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Canada - Traveller information

Local laws and conventions: Most restaurants and bars are non-smoking.

Penalties for trafficking or possessing illegal drugs are severe. The Quat plant is also illegal, and those found in possession of it may face a prison sentence.

Handshaking is the usual form of greeting in Canada. Dress is usually informal and practical.

Business appointments must be made and punctuality is important. The exchange of business cards is customary. Many of the larger cities have excellent conference facilities. Office hours are Mon–Fri 0900–1700.

Immigration and customs: Passports must be valid for at least one day beyond the intended length of stay. Some nationals may need a visa to enter the country and visa requirements should be checked with the local embassy.

For cameras, radios, computers and other electrical items, visitors may be asked to pay a deposit on entering; this will be refunded when the visitor provides proof of export.

It is prohibited to import firearms, explosives, endangered species of animals and plants, animal products, and some food products. The import of turtle shells and articles from Haiti made of animal skins are prohibited. Visitors may be interrogated by an examining official if it is believed they are not in good health or are not planning to return to their original country of origin.

Lone parents should carry documentary evidence of parental responsibility for all accompanying children. Sometimes a letter of consent is required of the parent who is not travelling.

Travel within the country: Traffic drives on the right, and car hire is available from all airports and in major towns to all those aged 21 and over. Visitors may use their national driving licence if staying for less than three months.

Speed limits are 100kph on motorways, 80kph on rural highways and 50kph in urban areas. The wearing of seatbelts is compulsory, as is the use of car seats for children. Road networks cover vast areas of the country and roads are good. Visitors must be vigilant in rural areas, as wild moose and deer are prone to roaming on country roads.

Coaches are the cheapest way of travelling around the country and each region has an efficient network of coach services.

There are a number of domestic airlines that serve the main cities as well as the more remote regions.

National and regional rail services operate throughout the country, and there is a fast intercity service between Québec, Montréal, Halifax, Toronto, Windsor and Ottawa. Rail services that run directly from Toronto to Vancouver operate three times a week and journey time is three days. The Rocky Mountaineer train service connects the main towns in the Rockies and is a seasonal service aimed at showing visitors the breathtaking scenery.

Travel health: Canada has excellent health facilities, although it is recommended that visitors carry first-aid kits if travelling to the more remote parts of the country. Comprehensive medical insurance is recommended, as hospital treatment is expensive. There is a slight risk of contracting rabies if bitten by an animal and vaccination before travel is advisable.

Money: Local currency is the Canadian dollar. Travellers cheques are widely accepted and should be in Canadian dollars to avoid paying additional exchange rate charges. ATMs are widely available and major credit cards can be used in most places. Banking hours are 0930–1600 (or 1700).

There were 19,152,000 tourist arrivals in 2004.