Canada is a state located in North America bordering by land with the United States (the longest common border in the world), by sea - with Denmark (Greenland) and France (St. Pierre and Miquelon). The islands of Canada - Baffin's Land, Victoria, Ellesmere, Newfoundland and others. The country is washed by the waters of the Arctic, Atlantic and Pacific oceans... The Canadian coast is the largest in the world (244,000 km).
The highest point is Mount Logan (5951 m).
The total area of the country is 9 984 670 sq. km (the second largest country in the world after Russia), the population is more than 34.5 million people, of which 31% are Canadians, 20% are British, 15% are French, 14.5% are Scots, 13.3% are Irish and also - Germans, Italians, Chinese, Indians, Ukrainians, Dutch, Poles, Indians and Russians. 77.1% of Canadians are Christians (among them 43.6% are Catholics), the rest are Protestants, Muslims, Judaists, Islamists, Buddhists and others. The official languages are English and French.
Canada is a member of the UN, NATO, OECD and the G8.
The capital is the city of Ottawa.
Canadian cities
Ottawa is the capital of Canada and the fourth largest city in the country, famous for its festivals of jazz, chamber music, blues. A large number of tourists come to the summer Fringe and Ferrari festival, the spring Tulip Festival, winter - ice and snow sculptures.
Vancouver, one of the main ports in North America, is no less significant. Vancouver has 20 bridges (connecting the city center with outlying areas), three of which are drawbridges. Not far from the city is the famous Whistler ski resort. Vancouver universities are known far beyond the borders of the country.
The city of Quebec, which dates back to 1608, is very popular with tourists. Local residents dubbed their city "Europe in America". In early February, a winter festival, an ice sculpture competition is held here, in terms of festival events - swimming in the snow, canoeing and many other entertainments. And July gathers music lovers from all over the world.
Montreal, the second largest city in Canada, is no less attractive. The hallmark of the metropolis is the mountain of the same name, on the top of which there is extraordinary beauty a park and a 70-meter Catholic cross. Here, from a bird's eye view, you can admire the magnificent panorama of the city. Montreal is famous for its educational institutions- McGill, Concordia, Quebec and Montreal Universities.
The city of Toronto ("meeting point") is a synthesis of modern architecture and many parks and squares with unspoiled nature. The city also a large number of universities and colleges where a large number of students are educated. And Yonge Street is recognized as the longest in the world (1896.3 km). Statistics claim that Toronto is the most cosmopolitan city in the world - 100 languages are spoken here.
The city of Edmonton dates back to 1795 and attracts guests with a large number of festivals. The most popular among them are the Festival of Arts and Design, Whyte Ave Artwalk, Symphone Under the Sky, Edmonton Folk Music, Taste of Edmonton.
In Canada, you will meet a wonderful ski vacation- many resorts hospitably open their doors. The most popular of them are Big White, Silver Star, Sun Peaks, Tremblant, Fernier. All resorts have a well-developed infrastructure, trails of varying degrees of difficulty and lifts are presented, conditions for snowboarders have been created, training schools for adults and children and equipment rental centers have been opened.
Canada has a large number of beaches that have everything you need for a good rest, including equipment for windsurfing and diving.
How to get to Canada
The planes of many European air carriers fly from Minsk to Toronto, making only one change.
Aeroflot Airlines operates direct flights Moscow - Toronto.
You can also fly through the United States, but this requires an American visa.
For purchasing air tickets to Canada, please contact travel company"Thank you - travel."
Climate of Canada
The territory of Canada is mostly subject to the influence of a temperate climate, in the north - a subarctic one.
The average winter air temperature ranges from -35 degrees in the north to +4 degrees in the south. Summer - from -4 to +21 degrees, respectively. Above the Arctic Circle, “subzero” temperatures are recorded almost all year round.
The amount of precipitation ranges from 150 to 2500 mm per year, depending on the region.
On the coast Atlantic Ocean in winter, snowfalls and storms are possible, as well as a sharp change in atmospheric pressure.
From May to September, there is a tornado danger in the south.
Canada Accommodation
Canadian hotels are classified as follows:
- T - tourist class - economy class accommodation (hotels and motels)
- F - first class - hotel level 3 *
- S - superior - hotel level 4 *
- D - deluxe - hotel level 5 *
Breakfasts are not included in the price.
