Canada is a highly developed country with a wide diversity of natural resources and attractions. Tourism is an important aspect of Canada’s economy and many travelers visit this country in the northern hemisphere, to explore its bountiful beauty. The infrastructure of the country and the stable economy makes a visit to Canada a pleasant and leisurely activity. But it is important to prepare in advance for your visit in order to make it a more interesting and exciting holiday.
Prerequisites
Anybody who wishes to visit Canada needs to fulfill the following basic criteria:
- A legitimate travel document, i.e. a passport
- A valid ‘Visa’ for the duration of stay
- Satisfy quarantine requirements of the Canadian Immigration, i.e. be in good health
- Have necessary funds for your visit
Visa
In order to obtain a ‘Visa’ for your visit, there are a variety of requirements to fulfill and certain guidelines to be followed. The following tips would be very useful to you in your visa preparations:
- US nationals do not need a visa for a stay of less than six months, but have to possess a valid passport or a valid identification (such as a drivers license), as well as a citizenship testimony (such as a birth certificate).
- Starting the visa application process well in advance is much recommended. First organize your paperwork, making sure all areas are covered, such as sponsorship letters, holiday fund proof, photographs, employment evidence, personal assets, relevant health certificates (if required) and identification verification.
- Make sure your passport is valid for the duration of your stay and does not expire prematurely.
- Visa applications are processed at your country’s Canadian embassy. Contact your local Canadian embassy for application procedures and details pertaining to your country.
- The Citizenship and Immigration website of Canada shares valuable information on applying for a Canadian entry visa. You can visit their site at www.cic.gc.ca/english/visit/index.html for further information.
- You can also seek the help of a visa processing agency to take up the task for you. This is a good option for busy people to avoid the extra stress, hassle and of course the never ending queues.
Travel Tips
Other useful travel tips that will help ensure an interesting, safe and trouble free trip during your visit to Canada:
- Canada’s large land expanse covers six time zones, with 8 GMT in the west and -3 GMT in the east.
- English is well spoken and understood all over the country. French follows suite and is most used in the city of Quebec.
- Currency of Canada is the Canadian Dollar ($), subdivide by cents (100 cents per dollar). 1 dollar coin is commonly known as a ‘Loonie’, while the two dollar is called a ‘Toonie’.
- Banks, money exchange bureaus as well as hotels will change money (preferably US Dollars, Euros and Yens) and travelers cheques. Ensure you receive the correct exchange rates.
- Internationally valid credit cards (such as VISA & MASTERCARD) are widely accepted. ATM facilities are available in abundance.
- Travel medical insurance is advisable, as healthcare is expensive in Canada. But the healthcare industry is in excellent shape and is very efficient across all states. The Canadian government doe not pay for any hospital or medical services for foreigners.
- Electrical power standards are 110 V and 60 Hz.
- Smoking is banned in certain public places such as restaurants, shopping malls and markets. Ensure you stay vigilant of such public notices.
- You can dial 911 for emergency situations in most provinces.
- International dial code for Canada is +1. It is necessary to use the code 011 for all outgoing International calls (except for USA and the Caribbean) when you are in Canada.
Tourist facilities such as information centers, help-desks and travel agents are available all over the country, with a lesser occurrence in certain northern and wilderness areas. Canada is a trouble free country, with minimal terrorism risks, a low crime rate and a stable political and economical disposition.
Canada’s vastness ensures varied climatic conditions throughout the country at a given time. In common, the four seasons are distinct with July to August having the hottest weathers. Winter is predominant from December to January. Facilities to travel all over Canada are in place and one can explore the vastness of the whole country via the network of transportation well in place. It is quite easy to fly, drive (on your own on a rented vehicle or via public transportation such as train and bus services) or travel by boat from one coast to the other.
Visit this legendary country of stunningly beautiful scenery, abundance of parks, mountains and natural attractions, of course not forgetting the breathtaking Niagara Falls, and experience a heavenly holiday you will cherish forever!
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