| Continent: | North America |
| Population: | 40.1 Mio. inhabitants |
| Area: | 9'984'670 km² |
| Capital City: | Ottawa |
| Currency: | CAD |
| Language: | English, French |
| Time zone: | UTC -3:30 until UTC -8 |
| Calling code: | +1 |
Canada is a country of stunning contrasts, known for its breathtaking nature, friendly people, and cultural diversity. From the majestic Rocky Mountains and turquoise lakes in Banff to the vibrant metropolises of Toronto, Vancouver, and Montréal, Canada offers something for every taste. In the vast expanses of the country, you’ll find dense forests and idyllic coastlines. The cultural blend of French and British influences, combined with the way of life of the Indigenous peoples, makes Canada a fascinating destination waiting to be explored.
Entry
Persons travelling to Canada as a holiday guest or transit passenger and staying in the country for no longer than 6 months require a passport valid for at least six months beyond the return date. A visa is not required. An electronic entry permit, called "Electronic Travel Authorisation" (ETA), is mandatory. This regulation affects all travellers who can enter Canada without a visa. The online confirmation currently costs 7 Canadian dollars and is valid for up to 5 years. When entering Canada, you must identify yourself at a computer terminal with your passport and also fill out the customs declaration digitally. A camera compares your face and fingerprints with the information on the biometric chip of your travel document. Then you go to a counter. The Canadian Border Services officer will make a final decision if you are allowed to enter Canada based on the information you provide.
Safety
Canada is considered as a safe country to travel to.
Important phone numbers
911 - police
911 - ambulance
911 - fire department
Language
Canada's offical languages are English and French. Only the province of New Brunswick is officially bilingual, while Québec is the only purely French-speaking province. All other provinces have English as their official language.
Currency and means of payment
The currency in Canada is the Canadian Dollar (CAD). Credit cards are accepted and even appreciated in almost all accommodation, hotels and shops. A credit card is required for many bookings.
Tip
Tipping is part of the culture and represents an important part of the employees' income, which is why it is highly appreciated and also expected. Tipping in restaurants is usually around 15-20% and is not included in the bill. If your bill says ''Tip included'', there is no need to add a tip as it is already included in the price. Depending on the quality of service the tip can of course be increased or if you were dissatisfied, ommited. Taxi drivers and porters are usually tipped USD 1.00.
National Holiday
1. July commemorates the formation of Canada by the British North America Act on 1 July 1867