Holidays In Canada – Winter Eastern Escape

• Country:Canada
• City:Ottawa
• Area:9.985 million km²
• Weather:34°C, Wind
• Local time:4:10 PM
• Currency: Canadian Dollar
• Language: English, French
• Population:15.14 35.16 million

General Information About Canada

Canada, stretching from the U.S. in the south to the Arctic Circle in the north, is filled with vibrant cities including massive, multicultural Toronto; predominantly French-speaking Montréal and Québec City; Vancouver and Halifax on the Pacific and Atlantic coasts, respectively; and Ottawa, the capital. It’s also crossed by the Rocky Mountains and home to vast swaths of protected wilderness

Aboriginal peoples are thought to have arrived from Asia thousands of years ago by way of a land bridge between Siberia and Alaska. Some of them settled in Canada, while others chose to continue to the south. When the European explorers arrived, Canada was populated by a diverse range of Aboriginal peoples who, depending on the environment, lived nomadic or settled lifestyles, were hunters, fishers or farmers. First contacts between the Aboriginal peoples and Europeans probably occurred about 1000 years ago when Icelandic Norsemen settled for a brief time on the island of Newfoundland. But it would be another 600 years before European exploration began in earnest. Seeking a new route to the rich markets of the Orient, French and British explorers plied the waters of North America. They constructed a number of posts - the French mostly along the St. Lawrence River, the Great Lakes and the Mississippi River; the British around Hudson Bay and along the Atlantic coast. Although explorers such as Cabot, Cartier and Champlain never found a route to China and India, they found something just as valuable - rich fishing grounds and teeming populations of beaver, fox and bear, all of which were valued for their fur

Permanent French and British settlement began in the early 1600s and increased throughout the century. With settlement came economic activity, but the colonies of New France and New England remained economically dependent on the fur trade and politically and militarily dependent on their mother countries. Inevitably, North America became the focal point for the bitter rivalry between England and France. After the fall of Quebec City in 1759, the Treaty of Paris assigned all French territory east of the Mississippi to Britain, except for the islands of St. Pierre and Miquelon, off the island of Newfoundland. Under British rule, the 65 000 French-speaking inhabitants of Canada had a single aim - to retain their traditions, language and culture. Britain passed the Quebec Act (1774), which granted official recognition to French Civil Law and guaranteed religious and linguistic freedoms. Large numbers of English-speaking colonists, called Loyalists because they wished to remain faithful to the British Empire, sought refuge in Canada after the United States of America won its independence in 1776. They settled mainly in the colonies of Nova Scotia and New Brunswick and along the Great Lakes. The increase in population led to the creation in 1791 of Upper Canada (now Ontario) and Lower Canada (Quebec). Both were granted their own representative governing institutions. Rebellions in Upper and Lower Canada in 1837 and 1838 prompted the British to join the two colonies, forming the united Province of Canada. In 1848 the joint colony was granted responsible government. Canada gained a further measure of autonomy but remained part of the British Empire.

A Country Is Born

Britain's North American colonies, Canada, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland grew and prospered independently. But with the emergence of a more powerful United States after the American Civil War, some politicians felt a union of the British colonies was the only way to fend off eventual annexation. On July 1, 1867, Canada East (Quebec), Canada West (Ontario), Nova Scotia and New Brunswick joined together under the terms of the British North America Act to become the Dominion of Canada. The government of the new country was based on the British parliamentary system, with a Governor General (the Crown's representative) and a Parliament consisting of the House of Commons and the Senate. Parliament received the power to legislate over matters of national interest (such as criminal law, trade and commerce, and national defence), while the provinces were given legislative powers over matters of "particular" interest (such as property and civil rights, hospitals and education).

