Location
North America

Capital
Ottawa

Language
English, French

Electricity
110V AC 60Hz

Int. direct dialling code
1

Driving
National license required. International Driving Permit recommended

Currency
Canadian Dollar (CAD 1 = 100 Cents)

Notes
CAD: 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 500, 1000

Coins
CAD: 1, 2. Cents: 1, 5, 10, 25

Banks
1000-1500 Mon-Fri (most banks open 0800-2100 Thur)

Offices
0900-1700 Mon-Fri

Shops
0900-1800 Mon-Fri (most open Sat, some on Sun, most main shops open until 2100 Thur-Fri)

Emergency services
Police: 911, Fire & Ambulance: 911

Climate
The southern border of Canada with the United States has a temperate climate although it experiences severe winters. The northern coast on the Arctic Ocean is permanently ice-bound or obstructed for most of the year. Warmer conditions are mainly found west of the Rockies in British Columbia where the climate resembles that of northwest Europe. Here winters are mild and summers warm. Winter temperatures on the Atlantic coast are warmer than those in the interior but the summer temperatures are lower. Generally the southern interior has a continental climate with higher summer temperatures but a long and very cold winter.

Clothing
Mediumweights and lightweights for summer. A heavy topcoat and hat are required for the winter with rubber overshoes an essential item.