It should be noted that Canadian 3 * means cleanliness, comfort and good service.
The country is home to both world-renowned world chains and family hotels operating on the Bed & Breakfast principle (bed and breakfast).
An inexpensive option for accommodation would be accommodation in guest houses, motels, hostels, university dormitories (for young people), campgrounds and campgrounds.
The most expensive accommodation will be in the Great Railroad Hotels, ranging from $ 150 to $ 400 per night. In family hotels - 45 - 140 US dollars per night, in rural hotels - 40 - 60 US dollars, in hostels - 20 - 80 US dollars.
To travel around Canada, you can rent a trailer (mobile home).
Banks, money, exchange offices
The currency of Canada is the Canadian dollar, which is equal to 100 cents. In addition to paper bills, there are coins in circulation in denominations of 1.2 dollars and 1.5,10.25 cents.
Banking hours:
On weekdays - from 10.00 to 17.00, large banks - from 9.00 to 17.00
Friday - until 18.00
Weekends - Saturday, Sunday
Most exchange offices work around the clock
Currency exchange can be done at specialized exchange offices, banks (no commission is charged), large hotels, airports, railway and bus stations (commission is usually 1-10%).
Travel - checks American Express and Thomas Cook and credit cards(Visa, Master Card and American Express) are accepted for payments almost everywhere.
You should not exchange currency at street "money changers" - there may be a fact of fraud.
VAT in the country on goods and services is 7%, in some provinces - up to 15%. In addition, there is a refund of the hotel tax (about USD 5 per day).
For tourists coming to Canada for up to 6 months, an 8% discount program is available. To do this, when making a purchase, you should save the receipt and subsequently send it by mail, which confirms the fact of leaving the country.
Tipping in the country is 10-15% of the cost of services.
Tourist safety
In general, Canada is a safe country to stay, but the implementation of basic rules will protect you and your loved ones from minor and major troubles:
- It is advisable to keep documents, valuables and jewelry in the hotel safe
- Beware of pickpockets in crowded places
- You should be vigilant on the outskirts of the city, in the "black" areas, especially in Ottawa and Montreal
- You should not exchange currency "hand-held" - you can run into fraud
- When traveling by car, do not leave valuables in it
No smoking in public places
Transport
Domestic flights are provided by the main carriers: Air Canada and Canadian Airlines. Regular flights are carried out to all major cities of the country. But the cost of flights is quite high. For example, you can get from Montreal to Toronto by plane (distance - 550 km) for 220 - 250 US dollars.
The rail service is provided by Via Rail Canada and connects all cities in the country. Traveling by train is also not a cheap and time-consuming pleasure (it takes 80 hours from Montreal to Vancouver). A 21-day pass with a seven-trip limit will cost approximately $ 1,300.
Bus transportation is dominant in Canada - it covers the entire country and is relatively inexpensive. The bus fleet is modern and comfortable. The main carriers are Coach Canada and Greyhound Canada.
Public transport is represented by buses, metro and taxis. Buses run strictly on schedule. The average fare, for example, in Quebec is 1.45 Canadian dollars for 1.5 hours and 3.5 Canadian dollars for using transport during the day.
Subway trains run in Montreal, Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary and Edmonton.
Taxi services are quite expensive: landing - $ 2.25, 1 km of the journey - $ 1, 1 minute of waiting - $ 0.37. The counter turns on as soon as the passenger gets into the car.
In order to rent a car, you need:
- International driving license (age - over 23 years, driving experience - over 3 years)
- Credit card
Entertainment, excursions, attractions
The city of Ottawa is famous not only for its festivals, numerous museums of the city are also popular - National art Gallery, War Museum, Cold War Museum, Museum of Civilization, Agricultural Museum. But the buildings of Parliament are business card the whole country. The Gatineau Park is very popular with tourists, spreading over an area of 35,000 hectares.
In Vancouver, in addition to the magnificent cityscapes, you can contemplate the 47-meter Science World in the form of a dinosaur. The Contemporary Science Museum is located here. An unforgettable panorama of the city opens from the Harbor Center Tower. But you can be alone with nature in the Capilano and Stanley parks (400 hectares of cedar forest), Botanical Park Queen Elizabeth, Van Dusen Garden, Nitob Japanese Garden.
