A place to get vanilla beans in Canada is here: http://www.vanillafoodcompany.ca/Gourmet_Vanilla_Beans_s/3.htm They have an excellent sample pack that I am planning to get and split with my aunt.  

They claim that their search for the best plump vanilla beans for their own use started their business. You can find the story, which I found quite interesting, here: http://www.vanillafoodcompany.ca/AboutUs.asp

the Arizona Vanilla Bean Company ships to Canada reasonably….I think I paid $6 shipping on a pound of vanilla beans and a 4 oz bottle of vanilla paste….more than fair, I thought (and I'm really really cheap!)

GrammieEarth, how did you like your sample pack? I finally ordered mine and I found that I got extra beans in each pack. I had a total of 4 extra. Now to get the vodka and test out all of the flavors and see which one I prefer, as well as combining some as I go to see how that might taste. I heard that is is similar to listening to an orchestra, as they have different notes/parts to play, but mix well together. :) Did you check out the website url that they sent on the card? I had a lot of fun learning all about vanilla beans. It was very interesting!

I also plan on making other extracts with the extra vodka. What fun! Look at what I found: 

http://heart-hands-home.blogsp…..nilla.html

 and 

http://www.abigslice.com/extracts.html