Program and announced the introduction of the Foreign Convention and Tour Incentive Program.

Credit Cards & Bank Machines

Major credit cards such as American Express, MasterCard and Visa are widely accepted in Canada. Your financial institution at home will automatically make the currency exchange before you receive your monthly statement. Be sure you contact your credit card company to let them know you'll be using the card outside the country.

Using an ABM (automatic bank machine), also known as an ATM (automated teller machine), is an easy way to access cash while travelling abroad. Most international bankcard systems, including Interac, Plus, Cirrus and Maestro, will work at most ABMs in Canada. You’ll find them conveniently located at banks, stores, airports and many other locations. You can also get cash advances on your credit card at an ABM.

It's a good idea to notify your home bank that you'll be using your bank card in Canada to find out whether any special conditions and withdrawal limits may apply.

Travellers Cheques

Travellers cheques can often be used as cash as most Canadian restaurants, hotels and stores will accept small-denomination Canadian Dollar travellers cheques. You may be asked to produce a passport for identification when cashing your travellers cheques.

Banking Hours

Standard banking hours are Monday to Thursday from 9:30 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. Many banks are open to 6:00 p.m. on Friday. Some banks and specific branches may be open later on weeknights and even on Saturdays. Trust companies are generally open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekdays and on Saturday mornings.

Tipping

Tipping is a common practice in Canada. Tips or service charges are not usually added to restaurant bills in Canada, but server salaries are based on the assumption that staff will receive a good proportion of income in tips. Some restaurants will also place a mandatory service charge on a bill for large groups. In general, you should reward good service by tipping 15-20 percent of the total amount.

Barbers, hairdressers and taxi drivers are usually tipped 15 percent. Bellhops, doormen, porters and other staff at hotels, airports and railway stations are generally tipped $1-$2 per item carried. Tipping the server both at the bar and at the table is common in Canadian bars and nightclub