World Country Guide

Social Profile

Food & Drink
Canadian cuisine is as varied as the country. The hundreds of miles of coastline offer varied seafood, and the central plains provide first-class beef and agricultural produce. Some more unusual produce might include elk, bison and caribou. The colonial influence is still strong, with European menus available in all major cities. The French influence in Qubec is easily discernible in the many restaurants which specialise in French cuisine. Waiter service in restaurants is common. Dress requirements and billing procedures vary. Spirits may only be purchased from specially-licensed liquor stores or restaurants displaying the sign ‘Licensed Premises’ if alcohol is served on the premises. Many allow customers to bring their own beer or wine. A wide variety of alcohol is sold in most hotels, restaurants and bars. A selection of European/US wines and spirits are imported, although the Canadians also enjoy their own, such as rye whisky. Bars may have table or counter service and payment is generally made after each drink. Opening hours vary from province to province. The legal age for drinking in bars is 18 or 19 depending on local regulations. See also Social Profile in the individual Provinces/ Territories sections.

Nightlife
Every major provincial capital in the more populated areas has nightclubs, and hotel dinner/dancing. Montral, Ottawa, Toronto, Vancouver and Winnipeg are centres for ballet, opera and classical music, with visits from leading orchestras and internationally renowned performers. Entertainment in the more remote towns is scarce.

Shopping
Fine examples of Canadian craftware are available, such as art woodcarvings, pottery, cottons and native artefacts. Some countries have restrictions against the import of endangered animal species products, such as polar bear, seal, walrus etc, so visitors should check entry regulations in their home country before departure. A 7 per cent goods and service tax (GST) is levied on most goods and services in Canada. In addition, most provinces (except Alberta, Northwest Territories and Yukon) levy a provincial service tax (PST) of 5 to 7 per cent in shops, restaurants and short-term accommodation. In the provinces of Newfoundland, Nova Scotia and New Brunswick, a 15 per cent harmonised sales tax (HST) has replaced the GST and PST. Visitors to Canada are entitled to claim a rebate of GST and HST (except on food, drink, tobacco and transport). The province of Quebec also allows visitors to apply for a rebate of its provincial sales tax (TVQ). For further information, see the special note under the Duty-Free section or contact Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) (website: www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca). Shopping hours: Mon-Sat 0900-1800, with late-night shopping in some stores Thur-Fri, up to 2100. Some shops and stores are also open on Sunday, and some are open 24 hours a day.

Special Events
A list of some of the major festivals and special events may be found in the individual Provinces/Territories sections.

Social Conventions
Handshaking predominates as the normal mode of greeting. Close friends often exchange kisses on the cheeks, particularly in French areas. Codes of practice for visiting homes are the same as in other Western countries: flowers, chocolates or a bottle of wine are common gifts for hosts and dress is generally informal and practical according to climate. It is common for black tie and other required dress to be indicated on invitations. Exclusive clubs and restaurants often require more formal dress. Smoking has been banned in most public areas. Most restaurants, theatres and cinemas, if they permit smoking, have large ‘no smoking’ areas. Tipping: Normal practice is usually 15 per cent of the bill, more if service is exceptional. Waiters, barbers, hairdressers and taxi drivers should be tipped this amount. Porters at airports and railway stations, cloakroom attendants, bellhops, doormen and hotel porters generally expect C$1 per item of luggage. Tipping your server is standard practice in bars and nightclubs.