Please share the experience of

I'm going to land Canada in several weeks. Please share your experience if you landed this year.
1. Which way is better? drive own car? rent a car? or fly?
2. Could I give my friend's home address and let the officer to send my maple card there?
3. Any warning or reminding?
My time line:
Oct. 2001: send application
Dec. 2002: medical examination
Feb 2003: interview in LA
Feb 2003: a letter asked for landing fee
Oct 2003: got visa stamped