COUNTRY GUIDE: A PROFILE OF THE COUNTRY

Choose General Information on Country here Canada is more... Geography Flora & Fauna Discovery & History Culture Climate & When to Go National Holidays Events Off the Beaten Track Currency & Costs Entry Requirements Customs Restrictions on items for Personal Use Meetings, Conventions & Incentive Travel Taking Goods Out of Canada Health Animals & Plants

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Canada is more....

Canada is a vast country and is the second largest country in the world after Russia, encompassing territory from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean and from the high Arctic to the northern border of the continental United States of America. Although very much a northern country, Canada's terrain and geography is very diverse. As well as the popular image of Canada as being a country of pristine forests and snowy vistas, of the CN Tower and Niagara Falls, there are also deserts and badlands, temperate rain forests and long and wide sandy beaches. Canada has huge inland lakes, seemingly eternal prairies and evergreen forests, woodlands and meadows and Canada's coastlines are thousands of miles long, with fjords, and long, wild rivers leading down to the oceans.

In contrast to the expanses of open country, Canada also has its share of urban areas with the majority of the population and heavy industry in the two provinces of Ontario and Quebec. But, large and modern cities are spread right across the land from the Atlantic to the Pacific; all within a few hours drive, at most, from the border with the United States of America. The heritage of the indigenous and native peoples along with French and British pioneer traditions all give Canada a complex three-dimensional character. Add to this constant flows of culture and style coming from the United States of America, along with host of traditions and ideals being brought over from Europe, Africa, Asia and Latin America by its migrants, there is now a thriving multi-cultural society already forming a real Canadian national identity.

Geography

Canada has a total area of 9,976,140 square kilometres and is situated north of the United States of America, on the North American continent between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. It extends some 7,700 kilometres east to west and 4,600 kilometres north to south. Canada's population stands at 31,006,347 of which nearly 90% live along the 6,379 kilometre southern border with the United States of America. A land of vast distances and rich natural resources, from 1867 on Canada has enjoyed de facto independence while retaining, even to the present day, certain formal ties to the British crown.

Economically and technologically the nation has developed in parallel with its southern neighbour across an unfortified border. Its paramount political problem continues to be the relationship of the province of Quebec, with its French-speaking residents and unique culture, to the remainder of the country, which has to date, not been satisfactorily resolved. Although much of the land is lake and river-filled forest, there are mountains, plains and even a small desert. The Great Plains, or prairies, cover Manitoba, Saskatchewan and parts of Alberta. These former grasslands are now responsible for Canada's abundant wheat crop. Western Canada is known for its Rocky Mountains, while the east has the country's major cities and also its most visited geographic feature, Niagara Falls.

The Canadian Shield, an ancient, rocky and glacially sanded region, formed more than 2.5 billion years ago, covers most of the north of the country. The Arctic region, in the far north, is where the frozen tundra merges into islands that are ice-bound for most of the year. Canada has four distinct seasons, although their arrival times vary across the country. The single most significant factor in climate is latitude. As a rule of thumb, it gets colder the further north you go, so it's no accident that the warmest areas in the south are also the most populated. The western and eastern coasts are both very wet, though much of the rain falls during winter, which wherever you are in Canada tend to be rather long.

Flora & Fauna

Canada has an incredible mix of native flora and fauna. It comprises eight vegetation zones, most of which are dominated by forest. Some of the common tree species include white and black spruce, balsam and Douglas fir, western red cedar, white pine and the sugar maple, one of Canada's best-known symbols, the maple leaf also appears on the country's flag. Endemic animals include the grizzly, black, brown and polar bears, beaver, buffalo, wolf, coyote, lynx, cougar, deer, caribou, elk and moose. There are also 500 species of birds, such as the great blue heron, Canada geese and many varieties of duck. Canada has over 37 national parks, over 129 national historic parks and 12 areas of such natural significance that they are on the UNESCO World Heritage Site list.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Canada

For further information on UNESCO World Heritage Sites please click HERE

Discovery & History

Though Canada's history has been relatively short, only actually being founded in 1867, it has certainly been eventful and many Canadians are fascinated by there past and this is reflected in the many historical sites that can be seen throughout the country. In Central and Eastern Canada, the history entails the early struggles of the first European settlers and of how the British and French, the two major cultural groups of the time, overcame their differences and were able to build a great nation together. In today's highly charged political arena, with on-going talk of independence for Quebec, this earlier relationship is too often forgotten.

