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Canada: it's livelier than you may think
Author: By Jerry Morris, Globe Staff
Date: SUNDAY, May 10, 1998
Page: M2
Section: Travel
We're good neighbors. And that's Canada's problem.
When Americans think of an international destination with world-class
attractions, one that's lively, interesting, exotic, safe, scenic,
adventurous, and friendly, Canada, alas, is not at the top of the list.
Too bad. Canada is everything just mentioned, plus it's easy to
reach. For many, it's less than a day's drive, and by air it can take just an
hour or so. And with the value of the Canadian dollar, it's a downright
bargain.
With the Canadian dollar worth about 73 cents US, the American dollar is
buying a lot more vacation in Canada than just about anywhere. Where else
can you find such a lively international destination to spend expanded
vacation dollars?
About the only thing some might dispute is the word ``lively.'' There's
no question about Canada's scenic wonders and its grand wildernesses. But
lively? Absolutely.
Just head to the great cities. Especially Toronto and Montreal, which
seem to be vying with each other for the title of Liveliest City North of the
Border. Both cities explode with fireworks in summer. Don't miss the Benson
& Hedges Symphony of Fire in Toronto, and the Benson & Hedges International
Fireworks Competition in Montreal from mid-June through mid-July.
Both cities are jazzy, but Montreal really swings. The city's
International Jazz Festival from July 1-12 draws musicians from throughout the
world and has become one of North America's top events. Many performances are
free and all are downtown. In Toronto, there's the duMaurier Jazz Festival,
June 19-28.
While Toronto outdoes Montreal when it comes to theater -- it's the third
largest theater city after New York and London -- Montreal brings out the
laughs with its annual Just For Laughs Festival, July 15-26, featuring more
than 600 comedians from 14 countries.
While Montreal is known for its French heritage, Toronto is fast becoming
known for its diversity -- it has become the most cosmopolitan place on earth.
Almost half of Ontario's citizens report an ethnic background other than
English or French. Toronto has become so cosmopolitan that it has become a
major motion picture center, with its streets and buildings doubling for
places around the world. Even some of the ``Harvard'' scenes in ``Good Will
Hunting'' were shot in Toronto.
One of Toronto's largest festivals, Caravan (June 12-20), brings ethnic
flair to the city's streets. In July, there's Caribana (July 17-Aug. 3),
which is one of the largest Caribbean celebrations in North America.
And, speaking of ``largests,'' Toronto's CN Tower, the tallest
free-standing tower in North America, is not to be missed. Ride to its top --
1,815 feet and 5 inches up -- for spectacular views of the city.
With millennium fever gripping many, Newfoundland and Labrador have
established a Viking Trail in time for the year 2000 -- which will mark 1,000
years since Leif Erikkson and his crew set up the settlement of Vinland in the
Great Northern Peninsula. The trail, now open, links five destinations and 12
interpretation centers. At L'Anse aux Meadows National Historic Site,
visitors can interact with Viking personalities and learn of the Vikings'
technology. This is where the Vikings extracted iron from the bogs for ship
repairs.
Canada: It's the place to be this year.
SIDEBAR 1:
Where to call (or look) for information on the provinces
Planning a trip to Canada is as easy as making a phone call. Each of the
provinces listed will provide visitors with guides and maps packed with
information on everything from accommodations to sights to see.
Newfoundland & Labrador
800-563-6353
www.gov.nf.ca
Prince Edward Island
800-PEI-PLAY (734-7529)
www.peiplay.com
Nova Scotia
800-565-0000
www.explore.gov.ns.ca/virtualns
New Brunswick
800-561-0123
www.gov.nb.ca/tourism/
Quebec
800-363-7777
www.Tourisme.gouv.qc.ca
Ontario
800-668-2746
www.ontario-canada.com/
Manitoba
800-665-0040
www.gov.mb.ca
Saskatchewan
800-667-7191
www.sasktourism.com/
Alberta
800-661-8888
www.discoveralberta.com/atp
British Columbia
800-663-6000
www.travel.bc.ca/
Yukon
800-667-5340
www.touryukon.com
Northwest Territories
800-661-0788
www.nwttravel.nt.ca
Nunavet
800-491-7910
http://www.nunatour.nt.ca<
Or, visit the Canada Web site:
www.travelcanada.ca.
SIDEBAR 2:
What visitors to Canada should know
Currency: Canada's currency is similar to ours, except for its loonies,
twonies, and value. Canada uses one- and two-dollar coins instead of bills.
The coins are affectionately called the loonie (after the loon depicted on the
coin) and twonie (to rhyme with loonie). The US dollar is currently worth
$1.38 in Canada. ATM machines, similar to ours, are found throughout the
country.
Taxes: Canada has a GST or ``goods and services tax'' of 7 percent on
food and services. There is also an HST or ``harmonized sales tax'' of 15
percent that replaces provincial sales taxes and the GST in the provinces of
Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick. Visitors can apply
for tax rebates. For information, see a copy of the Tax Refund Application for
Visitors found in many locations. Quebec and Manitoba also allow rebates on
provincial taxes.
Crossing the border: No passports are needed. However, proof of
citizenship may be required either entering or returning from Canada. While a
passport is the best proof of citizenship, a certified birth certificate or
naturalization papers may be accepted. Often other types of identification
such as credit cards may be accepted if accompanied by a photo identification
such as a driver's license. Be aware, though, that if you have a criminal
record, including conviction for driving while intoxicated, you may not be
admitted.
Flying: From Boston, there is excellent air service to all parts of
Canada. Nonstop service is available to Montreal, Toronto, Ottawa, Quebec
City, Vancouver, and Atlantic Canada destinations. Air Canada, Canadian Air,
Delta, Air Nova, United, and Comair provide service out of Boston.
Driving: The provinces of Ontario, Quebec, and New Brunswick are all
within a day's drive of Boston. Toronto is 609 miles, Montreal 320 miles, and
Halifax, 701 miles. Canada uses the metric system: 60 kilometers equals 37
miles per hour, 80 km equals 50 m.p.h. and 100 km equals 60 m.p.h.
By ship: An enjoyable and time-saving way to travel to Nova Scotia,
Prince Edward Island, and New Brunswick is aboard the Scotia Prince, a
cruise/ferry out of Portland, Maine. Daily overnight service is offered to
Yarmouth, Nova Scotia. For information, call 800-341-7540.
There are some cruises to Montreal. Most, are from New York City, but a
couple will be from Boston in the fall. Travel agents have details.
By rail: Amtrak offers service to Canada, where travelers can connect
with Via Rail, which offers transcontinental service in Canada.
Holidays: Upcoming holidays in Canada include Victoria Day, May 18;
Canada Day, July 1; Labor Day, Sept. 7; and Thanksgiving, Oct. 12.
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