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Land travel is much cheaper and, if you don't mind long distances, much more interesting than flying. The bus network is the most extensive public transportation system and is generally less expensive than the now limited train service. The longest, continuous train route in the country runs from Toronto to Vancouver. The train that does the trip, the Canadian, looks like the classic 1950s stainless steel original, complete with the two-storyed windowed 'dome car' for sightseeing. Air fares are fairly expensive but, if you're strapped for time, the distances you may need to travel are so great that you'll probably have to fly. Air Canada (which swallowed Canadian Airlines in 1999) is the major domestic airline. Other smaller carriers, such as WestJet Airlines preclude an Air Canada monoply. In many ways, the best way to experience the country is to hire a car. Canadians drive on the right side of the road, as in the USA. A valid driver's license from any country is good in Canada for three months.

Money & Costs

Currency: Canadian dollar

Meals

• Budget: US$5-10
• Mid-range: US$10-25
• Top-end: US$25 and upwards
  
  Lodging
  
• Budget: US$12-25
• Mid-range: US$25-40
• Top-end: US$40 and upwards

For most visitors, the largest expense will be accommodation. Food prices are generally much lower than those in Western Europe, but are a little higher than USA prices. If you stay in budget accommodation and eat in cafes, expect to spend around US$40 a day, not including long-distance transport. If you stay in motels and eat at restaurants occasionally, you're looking at around US$75 a day.

It's best to change money at companies such as Thomas Cook, which specialises in international transactions. If you can't find a money exchange office or booth, try a bank. American Express and Thomas Cook are the best travelers' checks to have, and you should make sure they are either in US or Canadian dollar denominations. Credit cards are widely accepted, especially Visa, MasterCard and American Express.

A 7% Goods & Services Tax (GST) is applicable to all transport, accommodation, restaurant meals and just about anything else you're likely to purchase, including newspapers. On top of this, in most of Canada, a provincial sales tax also must be paid. This can, in some provinces, add 15% to the quoted price, so factor it into your expenses before you reach a cash register.

It's considered normal to tip 10-15% of the bill. Tips are usually given to waiters, cab drivers, hairdressers, hotel attendants and, by savvy drinkers, bar staff.