History
The first inhabitants of Canada were aboriginal peoples, believed to have arrived from Asia thousands of years ago by way of a land bridge between Siberia and Alaska.
Explorers from France and Great Britain, including John Cabot (hired by King Henry VII), Jacques Cartier, Samuel de Champlain and Henry Hudson began to land in Canada in 1497. Permanent settlement by these two nations began in the early 1600s.
Canada became a nation on July 1, 1867 as four provinces - Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia and New Brunswick - came together to form the Dominion of Canada. Sir John A. MacDonald became the country's first Prime Minister. The remaining provinces and territories would join Canada in the coming years.
In 1885, the last spike was hammered in the Canadian Pacific Railway. The completion of the national railroad, winding through Canada's diverse landscape, fulfilled a dream of linking the young country from west coast to east.
Up until World War II, most immigrants came from the British Isles or eastern Europe. Since 1945, however, Canada's cultural make-up has been enhanced by increasing numbers of southern Europeans, Asians, South Americans and people from the Caribbean Islands, with the greatest numbers of immigrants arriving from countries in the Asia Pacific region.
Today, the country is made up of 10 provinces and three territories, most of which are populated by Canadians who can trace their ancestry from virtually everywhere in the world. A recent census showed that over 11 million Canadians, or 42 per cent of the population, reported having an ethnic origin other than British or French.
Climate
Canada is often associated with cold weather and snow, but in reality, its climate is as diverse as its landscape. Generally, Canadians enjoy four very distinct seasons, particularly in the more populated regions along the US border. Daytime summer temperatures can rise to 35°C and higher, while lows of -25°C are not uncommon in winter. More moderate temperatures are the norm in spring and fall.
Summers can be hot and dry on the prairies, humid in central Canada, and milder on the coasts. Spring is generally pleasant across the country. Autumns are often crisp and cool, but brightened by rich orange and red leaves on trees.
Winters are generally cold with periods of snow, although southern Alberta enjoys the occasional "Chinook", a warm dry wind from the Rocky Mountains that gusts through and melts the snow. Winters are mild and wet on the west coast, in cities such as Vancouver and Victoria.
When the temperature does drop, Canadian stay warm thanks to an infrastructure of heated houses, cars and public transportation systems. Some cities have also installed walkways to and from buildings in schools.
Average Daily Temperature (Celcius)
National Emblem
Maple Leaf
Population
In 2002, the population of Canada was estimated to have exceeded 31.4 million. However, Canadians are spread over a large geographic land mass, giving Canada one of the smallest population density ratios in the world at 3.1 persons per square kilometre.
Canada is a vast country with a variety of tourist destinations. Wherever you choose to study in Canada, you will discover a multitude of cultural, leisure, and other activities year-round. You can enjoy the many museums, seasonal festivals, and exciting nightlife that each province and territory has to offer. Canada also has a beautiful countryside which means that most outdoor recreational activities are very popular here, whether it be skiing, cycling, hiking, camping, sightseeing, or even ice sailing.
Take the opportunity to fully explore Canadian life while you're studying in Canada. When you're not in the classroom, discover many unique destinations - whether for a day trip, a weekend getaway, or longer.
Here are some typical costs for living in Canada:
Taxes
Some provinces apply a provincial tax levy to goods and services. All provinces must apply the federal Goods & Services Tax (GST) of seven per cent to most purchases. As a visitor, a portion of the GST may be refunded to you upon your departure from Canada. There are restrictions that apply and you must provide original receipts. Contact Revenue Canada or your school for further information. GST refund forms can be obtained at the information counters at airports and at most shopping malls.
Currency and Banking
Money and Measurements
Canada uses the metric system of measurement. The unit of currency is the Canadian dollar, which equals 100 cents. The most common paper currency in Canada comes in $5, $10, $20, $50 and $100 denominations. Coins appear in 1 cent (pennies), 5 cents (nickels), 10 cents (dimes), 25 cents (quarters), $1 (loonies) and $2 (twoonies) denominations. The $1 and $2 coins have been introduced over the last 10 years, and there are still Canadian $1 and $2 bills in circulation that are considered legal tender (they have also become collector's items). Canadian bills are clearly marked and each denomination has a distinctive colour.
Banks & Currency Exchange
Although banks often offer the best currency exchange rate, some do charge a small fee to change money or traveller's cheques, and prices listed often do not include taxes. It is best to change a small amount of currency into Canadian money before coming to Canada, as banks are usually open only Monday to Friday, daytime hours (9 a.m. to 5 p.m.). Other means of exchanging your currency can be somewhat more costly. Exchange services offered by hotels, shops, and exchange booths almost always offer the highest rates or charge large commission fees. Wherever you go, always ask about hidden charges before changing money.
All shops and businesses will accept Canadian currency, and some will accept United States currency in tourist areas. All other currency must be converted.
Banks and Automated Teller Machines (ATMs)
Students can easily access the many banks and affiliated ATMs in Canada. They are especially easy to find in large cities, and are more convenient than credit cards and traveller's cheques. You can usually use a regular bank card or a major credit card at ATMs to withdraw cash. It might also be possible to open a local account which would come with an ATM card. ATM cards can also be used at many stores in Canada to pay for items such as groceries and clothing.
Banks offer a variety of services to their customers including currency exchange, safety deposit boxes for storage of passports, and savings accounts. Many Canadians use personal cheques issued by banks as an efficient means to pay for services.
Traveller's Cheques and Credit Cards
Traveller's cheques are a recommended form of currency when travelling (for safety reasons) and can be purchased at major Canadian banks. They are easily replaced if stolen or lost. Most shops, hotels, restaurants and attractions accept traveller's cheques as well as major credit cards.
The rate of exchange in effect on the day of a credit card transaction will be automatically updated on your credit card bill. Students can also apply for credit cards when they arrive in Canada; however, the expenses are due at the end of every month with interest charged on unpaid expenses.
Accommodation - Long Term
Homestays
Many Canadian families welcome international students. This may be an effective way for you to improve your English or French, learn about daily life in Canada, and meet new, friendly people. Homestays also offer a more stable and secure environment for younger people coming to study in Canada. Typically, a homestay consists of a Canadian family hosting a student in their home while the student attends classes in Canada. Meals aNd a private, furnished room are provided in the home, and the host family welcomes and encourages participation in family and community activities.
Homestays are arranged by the school and students are matched with families who share similar interests. Amenities and location vary from home to home, but preferences can and should be indicated to the school so that a suitable match may be found. Many schools can arrange for a school representative or homestay family to meet you at the airport when you arrive.
Prices will vary according to location, and some homestay services will charge an initial placement fee of up to $200 CDN.
For more information, contact the school you will be attending.
Average cost of homestay accommodation: $400 - $800 CDN per month.
Average cost of shared accommodations in Canada: $250 - $700 CDN monthly.
Average cost of a suite or apartment: $400 - $1,500 CDN monthly.
Things to remember when choosing accommodation in Canada:
Prices can vary greatly according to location and time of year, so try to investigate before you leave. Canada is a friendly and wonderful place, and having made the proper arrangements, you will undoubtedly enjoy your stay regardless of where you choose to live in Canada.
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