Visiting Canada

(Last updated: 30 Oct 2008)

Visas

Australian citizens do not need an entry visa travelling to Canada, but they need a valid passport. All visitors to Canada have to complete a waiver form, which will be given out on the plane or at the US-Canada border.

At the point of entry, the Canadian Immigration officer decides the length of stay permitted. This can be up to six months, but is usually not more than three. The officers rarely refuse entry, however, they may ask how much money you have. They may also ask to see a return or onward ticket.

For visa and Immigration enquiries involving visits of more than six months, study trips and stints of temporary employment, contact either the Canadian High Commission in Canberra or the Canadian Consulate General in Sydney. Both these sites will include information regarding duty free allowances.

Climate

Canada’s climate is varied and changeable.

The regions near the coast or the Great Lakes have milder winters and cooler summers than the interior.

July and August are mostly warm throughout the country, even including the north.

All large Canadian towns are geared to the conditions of cold weather.

For weather details in Canada, please visit the World Meteorological Organization.

Airports

All airports in Canada are much the same in transport structure. There are always taxis or limousines available, with a typical taxi ride to the CBD costing about C$30-40. Shuttle buses to various locations are also available.

The complexity of Canada’s domestic airlines network is immense. All cities with the exception of a few are covered in a web of flight connections. In 2000, Air Canada acquired the operations of Canadian Airlines and the merger is complete. There are a number of charter operators and airlines offering limited services both internationally and within Canada.

Ground transport

Other forms are connecting buses to subways systems in which times and routes are listed at the departing terminals. The major bus-service operator is Greyhound Canada and the trains are handled by VIA Rail Canada.

Often the least expensive way to rent a car is either to take a fly-drive package or book in advance with a major rental company. Some recommended companies are Avis, Budget, and Hertz.

Security and health

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) provides advice for business travellers and tourists going to Canada. This is regularly updated, and should be checked before planning travel.

The emergency number is 911. If you are going to make an insurance claim or travellers’ cheque refund application, ensure the crime is recorded by the police and make a note of their crime report number.

Health

Travel and medical insurance is strongly recommended for all overseas travel. Travellers should check with their insurer to make sure that their policy meets their needs. For information on prevalent diseases and inoculations, travellers should consult their doctor or a travel clinic.

Time zones and time differences

Canada has six time zones, however, only 4.5 hours separate Newfoundland from British Columbia:

• Newfoundland is on Newfoundland Standard Time (12 hours 30 minutes behind AEST).
• The Maritimes and Labrador are on Atlantic Standard Time (13 hours behind AEST).
• Quebec and most of Ontario are on Eastern Standard Time (14 hours behind AEST).
• Manitoba, the Northwest corner of Ontario and Eastern Saskatchewan are on Central Standard Time (15 hours behind AEST).
• West Saskatchewan, Alberta and a slice of northeast British Columbia are on Mountain Standard Time (16 hours behind AEST).
• The Yukon and the bulk of British Columbia are on Pacific Standard Time (17 hours behind AEST).

The Northwest Territories run from Eastern to Mountain Standard Time.

Daylight saving is in effect in all regions with the exception of Saskatchewan and northeast British Columbia from the first Sunday in April to the last Saturday in October.

To find out the current time in Ottawa, view the World Clock.

Dialling codes

Canada's country code is 1.

For calls to Canada from Australia dial: 0011 + 1 + area code + telephone number.

For calls from Canada to Australia dial: 011 + 61 + area code + telephone number

For further information (eg. area codes) please visit the White Pages - international dialling codes. 

Public holidays

January 1 – New Year's Day
April 9 – Good Friday
April 12 – Easter Monday
May 22 – Victoria Day
July 1 – Canada Day
September 4 – Labour Day
October 9 – Thanksgiving Day
November 11 – Remembrance Day (government offices and banks only)
December 25 – Christmas Day
December 26 – Boxing Day

Currency

Oanda currency converter

The Canadian currency is the dollar made up of 100 cents. Coins are made up of 1 cent (penny), 5 cents (nickel), 10 cents (dime), 25 cents (quarter) and $1 (known as the ‘loonie’ after the bird on the face) and $2. Notes come in $5, $10, $50, $100, $500 and $1000 denominations.

Electricity and water

Canada's power supply is 120 volts, 60Hz; 1, 3  phase, 3, 4 wires. The twin flat-pin blades above a round pin is the plug used.