The history of Central and Eastern Canada is also very much tied in with the American Revolution, when thousands of people loyal to the British crown crossed the border and settled in these areas in order to remain under British rule. The struggle with the United States of America continued until after the war of 1812 and this part of Canada's history can be seen in the many historic sites from this period. For the other regions of Canada, their history is also largely reflected in adaptation to the forces of nature and climate. In Atlantic Canada the ocean has played a very significant role in the history and culture of the area.

In Western Canada much of its history revolves around the building of the railway westwards, while this brought progress and development to, and even helped create many communities, a lot of sacrifice and challenges were necessary for the railway to be completed. The history of Western Canada is also synonymous with the growth and development of the Hudson Bay Company that started off in the fur trade, and was responsible for the discovery and later habitation of many places. Similarly the North West Mounted Police (now part of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police) helped form and develop the west it is interesting to see how the laws of these earlier times have shaped today's society.

One cannot mention the history of Canada, without reference to its indigenous peoples. Their history began thousands of years before the first European settlers when prehistoric tribes were said to have come from Asia, across the Bering Strait, to become the first settlers in Canada, well before America was discovered in 1492. Throughout Canada you can learn about the cultures of these people and their contribution to Canada although regrettably the people that came to settle, what then became Canada, did not appreciate much of the aboriginal culture and traditions and when you visit some of the indigenous historic sites, you will realise how developed and organised these societies were, long before the arrival of Europeans and there is much to be learned from their way of life and the innovative ways they made their livelihood.

The first Europeans to come to Canada were the Vikings who tried to settle in northern Newfoundland around AD1000. But, by the time subsequent Europeans arrived, the indigenous native tribes had already developed a multitude of languages, differing customs, varying religious beliefs, trading patterns, as well as their own laws and governments and although a number of European countries were interested in establishing settlements in the Americas, it was the explorer Jacques Cartier who in 1534 made the first claim for France on an area surrounding the St Lawrence River in what is now Quebec.

It was only in 1670 that the British decided to come to Canada, founding the Hudson's Bay Company in 1670 and for a while, the two European cultures managed to coexisted peacefully. Then, in 1745, British troops captured a French fort in Nova Scotia - the struggle for control of the new land was on. The turning point in what became known as the Seven Years' War arrived when the British defeated the French at Quebec City in 1759. At the Treaty of Paris in 1763, France handed Canada over to Britain.

Culture

As well as having a varied geography and demographics nowhere seems to be as culturally diverse as Canada and because of that, the country encourages its citizens to remember and to celebrate their cultural heritage, no matter where they or their ancestors have come from. This means that Canada has a wonderful cultural mosaic from which to draw on, manifested in the great variety of cultural and ethnic events and festivals that are held year round throughout the country. Perhaps because Canadian citizens are encouraged to remember their origins, it is sometimes difficult for people who live within Canada to see themselves as purely Canadian and a lot of people ask the question "What exactly is it that makes Canadians Canadian?" Well, some say Canada's true identity lies in its diversity, that it is this mosaic that makes Canada unique.

In the last thirty years mass immigration has taken place from all over the world, rather than mainly from Europe and the United States of America as it had in the past and this has led to an even more cultural diversity than before. Of course for the visitor, this only adds to the attraction of a trip to Canada. The foundations of Canada's cultural identity lie in the traditions of its native peoples with the country's most distinctive art being that of the Inuit of the north, particularly with there stone and bone sculptures and incredible carvings plus printmaking and basketry.

English and French are the country's two official languages, although the province of New Brunswick is now the only officially bilingual area in the country. Both languages tend to appear on all maps, tourist brochures and product labels. The French that is spoken in Canada is not, for the most part, the same as the French that is spoken in France. In Quebec, where the majority of the population comes from French descent, the local dialect is called Quebecois, although most people however, will understand the more formal French.

