laid-back, cosmopolitan cities are complemented by remote, quirky outposts. Whether you’re a hardcore adrenaline junkie looking for a backcountry adventure, an explorer heading out on a big road trip, a city lover hunting for cutting-edge culture and fine cuisine or a combination of all the above, Canada ticks all the boxes.

The landscape is diverse, ranging from the Arctic tundra of the north to the great prairies of the central area. Westward are the Rocky Mountains, and in the southeast are the Great Lakes, the St Lawrence River and Niagara Falls. The country is divided into 10 provinces and three territories.

Currency

Canadian Dollar (CAD; symbol C$) = 100 cents. Notes are in denominations of C$100, 50, 20, 10 and 5. Coins are in denominations of C$2 and 1, and 25, 10, 5 cents. Although the 1c coin (or penny) remains legal tender, as of 2013 it is being phased out of circulation.

Electricity

110-120 volts AC, 60Hz. American-style flat two-pin and three-pin (grounded) plugs are standard.

2019

New Year’s Day: 1 January 2019
Good Friday: 19 April 2019
Victoria Day: 20 May 2019*
Canada Day (Republic Day): 1 July 2019
Labor Day: 2 September 2019
Thanksgiving Day: 14 October 2019*
Remembrance Day: 11 November 2019*
Christmas Day: 25 December 2019

All information subject to change.

Winter festival celebrating everything snow related. Held on three consecutive weekends in Parc Jean Drapeau, the event offers park trails, skating, boot hockey and tube sliding.

A foodie fest on a grand scale, Montreal en Lumiere (Highlights Festival) takes place at approximately 50 of the city’s top restaurants. An extraordinary culinary and vinicultural adventure is promised, as top chefs, wine-producers and assorted connoisseurs arrive to meet up with their local counterparts for a very special party. At Highlights, diners have the opportunity to enjoy the perfect marriage of foods and wines in expert company at wonderful suppers. On a more modest level, fortifying comfort food from the four corners of the world is served at modest prices at lunch time.

World’s largest public bicycle race, part of the Montreal Bike Fest, around the island. This classic cycling race is expanding, offering no fewer than five route options.

Fringe theatre, with some comedy, music and dance.

Petrolheads should head to Montreal for the best-known Formula 1 racing car event with 70 laps of thrilling action planned on the Gilles Villeneuve circuit.

Historically, 24 June has marked the midsummer solstice and the religious feast day of Saint-Jean-Baptiste (St John the Baptist). Today it’s become a celebration of Quebecois pride. Quebec natives and French Canadians throughout the country commemorate this annual holiday with vibrant local festivities. Montreal in particular goes to town with a spectacular show of musical performances, fun family entertainment and a flamboyant parade.

The first Montreal International Jazz Festival was held in 1980 and attracted 12,000 people. Since then it has grown to become one of the biggest jazz events in the world now attracting well over two million visitors. The 12-day festival is held in various venues across Montreal and puts on an eclectic music programme ranging from traditional jazz through to blues and reggae played by musicians from all over the world. Approximately three quarters of the 500 or so performances are free of charge, helping to create an incredible party atmosphere.

The largest pyrotechnics competition of its kind in the world, the Montreal International Fireworks Competition has been going since 1985 and is one of this city’s top attractions. Head for Clock Tower Beach, Parc Jean-Drapeau or La Ronde for a view of the spectacle.

The Festival International Nuits d’Afrique is back in Montreal. As North America’s biggest world music spectacle, the Festival International Nuits d’Afrique is a fitting showcase for all musical styles of African descent and a great opportunity to discover the sounds of the continent via the Montreal festival scene. This world-class music event will presents 100 acts from 30 countries, plus free outdoor activities and shows for the whole family.

For a rib-tickling, hilarious time of it, Montreal is the place to be over 10 days in midsummer. Daily helpings of mirth and laughter are doled out at comedy shows across the city, featuring some of the world’s top comedy acts. In addition to that, there are plenty of free events to tickle the funny bone. Just For Laughs run comedy shows year-round, but festival time also features Crowd Pleasers, a comprehensive variety of interactive, outrageous, popular and entertaining activities and events designed to reach as wide an audience as possible. These vignettes of comic street theatre attract people of all ages and backgrounds. La Grande Bouffe is a big free feast that attracts thousands, and the festival concludes with a spectacular Big Event held at the Grand-Place Loto-Quebec.

MUTEK is a digital arts and electronic music festival, featuring over 100 artists and professionals from 15 different countries for five days of indoor and outdoor performances, presentations, special events, workshops and panels. The MUTEK name has become synonymous with ground-breaking live performances by the most adventurous talents contemporary electronic music has to offer, and this edition is no exception.

Film, art, music and dance celebrating native culture. Other myriad events, from gastronomy to cinematography, from poetry readings to electro concerts, also take place.

The Rogers Cup Men’s event and the Rogers Cup Women’s event are each important legs of the ATP Masters Series. They rotate each year between the Rexall Centre in Toronto and the Uniprix Stadium in Montreal. The men’s event features the biggest names in the game – since the inception of the Masters Series in 2000, the top-52 players in the world are automatically entered. Record crowds turn up to watch the top level encounters of this competition, but there is more than just tennis on offer. The Rogers Cup mixes sport and culture, including music concerts, Tennis in the Street, and lavish opening ceremonies.

Celebrating international and local high-fashion and design, this is a rather glamorous event that features renowned national designers, exciting musical performances and special events.

Independent film festival with entrants from around the world in an event that is designed to encourage cultural diversity and understanding.

Gay benefit party and cultural week taking in five raves, hosted by some of the world’s biggest DJs, attended by in excess of 70,000 revellers and raising money for HIV/AIDs charities.