Calgary

 
 

I am Canadian so consider all information presented to be completely biased. Canada being the second largest country in the world, offers travelers a wide range of activates over a huge area that is extremely geographically diverse. Unless you have a lot of travel time I suggest sticking to one area.

Reviewer

Jamas

Trip Type

Lived

Duration

26 years

Guide Book Used

Self guided but check out the Lonely Planet Guide.

Currency

Canadian Dollars

The Canadian Dollar coin is nicknamed the Loonie. This is due to the Loon present on the coin.

Some tourist areas will also take US $ at some bad exchange rate.

Tipping %15 before taxes is common in bars and restaurants.

Language

English is spoken in most parts of the country.

French is spoken in the province of Quebec and in small pockets in other provinces.

Weather

Canada has four seasons: winter, spring, summer and fall. Each season brings different weather depending on the area. Summers can be very hot and winters extremely cold. Come prepared.

Safety

Canada is a very safe country. Crime rates are low. Water and food is very safe. 911 service is available in most areas.

Getting There

Air: Most people fly into one of the major cites in Canada. Most international flights through Toronto, Montreal or Vancouver. From these cites it is easy to get to most smaller cites. The national airline is Air Canada.

Boat: The major Canadian ports are Halifax on the Atlantic and Vancouver on the Pacific. There are some cruise lines offer trips along the east and west coasts. There is also access via the Great Lakes.

Bus: Only from the US.

Rail: There is limited rail access from the US.

Car: There are many boarder crossings into Canada from the US.

Getting Around

Due to the very large size of the country travel by plane is the only reasonable choice. This can be expensive. Book a month in advance to avoid higher rates. There are several airlines to choose from some offer discount service.

For travel within a region then bus, rail or car is an option. The Toronto to Montreal corridor offers good rail service (VIA).  

The Trans Canada Highway runs from Victoria, BC all the way across the country to St. John's, Newfoundland. It is the longest highway in the world with a total distance of 7821 km making for one great road trip.

Festivals

Canada Day: National day celebrations every year on July 1st. The biggest parties are in Ottawa. Most major cities will have events planned.

Links To City/Area Reviews

Calgary - Gateway to the Rockies.

Ottawa - Nation's Capital.

Gallery

No Gallery

Journal

No Journal

External Links

Government of Canada

Travel Canada

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