Canada is the second largest country in the world. Its closest neighbor is the United States of America. Canada’s other borders touch the Atlantic, Pacific and Arctic Oceans. Once a hewer of wood and a drawer of water, Canada is now an industrialized country. It remains, however, inordinately dependent upon its largest trading partner, the United States. This relationship affects the trading power of its currency, the Canadian dollar. The dollar trades as CAD. One dollar equals 100 cents. Its value fluctuates in comparison with the American dollar.
History
While the first explorers to
Canada may have been the Vikings in the 11th century, recorded history
does not begin until the arrival of John Cabot in 1497. Jacques Cartier
arrived in 1534 to stake his claim in this new world and soon the
divisions were clear as French and English Canada set to square off.
In these two diverse parts of Canada, barter was the common currency,
but coins did exist. These consisted of either British or French
currency, depending upon the allegiance of the trading company, the
traders and the place. In some instances, American coins were in
circulation.
The Union of Upper and Lower Canada in 1840 and Confederation in 1867 provided some sense of political communion. Coinage, however, was another matter. Each province continued to print their official coins and tokens. This was to cease in all provinces after confederation except for Newfoundland. Newfoundland did not join Canada until 1949. Until then, the province had its own coinage. During the 19th century, coins in the country had French, Dutch, Spanish and American heritage. On the Western coast, the Chinese made their contribution to the monetary system.
The first official “Canadian” coins in 1858, was a Canadian dollar for both Upper and Lower Canada. It traded on par with the American dollar of the time. The first currency for the Dominion of Canada appeared in 1870. It consisted of both coins and banknotes. The source was a British mint. This remained true until 1908 and the establishment of the Royal Canadian Mint.
While the money has remained in dollars and cents since 1870, the designs and denominations alter. In 1920, the first major changes saw the reduction of the size of coins and a variation in design. While the Royal head of state, the King or Queen of England, dominates the obverse side of the coins, the reverse alters. In the 1930s the first dollar coins came into circulation. In 1937, the obverse side of all coinage underwent a shake-up. Canadian subjects replaced British designs. The beaver and the legendary schooner, the Bluenose became an integral part of the nickel and dime, respectively.
Other changes followed as Canadian subjects and people began to take their place on coins and banknotes. In 1987, the dollar bill retired, replaced by a dollar coin, the infamous “loonie.” In 1996, the “toonie” began to take over from the 2-dollar bill. Today, coins appear in 1, 5, 10, 25, and 50 (rarely) cents as well as 1-dollar. Banknotes number 5, 10, 20, 50, 100 and 500-dollars.
Obtaining Canadian Dollars
It is easy to obtain Canadian money. You can locate exchange services in banks. There are ATMs in even the remote regions of the countries. You can find them in grocery stores, service stations, banks and other places. If you have American dollars, Canadians will take them at par or at the exchange rate.
Protecting Your Currency
Canadian cities are generally safe and free from major crimes. There is the usual petty theft, including pick pocketing and purse snatching. In large urban centers such as Montreal, Toronto, Vancouver and Winnipeg, watch your bags. Exert the usual forms of caution on the street.As with all countries, thieves consider tourists an easier mark than citizens. Be more aware of your environment. Do not walk down unlit streets at night. Be careful attending the Quebec Winter Carnival and the Calgary Stampede. Exert common sense. This includes not flashing cash and choosing your ATM carefully.
Using Your Brazilian Reals
The Canadian dollar is useful in purchasing many items. While credit cards and debit are a permanent part of life, cash still is widely used for purchasing things. It is especially useful in many small farmers’ and craft markets. While technology has invaded much of the economic life of Canada, there are still a few places where you may find cash works best.
Travel Tips and Warnings
- Canada is a generally safe place to visit.
- If you do not like snow, check the weather for such regions as northern Canada during the winter months.
- Do not assume you can ski and skate anywhere in Canada. The weather varies from province to province and region to region.
- French is the official language of Quebec. English is spoken and understood, but it helps in some areas to have a smattering of French.
- Be aware, you cannot cover Canada in a day. It is a large country.
- In Toronto, Ontario, the usual sites include the Royal Ontario Museum, Castle Loma, the Toronto Zoo, the Science Museum and the CN tower.
- Montreal and Quebec City have their own charms. In Quebec City, take time to wander around the Old City.
- The Atlantic Provinces provide you a chance to enjoy the Ocean, taste lobster and other seafood and see the sights. Fort Louisburg, Anne of Green Gables and a drive along the Cabot Trail are musts.
- The prairies stretch on. There are small friendly towns and larger cities, including Winnipeg and Calgary. Calgary hosts the Stampede.
- People come tot British Columbia for the Rocky Mountains, the quiet colonial beauty of Victoria, the nightlife of Vancouver and the islands with their wildlife. The rainforest, Stanley Park and the beauties of the land are top priority.
Overview
Canada
is a large country stretching from the Atlantic to the Pacific Oceans
and from the United States border to the Arctic Ocean. It offers a rich
visiting experience with small towns and large cities, urban and rural
environments, cold and hot climes and wild and tamed landscapes.
For travel information see www.explore.canada.travel.
Currency Summary
Cuurent currency: dollar
100 cents equals 1 dollar
Coins: 1, 5, 10, 25 and 50-cents, and 1 and 2-dollars
Banknotes: 5, 10, 20, 50, 100 and 500 dollars