Tourism :
Canada, a land of vast distances and rich natural resources

Canada stretches from Northern North America, borders the North Atlantic Ocean on the east, North Pacific Ocean on the west, and the Arctic Ocean on the north. Canada's territory being so wide, climate varies much from one state to next. Usually, the Southern part of the country tends to be warmer. It's best to visit the country from December to spring if you're looking for snow, and from may till fall to enjoy the natural ressources of the country.
Economically and technologically the nation has developed in parallel with the US, its neighbor to the South across an unfortified border. The issue of reconciling Quebec's francophone heritage with the majority anglophone Canadian population has moved to the back burner in recent years; support for separatism abated after the Quebec government's referendum on independence failed to pass in October of 1995.

More facts on Canada from : www.globalwidgets.com

Languages spoken :English (official) 59.3%, French (official) 23.2%, other 17.5%
Visa requirements : no visa is required for EU and Western Europe nationals, valid passport is sufficient.
Health : No particular prophylaxy necessary.
Useful links & addresses :

An unforgetable experience : stay in a ranch in the Rocky Mountains, either in a guest ranch that acts as a mere bed & breakfast in a spectacular setting, or in a working ranch which is actually in activity but also accept guests.

You can book your stay in a ranch from the Commission canadienne de tourisme in Paris.

UNIQUE, the Purcell Mountain Lodge in British Columbia is accessible only by helicopter, and sits perched at 2200 meters atop the high alpine slopes of Bald Mountain, right in the heart of the Canadian Rockies on the remote border of Canada’s Glacier National Park.
Visit their website at www.purcell.com.

Special trains to discover the greatest landscapes:
You can choose to discover this magnificient nature by train. You have several routes to choose from :

Get general information from the railway company Via Rail at www.viarail.ca.
The Canrailpass, a special pass valid for one month is available, with special fares for youth and students.

Of course, do not miss the fantastic Niagara falls, South of Ontario, at their greatest in the early winter mornings when partialy iced.

Culture :
Vancouver hosts the Vancouver International Film Festival every year in fall, when for two weeks films from all over the world are in competition.
Get the latest news from the VIFF.
An annual Vancouver Asian Film Festival is also staged in November when you get a chance to view the latest films from Asian film makers.
Get the latest news from the VAFF.

Sports :
Canada is a country for outdoor sports such as kayaking, rafting, hiking, fresh water fishing, or surfing.

Hockey is the National Sport, and the Rideau Canal in the heart of Canada's capital, Ottawa becomes the world longest skating rink (7.8 km) in winter when people of all ages come and enjoy its skate way. Have a look at Ottawas webpage or at the Rideau Canal's webpage fo general info on the area.

Whale, killer whale and seal watching excursions can be done along the British Columbia Coast or in the Pacific Rim National Park more details.

Skiing is best in the Kananaskis area and the Rocky Mountains or why not try a snowmobile hike in British Columbia (more info from the Snowmobile Federationwww.bcsf.org).

+++ Afraid to get cold : Patrick's Tip : Everybody knows the delicious taste of pancakes with maple syrup. But did you know that maple syrup tastes great with bacon & eggs plus it is also excellent against sorethroats or colds drank with hot water.





sources & contributors : Patrick Merenna from The World Au Pair, Le Guide du Routard (for French Readers) & Voyage.fr(website).