The Canada Business Travel Guide provides a range of valuable travel information to assist business travellers. The guide contains facts on the Canada, visa information, business customs, useful tips and other resources. An understanding of other cultures, languages, customs and Etiquette can be of great importance to business travellers and give a real advantage to ensuring a successful business trip.
Canada has an advanced and developed economy with a number of business opportunities. A member of the G7, the second largest country in the world and largest in North America is one of the world's trading nations. Major trading partners include neighbour the USA, Mexico, UK, China, Germany an Japan and in recent years the country has increased its trade links with growing economies in Asia. Canada is a multicultural, multiracial country and home to a number of ethic groups.
The country has a variety of landscapes including mountains, hills, volcanoes, forests, lakes and a range of flora and fauna. Famous attractions include Niagara Falls, Banff National Park, CN Tower, Canadian Rockies, Lake Ontario, Whistler, Stanley Park in Vancouver and Gros Morne National Park.
Canada Guide
Quick Facts on Canada
Canada Travel Advice
Visa Requirements
Business Customs and Etiquette
Travel Advice and Tips
Public Holidays
Canada Map
Canada Weather & Climate
Quick Facts on Canada
Country: Canada
Capital: Ottawa
Currency: Canadian Dollar (CAD); 1 Canadian Dollar = 100 cents
Population: 34.7 Million (UN, 2012)
Area total: 3,855,000 sq km
Languages: English, French
Time Zone: GMT -3.5 to -8
Daylight Saving Details: Starts in late March until late October
Electricity: 110-120V 60Hz
Dialling Code: +1
GDP: USD 1.827 Trillion (World Bank, 2013)
Religion: Predominately Christian with Muslim, Hindu, Sikh and Jewish minorities.
Political System: Constitutional Monarchy
Internet Domain: .ca
Canada Travel Advice
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office offers travellers useful advice when travelling to Canada. You can find more information on entry requirements for Canada, advice on local laws and customs, health considerations, useful tips on safety and security and the address and contact details of the British High Commission in Canada. The information is updated regularly making it a useful resource for both business and leisure travellers when searching for the latest up to date travel advice and information on Canada. For more information please see: Canada Travel Advice
Visa Requirements
No visa requirement for short stays for the nationals of the UK and some EU member states. No visa need for US nationals and Green Card holders. Visa requirements are subject to change with changes in requirements and rules for further information please see: Canada High Commission UK
Business Customs and Etiquette
Business dress is generally conservative, punctuality is important for meetings and greetings for business usually consist of a handshake. Business meetings are made by prior appointment. Courtesy and good manners are expected from all, personal space is important in Canada any over friendly actions should be avoided. Titles are used in correspondence, whilst excessive gesturing is frowned upon.
In negotiations having good knowledge of the product/service and being well prepared is appreciated. Business practices and protocols are similar to that in most western countries, visitors will find entertaining is done in restaurants and bars not at residential homes.
Travel Advice and Tips
The majority of trips to Canada for business travellers and tourists go without incident each year. You should however always exercise sensible precautions such are being alert and aware of your surroundings. Do not show valuables in public and beware of pick pockets and bag snatchers especially in crowded public places, never leave valuables and luggage unattended at any time.
Travel Checklist: See our Travellers Checklist containing useful tips and reminders to ensure you have everything you will need on your trip.
Travel Vaccinations: It is recommended you check with your GP for the latest advice on any travel vaccinations you may need, up to eight weeks before you travel. For more information and advice on travel vaccinations please see the NHS Fit for Travel website.
Tipping: If service charge is not included usually around 15%
Hours of Business:
For Businesses:
08.30 to 17.00 Monday to Friday
For Shops
09.00 to 17.00 Monday to Friday (shops in larger centres and supermarkets often open until 21.00/22.00).
For Banks:
10.00 to 15.00/16.30 Monday to Thursday
10.00 to 18.00 Fridays
NOTE: Shops & supermarkets are often open on Saturday and Sundays and some are open 24 hours.
Public Holidays
Public Holidays (2015):
January 1: New Year's Day
April 3: Good Friday
April 5: Easter Sunday
May 25: Victoria Day
July 1: Canada Day
September 7: Labour Day
October 12: Thanksgiving Day
November 11: Remembrance Day
December 25: Christmas Day
December 26: Boxing Day
Canada Map
Toronto Map, Canada
View Larger Map
Canada Weather & Climate
Canada's location and sheer size ensures there are various climates across the country. The humid continental climate with warm to hot summers and cold winters are found in cities such as Toronto. The oceanic climate is found in cities such as Vancouver with warm summers and cool winters, northern parts of Canada also have a sub-artic and artic climate. Visitors wanting to avoid snow can travel between May and September to get the best of the spring and summer weather. For those after the snow visiting between December and April is advisable as the skiing resorts are open then. Visitors should be aware of the possibility of summer thunderstorms and tornados.
Lightweight cotton and linen clothing can be warn in July and August for most of southern Canada, with medium weight clothing need in spring and autumn. Winter clothing with warm overcoat, hats, gloves and boots are needed throughout the country in the winter months as the temperatures can drop well below freezing.
Disclaimer: The information given in on this website is given in good faith and to the best of our knowledge. If there are any discrepancies in no way do we intend to mislead. Important travel details and arrangements should be confirmed and verified with the relevant authorities.
