Travel in Canada
Canada à la Carte wants you to have the best possible experience in Canada. In this section we’ve provided helpful information that our visitors have appreciated. You may also want to check out our frequently asked questions. If you know of a tip we should add here, please let us know using the feedback form in Contact Us.
The currency used in Canada is the Canadian dollar. Canadian bills are accepted in denominations of $100.00, $50.00, $20.00, $10.00 and $5.00. Coins are in denominations of $2.00 (called a “toonie”), $1.00 (called a “loonie”), $0.25 (called a “quarter”), $0.10 (called a “dime”), $0.05 (called a “nickel”), and $0.01 (called a “penny”).
We recommend carrying Canadian dollar travellers cheques, as they are accepted as currency at most hotels, stores and restaurants. Most major credit cards are widely accepted across the country – principally Visa, Mastercard and American Express.
Currency and travelers cheques can be exchanged at airports or foreign exchange services, but the best exchange rate is to be found at any of the Canadian chartered banks. The major banks are: Bank of Montréal, Bank of Nova Scotia, Royal Bank, CIBC (Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce), and Toronto Dominion Bank. Minimum hours of operation will be from 1000 hours to 1500 hours, Monday to Friday. Extended hours can be found in some cities.
Automated teller machines (ATMs) are common throughout Canada, and as well as being located at banks, they can be found in some grocery stores, gas stations, variety stores, shopping centres, bus depots, train stations and elsewhere.
Electricity is supplied at an alternating current of 110 volts (50 Hz). Plugs in Canada are either two flat, parallel prongs, or one cylindrical and two flat parallel prongs.
A regular-sized letter or postcard mailed within Canada costs $0.52, to the United States $0.96, and $1.60 to other international destinations (subject to change). International mail can take up to two weeks for delivery from Canada.
Advance notice and details of any disability will ensure the best possible assistance from airlines, hotels or transport companies. Many cinemas and restaurants are happy to assist although not all can cater for several disabled people or wheelchairs.
Most new buildings provide wheelchair access. Many of the national and provincial parks have accessible interpretive centres and some of the shorter nature trails and/or boardwalks have been designed with wheelchairs or self-propelled mobility aids in mind.
Guides to facilities for the disabled are available from the Canadian Paraplegic Association. The National Office is located in Ottawa. For further information, please contact directly – phone: (613)723-1033 or 1-800-720-4933, fax: (613)723-1060.
Provincial sales tax exists in almost every Canadian province. It is added to the advertised price of consumer goods, restaurant meals and drinks in bars. It appears as a separate item and is not a service charge or gratuity. Current applicable taxes are as of 2009 are:
Provincial Sales Taxes
British Columbia 7%
Saskatchewan 5%
Manitoba 7%
Ontario 8%
Québec 7.5%
New Brunswick 13%
Nova Scotia 13%
Prince Edward Island 10%
Newfoundland 13%
Alberta, Yukon, Nunavut and the Northwest Territories do not currently have taxes of this kind.
Service charges usually are not included on bills in restaurants or bars in Canada. It is standard practice to tip service personnel 12% to 15% of the bill. Customary gratuity to tour guides and motorcoach drivers is $1.00 to $2.00 per person per day. This should be handled on a voluntary, individual basis.
Meter-operated taxicab service is available in all major cities and towns; at transport terminals; major hotels, and can be hailed in the street. Refer to the Yellow Pages of the telephone directory. Fees include a minimum charge and then a charge for the distance travelled. It is customary to tip taxi drivers 10% to 12%. Passengers must wear seatbelts.