- 4,5-9 h (from the east to the west)

Ottawa

Official language

English and French

120 volts, 60 hertz. Type A and B plugs are used, and an adapter is required

Banks

9.30/10.00 a.m. - 3.00/5.00 p.m. (mon-fri)
Opening hours may vary. Some larger branches may also open on Saturdays.

Stores

9.00 a.m. - 9.00 p.m., (mon - sat)
Canada has no nationwide statutory shop opening hours; these are regulated locally. There are therefore regional differences. In large cities such as Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver, some grocery stores are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

• 1 January: New Year's Day

• 17 March: St. Patrick's Day — regional holiday

• Friday before Easter: Good Friday

• Easter Monday — regional holiday

• Monday before 25 May: Victoria Day

• 1 July: Canada Day

• First Monday in September: Labour Day

• Second Monday in October: Thanksgiving

• 25 December: Christmas Day

• 26 December: Boxing Day — regional holiday

Travel documents must be valid for the duration of the stay.

• Swiss citizens do not require a visa for a maximum stay of six months, provided they have obtained an electronic travel authorization (eTA) before boarding. https://www.cic.gc.ca/english/visit/eta.asp

• A visa in an expired travel document is accepted if the passenger has a new travel document issued by the same country.

• All passengers must complete a CBSA Declaration Card E-311 before arrival.

• Passengers can complete an Advance Declaration in the ArriveCAN app up to 72 hours before arrival.

• Visitors without a return or onward ticket may be refused entry.

• Minors travelling alone are also strongly advised to obtain a letter of consent signed by a guardian or parent with custody that contains the following information: permission to travel abroad; the destination in Canada, including the duration of the stay; the signatory's address and telephone number.

• Minors travelling with one parent or guardian are also strongly advised to carry a letter of consent signed by the other guardian or parent with custody that contains the following information: permission to travel abroad; the destination in Canada, including the duration of the stay; the signatory's address and telephone number.

• Minors travelling with adults who do not have custody of them are strongly advised to carry a letter of consent signed by a guardian or parent with custody that contains the following information: permission to travel with another person and to stay outside the country; the destination in Canada, including the duration of the stay; the signatory's address and telephone number.

• Parents travelling with a child under the age of 18 are strongly advised to carry documents demonstrating their relationship to the child. Parents who are separated or divorced are advised to keep legal and other relevant documents available to clarify custody arrangements.

Arctic climate: northern Canada, including parts of Nunavut, the Northwest Territories and Yukon.

• Summer: average temperatures between 0°C and 10°C.

• Winter: very cold, often below -30°C. Extremes may reach -50°C or even lower.

• Spring/autumn: slow transitions with temperatures between -10°C and 5°C.

Subarctic climate: parts of Yukon and the Northwest Territories, and the northern regions of Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec, and Newfoundland and Labrador.

• Summer: average temperatures between 10°C and 20°C.

• Winter: cold, with temperatures often below -20°C. Extremes can reach -40°C.

• Spring/autumn: short seasons with rapid temperature changes, typically between -5°C and 10°C.

Temperate climate: large parts of British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario and Quebec, as well as the southern regions of Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia and New Brunswick.

• Summer: average temperatures between 20°C and 30°C.

• Winter: cold to mild, with temperatures between -5°C and 5°C. Some regions can, however, experience considerably colder conditions.

• Spring/autumn: moderate temperatures between 5°C and 15°C, with some variation.

Maritime climate: coastal regions of British Columbia, Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island, and the southern coast of Newfoundland and Labrador.

• Summer: average temperatures between 15°C and 25°C.

• Winter: milder than inland areas, typically between -5°C and 5°C.

• Spring/autumn: mild, with temperatures between 5°C and 15°C.

The ideal time for your trip to Canada:

• Beach holidays: June to August. Popular beaches in British Columbia, Ontario, including those on Lake Huron and Lake Erie, Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island offer warm weather and pleasant conditions for beach activities and water sports at this time.

• City breaks: possible throughout the year, although spring and autumn are considered the best times.

• Winter holidays: December to March for winter sports in ski areas such as the Rocky Mountains and Quebec. Cities such as Montreal, Quebec City and Ottawa also offer picturesque snowy scenery and a variety of winter festivals. December to March is particularly suitable for seeing the Northern Lights, especially in the northern regions of Yukon, the Northwest Territories and Nunavut.