The differences between English and French Canada do not just apply to language, the French influence in Quebec can be seen in architecture, music, religion and of course its food. Canadian gastronomy in English Canada though has long been based on British traditions and while there are no distinctive national dishes, good food is certainly in abundance. In most cities large or small, it is not difficult to find good Italian, Greek, Indian, Chinese or even French and Turkish restaurants.

In Quebec, pea soup, tourtières (which are meat pies) and poutine (fried potatoes covered with gravy and cheese curds) are well worth a try. In the Atlantic Provinces of Canada, the Arcadian French make rapie pie, which is a type of meat chicken or clam pie, topped with grated paste-like potato which has had all of the starch removed. On both seaboards, there are plentiful amounts of seafood, which are both delicious and affordable and there are some good Canadian style cheese. Canada is the world's largest producer of maple syrup, which is made mainly in the Province of Quebec and come from the boiled sap of sugar-maple trees.

Climate & When to Go

Canada has four distinct seasons, although their arrival times vary considerably across the country. The single most significant factor in climate is latitude and as a rule, it gets colder the further north you go, so it is therefore no accident that the warmest areas, in the south are also the most heavily populated. The Western and Eastern coasts are both very wet, though much of the rain falls during the Winter. In Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Eastern Alberta, the prairies are fairly dry all year. Canadian winters are long and in more than two-thirds of the country, the average January temperature is -18°C (-0.4°). July and August are the warmest months, when temperatures in the South are usually in the 20°C-30°C (low 80°).

Therefore the best time for visiting Canada on holiday, is either in the Springtime, Summer or Autumn, unless you are looking to participate in some form of Winter Sport, then of course the Winter or early Spring are ideal. Visits to the Far North of the country and for those who are looking to do some camping or other outdoor activities, are best doing so during the months of July and August in the Summer. The time between mid-June and mid-September is considered peak season and therefore busier than Spring or Autumn, which are less crowded and prices are usually lower at that time.

National Holidays 2008

Events

Off the Beaten Track

Wells Gray Provincial Park, in British Columbia's Cariboo Mountains, off the Yellowhead Highway, is this huge undeveleoped and relatively little-visited wilderness park. Of the many scenic waterfalls in the park, Helmcken Falls, where the Murtle River plunges 137metres, is the most spectacular.

Prince Edward Island's Potato Museum, in the inland town of O'Leary on the rural outpost of Prince Edward Island in Canada's Atlantic region, rewards its visitors with all you will ever really need to know about the ubiquitous Irish icon, the potato. Did you know that 85% of all potatoes grown in North America end up as "french fries?" Well the folk of O'Leary know that and the museum includes several historic buildings and a specialist potato kitchen and really, is well worth a visit.

Narcisse Wildlife Management Area in the town of Narcisse, Manitoba, is where snake lovers of the world unite. The province is home to more than 10,000 red-sided garter snakes - and maybe even a freakish aquatic cousin. Lake Manitoba, is at the centre of Canada's very own Loch Ness type of mystery. Local people swear that a huge snake-like creature, with a head like a horse, was recently assassinated under cover of darkness by armed government officialy, loaded onto a truck and whisked away to who knows where. Strange stories about the lake and its contents have been surfacing since the 1970's. Believe it, or believe it not...

Currency & Costs

The Canadian dollar and cent are the unit of currency, with notes in denominations of CAD 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 500, 1,000 and 5,000 and with coins in denominations of CAD 1 cent, 5 cents (nickel,) 10 cents (dime,) 25 cents (quarter,) 50 cents, CAD 1 dollar and CAD 2 dollars.

The changing of money is best done either with companies who specialise in international money transactions or a bank. Credit cards are widely accepted, especially Visa, MasterCard, Diners Club and American Express and there a multitude of ATM cash machines in most major cities and towns.

A 7% Goods & Services Tax (GST) is applicable to all transport, accommodation, restaurant meals and just about anything else you're likely to purchase, including newspapers. On top of this, in most of Canada, a provincial sales tax also must be paid. This can, in some provinces, add 15% to the quoted price, so factor it into your expenses before you reach a cash register. It's considered normal to tip 10%-15% of the bill. Tips are usually given to waiters, cab drivers, hairdressers, hotel attendants and in some cases, bar staff.

Entry Requirements

Passports - All visitors are required to possess a valid passport for entry into Canada and the United States of America.

