Nova Scotia

Nova Scotia is a 350-mile (560km) long peninsula on the east of Canada, connected to the mainland by a narrow isthmus. The rugged and jagged coastline, and the fact that this semi-island is covered in numerous rivers and lakes, makes it a watery wonderland famous for its seafood (the province is the world's largest exporter of lobster), scenic routes, wilderness trails, dolphin and whale-watching opportunities and the Scottish flavor of its bars and restaurants. The Scots were the first settlers on the island, thus the name which means 'New Scotland' in Latin. The bagpipes are heard all over the territory. Nowhere in Nova Scotia is further than 35 miles (56km) from the sea. Nova Scotia, together with its neighboring provinces of New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island, are known as the Maritime Provinces of Canada.

Basics

Time: Canada covers six time zones, from GMT –8 in the west to GMT -3.5 in the east.
Electricity: Electrical current is 110 volts, 60Hz. American style flat two-pin plugs are standard.
Money: The currency used is the Canadian Dollar (CAD), which is divided into 100 cents. One-dollar coins are also known as loonies (due to the picture of a loon, a type of bird, on the coin), and two-dollar coins as toonies. Banks and bureaux de change will change money and travelers cheques, as will some hotels, but the rate will not be as good. Major credit cards are widely accepted and ATMs are plentiful. US Dollars are largely accepted, though due to fraud, larger notes might not be and change is usually given in Canadian dollars.

 

Note: This is not updated daily and should be used as a guide only.

Language: The official languages are English and French (predominantly in Quebec).
Entry Requirements for Americans: US travelers should have a passport that is valid for the period of intended stay. A visa is not required for a stay of up to six months.
Passport/Visa Note: All visitors must hold a valid passport. An onward or return ticket and sufficient funds to cover the period of intended stay is required by all visitors. From 23 January 2007 all US citizens traveling to and from Canada by air will require a passport; by 1 January 2008 the requirement will be extended to include all land and sea border crossings as well.
Health: No vaccinations are necessary for travel to Canada. West Nile Virus, spread by mosquitoes breeding in stagnant water, poses a threat during summer months in rural areas, so insect-repellent measures are advised for those visiting the countryside particularly in Saskatchewan, Alberta, Ontario, Manitoba, and Quebec. Rabies is a problem and can be spread by small animals such as raccoons and bats. Medical care is excellent, but expensive - medical insurance is essential. Food and water is entirely safe.
Tipping: There is no service charge added to restaurant bills, and staff expect to receive tips; 15% is the usual amount. Hairdressers and taxi drivers are also usually tipped at the same rate, while bellhops, doormen, porters and similar service providers at hotels, airports and stations are generally paid $1 per item of luggage carried. Tour guides and bus drivers generally receive $3-$5 per day.
Safety: Most visits to Canada are trouble-free. The country is politically stable, but does share the common international risk of terrorism. There have been no recent terrorism events. The crime rate is low, but travelers are advised to take sensible precautions to safeguard their belongings as they would anywhere. Canada is prone to tornadoes between May and September.
Business: Vancouver, Toronto, Calgary and Montreal are the main business centres. English is the language of business except for French-speaking Quebec, where all written material and business cards should be in French, which will be spoken in meetings. Business cards are not traditionally exchanged during an initial meeting, but at some appropriate time thereafter; it is best to wait for the host to offer theirs first. A firm handshake is used by way of greeting, and meetings begin on time so punctuality is taken seriously, as is appearance, which should be conservative and smart; business suits are the norm. Gifts can be given in conclusion to celebrate a deal, but should be understated; taking someone out for a meal is a popular way to conclude business dealings. Hours of business are usually 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday.
Communications: The international access code for Canada is +1. The outgoing code is 011 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 01144 for the United Kingdom); the outgoing code is not necessary for calls to the US and the Caribbean. The area code for Ottawa is (1)613, and (1)416 for Toronto. Internet cafes are widely available. Most international mobile phone companies have roaming agreements with Canadian operators, however it may be cheaper to buy a pay-as-you-go SIM card if visiting the country for long periods.
Duty Free: Travelers to Canada are allowed to enter the country with the following items without incurring custom duties: gifts to the value of C$60 (excluding advertising material, tobacco and alcoholic beverages); 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars or cigarillos and 200g of tobacco or 200 tobacco sticks; 1.14 liters of liquor or wine or 24 x 355ml bottles or cans of beer or ale. There are strict regulations governing the import of the following: explosives, endangered animal and plant species, items of heritage, fresh foodstuffs and weapons.
 

Halifax

Halifax is the provincial capital of Nova Scotia and also serves as the centre of commerce for the whole of Atlantic Canada. It is sited opposite its twin city of Dartmouth, across the Bedford Basin, on the second-largest natural harbor in the world (the largest is Sydney, Australia), and has long been an important maritime centre. Halifax Harbor extends for 10 miles (16km) and is home to North America's oldest yacht club, Northwest Arm. Two toll bridges span the harbor and a passenger ferry connects Halifax and Dartmouth. Halifax was founded in 1749 by the British in an effort to strengthen their presence in the North Atlantic, and the city retains its British military air. Many historic stone and wood buildings have been preserved, particularly in its restored waterfront area that has become a major tourist attraction, offering shopping, nightlife, entertainment and restaurants. The city also boasts beaches, parks, walking trails and some "living history" experiences like the firing of the noon day gun at the Halifax Citadel and the working locks of the Shubenacadie Canal.

 

Airports

Halifax International Airport (YHZ)

Location: The airport is 22 miles (35km) north of Halifax. Time: GMT -4 (GMT -3 between the first Sunday in April and the Saturday before the last Sunday in October). Contacts: Tel: +1 (902) 873 4422. Transfer to the city: An Airport shuttle service serves the main hotels in the Metro Area, and a variety of other bus services connect to various destinations in the area. Taxis are available from outside the Domestic Arrivals hall. Car rental: Seven major car rental companies are represented at the airport: Avis, Budget, Enterprise, National, Alamo, Thrifty/Dollar and Hertz. Facilities: There are a number of shops, restaurants and cafes at the airport, including duty-free shopping, as well as Internet access and children's play areas. ATMs are available in Arrivals and Departures, and a currency exchange booth is available for international travelers. Tourist information is available in Arrivals. Disabled passengers are well catered for. Parking: Car parking is directly outside the terminal. Long-term parking is also available. Departure tax: None. Website: www.hiaa.ca