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. 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.

Have a look at Sympatico Travel . This has links to Canadian destinations, features about festivals and events across the country and forums where you can ask specific questions.

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.

Another interesting phenomenon of Manitoba roads are the drivers. If it 's an amber light it means floor it, and red means 'Hang on to your drawers I'm coming through." I have never experienced a city where so little use is made of indicators(blinkers). Speeding appears to be the norm. Add to that the interesting traffic signals. We actually have a traffic light that when the green shows there is a 'U' turn signal - in other words you MUST make a U Turn and I can't even begin to describe Confusion Corner - except to point out that it is one of the most photographed traffic signs in Canada. One more word on traffic lights. There is a very odd system in place, the red light at the top remains lit when the green arrow at the bottom tells you to go. This can be very alarming for new visitors from the US or UK as they sit in your car and whimper "Don't you stop at red lights in this country?"

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, I have to travel to Toronto periodically for work. If I want to go and come back with the course of a working week - weekdays - the cost for the return ticket - tourist class - is $1300. If I fly out and stay for the same number of days but one of the nights is a Saturday, the price can drop as low as $250.00. 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 it in the Toronto area - both the subway (underground) and commuter trains. Fast, clean, smell nice :-) 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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