Weather and geography dominate any visit to Canada. The vastness of the country means that most trips will be centered on one of the major cities, Vancouver, Toronto, Ottawa, and Montreal, although it is possible to stay in remote areas such as the isolated Inuit settlements dotted around Hudson Bay. Depending on each visitor’s individual interests, the best time to go will be dictated by local climate and the time of year.

In general, the climates on both the west and east coasts are temperate, while harsher weather occurs in the center of the country, in Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and Alberta, where the summers are fine but the winters long and hard. Northern Canada is at its most welcoming during July and August when the land thaws, and the temperature is more likely to climb above zero.

In eastern Canada, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Prince Edward Island, there are four distinct seasons, with snowy winters, mild springs, and crisp falls; summer is still the best time to visit the provinces’ resorts. Quebec and Ontario have hot, humid summers and cold winters, with snow lingering until late March. Spring and fall are brief but can be the most rewarding times to make a visit.

The northeastern province of Newfoundland and coastal Labrador have the most extreme temperatures, ranging on a winter’s day from 0°C (32°F) to –50°C (–41°F) in St. John’s on Newfoundland’s east coast. Winter visitors to British Columbia and the Rockies can enjoy some of the best skiing in the world. This region is also noted for its temperate weather but can be very wet in spring and fall as Pacific depressions roll in over the mountains.

All visitors to Canada should have a passport valid for longer than the intended period of stay. Stricter US security regulations mean this now includes American citizens, who must show passports when returning to the US. Travelers from the UK, US, EU, and all British Commonwealth countries do not require a special visa to visit. Tourists are issued with a visitor’s visa on arrival if they satisfy immigration officials that they have a valid return ticket and sufficient funds for the duration of their stay. Visitors can stay up to six months, but to extend their stay they must apply to Citizenship and Immigration Canada in Ottowa before expiration of their authorized visit. As visa regulations are subject to change, check with the nearest Canadian Consulate, Embassy, or High Commission before travel.

Anyone under the age of 18 traveling unaccompanied by an adult needs a letter of consent from a parent or guardian.

Canadian tourist offices are famous for the amount and quality of their information, offering everything from local maps to hotel, B-and-B, or campground bookings. Special tours such as wilderness camping, archaeological digs, and wildlife-watching can often be arranged through the tourism service. All the provincial and national parks have visitors’ centers, which generally provide maps detailing hiking trails and canoe routes.

The national Canadian Tourism Commission is the central organization, and each province has its own tourism authority. Most smaller towns also have their own seasonal tourist offices, which offer good free maps and detailed information. Each of the large cities has a main office as well as extra booths and kiosks open during busy summer months. Accommodations can usually be booked at the booths found in airports and regional offices.

Most museums, parks, and other attractions throughout Canada charge an admission fee. The amount can vary enormously and many sights offer a range of discount packages for families, children, and seniors. Tourist office leaflets, brochures, and local newspapers often carry discount coupons. Some galleries and museums have free-of-charge days, evenings, or a free hour daily before closing time.

Opening times vary according to the time of the year. As a rule, most of the sights are open for longer through summer but may close completely during the winter months. Many museums and galleries close one day each week, usually on a Monday or Tuesday, but not on weekends. Although many attractions are closed on major holidays, such as Christmas and New Year’s Day, a surprising number are open all-year-round. School summer holidays in Canada are from June to Labor Day Weekend, which ends on the first Monday in September. Labor Day generally signifies the end of summer. This is the weekend after which opening hours change over to shorter winter hours of operation. Rural sights generally have shorter hours year-round than those in cities.

In Canada people over 60 are refered to as “seniors,” and are offered a wide range of discounts. Reduced rates frequently apply to the cost of movie tickets, public transportation, entrance fees, and some restaurant menus. VIA Rail reduce their fares by 10 percent for seniors. When applicable, reductions range from 10 percent to 50 percent for people aged from 55, 60, or 65, depending on the province or attraction. If discounts are not advertised it is always a good idea to inquire.

Educational trips for senior citizens are run by Elderhostel Canada , a non-profit organization that offers good, cheap accommodation in university dorms. A typical holiday comprises morning lectures, guided tours in the afternoon, and a communal dinner.

