CANADA

ABOUT CANADA

Canada Facts
	Population 32,225,000 Capital and Population Ottawa; 1,093,000 Area 9,984,670 square kilometers (3,855,101 square miles) Language English, French Religion Roman Catholic, Protestant	Currency Canadian dollar Currency Converter: GDP per Capita U.S. $29,300

Quebec Province Facts
	Population 7,487,200 Area 1,542,056 square kilometers (595,391 square miles) Capital and Population Québec; 508,000	GDP Per Capita U.S. $32,584

Electricity
Like the USA, residential Canada uses 110 volt electrical systems at 60 hertz. You will need a voltage transformer/ converter for your electrical appliances if they operate on a different voltage. There are different types of converters for different types of appliances. Small electronics, razors and non-heating appliances can operate with a 50-watt converter. Heating appliances such as hair dryers, irons, coffee makers and other high-power electrical appliances need a 1600-watt converter. You can also purchase combination converters for both types. Mains wall sockets and plugs for 110 volts are two parallel flat blades (sometimes a round ground blade is added). If those sockets are different from the ones used in your country then you will need a socket converter.

Money

1 Canadian Dollar (Can$) = 100 cents.

Note denominations:
Can$100
Can$50
Can$20
Can$10
Can$5

Coin denominations:
Can$2 (twoonie)
Can$1 (loonie)
25 cents (quarter)
10 cents (dime)
5 cents (nickel)
1 cents (penny)

Measures
Canada uses the metric system. Distance is measured in kilometers, speed signs are in kilometers per hour. Petrol/gas is sold by the litter and temperature is measured on the Celsius scale. Most weight measurements are in kilograms or grams. For a conversion chart click here.

Smoking
In Quebec, smoking is banned on all public transport, in public buildings, including restaurants and bars, and workplaces.

Tax

In Canada the Goods and Services Tax (GST) of 6% applies throughout the nation. It is added to most purchases and services (including postage stamps) with the exception of basic groceries. In addition to the GST, there is also a tax that varies from province to province. In British Columbia, a Provincial Sales Tax (PST) of about 7% applies to retail merchandise and services with certain exceptions - such as food, books, children's clothing, restaurant foods and personal services such as hairdressing and laundry. The PST and GST are calculated separately on the base price of the item. There is also a hotel room tax (8-10% in most places).

So remember, what you see on the price tag is not necessarily what you will pay. In some stores, the GST is already included in the price tag, but most often it is added at the point of sale. The PST is almost always added at the cash register. This also applies to accommodation. Check whether the quoted price includes all tax requirements. Check whether an establishment is exempt from any of these taxes - sometimes this can mean you will get a better deal.

Tax Free Shopping

A 6 percent Goods and Services Tax (GST) is charged on most transactions in Canada. Goods may also be subject to provincial sales tax (PST). This tax is called QST in Quebec and is 7.5%. Total sales tax in Quebec = QST + GST = 13.5%

Foreign visitors to Canada can apply for a rebate on the GST that is paid on goods purchased in Canada and exported within 60 days of the purchase. Be sure to keep your receipts—you'll need to have them validated by Canada Customs at the airport or border crossing when you leave. For more information about the visitors tax refund and to obtain an application form, go to www.cra.gc.ca/visitors or call 800-668-4748 (within Canada) or 902-432-5608 (from outside Canada). Some companies offer services to assist with rebates, including Global Refund (www.globalrefund.ca, 905-791-9099) and Premiere Tax- Free Services (Canada) Inc. (www.taxfree-services.ca, 905-270-2702).

Tipping

A 15% tip on the pre-tax bill is a standard expression of appreciation when dining. Tips are also expected for services such as haircuts, and taxi rides.

Telephone

Dialing into Canada:
1 + area code + local number

Dialing out of Canada:
011 + country code + area code + local number

Emergencies: dial 911 (police, ambulance, fire), free call
Information: dial 411 (for telephone numbers)
Toll free: numbers begin with 1-800, or 1-888

Pre-paid plastic calling cards are available from convenience stores (Fr.: "depaneurs").

