The Canadian dollar is the official currency of Canada. First introduced in 1858, since that moment all accounting is made in the national currency.
Origins and history
Canada decided to start using the dollar instead of the sterling pound due to the dissemination of the so-called Spanish dollar or peso in North America during the XVIII century and the early XIX, and also due to the standardisation of American dollar. The region of Québec was a real advocate for the use of the dollar (the Bank of Montreal issued banknotes in dollars in 1817), while the Atlantic colonies which had stronger links with the United Kingdom, were not so in favour.
The province of Canada stated that all accounts would be made in dollars from January 1858 and ordered the issue of the first official Canadian dollars in that same year. The colonies, which would join the Canadian Confederation soon, gradually adopted a decimal system in the following years.
Finally, the government approved the Uniform Currency Act in April 1871 to replace the currencies of the different provinces under one single Canadian dollar for all of them. The golden standard was officially abolished on the 10th April 1933.
Current Canadian dollar coins and banknotes
Today, we have banknotes of 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100 dollars.
Regarding coins, there are 1, 5, 10, 25 and 50 cent, and 1 and 2 dollars.
Did you know?
Interesting facts:
- The Central Bank of Canada was founded in 1934.
- The currencies of 1 Canadian dollar are nicknamed loonies, from the name of the aquatic bird appearing on the reverse. Also, this name is often used referred to the monetary unit, in general.
- The 2-dollar coins, featuring a polar bear are called twonies or toonies, based on the the word loonie and the word two.
Why changing currency with us is better than with your bank?
 Global Exchange | Your high-street bank | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Variety of currencies | We have more than 70 currencies. We are specialists. | Only major currencies. Travel money is just a secondary business for banks. | ||
| Availability of currencies | Immediate availability of currencies in our branches. Click and collect or walk in to our stores. | The branch requests it from the head office and they can take a long time for having the currency available, or even not at all. | ||
| Expenses | Only the exchange rate, no commission, and if you book online you are guaranteed the best price. | The bank sets its own margin plus a commission. | ||
| Different denominations available | At Global Exchange, you’ll get a variety of banknotes with different values, adapted to all your payment needs. | No. Prepare for refusals and complaints in foreign languages when paying with «big» banknotes. | ||
| Delivery options | Order online to benefit from a price reduction and collect at the branch of your choice. | You’ll have to go first to your bank to order the currency you need, then wait for it to come and go back again to collect it. | ||
| Timetables | We are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. | Monday to Friday, from 8:30 am to 2:30 pm. | ||
| Anything else? | Airport collection on the day of your trip. All comfort. | Air-what? What miles are you talking about? No, sir. This is a bank, not an airline. |