When in Quebec, be sure to visit the Old Town and watch the changing of the guard. Here you can take a horse ride, and enjoy the magnificent city landscape from the ferry. In the winter, you can go skiing and ice skating in Quebec, and in the summer you can have fun in the water park. You can get rich spiritually by visiting National Museum Fine Arts, Museum of Civilization, Museum of History. The Latin City Quarter is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. It is worth visiting the Quebec Aquarium, located on the very bank of the St. Lawrence River, and the zoo, as well as the Chute Montmorency Falls, which is higher than Niagara.
Of the sights of Montreal, the Old City should be noted, Botanical Garden, Notre - Dame Bonsecours Church and Observatory, 19th century Windsor Station, Saint Helena and Notre Dame (here you can visit the Olympic Pool, Amusement Park, Formula 1 car loop, casino). Very informative museums - Fine arts, Local Lore, Archaeological, Humor, Contemporary Art, Memorial, Architectural.
The city of Toronto has a large number of museums - the Arts Center, the Royal Museum (the largest in the country), the Henry Moore Center, the Ceramics Museum, the McMichael Museum of Canadian Art, and the Maple Syrup Museum. The most visited places in the city are the Amusement Complex in Ontario Square, Hyde Park and Queen Elizabeth Park, Toronto Islands Park on Lake Ontario and the CN Tower 553 meters high. The city is famous for its four professional sports clubs and the Sky Dome, which seats 56,000 spectators. Famous Niagara Falls located 100 km from Toronto.
The city of Edmonton is interesting in terms of architecture - a special place here is occupied by the Alberta Legislature building built in 1911, where you can swim in the pool in summer and go ice skating in winter. In the Science Museum you can also visit the planetarium and the IMAX theater. In the four glass pyramids of the Muttart Conservatory, you can follow the change of all seasons. The Living History Museum introduces the life and history of Canada, and in the National Park you can enjoy the beautiful nature, watch animals, and play active games. Not far from Edmonton is the famous Calgary winter resort with the Olympic Park and the largest zoo in the country. The famous rodeo takes place here in July.
Cuisine and restaurants
Canadian cuisine has been influenced by the traditions of the peoples inhabiting this country (French, Americans, British, Norwegians, Scots and others).
Traditional Canadian dishes are rightfully considered a steak made from meat or fish and fillets - brochette (barbecue made from meat, bacon, mushrooms and onions). You should definitely taste other dishes:
From alcohol - local sorts of beer, of which there are a great many. Canada is also famous for its wines, in particular, ice wine (ice wine), made from grapes frozen on the vine. On holidays - a drink called "eggnog" - made from eggs, wine and sugar with spices. There are varieties - with rum or milk. Strong alcohol is represented by Canadian whiskey - the lightest of all known varieties
Shopping and shops
Store opening hours:
Monday to Saturday - from 10.00 to 18.00, some - until 21.00
On Thursdays, shops are open longer, on Fridays and Saturdays - less, on Sundays only small shops and souvenir shops are open
The main souvenirs brought from Canada are figures of police officers and animals, "dream catchers". You can buy good quality clothes, shoes, cosmetics, jewelry.
Edibles include maple syrup and ice wine (ice wine).
Customs
The import and export of currencies is not limited. Cash of CAD 10,000 or more must be declared.
Allowed to import:
- Up to 200 cigarettes or up to 50 cigars or up to 910 g of tobacco
- Up to 1.1 liters of strong alcohol
- Up to 8.5 liters of beer
- Items and personal belongings - within the needs
- Gifts - no more than USD 300
It is forbidden to import:
- Perishable food
- Weapons and explosives
- Drugs
- Some medicines
- Items and things for resale
- Non-canned meat and dairy products
- Seeds and Plants
It is forbidden to export silver coins over USD 5.
If you have not found a suitable option for your vacation - pass on the troubles of organizing a trip to our professional managers, filling it out, and they will promptly contact you! We can send you anywhere in the world!
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Many European airlines - KLM, British Airways, LOT, Air France, Alitalia, Lufthansa and others - offer flights to various cities in Canada with connections in European countries. Often these are the cheapest flights.
The average cost of a flight from Moscow to Toronto is $ 1000-1200, but there are special promotions when tickets can be purchased for $ 500-600, including taxes.
