Location: North America
Local Time: Newfoundland: GMT-3.5; Pacific & Yukon: GMT-8
Atlantic (areas observing DST) & Labrador:
From 06 Nov 11 to 11 Mar 12 GMT -4
From 11 Mar 12 to 04 Nov 12 GMT -3
From 05 Nov 12 to 09 Mar 13 GMT -4
From 10 Mar 13 to 03 Nov 13 GMT -3
Atlantic (areas not observing DST): GMT -4
Central (except Saskatchewan):
From 06 Nov 11 to 11 Mar 12 GMT -6
From 11 Mar 12 to 04 Nov 12 GMT -5
From 05 Nov 12 to 09 Mar 13 GMT -6
From 10 Mar 13 to 03 NOv 13 GMT -5
Central (Saskatchewan): GMT -6
Eastern (areas observing DST):
From 06 Nov 11 to 11 Mar 12 GMT -5
From 11 Mar 12 to 04 Nov 12 GMT -4
From 05 Nov 12 to 09 Mar 13 GMT -5
From 10 Mar 13 to 03 Nov 13 GMT -4
Eastern (areas not observing DST): GMT -5
Mountain (areas observing DST):
From 06 Nov 11 to 11 Mar 12 GMT -7
From 11 Mar 12 to 04 Nov 12 GMT -6
From 05 Nov 12 to 09 Mar 13 GMT -7
From 10 Mar 13 to 03 Nov 13 GMT -6
Mountain (areas not observing DST): GMT -7
Newfoundland (excluding Labrador):
From 06 Nov 11 to 11 Mar 12 GMT -3�
From 11 Mar 12 to 04 Nov 12 GMT -2�
From 05 Nov 12 to 09 Mar 13 GMT -3�
From 10 Mar 13 to 03 Nov 13 GMT -2�
Pacific:
From 06 Nov 11 to 11 Mar 12 GMT -8
From 11 Mar 12 to 04 Nov 12 GMT -7
From 05 Nov 12 to 09 Mar 13 GMT -8
From 10 Mar 13 to 03 Nov 13 GMT -7
Capital City: Ottawa
Population: 34.72 million
Area: 9,976,140357,021 square km, 6,198,886 square miles.
Language(s): English, French
Dialling Code: 1
Emergency: Police, Fire & Ambulance: 911
TV Standard: NTSC
Driving: Driving is on the right. National licence required. International Driving Permit recommended
Electricity: 110V AC 60Hz
Currency: Canadian Dollar (CAD 1 = 100 Cents)
Notes: CAD: 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 500, 1,000
Coins: CAD: 1, 2. Cents: 1, 5, 10, 25
Credit Cards/Travellers Cheques: Major credit cards and travellers cheques are accepted in Canadian or US currency only
Opening Hours
Bank: 1000-1500 Mon-Fri (most banks open 0800-2100 Thur)
Office: 0900-1700 Mon-Fri
Shops: 0900-1800 Mon-Fri (most open Sat, some on Sun, most main shops open until 2100 Thur-Fri)
Public Holidays
2012
Note: If holidays fall on a Saturday or Sunday - they are usually observed the following Monday.
Business/Social Hints: Business in the English speaking provinces is conducted in English, in the French speaking ones in French. Smoking in public places is now illegal in some parts, including bars. On social occasions, eg invitation to restaurants or clubs, punctuality is appreciated. Dress as for business meetings unless otherwise indicated. The minimum drinking age is as follows: Alberta, Manitoba & Quebec (18 years), British Colombia, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, Saskatchewan, Northwest Territories, Yukon Territory, New Brunswick, Newfoundland & Nova Scotia (19 years)
Tipping: Around 15% in restaurants & for taxis
