You can only visit Canada for up to 6 months at a time. You will need a work permit to be able to work. It's not always easy to get a work permit you need to do that PRIOR to going to Canada. Go to or call your closest Consulate and make sure you know what the rules are prior to going.

Thanks Scarlet!!! Baby Bean - very cute I will have to use that!!

Truly very exciting for both of you to be considering a year long break in our country.... an honour as many go to Europe...

Ottawa compared with Vancouver is tough...I lived in Ottawa and I loved it...and as a previous Uni. attendee...it would be a lot of fun for anyone looking to party. There is a summer session at both Uni.'s but not as full as the fall session which usually sees students pouring in end of Aug.

But Vancouver....ohhheee...I have only visited but if I were ever to be able to choose a place to live other than my beautiful Oakville and money was no option (here is the biggest problem) I would want to try Vancouver. There was some sort of sociological survey done and it may give you some insight as to the differences between Van. and T.O.

Someone asked people from T.O and Van. "What do you do?" People from T.O answered with their careers...Banker, insurance etc... when asked of Van. locals they answered....ski, hike, scuba dive, volleyball etc.. There is a great appeal to that type of lifestyle!! However, Ottawa puts you close to Montreal, Toronto, Q.C somewhat - and these are great places to see...grr...VAn. gives you the Rockies, Calgary, Banff....ok - I am no longer any help - Goodluck and keep baby Bean and I updated!!

Take care!

Be prepared to be questioned at customs about the length of your visit and your intentions; stating at customs that you would like to be in Canada a year or two means that you would be applying for a temporary residence ; I agree with coming for a month visit in order to enable you to organize your plan.

Do enquire at immigration office what it would entail to establish a temporary residence (which they can grant for 12 to 24 months)- they have tightened up the conditions for this type of visa recently.

Six months? There is swift kick in the you know what!! I should be gone before the six month period is up because I have to attend film school in September which should give me just enough time to party hard then leave.

As far as working, I am not really worried about that aspect. I just want to meet the locals, explore the landscape, drink, chill out and eat fresh fruit in the morning w/out worrying about being at work the following morning.

Scarlett, what is holding you back from coming to Canada? Mitchdesji, thanks for the insight on customs procedure, hopefully since I will only be there for two months they won't be too bad with the questions.

To carib_bean and juniper, the two of you have some of the most pleasant "online" personalities I have come across thus far. If everyone in Canada is even remotely close to the two of you I should have a blast.

I don't know where the 12 month info came from but it's 6 months. You may apply for an extension prior to your 6 months expiring but there is no guarantee they will grant an extension.

You should read the Citizenship and Immigration web site carefully before you plan an extended trip. What you consider visiting they may not.

Ahh - two month visit during the summer...well hurry then and don't miss our lovely weather...make sure you visit Urban and country setting no matter where you go!! Where are you going to go?

Most of us Canadians are very nice...I say that with no bias...hehhehe

Can't wait to hear!

Yeah I will only enjoy what the city has to offer for a short while because mainly I don't want any trouble with customs. Besides, that should more than enough time to explore and enjoy the countryside. I will go to either Vancouver or Ottawa.

Carib_bean, if you feel there is anything else interesting I should know, write back!!

It sounds like you are going to do "interesting" well and I hope you have a fantastic time - but I will be looking for a report after your trip to tell us what you thought - Ottawa or Vancouver...both great choices. Vancouver might be more exciting as overall one stop shop...with beaches - some topless I gather (didn't you day you were looking for interesting??) beautiful parks, cool city, hiking, rockies, Banff - ahhh lovely. But Ottawa does have Toronto, Montreal and Algonquin Park - tough decision!!

Can't wait to hear how it goes!

You are right, it is a very tough decision to make. Although it may wind up with Vancouver as the winner. I am just excited about the whole trip and I hope the city is exactly the way you say it will be.

Hello carib_bean, just writing to let you know that date for the move is fast approaching and that I have secured a place so I should be enjoying your country soon enough. Write back and I hope you and your new "addition" are doing just fine.

Hi D.

Baby bean and I are well - I am slowly starting to get sleep...not as easy to go with out sleep as when I was younger and partying....wanh. Thank you for asking - as you see my visits to this website are reduced as a result of hungry baby bean...

Very exciting that you are booked and ready to have the Canadian experience - is it Van. that you chose?? I am very envious and I can't wait to hear all about it as I have only spent a very little time there but it was wonderful when I did...I also have family there who are trapped there by the beauty and all the wonderful qualities of Van...so soon you will be the official on part of Can. and you will have to share you vast amounts of knowledge!!

If you can you would be well appreciated to post now and then as you are there....I am dying to know the good stuff!

When do you leave?

carib_bean, I absolutely love your verve and enthusiast spirit. I did indeed choose Vancouver in the downtown area close to Yaletown. I hear it is suppose to be very nice. I have a place secured and I am just steps away from the beach.

"Baby Bean", is that the nickname? Once again congrats on the new addition and finally being able to regain some portion of your normal sleeping hours. I am very excited and it seems that the time just won't pass fast enough for my departure.

Look forward to hearing from you and I will keep you informed of my travels.