Some
Common Questions about Canada
updated Jan 12/03
1.
My class is doing a project on Canada and I wondered if you could send me some
information about your country?
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For information about Canada's history, population, climate, geography etc.,
please contact the Canada Information Office at:
1-800-622-6232 (
Canada and United States
)
613-941-4823 (
other countries
)
Visit the website:
www.canada.gc.ca/canadiana/cdaind_e.html
In addition, most public libraries will have reference books with information on
Canada.
2.
What are the symbols of Canada and of the provinces and territories (including
the national anthem, etc) ?
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www.canadianheritage.gc.ca/ceremonial-symb/English
3.
What are Canada's public holidays and anniversaries?
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www.canadianheritage.gc.ca/ceremonial-symb/English
4.
Where can I find information about the weather in Canada?
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Weather conditions vary considerably due to Canada's large size. Most hotels,
restaurants, theatres, cinemas, stores, private & public buildings, railway
stations, airports and bus terminals are air-conditioned in the summer and
heated in the winter. (The weather is reported in degrees Celsius.)
For current weather conditions in most Canadian cities:
www.theweathernetwork.com/cities/canindex.htm
5.
Do you have any information on train trips in Canada?
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For information on passenger rail service in Canada, please contact VIA Rail or
a local travel agency for rail packages or tours.
| Via Rail Canada Inc. |
Phone #
|
|
Customer Relations
|
Canadians
1-888-842-7245 |
|
PO Box 8116, Station A
|
U.S. visitors
1-888-842-7245 |
Montreal
,
Quebec
H3C 3N3 Canada |
Other visitors
Contact a local travel agency or visit
the website for a list of overseas
sales agents by country
|
E-mail:
service@viarail.ca
www.viarail.ca
6.
What kind of identification do I need to enter Canada?
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U.S. Residents
Although a passport is the ideal identification, you do not require a passport
or visa to enter Canada. Just make sure you carry identification to establish
your citizenship such as a Birth Certificate and least one ID card with photo.
If you are a naturalized U.S. citizen, you should carry this certificate.
Permanent residents of the U.S.A. must bring their "Green Card".
Temporary residents of the U.S. must carry a passport and may also require a
visa depending on their citizenship.
Travellers from other countries
International travellers require a passport. Some may be required to obtain a
visitor visa from a Canadian embassy or consulate prior to travel or transit to
Canada.
If you have any questions about your admissibility to enter Canada, contact your
nearest Canadian Embassy or consulate for consultation. The Canadian embassies
around the world can be found at: www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca/dfait/missions/menu-e.asp
Further information on visa requirements / exemptions may be found on the
Citizenship and Immigration Canada web site: www.cic.gc.ca/english/visit
7.
What kind of documents do I need to bring children into Canada?
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U.S. residents
Identification for each child establishing citizenship is required such as birth
certificate and one photo ID card. A passport is not required but is ideal
identification. A letter of permission is required from the parents of any
children accompanying travellers who do not have legal custody of the children.
Please note that divorced parents with shared custody rights should carry legal
documents establishing their status. Unaccompanied children should carry a
letter of permission from their parents or legal guardian.
Travellers from other countries
Please contact your nearest Canadian consulate or embassy to learn what
documents are required.
Contact information for Canadian embassies around the world can be found at: www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca/dfait/missions/menu-e.asp
8.
What kind of papers do I need to work or study in Canada?
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If you are planning to study or work in Canada, contact you nearest Canadian
Embassy or Consulate for detailed information on work permits and employment or
educational opportunities in Canada.
Contact information for Canadian embassies around the world can be found at: www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca/dfait/missions/menu-e.asp
9.
Can I bring my prescription medication in to Canada? Will I be able to refill
the prescription?
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Prescription drugs should be clearly identified and carried in the original
packaging with a label specifying both what they are and that they are being
used under prescription. It is also a good idea to bring a copy of your
prescription and a contact number for your doctor.
Diabetics and others who have to bring syringes with them should carry some
evidence of their need for using these.
10.
Can I bring animals (i.e. a pet), plants (i.e. fruits or vegetables) into
Canada?
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U.S. residents - Pets
All pets must be accompanied by their owners when entering Canada. Owners of
cats and dogs must bring a certificate issued by a licensed American or Canadian
veterinarian clearly identifying the pet and certifying that it has been
vaccinated against rabies some time during the previous 36 months. Kittens and
puppies younger than 3 months are exempt.
Seeing-eye dogs are allowed into Canada without restriction. Canadian law also
guarantees that anyone using seeing-eye dogs may bring them into restaurants,
hotels and other businesses.
