Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Left
Winter skiing, Whistler Mountain
Right
Blooms of spring, Queen Elizabeth Park
Planning Your Trip
When to Go
Vancouver and Victo-
ria's temperate coastal
climate is best from April
to November. Rain falls
intermittently from
November to March. In
the city and along the
coast, winter tempera-
tures rarely drop below
freezing. Temperatures
are lower in the moun-
tains and, to the delight
of skiers at resorts such
as Whistler, there is snow.
Summer can be hot but
the nights are cooler.
Passports & Visas
A valid travel docu-
ment, usually a passport,
combined with a visa
when needed, must be
presented by visitors
upon entry to Canada.
Residents of many coun-
tries, such as the US,
Australia, Ireland, New
Zealand, and the majority
of European countries,
including Britain, do not
need a visa. Visitors may
remain in Canada for up
to six months.
Car Insurance
Insurance coverage
for drivers is mandatory
in BC. If you are renting
a car, check your policy
before leaving home to
see if it covers a rental
car. Most rental agencies
offer damage and liability
insurance; it is a good
idea to have both. Some
credit cards include car
insurance coverage.
Electricity
Canada uses a 110-
volt, 60-cycle electrical
system. Electrical sockets
accept two- or three-
pronged plugs. Bring a
plug adapter and a voltage
transformer to run appli-
ances and cell-phone
chargers that are not man-
ufactured in North Ameri-
ca or that don't have an
optional voltage switch.
Customs
Canada's rules gov-
erning what can be
brought into the country
are complex. In general,
do not bring live animals,
fresh fruit, vegetables,
meat, dairy products,
plants, or firearms into
Canada without first ob-
taining authorization. Lim-
ited amounts of alcohol
and tobacco may be
imported duty-free by visi-
tors who are of age (19
and 18 years old, respec-
tively). Upon entry into
Canada, you must declare
any cash amount equal to
or more than Can$10,000.
What to Pack
Pack a warm sweater
and a light jacket in late
spring and early fall. In
late fall and early spring,
pack a heavier jacket or
coat, and two warm
sweaters. In winter,
pack a hat, scarf, gloves,
warm coat, and water-
proof boots. A light
sweater or blazer, cotton
or linen dresses, slacks,
shorts and T-shirts are
ideal for summer; sun-
glasses, sunscreen, and
an umbrella are a must.
Time Zone
Vancouver is in the
Pacific Time zone (eight
hours behind Greenwich
Mean Time). Daylight
Savings Time begins the
first Sunday in April when
clocks are turned forward
one hour, and ends in late
October when clocks are
turned back one hour.
Health Insurance
Unless your health
insurance covers medical
costs while traveling,
buying comprehensive
health and dental insur-
ance is strongly recom-
mended: Canada does
not provide free medical
services to visitors. Many
credit card companies
provide some degree of
insurance; it is worth-
while to check this out
before your trip.
Driver's License
Driver's licenses
from the US and from
other countries are valid
in BC for up to six
months. If you plan on
staying longer, an Inter-
national Driving Permit
(obtained in your home
country), combined with
your license, will allow
you to drive in the
province for up to a year.
Discounts
Most movie theaters,
major attractions, and
public transit systems
offer reduced rates for
people over age 65.
Students are eligible for
many discounts with ID.
Hotels also often offer
discounts, but only if
you ask for them.
Contact the Canadian embassy or High Commission nearest you
for entry requirements, or visit www.cic.gc.ca/english/visit
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