Canada Hotels
Canada does not have a single classification of hotels, and the approximate level of the hotel is indicated by letters. So, for example, T (Tourist Class) – economical and budget hotels and motels, F (First Class) – ordinary “three-star”, S (Superior) – average four-star hotels, and D (Deluxe) – well-deserved five stars. See CITYPOPULATIONREVIEW for weather information.
Mains voltage – 110 V, 60 Hz, sockets – standard “North American”, with grounding.
Breakfasts are not included in the hotel rates. Canada has one of the best camping systems in the world. There are small towns for tourists near all major cities and in all national parks.
Money
The monetary unit of the country is the Canadian dollar (CAD), in 1 dollar 100 cents. Current exchange rate: 1 CAD = 45.08 RUB (1 USD = 1.28 CAD, 1 EUR = 1.34 CAD).
It is better to change the currency in banks (they usually do not take commissions), exchange offices, large hotels, airports, railway and bus stations (but there commissions can range from 1 to 10%). American Express and Thomas Cook traveler’s checks are universally accepted, as are Visa, Master Card and American Express credit cards.
Banks are open on weekdays from 10:00 to 17:00, on Friday they close at 18:00.
US dollars are not accepted everywhere in Canada. At the same time, the attitude towards them, especially towards hundred-dollar bills, is rather wary. In large Canadian banks, such problems usually do not arise, but preference is still given to non-cash means of payment – checks and cards.
Offers to exchange currency “with hands” should be refused immediately – almost one hundred percent this is an obvious fraud.
Shopping in Canada
The most “Canadian” souvenirs, which are definitely not made in China, are maple syrup and ice wine. The grapes for this original wine are harvested after the first frost, when the grapes are covered with a thin layer of ice.
Traditional souvenirs from Canada also include the “dream catcher” invented by the Indians. As well as figures of police officers in a characteristic hat, beavers, elks and bears – in various variations, in a wide range and for any pocket.
Shops are open Monday to Saturday from 10:00 to 18:00, but some department stores close at 21:00. On Thursdays, trading ends later, but on Fridays and Saturdays, much earlier. On Sundays, only souvenir shops and some small shops are open.
Canada has two national sports: lacrosse in summer and hockey in winter.
Cuisine and restaurants
At every step there are restaurants and cafes for every taste. Canadians themselves respect meat and fish dishes – steaks, steaks, roast beef, langets. The first courses are vegetable, cauliflower, pumpkin and tomato soups, as well as all kinds of broths with croutons.
Canadians’ favorite drink is beer, especially Labatt and Molson.
In most establishments, tips are 10-15% of the bill.
Maple syrup is a national pride of Canadians. It is served with pancakes, buns, pies and muffins, there is even a homemade ham in maple syrup.
Entertainment and attractions in Canada
The sights of Canada are, first of all, the amazing beauty of nature, then – architectural monuments, mostly modern, and finally – the cultures of aboriginal tribes.
Vacationers on the slopes of Tremblant can go on an excursion to Montreal, Quebec, Toronto or Ottawa. And, of course, Niagara Falls. Those who ski in the province of British Columbia should go to Vancouver, Richmond and Steveston.
Culture of Canada
Over the centuries, elements of Canadian Aboriginal, French, English, and later immigrant cultures and traditions have made up a single Canadian culture, also strongly influenced by linguistic, geographic, and economic factors from its neighbor, the United States.
Canada is often described as a very progressive, diverse and multicultural country, and the Canadian government’s policies regarding health care funding, higher taxation, abolition of the death penalty, increased poverty eradication, emphasis on cultural diversity and the legalization of same-sex marriage, as strikingly different from the United States.
Canadian culture has also been influenced by the Canadian federal government through programs, legislation, and institutions such as the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) and the National Film Board.
Traditions of Canada
Canadians profess a large number of religions, among which the most common is Catholicism. Among Canadians there are also Protestants, Jews, Hindus, Muslims, Buddhists and native Indians with their traditional beliefs.
The official languages of Canada are English and French, and the ethnic diversity of the country demonstrates how diverse are the norms and rules of decency accepted in society. Greetings, for example, are generally not accompanied by hugs and handshakes, and loud speeches are considered inappropriate except on special occasions or in places such as bars and clubs.
Canadian holidays are divided into two categories: political and religious. The main celebrations followed by official holidays are Christmas and Easter. And of the main political holidays, it is worth highlighting Canada Day (July 1), New Year’s Day (January 1), Victoria Day, Labor Day (in September) and Thanksgiving Day (in October).