U.S. residents - Food
Fruits and vegetables are either prohibited or require an import permit to bring
into Canada. Please contact one of the Canadian Food Inspection Agency Import
Service Centre to determine the requirements on pets, agriculture or forestry
items:
|
Eastern ISC (Montreal)
|
1-877-493-0468 |
|
Central ISC (Toronto)
|
1-800-835-4486 |
|
Western ISC (Vancouver)
|
1-888-732-6222 |
Travellers from other countries
Please contact your nearest Canadian consulate or embassy to learn what
restrictions apply. Contact information for Canadian embassies around the world
can be found at: http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca/dfait/missions/menu-e.asp
|
Eastern ISC (Montreal)
|
(514) 246-3889 |
|
Central ISC (Toronto)
|
(905) 612-6282 |
|
Western ISC (Vancouver)
|
(604) 541-3370 |
Canadian Food Inspection Agency:
www.cfia-acia.agr.ca
* Plants, Fruits and Vegetables
There are many measures in place to prevent plant pests from entering Canada and
causing serious damage to crops and forests.
11.
What quantities of alcohol and tobacco can I bring into Canada?
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U.S. residents - Alcohol
Those meeting the age requirements of the province or territory of entry (19 in
most provinces; 18 in Alberta, Manitoba and Quebec) may bring either 40 oz. of
liquor or wine or 24 (12 oz.) containers of beer or ale.
Any alcohol in excess of these amounts will be subject to duty, provincial fees
and taxes, except where it is illegal to bring in more alcohol than specified
above.
U.S. residents - Tobacco
Visitors meeting the age requirements of the province or territory of entry may
bring in 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars, 7 oz. loose tobacco and 200 tobacco sticks.
Any additional quantities are subject to duties and provincial fees and taxes.
Some provinces may also limit the total amount of tobacco that can be brought
into their jurisdiction.
Canadian Customs Offices
http://www.ccra-adrc.gc.ca/contact/rco-e.html
Travellers from other countries
Please contact your nearest Canadian consulate or embassy to determine the
restrictions on bringing alcohol and/or tobacco into Canada.
Contact information for Canadian embassies around the world can be found at: www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca/dfait/missions/menu-e.asp;
12.
Can I bring my own gun to Canada?
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Canada has strict laws governing the cross-border movement, possession and use
of firearms. All firearms must be declared at the first point of entry.
Before attempting to bring firearms into Canada, U.S. visitors should contact
one of the Canadian customs border service offices. Visitors from other
countries should contact their nearest Canadian embassy or consulate for
complete information.
A visitor may import a non-restricted firearm, such as a sporting rifle or
shotgun, only for the following purposes:
-
Sporting or hunting use while in Canada;
-
Bonafide competition use;
-
Transport though Canada to another country;
-
Protection against wildlife in remote areas of Canada (excluding national
parks) if the customs officer is satisfied that the circumstances warrant
the firearm's importation.
No special documentation is currently required to import non-restricted
firearms.
Handguns are classed as restricted firearms and may be imported only for use at
approved shooting competitions. A Permit to Carry, which may be obtained from
Canadian Police Agency, is required.
Requests for a Permit to Transport restricted firearms (e.g. most handguns)
through Canada to other parts of the U.S., including Alaska, or another country
are normally denied. Visitors should discuss their options with Canada Customs
& Revenue Agency customs officials before leaving for Canada.
Certain handguns and all automatic weapons are classed as prohibited firearms
and are banned from entering Canada. Severe penalities and confiscation apply to
the possession of illegal firearms in Canada.
Prior to any visit, be sure to ask either customs or a provincial firearms
officer as to whether new requirements have been put into place.
Canadian Firearms Centre (CFC)
1-800-731-4000, www.cfc.gc.ca
Contact information for Canadian embassies around the world can be found at: www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca/dfait/missions/menu-e.asp
Canadian Customs Offices
www.ccra-adrc.gc.ca/contact/rco-e.html
13.
How do visitors/tourists get a tax refund for items purchased in Canada?
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Visitor rebate enquiries please contact the Visitor Rebate Program.
|
Visitor Rebate Program
|
Phone #
|
|
Summerside Tax Centre
|
Within Canada
1-800-668-4748 |
|
Canada Customs and Revenue Agency
|
Outside Canada
1-902-432-5608 |
|
Suite 104, 275 Pope Road
|
Monday to Friday
|
| Summerside, PE |
0800ET to 2100ET
|
| C1N 6C6 Canada |
E-mail:
visitors@ccra-adrc.gc.ca
www.ccra-adrc.gc.ca/visitors
Order form: www.ccra-adrc.gc.ca/E/pbg/gf/gst176eq/Readme.html
If you are unsure which federal department you should be contacting, call Info
Canada
Phone #
Within Canada
1-800-622-6232
Outside Canada
1-613-922-1692
Fax:
613-941-5992