Holidays
Banks, liquor stores and government offices observe holidays, as do most stores and business offices:

Click Here to See Official Canadian Holidays

Border and customs
Citizens of the United States do not need a passport to enter Canada, but should carry proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate or certificate of citizenship, as well as a photo ID.

However, new U.S. customs rules are being phased in. Beginning December 31, 2006, travelers entering the U.S. by air or sea will be required to show a passport; beginning December 31, 2007, travelers entering the U.S. by land will be required to show a passport.

Every 30 days, returning U.S. citizens are allowed to bring back $400 (retail value) in merchandise duty-free, provided they have been out of the U.S. for 48 hours. This amount can include one carton of cigarettes, 100 cigars (not Cuban), two kilograms of smoking tobacco and one liter of liquor.

If the length of the stay is less than 48 hours, $200 in merchandise may be taken back to the U.S. dutyfree (including up to five ounces of alcohol and 50 cigarettes). Goods bought in Canada but manufactured in the U.S. are duty-free and not included in the basic exemption. Original handmade crafts and works of art are also exempt; however, a receipt of purchase may be required. For further information on U.S. Customs regulations, call 905-676-2606.

ABOUT MONTREAL

Caspian Cottage is located 45 minutes drive from Montreal downtown. Here's some useful information about Montreal in case you decide to make a stop there during your stay:

Growing from a small French colony in the later half of the 17th century to a thriving metropolis on the threshold of a new millennium, Montreal is, to this day, the second largest French-speaking city in the world. English is also very much in evidence, reflecting the British influence that has traditionally colored Montreal's history. The British merchants, who helped the city flourish as a bustling trade centre in the late 1600s, were followed over the years by waves of immigrants from more than 80 countries and every continent. Contributing their energy and traditions, they helped create the rich multicultural mosaic that has made Montreal such a fascinating cosmopolitan city where, in addition to French and English, visitors are likely to hear any one of more than 35 languages. "Joie de vivre" expresses the unique spirit and Latin ambience that permeate the fabric of Montreal. A thriving cultural centre, it is dotted by monuments, museums and world-class sports palaces hosting national and international events. Its streets, theatres and other centers for the performing arts are alive with an endless stream of festivals and artistic events attracting the best in the world -- the result is a major urban centre and one of the world's greatest cities, Montreal.One of the most popular destinations in North America, Montreal is a city that offers hospitality with a definite French flavor. In 2006 Montreal became the third city in the world (after Buenos Aires and Berlin) to be designated a city of design by UNESCO, and possibly the best place to experience contemporary urban design and architecture in Montreal is the impressive new Quartier international, which links the downtown business core to the Old Montréal/Old Port area.The first destination for most visitors is Old Montreal, with its spectacular collection of historic buildings, inviting public spaces and the riverside promenades of the adjacent Old Port. The islands opposite were the site for the Expo 67 World Fair and still offer abundant recreational opportunities under the name Parc Jean-Drapeau. The city’s other main attractions are the complex of buildings left over from the 1976 Olympics and the nearby Botanical Garden. What really makes Montreal unique, though, are its neighborhoods. The Plateau Mont-Royal is an urban village surrounding boulevard St-Laurent (‘the Main’), and it was the first place immigrants stopped when arriving in Montreal. The Jewish, East European and Portuguese residents have been joined or displaced by students and, most recently, yuppies. But the place has an undeniable energy. Further north, Little Italy’s cafés and restaurants surround the Jean-Talon Market. Chinatown lies at the south end of boulevard St-Laurent, adjacent to Downtown and Old Montreal.