To Canada by train
Despite its significant length of borders, Canada has only three border points through which trains from the United States travel: Roses Point (Roses Point) on the main line between New York and Montreal, Niagara Falls (Niagara Falls) on the line connecting New York with Toronto, and an interregional line from American Seattle to Vancouver, Canada.
On the New York - Montreal route, there is one daily corporate train Adirondack in every direction. Departure from New York at 9.50, arrival in Montreal at 20.00. Fare to seated car - $105.
From New York to Toronto, there is one Maple Leaf train per day, departing from New York at 7.15 am and arriving in Toronto at 19.45. The fare in a seated carriage is $ 128.
On the Vancouver (Canada) - Portland (USA) route, there are two Amtrak Cascades daily, departing from Portland at 8.30 and 12.30 and arriving in Vancouver at 17.00 and 22.00, respectively. The fare is $ 95.
To Canada by bus
Regular bus service operates between Canada and the United States on dozens of destinations, linking all Largest cities two countries. Detailed schedules and rates can be found on the sites bus companies Greyhound (www.greyhound.ca) and Coach Canada (www.coachcanada.com). Tickets are cheapest to buy directly on the website of the mentioned bus companies, and when buying a month or more, fares can be from $ 60 one way from New York to Toronto, or from $ 45 from Boston to Montreal.
To Canada by car
There are several dozen border road crossings between the USA and Canada, full list and the location of which can be found on the Canada Border Patrol website: http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/general/times/menu-e.html. Even more detailed information For more information on US and Canadian border crossings, including rules, laws, guidelines, and so on, visit our dedicated caravan site: www.gonorthwest.com/Visitor/planning/border/border.htm.
To Canada on foot
Almost all border crossings You can cross between Canada and the United States both by transport and on foot. To this end, the tourist should go to immigration control and carry out the standard formalities, as is done by all those who cross the border by car.
The largest state in North America is Canada. On three sides it is washed by ocean waters. The official languages here are English and French. There are 10 provinces in the country, one of which is inhabited by French-speaking residents. Canada is a leader in the export of consumer products. The social system of Canada is recognized as the best in the world. Every resident of the country can count on free secondary education and medical care. Young families visit institutions for children free of charge. It has the lowest crime rate.
How to get to Canada
You can get to the country both from Moscow and from other European cities. Transit air routes that have an Asian and European direction are considered cheaper. You can use by rail... But, despite the rather large length of the border zone, only three border points are envisaged. All major cities in the country are connected by bus routes.
Visa to Canada
When visiting Canada, residents of Russia and the CIS must obtain a visa. In total, there are three types of this permit:
1. Student visa. It can be obtained by those students who intend to study in educational institutions of the country. The minimum training time is six months.
2. Transit visa... It can be obtained by those persons whose path to third countries involves travel through Canada.
3. Temporary resident visa. It can be obtained by those who visit the country as tourists, for a business trip, study (no more than 6 months), or visiting relatives.
To obtain a visa, an approved package of documents is provided to the consulate, and a consular fee is paid.
Transport
The transport system of Canada has 10 international, at least 300 regional airports, 72 thousand kilometers of railways, more than one million kilometers of roads, as well as three hundred seaports. The main part of the transport system is in excellent condition. Driving on highways is permissible at a speed of no more than 90-100 km / h. All car passengers must wear a safety belt. To rent a vehicle, it is necessary that the driver has reached the age of 23 and has with him not only a driver's license, but a credit card.
The bulk of transportation is by bus. Intercity bus network very well developed. Almost all transport companies offer a system of discounts for customers. Well developed public transport... Since the number of passengers is small, buses almost always have free seats.
It is advisable to use a taxi only for short distances, as the tariffs increase with the distance. To get anywhere in Canada, you can use the rail network. But, despite its modernity and sufficient density, not all locals they use it.
Climate of Canada
Almost all regions, with the exception of the northern regions, have a fairly mild and temperate climate. The rocky regions have a typical mountain climate. The least precipitation falls in the center of the country, and they evaporate rather quickly.