Westward Expansion

Soon after Confederation, Canada expanded into the northwest. Rupert's Land - an area extending south and west for thousands of kilometres from Hudson Bay - was purchased by Canada from the Hudson's Bay Company, which had been granted the vast territory by King Charles of England in 1670. Westward expansion did not happen without stress. In 1869, Louis Riel led an uprising of the M้tis in an attempt to defend their ancestral rights to the land. A compromise was reached in 1870 and a new province, Manitoba, was carved from Rupert's Land. British Columbia, already a Crown colony since 1858, decided to join the Dominion in 1871 on the promise of a rail link with the rest of the country; Prince Edward Island followed suit in 1873. In 1898, the northern territory of Yukon was officially established to ensure Canadian jurisdiction over that area during the Klondike gold rush. In 1905, two new provinces were carved from Rupert's Land: Alberta and Saskatchewan; the residual land became the Northwest Territories. Newfoundland preferred to remain a British colony until 1949, when it became Canada's 10th province. The creation of new provinces coincided with an increase of immigration to Canada, particularly to the west. Immigration peaked in 1913 with 400 000 coming to Canada. During the pre-war period, Canada profited from the prosperous world economy and established itself as an industrial as well as an agricultural power.

A Nation Matures

Canada's substantial role in World War I won it representation distinct from Britain in the League of Nations after the war. Its independent voice became more and more pronounced, and in 1931 Canada's constitutional autonomy from Britain was confirmed with the passing of the Statute of Westminster. In Canada, as elsewhere, the onset of the Great Depression in 1929 brought hardship. As many as one of every four workers was without a job and the provinces of Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba were laid waste by drought. Ironically, it was the need to supply the Allied armies during World War II that boosted Canada out of the Depression. Since World War II, Canada's economy has continued to expand. This growth, combined with government social programs such as family allowances, old-age security, universal medicare and unemployment insurance, has given Canadians a high standard of living and desirable quality of life. Noticeable changes have occurred in Canada's immigration trends.

Before World War II, most immigrants came from the British Isles or eastern Europe. Since 1945, increasing numbers of southern Europeans, Asians, South Americans and people from the Caribbean islands have enriched Canada's multicultural mosaic. On the international scene, as the nation has developed and matured, so have its reputation and influence. Canada has participated in the United Nations since its inception and is the only nation to have taken part in almost all of the UN's major peacekeeping operations. It is also a member of the Commonwealth, la Francophonie, the Group of Seven industrialized nations, the OAS(Organization of American States) and the NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) defence pact.

A New Federation in the Making

The last quarter of a century has seen Canadians grapple once more with fundamental questions of national identity. Discontent among many French-speaking Quebeckers led to a referendum in that province in 1980 on whether Quebec should become more politically autonomous from Canada, but a majority voted against that option. In 1982, the process toward major constitutional reform culminated in the signing of the Constitution Act. Under this Act, the British North America Act of 1867 and its various amendments became the Constitution Act, 1867-1982. The Constitution, its Charter of Rights and Freedoms and its general amending formula redefined the powers of governments, entrenched the equality of women and men and protected the rights of individuals and ethnocultural groups

Two major efforts were made to reform the constitutional system: the 1987 Meech Lake Accord - which was not implemented since it did not obtain the legislative consent of all provinces - and the 1991 Charlottetown Accord. The Charlottetown Accord would have reformed the Senate, entrenched the principle of Aboriginal self-government and made other major changes in the Constitution. It was rejected by Canadians in a national referendum held on October 26, 1992. The Parliament of Canada has since passed a bill, on February 2, 1996, guaranteeing Canada's 5 major regions that no constitutional change concerning them would be made without their unanimous consent. As well, less than a month after the Quebec sovereignty referendum of October 30, 1995, Parliament passed a resolution recognizing Quebec as a distinct society within Canada.

Toronto

Often mistaken for the nation's capital (which is actually Ottawa), Toronto is probably the best known Canadian city, in large part due to the Toronto International Film Festival, the CN Tower and major sports franchises, including the Blue Jays, the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Raptors. Toronto is less than two hours from both the U.S. border and Niagara Falls and within two to three hours of magnificent cottage country and provincial parks.