Best hotels for a short stay

Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth
Gold Floor
900 Rene Levesque Boulevard W
Montreal, QC H3B 4A5
514-861-3511
www.fairmont.com

Le Germain
2050 rue Mansfield
Montreal, QC H3A 1Y9
514-849-2050; 877-333-2050
www.hotelgermain.com

Hotel Le St-James
355 rue St-Jacques
Montreal, QC H2Y 1N9
514-841-3111; 866-841-3111
www.hotellestjames.com

Sofitel Montreal
1155 Sherbrooke Ouest
Montreal, QC H3A 2N3
514-285-9000
www.sofitel.com

Hotel that captures the city's character

Hotel Nelligan
106 Saint-Paul Street W
Montréal, QC H2Y 1Z3
514-788-2040; 877-788-2040
www.hotelnelligan.com

Some good restaurants for lunch or dinner

House of Jazz
514-842-8656
www.houseofjazz.ca

Beaver Club
900 Rene Levesque Boulevard W
Montreal, QC H3B 4A5
514-861-3511, ext. 2448
www.fairmont.com

Cube
Hotel St. Paul
355 rue McGill
Montreal, QC H2Y 2E8
514-876-2823
www.hotelstpaul.com

Europea
1227 rue de la Montagne
Montreal, QC H3G 1Z2
514-398-9229
www.europea.ca

Toqué
900 place Jean-Paul-Riopelle
Montréal, QC H2Z 2B2
514-499-2084
www.restaurant-toque.com

Best way to spend a free hour
Walk through Old Montreal, which includes the Notre-Dame Basilica, a masterpiece of Gothic Revival architecture built between 1824 and 1829. The magnificent interior sculpted in wood, paint and gold leaf and the bold modern design of the Notre-Dame du Sacré-Coeur Chapel captivate hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. Paintings, sculptures and stained-glass windows illustrate biblical passages, as well as 350 years of parish history. Daily tours are offered in French and English. In the evening, a sound and light show presents the founding of Montreal and the Notre-Dame Basilica. This state-of-the-art presentation highlights the Basilica's exceptional works of art and brings to life its cultural, architectural and spiritual heritage.

Best weekend trip to add on
Where do Montrealers go on weekends ? The Laurentians !! But you're already there..... The region is a great place for biking, golf and enjoying the Canadian countryside. There are charming small villages such as St-Sauveur and Tremblant, as well as many spas for relaxing.

Worth planning a trip around
Montreal International Jazz Festival
www.montrealjazzfest.com
June 29-July 9, 2006

Just for Laughs Festival
www.hahaha.com
April 4-15, 2006

Montreal High Lights Festival
www.montrealenlumiere.com
Feb. 16-26, 2006
For a complete calendar of events, visit www.tourism-montreal.org.

Airport savvy
Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport (also known as Dorval International Airport) handles all scheduled and domestic flights. Montreal's secondary airport, Mirabel International Airport, handles cargo and some charter traffic.

Ground transportation L'Aerobus (514-931-9002) runs shuttle buses every half hour from the airport to the central bus station, train station and several hotels downtown. The cost is C$12. There are also taxis and on-call limo providers. A flat taxi fee of C$31 and a flat limo fee of C$50 apply.

Five topics of long-standing interest to Montreal residents
1. The weather
2. The new "in" restaurants
3. What to do this weekend
4. French language: Know that almost everyone speaks English as well as French. So, you can say "Bonjour" and then switch to English without feeling guilty.
5. Sports

What Montreal residents want you to know about their city
Montreal is an international, dynamic and modern city with a human scale. Montreal is a city that celebrates with its numerous festivals and busy cultural life. Montreal is a clean, safe and green city. The boutiques, restaurants and cafés radiate the soul of Montreal, and the vitality and joie de vivre of its inhabitants.

ABOUT QUEBEC CITY

Caspian Cottage is located 2 1/2 hours drive from Quebec City. You can also go to Quebec city by train or bus from Montreal (www.ville.quebec.qc.ca).

