http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/index.asp is the immigration website
If you go to the immigrate section, the classes you can apply for without first being in Canada on some kind of temporary permit are skilled workers (FSW), investors and quebec-selected skilled workers (QSW). Skilled workers are currently on hold waiting for new rules, should be clear in a couple of months, investors, you have to have a truckload of money, QSW you have to speak french and plan to live in Quebec, at least to begin with. You can also apply under a provincial nominee program as an investor, you don't have to have quite so much money.
If you go to the work temporarily section, you can see more about temporary work permits. If you have skills and education and can get a skilled type job offer, your employer would handle the work permit for you and it's not too hard to apply for permanent residency later either through a provincial nominee program or Canadian experience class.