• Mobile phones: using a mobile phone in Canada may incur roaming charges. Travellers are advised to check the fees before departure and, if appropriate, purchase a special roaming package.

• Wi-Fi: free Wi-Fi is available in many hotels, restaurants, cafés and public areas.

• Niagara Falls (Ontario): one of the world's most impressive waterfall complexes, comprising Horseshoe Falls, American Falls and Bridal Veil Falls.

• Banff National Park (Alberta): a breathtaking nature reserve in the Canadian Rockies with glaciers, mountains, lakes and abundant wildlife.

• CN Tower (Toronto, Ontario): a prominent Toronto landmark and the tallest free-standing structure in the Western Hemisphere, offering spectacular views of the city.

• Old Quebec (Quebec City, Quebec): a historic district with cobbled streets, fortified walls and charming colonial-era buildings.

• Rocky Mountains (Alberta and British Columbia): a majestic mountain range extending across several provinces and offering magnificent scenery for outdoor activities.

• Parliament Hill (Ottawa, Ontario): the seat of Canada's Parliament on the banks of the Ottawa River, known for its impressive architecture and the Changing of the Guard ceremony.

• Vancouver Island (British Columbia): a diverse island off the coast of British Columbia with spectacular landscapes, coastal towns and abundant wildlife.

• Peggy's Cove (Nova Scotia): a picturesque fishing village with an iconic lighthouse, famous for its rocky coastline and scenic surroundings.

• Gros Morne National Park (Newfoundland and Labrador): a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its dramatic fjords, steep cliffs and geological diversity.

• Moraine Lake (Alberta): a breathtaking mountain lake in the Canadian Rockies, known for its turquoise water and surrounding peaks.

• Whistler (British Columbia): a renowned ski resort and year-round outdoor destination, famous for its excellent slopes, mountain-bike trails and charming mountain villages.

• Bay of Fundy (New Brunswick and Nova Scotia): a dramatic bay with some of the world's highest tides, a fascinating coastline and unique ecosystems.

• Royal Ontario Museum (Toronto, Ontario): one of North America's largest museums, renowned for its extensive collections of art, culture and natural history.

• Icefields Parkway (Alberta): a scenic road through the Canadian Rockies with spectacular views of glaciers, mountain lakes and dramatic alpine scenery.

• Churchill (Manitoba): a remote community on Hudson Bay, known as the “Polar Bear Capital of the World” and an outstanding wildlife-watching destination, particularly for polar bears.

Travel inspiration

Find inspiration in our blog posts and discover Canada's most fascinating destinations:

• Experience Vancouver: Sights, activities & culinary tips

• Toronto attractions: highlights, hidden gems & stylish hotels for your city break

• Montreal attractions: The most beautiful spots between the Old Town and Mont Royal

• Québec’s sights: Canada’s fortified city with a French soul

• The world's 10 most beautiful road trips: the Alcan Highway from Canada to Alaska

• The best tips for stress-free long-haul flights

Canada's culinary landscape is rich in variety and cultural influences, reflected in both traditional dishes and modern food trends. Highlights include:

• Diversity and regional cuisine: Canadian cuisine is strongly shaped by the country's cultural diversity. From Indigenous culinary traditions to French, British, Italian, Chinese and Indian influences, Canada offers a wide range of flavours and dishes. Regional differences are also pronounced, with each region having its own traditions and specialties.

• Street food and local delicacies: Canada is a paradise for food lovers, with an abundance of street food and local specialties. From classics such as poutine and butter tarts to dim sum and tacos, Canada's stalls and markets offer a wide variety of culinary experiences.

• Farm-to-table movement: a strong farm-to-table movement has developed in Canada in recent years, emphasizing local and seasonal ingredients and promoting a sustainable food culture. Many restaurants work closely with local farms and food producers.

• Coffee culture and craft beer scene: Canada has a lively coffee culture, with popular chains such as Tim Hortons and Second Cup as well as many independent cafés. It also has a thriving craft beer scene across the country's regions.

• Food festivals and food trucks: Canada holds numerous festivals celebrating local specialties, international cuisine and culinary trends. Food trucks are also popular and serve a broad range of dishes, from gourmet burgers to grilled cheese and vegan options.

Overall, Canada offers a fascinating culinary landscape that reflects the country's diversity and creativity and appeals to local people and visitors alike.

