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Hey, I was planning a visit to Canada next year to check it out (Was thinking of moving up there one day). What are some basic stuff I should know before I visit? So far I've looked into Canadian laws, learning a bit of french, and some culture information but would like to know more (mainly from people who live there or have visited before), thanks.
What are some basic stuff I should know before I visit?
Know where in Canada you're going.
Where in Canada are you planning to visit? It's a huge country and the regional variations between provinces shouldn't be underestimated. Each province has its own distinct identity, culture, climate, geography, and regulations. Where you end up in Canada will greatly affect how you experience it.
Just saying you're going "to Canada" is too vague.
If you can be a bit more specific, it would be helpful for us to provide you with any relevant advice. (Kind of like if I were asking advice on going to the USA without mentioning which state or city, or even when I was planning to visit... I'm sure you understand).
Last edited by Robynator; 12-07-2009 at 11:59 AM..
Generally with Passport in hand they may ask your purpose of the visit ( in my case to visit family as I was born in Ontario...my Passport shows country of birth).
NO need to learn French unless your going to Quebec...rest of the Provinces speak ENGLISH.
Only a small percentage of Canadians speak any French so feel at ease.
Enjoy your future planned trip...Canada is a great country.
Where in Canada is Saskatoon, and was learning French for the point system (if I do decided on living there later on, it would add more points if I at least know how to read, write, and understand French) Completely slipped my mind on actually listing where.
Where in Canada is Saskatoon, and was learning French for the point system (if I do decided on living there later on, it would add more points if I at least know how to read, write, and understand French) Completely slipped my mind on actually listing where.
Not much use for French in Saskatoon on a practical level.
As for the points system, it is true you get points for knowing one or both of the official languages, but as you already know one, will you really get that many more points just for knowing French?
Seems like a lot of trouble to go to (learning another language, that is...)
BTW, if you are immigrating with Quebec as a destination, you will get more points for that.
Only a small percentage of Canadians speak any French so feel at ease.
Close to one in four Canadians have French as a main language, so I don't know if that qualifies as a "small percentage".
And if you count the native French speakers plus second language speakers (ie anglos who also know French), it's like one in three Canadians who can speak French.
Of course you are right that French is very concentrated in and around Quebec...
Close to one in four Canadians have French as a main language, so I don't know if that qualifies as a "small percentage".
And if you count the native French speakers plus second language speakers (ie anglos who also know French), it's like one in three Canadians who can speak French.
Not much use for French in Saskatoon on a practical level.
As for the points system, it is true you get points for knowing one or both of the official languages, but as you already know one, will you really get that many more points just for knowing French?
Seems like a lot of trouble to go to (learning another language, that is...)
BTW, if you are immigrating with Quebec as a destination, you will get more points for that.
Well I don't think they have a 'sliding scale' on the test so even if I only get two points, hey two points.
Also knowing more languages can help you with jobs later on and French should be a bit easier to learn seeing that I already know English (share many similar words) so even if I don't move its something useful picked up. (Though as mentioned it is still hard to learn)
Thanks for the Quebec tip, but I haven't really looked into it much and know only bits of information about it
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(Kind of like if I were asking advice on going to the USA without mentioning which state or city, or even when I was planning to visit... I'm sure you understand).