Visitor Requirements: Travellers from Europe - European passport holders do not require a visa to visit Canada. All you need is a valid passport, a return ticket and sufficient funds to support yourself and your dependants during your stay in Canada. European visitors to Canada who wish to also visit the United States of America must possess valid passports to be admitted; residents of Portugal are further required to have a visa.

Visitor Requirements: Residents of the United States of America - 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 Identity (ID) card with a photograph. If you are a naturalized US citizen, you should carry this certificate. If you are a permanent US resident you must bring your "Green Card".

Although it is rare, immigration officials may prevent the entry of visitors whom: -

1. Appear to pose a health risk.
2. Doubt they will be able to support themselves and their dependants in Canada.
3. Show that there willingness and means to return to the USA is in doubt.

As well, those admissible to Canada must not have a criminal record. This includes any convictions for driving while intoxicated. If you have questions about your admissibility to enter Canada, contact your nearest Canadian Embassy or Consulate for consultation.

Visitors Requirements: Visitors from the USA, who are not American Citizens - Permanent residents of the United States (anyone with a Green Card) do not need to carry a passport or travel documents to enter Canada.

Temporary residents of the United States (anyone who carries a Temporary Resident Card, Form 1-688, or Employment Authorisation Card, 1-688A or 1-688B) must carry a passport and may also require a visa depending on their country of citizenship

Citizens of other countries who wish to enter Canada through the United States must also carry a valid passport and may require a visa, which they should obtain from a Canadian Embassy or Consulate outside Canada. Those in this category should check with an office of the US Immigration and Naturalization Service before they enter Canada.

Visitor Requirements: Travellers from Other Countries - International travellers may require a visa to enter or transit Canada. To see whether you require a visa, should visit the Government of Canada web site on
http://www.cic.gc.ca/

Travellers Bringing Children - Travellers visiting Canada with children should carry the following: -

1. Identification for each child similar to identification described for adults.
2. A letter of permission from the parents of any children who is accompanying them and for whom they do not have legal custody.

Please Note: - 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 a legal guardian.

Studying or Working in Canada - If you are planning to study or work in Canada, contact the nearest Canadian Embassy or Consulate for a copy of the brochure called Entering Canada to Study or Work.

Travel Restrictions - At certain times, travel restrictions may be put in place for travel to any particular country. Please check with the appropriate government department of your country:

For the UK:  http://www.fco.gov.uk/travel/

Customs

Bringing Goods into Canada for Personal Use - Most things that you bring into Canada for your personal use during your visit will be considered "personal baggage" by Canada Customs. Examples of personal baggage are food, fishing tackle, cars, boats and snowmobiles, sports equipment, televisions, musical instruments, computers and cameras.

You are not allowed to carry a weapon, such as a firearm or mace or any other spray to be used against humans, for self-defence in Canada.

Canada Customs' chief concern is to establish that you really are bringing the goods in for your personal use. If you are going to be carrying large amounts of consumable products, such as food, please contact a Canada Customs office before you begin your trip to determine what special measures you should take.

You may also bring bona fide gifts worth up to Canadian $60 each for your friends in Canada without paying duty, provided these do not consist of tobacco or alcoholic beverages. Information about Canada Customs & Revenue Agency, including excise and GST, is of a general nature only and is not intended to constitute advice for any specific situation. Further information may be found on the Canada Customs web site on
http://www.ccra-adrc.gc.ca/

Restrictions on items for Personal Use

Alcohol - Those meeting the age requirements of the province or territory of entry (19 in most provinces and territories; 18 in Alberta, Manitoba, and Québec) may bring into the country either:

1. 1 litres (40 ounces) of liquor or wine; or
2. 24 containers, at 355 millilitres (12 ounces) each, or their equivalent, 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.

Tobacco - Visitors meeting the age requirements of the province or territory of entry are allowed to bring the following amounts of tobacco into Canada without paying duty:

1. up to 200 cigarettes,
2. 50 cigars,
3. 200 grams (7 ounces) of loose tobacco
4. 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.

Drugs for Medical Use - Prescription drugs should be clearly identified and should be carried in the original packaging with a label that specifies 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 also carry some evidence of their need for using these.

