Going Out

Food and Drink

Canadian cuisine is as varied as the country. The colonial influence is still strong, with European menus available in all major cities. The French influence in Québec is easily discernible in the many restaurants which specialise in French cuisine. Waiter service in restaurants is common. Dress requirements and billing procedures vary. A selection of European/US wines and spirits are imported.

Things to know: Spirits may only be purchased from specially-licensed liquor stores or restaurants displaying the sign ‘Licensed Premises.’ Many allow customers to bring their own beer or wine. A wide variety of alcohol is sold in most hotels, restaurants and bars. Bars may have table or counter service and payment is generally made after each drink. Opening hours vary from province to province.

National specialities:
• The hundreds of miles of coastline offer varied seafood.
• The central plains provide first-class beef and agricultural produce.
• Some more unusual produce might include elk, bison and caribou.

National drinks:
• Canadians enjoy their own rye whisky.

Legal drinking age: The minimum drinking age is either 18 or 19, depending on the province/territory. See Food and Drink in the individual provinces/ territories sections. Nunavut is an exception because alcohol is prohibited in some communities.

Tipping: Normal practice is usually 15% of the bill, more if service is exceptional. Tipping your server is standard practice in bars and nightclubs.

Nightlife

Every major provincial capital in the more populated areas has nightclubs, and hotel dinner/dancing. Montréal, Ottawa, Toronto, Vancouver and Winnipeg are centres for ballet, opera and classical music, with visits from leading orchestras and internationally renowned performers. Entertainment in the more remote towns is scarce.

Shopping

Fine examples of Canadian craftware are available, such as art woodcarvings, pottery, cottons and native artefacts. Some countries have restrictions against the import of endangered animal species products, such as polar bear, seal, walrus etc, so visitors should check entry regulations in their home country before departure. A 5% goods and service tax (GST) is levied on most goods and services in Canada. In addition, most provinces (except Alberta, Northwest Territories and Yukon) levy a provincial service tax (PST) of 5 to 7% in shops, restaurants and short-term accommodation. In the provinces of Newfoundland, Nova Scotia and New Brunswick, a 13% harmonised sales tax (HST) has replaced the GST and PST.

Shopping hours: Mon-Sat 0900-1800, with late-night shopping in some stores Thurs-Fri, up to 2100. Some shops and stores are also open on Sunday, and some are open 24 hours a day.

© 2006 Columbus Travel Publishing Ltd. Disclaimer

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