With so many spots that take you back to the 18th and 19th century, it is no wonder that the city is a World Heritage site. An 18th century governor's residence has been converted into a museum, the Chateau Ramezay Museum, which houses rich collections showcasing the history of Montreal and Quebec from the American -Indian era to the early 20th century. Bonsecours Market, which first opened in 1847 is also a symbol of that bygone era and is still running. The city is on a buff overlooking the St Lawrence River so you can cruise down it to take in the sights. The Old Town, Vieux Québec, is the only walled city in North America, and its 2 parts (Haute-Ville and Basse-Ville) are overflowing with lively cobbled streets, 17th- and 18th-century stone houses and churches, pretty parks and squares. Take a walk on the Dufferin Terrace with its breathtaking view of the mighty St Lawrence River and spectacular Château Frontenac - built by the Canadian Pacific Railway, it's now a hotel and said to be the most photographed building in Canada! Wander out of the Old Town towards the Grande Allée for lively cafés, bars and trendy nightlife. If it's big-brand shopping you're after, hop on a bus or jump in a car and head 20 min out of town to Sainte Foy which has the largest shopping mall in Eastern Canada! Here's some useful information in case you decide to visit this European city in North America:

Best hotels for a short stay

Château Frontenac
1 rue de Carrieres
Quebec, QC G1R 4PS
418-692-3861
www.fairmont.com

Loews Le Concorde
1225 Cours du General de Montcalm
Quebec City, QC G1R 4W6
418-647-2222
www.loewshotels.com

Quebec Hilton
1100 René Lévesque East
Quebec, QC G1K 7K7
418-647-2411
www.hilton.com

Hotel that captures the city's character

Auberge St-Antoine
8 St-Antoine Street
Quebec, QC G1K 4C9
4l8-692-2211; 888-692-2211

Some good restaurants for lunch or dinner

Initiale
54 St-Pierre
Quebec, QC G1K 3Z9
418-694-1818
www.restaurantinitiale.com

Michelangelo
311 chemin St-Louis
Sainte-Foy, QC G1W 1R6
418-651-6262

Restaurant Laurie Raphael
117 rue Dalhousie
Quebec, QC G1K 9C8
418-692-4555

Le Saint Amour
48 rue Sainte-Ursule
Quebec, QC G1R 4E2
418-694-0667

Best way to spend a free hour
If you only have an hour, you have to take a stroll through old Quebec City. The architecture is a blend of French and English, with a lot of the buildings dating from the 17th and 18th centuries. Quebec City is the only walled city in North America, and it was built on a hill, so you get some spectacular views.

Best weekend trip to add on after a business trip
A great trip is to the surrounding natural areas outside of Quebec City. Orleans Island, or Ile d'Orleans, is a 25-mile-long island that can be reached via car over a bridge. The island is where the French settlers first landed when they came to the region and is protected wild land.

Just before the bridge, there is a waterfall that you must stop to see as well. It is 150 feet higher than Niagara Falls, with a manor house you can visit on the top of the cliff. It is called Montmorency Falls, and it is only 10 minutes from the city.

The resort Mont Ste-Anne is a nice place to stay—there is golf in the summer, and a nearby ski resort for winter visits.

Worth planning a trip around
Summer Music Festival
July 6-16, 2006

New France Festival, (Fête de la Nouvelle France)
August 2-6, 2006

Winter Carnival
January 27-February 12, 2006

For a complete calendar of events, visit www.bonjourquebec.com/anglais/.

Five topics of long-standing interest to Quebec City residents
1. Eating.
2. Sports: Because of the proximity to the outdoors, people love to talk about their latest skiing trip, hiking excursion, fishing, etc.
3. Politics, a passionate point: How independent should the provinces be from the federal government?
4. Quality of life: Residents like to talk about how to keep things the same in Quebec City.
5. French language: Know that almost everyone speaks English as well as French. So, you can say "Bonjour" and then switch to English without feeling guilty.

What do Quebec City residents want you to know about their city?
It is a UNESCO World Heritage site, a rare distinction of honor. Driving in the city can be different from the United States. Streets are narrow and very windy, like Europe. Residents are very proud of their quiet city and how beautiful it is. They love that there is little pollution and that the cost of living is very reasonable. They think it is Canada's best-kept secret.