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Canada is the second largest country by area in the world (after Russia) and the largest in North America. Renowned worldwide for its vast, untouched landscape and its unique culture, Canada is a major tourist destination and one of the world's wealthiest countries. It shares the longest land border in the world with the United States, its neighbour to the south.
Canada is a land of vast distances and rich natural beauty. Economically and technologically, it resembles its neighbor to the South, the United States, and shares with it the longest undefended border in the world although there are significant differences between the two countries. Canada became a self-governing dominion in 1867 by an act of the British parliament, and is a member of the Commonwealth of Nations. Though a medium sized country by its population, Canada has earned respect on the international stage for its strong diplomatic skills. Domestically, the country has displayed success in negotiating compromises amongst a culturally and linguistically varied population, a difficult task considering that language, culture, cuisine and even history vary significantly over the country.
HOW TO REACH
By plane - You are likely to arrive to Canada by air, most likely into Montreal, Toronto or Vancouver (the 3 largest cities, from East to West). But other airports in Canada also have international flights as well, particularly Halifax, Gander, Moncton, Ottawa, Kitchener-Waterloo, Winnipeg, Regina, Saskatoon, Calgary, Edmonton, Cranbrook, Kelowna and Victoria.
Air Canada, WestJet and Air Transat are the country's only national air carriers, covering the entire country and international destinations. There are a few discount domestic companies, which offer flights to all major cities, with connections to smaller ones. As with most airlines, it's cheaper if you book your flight ahead of time, but bookings can be made right up to the last minute if you've got money to spare.
By car - You might also enter the country by road from the United States through one of the (literally) hundreds of border crossing points. Obviously, the same rules will apply here, but if your case is not straightforward, expect to be delayed, as the officials here (especially in more rural areas) see fewer international travellers than at the airports. Also expect delays during holiday periods, as border crossings can become clogged with traffic.
Drivers of American cars will need a certificate confirming that they carry enough public liability insurance (generally $200,000) to meet the requirements of all Canadian provinces and territories. Since many US states permit limits below this threshold, American visitors bringing their own automobiles should check with their automobile insurers and obtain the required certificate.
By train - Via Rail is Canada's national passenger rail service. Amtrak provides connecting rail service to Toronto from New York via. Niagara Falls, Montreal from New York and Vancouver from Seattle via. Bellingham. The train is an inexpensive way to get into Canada, with tickets starting from as low as US$43 return to Vancouver. There is also thruway service between Seattle and Vancouver.
Be wary though: Not many private citizens in Canada take the train as a regular means of transportation. Most citizens simply drive to where they want to go if the distance is short (which in Canada can still mean hundreds of kilometres!), or fly if the distance is long.
By bus - Greyhound Canada serves many destinations in Canada, with connecting service to regional lines and U.S. Greyhound coaches. Be sure to inquire about discounts and travel packages that allow for frequent stops as you travel across Canada. Many routes connect major Canadian and American cities including Montreal - New York City which is operated by New York Trailways, Vancouver - Seattle operated by Greyhound and Toronto - New York City via Buffalo, this route in particular is operated by a number of bus companies: Greyhound, Coach Canada, New York Trailways and two new discount services: Megabus and Ne-On .
By boat - In British Columbia, you can enter Canada by ferry from Alaska and Washington. Alaska Marine Highway serves Prince Rupert, whereas Washington State Ferries serves Sidney (near Victoria) through the San Juan islands. There is a car ferry from Victoria to Port Angeles run by Black Ball; there are also tourist-oriented passenger-only ferries running from Victoria to points in Washington. There is a car ferry from Nova Scotia to Maine run by Bay Ferries (Yarmouth-Bar Harbor). There is a passenger ferry running from Fortune in Newfoundland to Saint Pierre and Miquelon.
STAY SAFE
Safety in Canada is not usually a problem, and some basic common sense will go a long way. Even in the largest cities, violent crime is not a serious problem, and very few people are ever armed. Firearm-related violence is on the rise in southern Ontario, however, but this needn't worry the average traveller, as it is generally confined to particular neighbourhoods and is rarely a random crime. Drug-related crimes also happen. Street battles between gangs happen rarely, especially in cities like Calgary and Vancouver. Even though major urban areas are experiencing higher than average rates it should be noted that these rates still remain extremely low compared to similiar sized urban areas in the United States and the rest of the world.
Snatching of Luggage - If you are unfortunate enough to get your purse or wallet snatched, the local police will do whatever they can to help. Often, important identification is retrieved after thefts of this sort. Visitors to large cities should be aware that parked cars are sometimes targeted for opportunistic smash-and-grab thefts, so try to avoid leaving any possessions in open view.
Winter storms - Canada is very prone to winter storms (including ice storms and blizzards). In Eastern Canada, they are the most likely, but the occasional small one will pop up west of NW Ontario. Driving is all right so long as you are slow, consious of other drivers, and paying attention but if you can, take transit. It's best to carry an emergency kit, in case you have no choice but to spend the night stuck in snow on the highway (yes, this does happen occasionally, especially in more isolated areas).
Fires - If you are anywhere east of eastern Ontario, you should be fine from forest fires. Forest fires usually occur in summer in the western Provinces, NW Ontario and some parts of the north. Always check the news for info on forest fires and if you must go through them, be very cautious. A lot of times the roads will be closed off. They are very unlikely in major cities, but in smaller places, be prepared for evacuation.
RESPECT
Canadians have a reputation for being polite to a fault. Even the most overbearing personality will usually be tolerated with unshakable aplomb, though even the most tolerant Canadian has limits. Canadians tend to have a deep sense of 'personal space,' for comparable information look at the United States Respect section. Affection, between people who know each other, is welcome and handshakes are a common way to greet one another, and a kiss on both cheeks in common, or even expected in Quebec. For the initial meeting, only handshakes are appropriate in most of Canada. This sense of space and politeness are especially common in queues. Never try to cut in line (although a particularly kind person may invite a person with a quick, small transaction to go first occasionally, such as in a cafe). Canadians also have a reputation for being very hospitable, and their hospitality reputation is often easily compared to that of the Southern United States.