Canadian cuisine
The country does not have its own unique cuisine, since almost all recipes from all over the world are "involved" in it. Canada is a country of immigrants, each of whom has contributed to the formation of the country's culinary traditions. Here you can find restaurants serving a variety of dishes. The most widespread in Canada are Italian and French cuisines. As in many countries, fast food eateries are gaining popularity. Dishes made from meat products are especially revered in Canada. Of all the varieties of snacks, seafood, cheeses, pates are especially popular.
Hotels
The hotel classification system in Canada is consistent with the generally accepted star rating. But if the hotel does not have stars, this does not mean that the level of its quality leaves much to be desired. Breakfasts are not included in the price. Most often, residents dine in cafes located near hotels. The cost of living in local hotels is made up of many factors: the quality and number of beds, the season, the total number of rooms booked, etc.
There are also inexpensive hotels in the country with no more than 5-10 rooms. They are often located in villages. In them you can count on a morning breakfast.
Shopping and shops
Every year Canada is visited by a huge number of tourists who are aiming for a successful shopping. To buy things at the best prices, you need to go around such areas as Ontario, Alberto. During the Bidsale sale, the cost of the item is reduced by 30%. Some courtyards also host regular fairs offering quite interesting and rare items. The biggest sale in the country is held in December-January, when the discount on goods can be 50-70%.
Money
The local Canadian dollar is in circulation among the residents of the country and its guests. To exchange currency without commission, you need to contact the bank. Most of them have a five-day schedule and close at 17.00. If necessary, you can find a bank that performs currency exchange around the clock. In addition to banks with similar operations, you can contact the exchange offices of bus stations, airports, hotels. Credit cards and travelers checks are almost universally accepted.
Beaches
In the southern part of Canada there are many of the cleanest, most beautiful sandy beaches. The best ones are in the province of Nova Scotia. About two dozen beaches are located in the province of Prince Edward Island. Beach areas of Canada offer vacationers a large number of comfortable bays, beaches where you can calmly relax and enjoy aquatic species sports. But only three summer months are suitable for recreation here.
Together with Jet Airways with a transfer in Amsterdam, a number of European airlines fly from Moscow, St. Petersburg, Yekaterinburg and others Russian cities with transfers in London (the flight, taking into account the transfer, takes from 15 to 36 hours).
Many European airlines - KLM, British Airways, LOT, Air France, Alitalia, Lufthansa and others - offer flights to various cities in Canada with connections in European countries. Often these are the cheapest flights.
The average cost of a flight from Moscow to Toronto is $ 1000-1200, but there are special promotions when tickets can be purchased for $ 500-600, including taxes.
To Canada by train
Despite its significant length of borders, Canada has only three border points through which trains from the United States travel: Roses Point (Roses Point) on the main line between New York and Montreal, Niagara Falls (Niagara Falls) on the line connecting New York with Toronto, and an interregional line from American Seattle to Vancouver, Canada.
On the New York - Montreal route, there is one Adirondack branded train every day in each direction. Departure from New York at 9.50, arrival in Montreal at 20.00. The fare in a seated carriage is $ 105.
From New York to Toronto, there is one Maple Leaf train per day, departing from New York at 7.15 am and arriving in Toronto at 19.45. The fare in a seated carriage is $ 128.
On the Vancouver (Canada) - Portland (USA) route, there are two Amtrak Cascades daily, departing from Portland at 8.30 and 12.30 and arriving in Vancouver at 17.00 and 22.00, respectively. The fare is $ 95.
To Canada by bus
Regular bus service runs between Canada and the United States on dozens of destinations, linking all major cities in the two countries. Detailed timetables and fares can be found on the Greyhound bus companies (www.greyhound.ca) and Coach Canada (www.coachcanada.com). Tickets are cheapest to buy directly on the website of the mentioned bus companies, and when buying a month or more, fares can be from $ 60 one way from New York to Toronto, or from $ 45 from Boston to Montreal.
To Canada by car
There are several dozen border road crossings between the United States and Canada, the full list and location of which can be found on the website of the Canada Border Service: http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/general/times/menu-e.html. For more information on US and Canadian border crossings, including rules, laws, guidelines, and more, visit our dedicated caravan site: www.gonorthwest.com/Visitor/planning/border/border.htm.
To Canada on foot
Almost all border crossings between Canada and the United States can be crossed both by transport and on foot. To this end, the tourist should go to immigration control and carry out the standard formalities, as is done by all those who cross the border by car.
