Located in the northern part of North America, Canada is the second-largest country in the world by land area. The country's known for its vast and diverse landscapes, which include forests, mountains, lakes, and Arctic tundra, and is famous for its multicultural society, high quality of life, and strong commitment to human rights and democracy. Ottawa is Canada's capital. Located in the province of Ontario, along the Ottawa River, it is a safe, clean city and the political and administrative centre of the country and home to Parliament Hill, where Canada's federal government operates.
UTC-3.5 to -8 daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last Sunday in October.
Floods, wildfires, and severe storms are among the most frequent and costly, but other hazards include earthquakes, landslides, avalanches, and tornadoes.
Canada is known for its national parks and natural beauty, so strict rules have been placed in those areas, which can result in fines if violated. These include: littering in parks (Fines up to $500 or more), feeding or disturbing wildlife - especially in national parks ($250 to over $25,000), and Camping in unauthorized areas ($100–$300). Also; overstaying a visa can result in being barred from re-entry rather than fines due to being treated as a serious immigration violation, and providing false information to border officers may lead to fines and permanent bans.
The official languages of Canada are English and French.
In Canada, vehicles drive on the right, while right turns on red are generally allowed except on the Island of Montreal. The minimum driving age is generally 18, but for renting a car, rental agencies often require drivers to be at least 21 years old, with some imposing under-25 surcharges or refusing rentals altogether if you're younger. Be sure to inform your rental agency if you plan to cross the Canada–US border. Many major providers allow this, but you must have it specified in your rental agreement. When crossing, keep the rental agreement handy; border agents may ask for it, and if you're bringing your own vehicle into Canada, you don’t need to formally import it as long as it's temporary and not sold there. However, you can’t sell or gift it, and you must respect the allowed entry duration.
Winter driving can be hazardous due to snow, black ice, and wildlife, so in some provinces, like Quebec and British Columbia, winter tires are required during specific winter months. Be proactive: check road/weather conditions, plan fuel stops, carry warm clothing, and keep maps or emergency gear in your vehicle.
0.08% BAC is the legal limit, though some provinces enforce lower thresholds (0.05%) and impose steep penalties.
Seat belts are mandatory for all occupants.