Bringing Firearms into Canada - Canada has strict laws governing the cross-border movement, possession and use of firearms. All goods, including firearms, must be declared to Canada Customs & Revenue Agency customs at the first point of entry.

A visitor may import a non-restricted firearm, such as a sporting rifle or shotgun, only for the following purposes:

1. Sporting or Hunting use while in Canada
2. Bonafide competition use;
3. Transport though Canada to another country;
4. 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 USA, 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 penalties and confiscation apply to the possession of illegal firearms in Canada.

Before importing a firearm, you should check with a firearm officer for the Canadian province or territory you intend to enter. For more information and the addresses of these officials, see the brochure Importing a Firearm or Weapon into Canada, or Memorandum D19-13-2, Importation of Offensive Weapons. You may get both of these publications at any Canada Customs & Revenue Agency customs office.

The Government of Canada is actively reviewing possible changes to the rules for the importation of firearms. 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.

Radio Communication Equipment - If you have an American operator's licence, you may use your aircraft, marine or amateur radio while visiting Canada without a Canadian licence. All other types of radio transmitting stations may only be used in Canada if accompanied by a letter of registration from: Industry Canada's Radio Regulatory and Broadcasting Branch. Call (+1) 613 998-3372 for more information.

Transporting Goods through Canada - Goods "in transit" to another country (but not handguns) may be brought through Canada. To facilitate your border crossings, you should carry three copies of a list of all the goods you are bringing with you, including values and serial numbers if applicable. Consumable goods, such as alcohol, tobacco and food, should be packed in containers that can be corded and sealed by Canada Customs at the time of entry.

Meetings, Conventions & Incentive Travel

Special arrangements are available for Companies wishing to hold business meetings or conventions in Canada. The brochures Welcome to Canada-Your Guide to Bringing a Convention, Meeting, Trade Show, or Exhibition across the Canadian Border are good guides. Booklets explaining aspects of Canada's goods and services tax (GST)/ harmonising sales tax (HST) relevant to those holding business meetings or conventions are available. These include: GST / HST Information for Non-Resident Meeting Planners and Convention Organizers and How the GST / HST Applies to Non-Resident Incentive Travel Organizers. Call the GST/HST information line on (+1) 613 990-8584 to obtain a copy.

Leaving Items in Canada between Visits - If you will be making more than one trip to Canada over a specific period of time and intend to leave goods in Canada between these visits, you must obtain an E99 permit from Canada Customs when you enter the country.

Please note that boats, motors and boat trailers may only be left in Canada during the off-season if you are having maintenance or repair work done on them at a bona fide marina.

An E99 permit also enables you to leave your vehicle at an airport or marine terminal while you travel in Canada.

There are special measures in place for American residents who have purchased a cottage or other vacation home in Canada for use as a seasonal residence or who have rented one on a three-year lease or longer. For more information, contact Canada Customs and ask for the brochure Seasonal Residents.

Regional Customs Offices - Trade Administration Services and Customs Border Services Offices will provide additional information about entry into Canada or bringing goods into Canada. Please contact the office that deals with the area of the country you are planning to visit.

International Travellers who are wishing to find out more about Canadian customs regulations, please visit the Government of Canada web site
 http://www.rc.gc.ca/visitors/

Taking Goods Out of Canada

Exemptions and Duty: International Visitors -International travellers should check with the customs authorities in their home country before travelling to determine what goods or money they will be allowed to bring back with them.

Exemptions and Duty: U.S. Visitors -American residents who spend more than 48 hours in Canada are allowed to take goods purchased in Canada worth up to US$400 back into the U.S. You may take advantage of this exemption only once every 30 days. (If you have already used this exemption, the US$200 exemption applies.) Members of a single family, travelling together and living in the same residence, are allowed to pool their exemptions to cover their combined purchases.

U.S. citizens are allowed one litre of alcohol, 100 cigars or one carton of 200 cigarettes within one exemption. (Note: Cuban cigars are available in Canada but may not be brought back into the United States).

If you visit Canada for less than 48 hours, you are allowed to take goods purchased in Canada worth up to US$200, 5.1 ounces of alcohol, 10 cigars or 50 cigarettes.

As of January 1998, there is no longer any duty charged on items made in Canada or the United States worth less than US$1,400. However goods valued more than US$1,400 are still liable for various taxes.