Vancouver

where the ocean meets the mountains. Aside from spectacular natural beauty, Vancouver has a laid-back charm that makes it one of the most popular Canadian cities to visit. Millions of people saw the allure of Vancouver both first hand and on the screens of their TVs in 2010 when the city hosted the Winter Olympic Games. Many of the events took place in Whistler, one of the world's premier ski destinations, but also a year-round visitor draw.

Montreal

French and English are the main influences, but this unique Canadian city is truly international. Montreal has an energy and joie de vivre found only in the world’s best cities. Whether you prefer modern conveniences like the vast Underground City and the Casino de Montreal complex or enjoy a quainter, more historic experience, Montreal will not disappoint.

Niagara Falls

Although the main draw to Niagara Falls, Canada, is to view the two waterfalls, the surrounding area has much more to offer. The Niagara wine region and the Shaw Festival are just two more reasons to visit. Niagara Falls is probably best known as a honeymoon destination, attracting millions of newlywed or just plain romantic couples each year. In recent years, the area has become more sophisticated - in large part due to a new Casino that ushered in other fine dining and hotels

Quebec City

Quebec City offers an experience unlike any other in North America. Quebec City’s Old Town itself is a work of art: cobblestone walkways, well-preserved 17th century architecture, café culture and the only North American fortress walls that still exist north of Mexico - all of which has given it status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. French is still the prevalent language spoken is Quebec and can't help but add a certain allure to this already alluring town.

Ottawa

Though Toronto and Montreal may be better known, Ottawa, Ontario, is Canada's capital city. Ottawa is a charming city to visit; it has a cultured, yet friendly atmosphere. So much of Ottawa’s allure is due to the well-planned city that is pedestrian friendly and human in scale. The many historic buildings – most prominently the Parliament Building and the Château Laurier – are lovingly preserved.

People Of Canada

Canada’s population consists of two main and several smaller national groups. About 25% are British and 25% are French. The remaining 50% are mainly German, Ukrainian, Italian, Chinese, American Indian and Inuit, the native Canadian peoples. The principal Religion of Canada is Roman Catholism. English and French are principally spoken languages.

When to go

When to go to Canada depends a lot on what you plan to do when you get there. Although much of Canada lies above the 49th parallel, and therefore has long and often intense winter weather, this isn't particularly a negative if you are going to Canada to ski. Although some tourist facilities in small centers are closed in winter, most remain open (after all, Canadians live in Canada year-round and require a full network of services). Summer, from late June to August, brings the finest weather and not surprisingly the largest influx of travelers. Prices are highest, accommodations are frequently booked up, and crowds fill the wilderness. In many ways, the fall months, particularly September and October, are the most pleasant time to travel, as the weather is frequently very pleasant, the crowds have dispersed, and prices begin to fall. If you are looking for value, spring is the best time to visit Canada. However, it's not a good time to plan a trip centering on outdoor activities as it is also the "mud season" when all that snow melts.

weather

In southern and central Canada, the weather is the same as that in the northern United States. As you head north, the climate becomes arctic, meaning long and extremely cold winters, brief and surprisingly warm summers (with lots of insects), and magical springs. As a general rule, spring runs mid-March to mid-May, summer mid-May to mid-September, fall mid-September to mid-November, and winter mid-November to mid-March. Pick the season best suited to your tastes and temperament, and remember that your car should be winterized through March and that snow sometimes falls as late as April (in 1995, a foot of snow blanketed Prince Edward Island in May). September and October bring autumn foliage and great opportunities for photographers. Evenings tend to be cool everywhere, particularly on or near water. In late spring and early summer, you'll need a supply of insect repellent if you're planning bush travel or camping. With the huge size of some provinces and territories, you naturally get considerable climate variations inside their borders. Québec, for instance, sprawls all the way from the temperate south to the Arctic, and the weather varies accordingly.

