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Overview | Those expecting Canada to be a blander version of the USA should check their assumptions at the door. Canada's wild northern frontier, which has etched itself into the national psyche, and its distinct patchwork of peoples have created a country that is decidedly different from its brash neighbour. | When To Go | Spring, summer and autumn are all ideal for touring, though if you want to ski you'll naturally have to come in winter or early spring. For campers and those who want to visit the far north, the summer months of July and August are best. Summer is also when many of the country's festivals take place. Note that the peak tourist season is between Victoria Day late May and Labour Day early September. Although spring and autumn have fewer crowds, lower prices and a more relaxed pace than the summer months, some visitor-oriented facilities and attractions may be closed during these shoulder seasons. | Visas | Most Western visitors don't need a visa to visit Canada for up to 180 days. Travellers from about 150 nations, including South Africa, China, North Korea, Taiwan, Eastern European and developing countries, however, do need to apply for a Temporary Resident Visa TRV with the Canadian consulate in their home country. TRVs good for a single entry cost 75.00 and are valid for up to six months. For the latest details check the website of Citizenship and Immigration Canada at www.cic.gc.ca. | Weather | 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. In Saskatchewan, Manitoba and eastern Alberta the prairies are fairly dry all year. Canadian winters are long and hard: in more than two-thirds of the country, the average January temperature is a shivering -18°C -0.4°F. July and August are the warmest months, when temperatures in the south are usually in the upper 20°Cs low 80°Fs. | Getting There | Tickets for flights departing Canada should include departure taxes. Some airports also charge departing passengers an 'airport improvement tax', usually 10.00 or15.00. |
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 |  | Canadian Rockies | Travelling via Mount Revelstoke and Glacier National Park, you arrive at Yoho meaning ‘awe’. Here you can hike to Emerald Lake or Takakkaw Falls and opt to hurtle down the rapids of Kicking Horse River by raft or go on a gentler canoe trip. Having marvelled at the colour of Lake Louise you’ll arrive at the majestic Banff National Park. Immerse yourself in the relaxing Sulphur Mountain hot springs in preparation for the following day’s hiking in the park. This is a great area for wildlife so keep you eyes peeled for bears! |
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