Canadian cuisine is as varied as the country. The colonial influence is still strong, with European menus available in all major cities. The French influence in Québec is easily discernible in the many restaurants that specialise in French cuisine. Areas where particular groups of immigrants have settled have their own distinct specialties; look for German-style cuisine in south-western Ontario, Ukrainian dishes on the Prairies and Asian foods in Vancouver, for instance. Waiter service in restaurants is common. Dress requirements and billing procedures vary. Imported European and ‘New World' wines and spirits are widely available.

Things to know: In most provinces, you can only buy spirits from specially licensed liquor stores; in Québec, wine and beer are also available in convenience stores, supermarkets and other locations. In wine-producing provinces (primarily BC and Ontario), wine may also be available from winery-owned shops in cities and retail outlets at the wineries themselves. In all provinces and territories, only licensed restaurants and bars (which display the sign ‘Licensed Premises') can sell spirits, wine or beer. In some provinces, ‘BYOB' restaurants allow customers to bring their own wine; the restaurant may charge such customers a small corkage fee for the privilege. A wide variety of alcohol is sold in most hotels, restaurants and bars. Bars may have table or counter service. In table service bars, payment is generally made when the customer is ready to leave; with counter service, payment is usually made after each drink is served. Opening hours vary from province to province.

National specialities:
• The hundreds of miles of coastline offer varied seafood.
• The central plains provide first-class beef and agricultural produce.
• Some more unusual games meats include elk, bison and caribou.

National drinks:
• Canadians enjoy their own rye whisky, as well as a wide variety of Canadian-made beers (which tend to have a higher alcohol content than US beers).

Legal drinking age: The minimum drinking age is either 18 or 19, depending on the province or territory. See Food and Drink in the individual provinces and territories sections. In Nunavut, alcohol is prohibited in some communities.

Tipping: Normal practice is usually 15% of the bill, more if service is exceptional. Tipping your server is standard practice in restaurants, bars and nightclubs.

Every major provincial capital in the more populated areas has nightclubs. Montréal, Ottawa, Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary and Winnipeg are centres for ballet, opera and classical music, with visits from leading orchestras and internationally renowned performers. Entertainment in the more remote towns is scarce.

Fine examples of Canadian crafts are available, such as art woodcarvings, leather goods, pottery and native artworks. Some countries have restrictions against the import of endangered animal species products, such as products made from polar bear, seal, walrus or whale, so visitors should check entry regulations in their home country before departure; some of these products may also require a Canadian export certificate.

A 5% goods and service tax (GST) is levied on most goods and services in Canada. In addition, most jurisdictions (except Alberta, the Northwest Territories, Nunavut and the Yukon) levy a provincial service tax (PST) of 5 to 10% in shops, restaurants and short-term accommodation. In the provinces of Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia and New Brunswick, a 13% harmonised sales tax (HST) has replaced the GST and PST.

Shopping hours: Mon-Sat 0900-1800, with late-night shopping in some stores Thurs-Fri, up to 2100 (malls in large cities are often open until 2100 Mon-Fri). Some shops and stores are also open on Sunday, and some are open 24 hours a day.