• Greetings: in Canada, it is customary to shake hands and address people by their first name unless the occasion is official or formal. “Hello” and “Hi” are common in informal situations, while “Nice to meet you” or “How do you do?” are suitable in more formal settings.

• Saying please and thank you: politeness is important, so “Please” and “Thank you” or “Thanks” are commonly used, especially when someone provides a service or does a favour. “You're welcome” is a customary response to “Thank you”.

• Clothing: dress should be appropriate for the season and activity. Warm clothing is essential in winter, while lighter clothing is recommended in summer. Appropriate attire is expected in formal situations.

• Dining: it is customary to leave a tip at the end of a restaurant meal. A knife and fork should be used, and food should only be eaten with the hands when it is intended as finger food.

• Smoking: smoking is prohibited in many public places and indoor spaces, including restaurants, bars and public transport. Follow local laws and smoke only in designated areas.

• Tipping: tipping is customary and expected in restaurants, bars and hotels and for taxi journeys. The usual amount is 15-20% of the bill.

• Drinking water quality: drinking water in Canada is generally of a very high standard and complies with strict health requirements. Most cities and municipalities supply clean, safe tap water. It is nevertheless advisable to check conditions before travelling to remote or rural areas, where water quality may vary. Bottled water may be preferable in such cases.
• Vaccinations: no specific vaccinations are generally required to enter Canada. Travellers are nevertheless advised to keep routine vaccinations up to date, particularly those for diphtheria, tetanus, polio and measles.

• Medical care is available in Canada but is considerably more expensive than in Switzerland. In most cities, walk-in clinics offer consultations without an appointment. Costs must be paid immediately at the place of treatment.
• If you depend on particular medication, carry an adequate supply. Many countries, however, have special rules on bringing in medicines containing controlled substances, such as methadone, and substances used to treat mental health conditions. If necessary, check directly with the responsible Canadian diplomatic mission before departure.

• Before and during your trip, follow media reports about the current situation in Canada and remain in contact with your tour operator.

• Further information on the current security situation is available from the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA).

• Despite increased security measures, the risk of terrorist attacks cannot be ruled out.

• A Swiss driving licence is generally recognized for short stays; the precise rules are determined by each province or territory.

• An International Driving Permit is recommended and may be required by some rental companies.

• The minimum age for renting a car ranges from 21 to 25, depending on the company.

• Vehicle and equipment requirements vary by province or territory. Check local regulations before driving your own vehicle.

• Drink-driving rules vary. The federal criminal threshold is 0.08% blood alcohol concentration, while many provinces impose administrative penalties from 0.05% or lower limits for certain categories of driver. The safest option is not to drink before driving.

• Long-distance trains: VIA Rail Canada connects major cities including Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver and Halifax. Rail travel offers a comfortable, relaxed way to enjoy the scenery.

• Regional trains: GO Transit operates commuter trains and buses in the Greater Toronto Area. In the Montreal region, the metropolitan rail and bus network operates under the name exo.

• Intercity buses: many companies provide national or regional services, including Megabus, Ontario Northland, Orléans Express and Maritime Bus, depending on the region. Greyhound Canada ended its domestic services in 2021; some cross-border routes are operated by the US company Greyhound Lines.

• Subways and light rail: several Canadian cities have subway, tram or light-rail networks. Toronto has a subway and streetcars, while Calgary operates the CTrain light-rail system.

• Tickets: purchasing arrangements vary by transport mode and region. Tickets are generally available at railway stations, bus terminals and subway stations or online.

• Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ): direct flights from Zurich.

• Montréal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport (YUL): direct flights from Zurich and Geneva.

• Vancouver International Airport (YVR): seasonal direct flights from Zurich.

• Calgary International Airport (YYC): seasonal direct flights from Zurich.

• Halifax Stanfield International Airport (YHZ): seasonal direct flights from Zurich.

• Ottawa, Edmonton and Quebec City do not have regular direct services from Switzerland; these destinations generally require a connecting flight.

Major airlines operating in Canada include Air Canada, WestJet, Air Transat, Porter Airlines, Jazz Aviation, Flair Airlines, Air North and Pacific Coastal Airlines.

011 41, followed by the Swiss number without the leading zero of the area code

Single emergency number: 911

5 Marlborough Avenue
Ottawa, ON K1N 8E6
Canada

Tel.: +1 613 235 1837
Email: ottawa@eda.admin.ch

Special legal regulations

• Very strict laws to fight illegal drugs (up to life imprisonment).