ADDRESSES Generally speaking, roads in built-up areas in Canada are laid out on a grid system, creating "blocks" of buildings. The first one or two digits of a specific address refer to the block, which will be numbered in sequence from a central point, usually downtown. For example, 620 S Cedar Ave will be six blocks south of downtown. It is crucial, therefore, to take note of components such as "NW" or "SE" in addresses; 3620 SW King St will be a very long way indeed from 3620 NE King St. Where a number is prefixed to the street number, this indicates an apartment or suite number in a block at the same street address.

BEARS Be aware of the dangers posed by bears. Most people blow a whistle while walking in bear country to warn them off. If confronted don't run, make loud noises or sudden movements, all of which are likely to provoke an attack. Leave the animal an escape route and back off slowly. If you have a pack, leave it as a distraction. If attacked, climbing a tree or playing dead may save you from a grizzly, but not from black bears. Fighting back only increases the ferocity of an attack.

ELECTRIC CURRENT Electricity in Canada is supplied at an alternating current of 110 volts and at a frequency of 60Hz, the same as in the US. Visitors from the UK will need transformers for appliances like shavers and hair dryers, and a plug converter for Canada's two-pin sockets.

FLOORS The first floor in Canada is what would be the ground floor in Britain; the second floor would be the first floor, and so on.

ID Should be carried at all times. Two pieces should suffice, one of which should have a photo; a passport and credit card are your best bet.

MEASUREMENTS Canada officially uses the metric system, though many people still use the imperial system. Distances are in kilometres, temperatures in degrees Celsius, and foodstuffs, petrol and drink are sold in grams, kilograms or litres.

PUBLIC TOILETS Rare even in cities, but bars, fast-food chains, museums and other public buildings invariably have excellent facilities.

SENIOR TRAVELLERS For many senior citizens, retirement brings the opportunity to explore the world in a style and at a pace that is the envy of younger travellers. As well as the advantages of being free to travel during the quieter, less expensive seasons, and for longer periods, anyone over the age of 65, often 60, can enjoy the tremendous variety of discounts on offer to those who can produce suitable ID. VIA Rail and Greyhound, for example, offer (smallish) percentage reductions on fares to older passengers; while the majority of museums and similar attractions give at least fifty percent discounts for seniors.

VIDEOS If you purchase a prerecorded video in Canada, make sure it's been recorded on the PAL system, or else it will be useless back in Europe. Blank videos can be used in either continent without any problem.