Currency Of Canada

The Canadian dollar (sign: $; code: CAD) is the currency of Canada. It is normally abbreviated with the dollar sign $, or C$ to distinguish it from other dollar-denominated currencies. It is divided into 100 cents. The Canadian dollar is the 7th most traded currency in the world, behind the US dollar, the euro, the yen, the pound sterling, the Swiss franc and the Australian dollar. A number of central banks (and commercial banks) keep Canadian dollars as a reserve currency. The Canadian dollar is considered to be a benchmark currency. In the economy of the Americas the Canadian dollar plays a similar role to that which the Australian Dollar (AUD) does in the Asia-Pacific region. The Canadian dollar (as a regional reserve currency for banking) has been an important part of the British, French and Dutch Caribbean state's economies and finance systems since the 1950s. The Canadian dollar is held by many central banks in Central America and South America as well. The Canadian dollar is used as a reserve currency around the world and is currently ranked 6th in value held as reserves.

Nightlife Of Canada

Canadian nightlife isn’t solely oriented around boozing. But if you’re up for a few drinks, most cities have a pleasant selection of casual brewpubs and hipster lounges. In many cases, the most popular bars are connected to stylish hotels. The major cities have at least a handful of nightclubs playing music to suit most tastes. Live music’s popular too – try Nova Scotia for traditional Celtic music with a Canadian slant or Alberta for boot-stomping cowboy tunes. A night out in Canada is just as likely to be centred around eating, and the country’s considerable ethnic diversity means you’re in for a treat, with an enormous variety of food available. Vancouver is the place to head for sushi, while Montreal is renowned for poutine - a stodgy dish of fries smothered in cheese curds and gravy. Canadians also love hanging out at coffee bars and these tend to stay open late, making a nice alternative to sitting in the pub. Montreal, Ottawa, Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary 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, but it’s always worth having a few beers in the local bar where you’re likely to encounter a few characters.

Night Clubs & Bars Bar None

1222 Hamilton St, Vancouver, BC. Located in the neighborhood of trendy Yaletown, Bar None is a favorite of many celebrities and attractive people around town. Bands are scheduled every now and then, but mostly they play the Top 40's, Dance, House and Hip Hop. It's best to get on the guest list before going. Visit their website for guest lists options

Celebrities Nightclub

1022 Davie Street Vancouver. Known as the hottest Gay bar and club in Vancouver, this bar has it all. Full service bars, go-go dancers, the latest dance music, and two fully stocked bars

Aubar Nightclub

674 Seymour St, Vancouver, BC. A 22 foot ceiling, soft lighting, and huge dance space is what makes AuBar one of the top nightclubs in Vancouver.International and local DJ's are found spinning here throughout the week. Techno, hip hop, and Top 40 is the focus.

Richards on Richards

1036 Richards Street. Richards has a dark and fancy atmosphere. Filled with gentle neon lighting, this club provides excellent dance grooves and a relaxed setting for some cocktails. The central dancefloor makes it easier for everyone to mingle together, and for on-lookers to watch. Two full service bars, and an additional bar with only bottles for quick refreshment

Caprice Nightclub and Lounge

967 Granville Street Formerly a movie theatre, this nightclub is a hot spot every weekend and always packed. Enjoy top sound systems, bars, big-screen TV's, full menu and fireplace setting.

Shark Club

180 West Georgia Street. This club provides more of a relaxed feel to it, and the tv screens are always showing some game or another. Tasty grilled food and sports in the day, and dance club by night. Head to the 'Shark after Dark', dance the night away, and admire sexy go go dancers.

Plaza Club

881 Granville Street, Vancouver, BC. Listen to Top 40's, hip hop, dance and techno at the Plaza Club on Granville. This bar features booth seating, full service bars, and upstairs balcony for on-lookers. You have to be on the guest list on Saturdays to get in.

Language Of Canada

English and French are the official languages of all federal government institutions in Canada. This means that the public has the right to communicate with, and receive services from, federal government institutions in either English or French and that federal government employees have the right to work in the official language of their choice in designated bilingual regions. The Canadian federal government is also committed to advancing the equality of status and use of the English and French languages within Canadian society and provides support to the development of English and French linguistic minority communities. The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms spells out language rights in Canada and the Official Languages Act specifies the obligations of Canadian federal government institutions.