ADDRESSES Generally speaking, roads in built-up areas in
Canada are laid out on a grid system, creating "blocks" of
buildings. The first one or two digits of a specific address refer
to the block, which will be numbered in sequence from a central
point, usually downtown. For example, 620 S Cedar Ave will be six
blocks south of downtown. It is crucial, therefore, to take note of
components such as "NW" or "SE" in addresses; 3620 SW King St will
be a very long way indeed from 3620 NE King St. Where a number is
prefixed to the street number, this indicates an apartment or suite
number in a block at the same street address.
BEARS Be aware of the dangers posed by bears. Most people
blow a whistle while walking in bear country to warn them off. If
confronted don't run, make loud noises or sudden movements, all of
which are likely to provoke an attack. Leave the animal an escape
route and back off slowly. If you have a pack, leave it as a
distraction. If attacked, climbing a tree or playing dead may save
you from a grizzly, but not from black bears. Fighting back only
increases the ferocity of an attack.
ELECTRIC CURRENT Electricity in Canada is supplied at an
alternating current of 110 volts and at a frequency of 60Hz, the
same as in the US. Visitors from the UK will need transformers for
appliances like shavers and hair dryers, and a plug converter for
Canada's two-pin sockets.
FLOORS The first floor in Canada is what would be
the ground floor in Britain; the second floor would be the
first floor, and so on.
ID Should be carried at all times. Two pieces should
suffice, one of which should have a photo; a passport and credit
card are your best bet.
MEASUREMENTS Canada officially uses the metric system,
though many people still use the imperial system. Distances are in
kilometres, temperatures in degrees Celsius, and foodstuffs, petrol
and drink are sold in grams, kilograms or litres.
PUBLIC TOILETS Rare even in cities, but bars, fast-food
chains, museums and other public buildings invariably have
excellent facilities.
SENIOR TRAVELLERS For many senior citizens, retirement
brings the opportunity to explore the world in a style and at a
pace that is the envy of younger travellers. As well as the
advantages of being free to travel during the quieter, less
expensive seasons, and for longer periods, anyone over the age of
65, often 60, can enjoy the tremendous variety of discounts on
offer to those who can produce suitable ID. VIA Rail and Greyhound,
for example, offer (smallish) percentage reductions on fares to
older passengers; while the majority of museums and similar
attractions give at least fifty percent discounts for seniors.
VIDEOS If you purchase a prerecorded video in Canada,
make sure it's been recorded on the PAL system, or else it will be
useless back in Europe. Blank videos can be used in either
continent without any problem.