For current information on duty rates and levels, please contact U.S. Customs before you travel. Contact: United States Customs Service Information Center: 1301 Constitution Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20229 (+1) 202 927-0370

Gifts: U.S. Visitors - You may mail gift parcels to friends and family in the U.S. both duty free and tax free provided that the fair retail value of the gift does not exceed US$100. The package should be clearly marked "Unsolicited gift," and its contents and fair retail value should be indicated. For further information, contact your nearest U.S. Customs office.

Bringing Money Home: U.S. Visitors - You may carry any amount of money or other negotiable instruments between Canada and the United States. If, however, you are importing or exporting more than US$10,000, you are required to file a report of the transaction with U.S. Customs (using Customs Form 4790, which can be obtained at any border station.)

Cultural Property: All Visitors - Canada has restrictions in place to keep objects that are of historical, cultural or scientific significance in Canada. If you wish to take objects that are more than 50 years old-such as fossils, archaeological artefacts, fine and decorative art, technological objects, or books and archival material-out of the country, you should first contact the Canadian Cultural Property Export Review Board at the address that follows to determine if an export permit is required.

The Secretary Canadian Cultural Property Export Review Board - Department of Canadian Heritage, 15 Eddy Street, 3rd Floor, Hull, Québec, Canada, K1A OM5. Telephone: (+1) 819 997-7761 Fax: (+1) 819 997-7757

Health

Health Insurance & Hospitals - Canadian hospitals and medical services are excellent. The vast majority of hospitals are publicly managed and rates are set by provincial and hospital authorities. Hospital care for non-residents of Canada is charged at a daily rate or on the basis of the medical condition and length of stay. Charges vary from province to province and from hospital to hospital, but generally range from $1,000 to $2,000 a day. So it's important to obtain travel health insurance before leaving home, since it's possible your regular health insurance does not include coverage outside your country of residence.

Emergencies - Most Canadian cities have "911" emergency service. If this does not work, simply dial "0" and ask the operator to connect you to the police or medical services. There is no charge for emergency calls placed from a public pay phone.

Animals & Plants

Pets - All pets must be accompanied by their owners when entering Canada. Owners of dogs and cats 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 sometime during the previous 36 months. An exception is made for puppies or kittens that are younger than three months old.

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.

For information on pets, agriculture or forestry items, please contact any one of the following Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) Import Service Centres: Note: Toll-free numbers apply within Canada and the United States only.

Eastern ISC (Montréal) - Tel: 1-888-246-3889 or (+1) 514 246-3889 Fax: (+1) 514 246-2664 (7:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. Eastern time)

Central ISC (Toronto) - Tel: 1-800-835-4486 or (+1) 905 612-6282 Fax: (905) 612-6280 (7:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Eastern time)

Western ISC - Tel: 1-888-732-6222 or (+1) 604 541-3370 Fax: (604) 541-3373 (7:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Pacific time)

Endangered Species -A CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species) permit is required for any endangered species brought into Canada, including those kept as pets, and for any items made from them, such as coats, handbags or shoes.

For further information on how to obtain one of these permits, please call the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service at (+1) 703 358-2104. For more information about Canadian laws regarding endangered species, please contact the Administrator, Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species, Canadian Wildlife Service at (+1) 819 997-1840.

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. As a rule, it is probably better not to bring any live plants, bulbs, seeds or other propagative material with you into Canada. If you do, you should first contact one of the CFIA Import Service Centres.

U.S. travellers should also check with the nearest office of the United States Department of Agriculture before your departure to determine whether there are any special requirements for or restrictions on taking plants from your area with you.

Every single plant, cutting, seed, etc. requires an import permit and must be declared to a customs officer. Many forms of plant life are strictly prohibited from being transported into the United States. Requests in advance the USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Services Leaflet, Traveller's Tip at any border crossing. Fruits and vegetable are either prohibited or require an import permit. And remember that imported foods are also subject to requirements of the US Food and Drug Administration. Applications for import permits or requests for information should be addressed to: Quarantines, USDA-APHIS-PPQ, Federal Building, Room 632, 6505 Belcrest Road, Hyattsville, MD. 20782, USA. Tel (+1) 303 436-8645