Canada is a country of natural beauty – from coast
to coast - with endless landscapes of mountains, lakes, rivers, forests
and plains. This really is the great outdoors. Canada is the second
largest country in the world, spanning six time zones. Extending from
Atlantic to Pacific, and penetrating deep into the Arctic, Canada is an
explorer’s paradise. In the north of the lies most of this beauty – and
largely uninhabited, is unspoiled. The Niagra Falls are magnificent, as
are the Great Lakes, whilst Banff and Jasper National Parks offer
exquisite scenery of glaciers, peaks and fluorescent blue lakes.
Studying abroad in Canada will, you will most
likely be based in one of the cities close to the American border -
cities which embrace multiculturism like no other. British and French
cultures penetrate the nation, culminating in two official languages,
whilst a cauldron of other nationalities can be seen and heard –
Indian, Dutch, Chinese, Spanish and Polish, to name but a few. Toronto
exhibits this blend better than anywhere, and with its vibrant summer
festivals and its love for music, will surely entice you. It is also
Canada's business centre and the largest city in the country.
Weather
A largely temperate climate, with four distinct
seasons. Canada’s climate adds to its alluring habitants and
environment. Winter grips the whole country, with the ski season
enabling enthusiasts to take to the slopes from December through to
April. Expect snow all around. Flowers blossom in Spring, whilst the
summer can be very warm and extend to October – similar in temperature
to the US. Autumn is perhaps the most picturesque, with astounding
colours, especially in the east of the country.
Transportation
Large distances between towns are made all the more
manageable by an excellent transport network, whilst public transport
in the cities is efficient. Air travel may be the most efficient choice
if large distances are involved, with Air Canada and its affiliates
connecting destinations throughout the country.
Canada is famous for its luxurious and dramatic
train journeys. You will be hard pushed to find more impressive scenes
as you pass from one end of the country to the other, taking in the
snow capped peaks of the Rockies, to the evergreen horizons of the
forest, to the abundant and tranquil wildlife you will pass on the way.
Buses are the main form of public transport in most
cities, whilst trains and trams are also common. The major hubs
including Vancouver and Toronto have modern and affordable metro
services.
Cost (in Canadian Dollar C$)
| Item |
Price |
| litre of petrol |
C$0.90 |
| movie ticket |
C$9.00 |
| souvenir t-shirt |
C$10.00 |
| litre of bottled water |
C$0.90 |
| newspaper |
C$1.00 |
| litre of milk |
C$1.40 |
| cup of coffee and donut |
C$2.00 |
| roll of 36 exposure print film |
C$6.50 |
| t-bone steak per kg |
C$22.00 |
Dialing code: 1
Currency: Canadian Dollar (C$)
Time zone: GMT/UTC -7, GMT/UTC -6 (), GMT/UTC -5 (), GMT/UTC -4 (), GMT/UTC -3.5 (), GMT/UTC -8 () |
