One of the things that people coming from the UK may not anticipate is the sheer size of this country. We all see it on the map, we may even have visited the US. But Canada is huge, vast, massive. Mere words don't really describe it. It has six time zones. Because of the size the climate and scenery vary enormously across the country - in other words contrary to what you've been told it's not just a massive lump of snow and ice! Also it can take a long time to get from one place to another.

Since moving here a number of people have written to say, "We're visiting Canada next summer and we'll pop in to see you." which is great until I gently point out that we won't be offended if they don't manage to 'pop' a couple of thousand miles.

Roads In general the roads are excellent. Well maintained and signposted, especially the Trans-Canada Highway. Note to British visitors/immigrants:- there are no cats eyes on the roads and the intersections are not always well lit so you will have to get used to some changes in driving style. It is important to remember the distances involved once out on the open highway so do make a note of where the next gas station is likely to be and in the winter take note of the safety driving instructions, take blankets, candles, cell phone if possible, that kind of thing.

An interesting phenomenon in Manitoba are 'Winter Roads'. Some northern parts of the province can only be access by air during the summer. During the winter roads are created on the packed snow and convoys of trucks ship supplies to the remote communities. In the winter of 1997/98 the El Nino effect caused less snow to fall and warmer temperatures which was actually bad for the people in the north as their supplies had to be flown in which is much more expensive.

Air Air travel plays a big part in Canadian travel life. Both intercity and international and also small flights/plane to places like fishing lodges and resorts. Depending on location it can be very reasonable or downright ludicrously expensive. For instance, itcan often be cheaper to travel to Europe than it is to fly from one Canadian city to another. Overall the air safety standards are high - obviously accidents happen but given the adverse weather conditions in the winter there are surprisingly few ice related accidents.

Rail The rail service is good and well used. I have only experienced the subway in the Toronto area - both the subway (underground) and commuter trains. Fast, clean, smell nice :o) and cost effective.

Water While not exactly used as a mode of travel, water is a major part of life here. There is certainly a lot of it.

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