Although Canada lacks the numbers of theme parks of the US, its beach resorts, parks, and city centers have much to offer children and families. Most types of accommodations state whether or not they welcome children. Those hotels that do often do not charge for a child sharing a parent’s room. They will also normally provide cribs and high chairs, and sometimes have baby-sitting services.

Restaurants now generally welcome children, and many offer kids’ menus and high chairs, or will warm up milk and baby food. Some fast food outlets have play areas. It is best to check in advance with more upscale establishments.

Both international and internal airfares are often cheaper for children, and babies under two years old who are not taking up a seat may travel free. On public transportation children under five travel free, and those under 12 have lower fares. If you are renting a car you can reserve one or two car seats for children from your rental firm.

Canada is very much a multicultural nation, which welcomes and respects people and customs from the rest of the world. Native Canadians are never referred to as “Indians”; in general they are known as Canada’s “First Nations” or “natives,” while “eskimos” are always known as Inuit. In Quebec, be prepared to hear French spoken first. It is also appreciated if visitors show that they have tried to learn a few French words.

Canada’s relaxed, informal atmosphere is evident in its dress codes, which tend to be practical and dependent on the climate. Canadians favor jeans and sweatshirts, and dress in layers so they can add or subtract clothing, especially when moving between well-heated malls and winter streets. However, in the cities and larger towns more formal clothing is expected, particularly in more stylish restaurants, theaters, and other formal places. Even the more humble eateries insist on proper attire, and the sign “no shoes, no shirt, no service” is frequently seen in many tourist areas. Topless sunbathing is generally frowned upon in Canada.

Drinking in non-licenced public places is illegal, and it is also illegal to have opened bottles of alcohol in the car when traveling. It is against the law to smoke in public places such as on buses and trains, in taxis, in public buildings, and most restaurants throughout most of the country. However, smoking rules vary depending on which town you are in.

A service charge is seldom included in checks at Canadian restaurants. Unless it is included, the standard tip in Canada is 15 percent (more if the service is exceptional). Taxi drivers expect a similar tip, while barbers and hairdressers should receive about 10 percent of the total. It is customary to tip porters at airports and train stations, cloakroom attendants, bellhops, doormen, and hotel porters Can$1 per bag, and to leave something for the hotel maids. Tipping bar staff in bars and nightclubs is also expected. Anyone in charge of a large party of visitors should prepare to be generous.

With an International Student Identity Card (ISIC), full-time students are entitled to substantial discounts on travel as well as admission prices to movies, galleries, museums, and many other tourist attractions. The ISIC card should be purchased in the student’s home country at a Student Travel Association (STA) office in the nearest city. There are also a wide range of bus and rail discounts available to students, such as the “Go Canada” Accommodation and Coach Pass, which offers both reduced-cost travel and stays in youth hostels across the country. The pass can be booked through local agents specializing in student travel. VIA Rail also offers students the “Canrail Pass,” which allows a period of unlimited travel on all routes. Reasonably priced accommodations are available on university campuses in the larger cities during local student vacations. There are also comfortable hostels throughout the country, most of which are affiliated to the International Youth Hostelling Federation (IYHF). Eating out is inexpensive, so students can easily find great food on a budget.

Canadian electrical appliances come with either a two-prong or three-prong plug, and most sockets will accept either. The system is a 110-volt, 60-cycle system. You need a plug adaptor if you are visiting from outside North America. Batteries are universal and are readily available for all appliances. Bear in mind that bargain electrical goods purchased here will probably need modification for use in Europe.

Travelers with physical disabilities can expect some of the best facilities in the world in Canada. Increasingly, large towns and cities offer wheelchair access in most public buildings, as well as on public transportation.

Vancouver’s buses all have low platforms, and VIA Rail trains can accommodate wheelchairs. Each province has varying requirements for disabled drivers, and information on this is available through the Canadian Paraplegic Association (CPA) . This Ottawa-based association also has details on companies that rent specially adapted cars and RV vehicles. Parking permits can be obtained in advance through the CPA but require a doctor’s letter and a small processing fee.

There is a wide choice of hotels with disabled facilities in Canada. Most of the big chains such as Best Western and Holiday Inn are easily accessible, as are some luxury hotels and youth hostels. The CPA also has details on the most disabled-friendly attractions. Many of the national and provincial parks have interpretive centers, short nature trails, and boardwalks that are wheelchair accessible.