Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Travel to Vancouver and Victoria in winter is relatively easy, with snowfall only rarely
falling in these cities. Traveling beyond the coast during winter months should not be un-
dertaken lightly. Before setting out in a vehicle, check antifreeze levels, and always carry
a spare tire and blankets or sleeping bags.
Frostbite
is a potential hazard, especially when
cold temperatures are combined with high winds (a combination known as
windchill
).
Most often, frostbite leaves a numbing, bruised sensation, and the skin turns white. Ex-
posed areas of skin, especially the nose and ears, are most susceptible.
Hypothermia
occurs when the body fails to produce heat as fast as it loses it. It can
strike at any time of the year but is more common during cooler months. Cold weather,
combined with hunger, fatigue, and dampness, creates a recipe for disaster. Symptoms are
not always apparent to the victim. The early signs are numbness, shivering, slurring of
words, dizzy spells, and in extreme cases, violent behavior, unconsciousness, and even
death. The best way to dress for the cold is in layers, including a waterproof outer layer.
Most important is to wear headgear. The best treatment is to get the victim out of the cold,
replace wet clothing with dry, slowly give hot liquids and sugary foods, and place the vic-
tim in a sleeping bag. Warming too quickly can lead to heart attacks.
As in the United States, Canadian currency is based on dollars and cents. Coins come in
denominations of 5, 10, and 25 cents, and 1 and 2 dollars. The $1 coin is the gold-colored
“loonie,” named for the bird featured on it. The unique $2 coin, introduced in 1996, is sil-
ver with a gold-colored insert. Notes come in $5, $10, $20, $50, and $100 denominations.
All prices quoted in this topic are in Canadian dollars unless noted.
American dol-
lars are accepted at many tourist areas, but the exchange rate is more favorable at banks.
CurrencyotherthanU.S.dollarscanbeexchangedatmostbanks,airportmoney-changing
facilities, and foreign exchange brokers in Vancouver, Victoria, and Whistler. Traveler's
checks are the safest way to carry money, but a fee is often charged to cash them if they're
inacurrencyotherthanCanadiandollars.Allmajorcreditandchargecardsarehonoredat
Canadian banks, gas stations, and most commercial establishments. Automatic teller ma-
chines (ATMs) can be found in almost every town.
