ESSENTIALS - British Columbia: Including the Alaska Highway - page 768

ging facilities, and foreign exchange brokers in Vancouver, Victoria, and Whistler. Travelers
checks are the safest way to carry money, but a fee is often charged to cash them if they're
in a currency other than Canadian dollars. All major credit and charge cards are honored
at Canadian banks, gas stations, and most commercial establishments. Automatic teller ma-
chines (ATMs) can be found in almost every town.
Costs
The cost of living in Vancouver and Victoria is similar to that of all other Canadian major
cities, but higher than in the United States. If you will be staying in hotels or motels, ac-
commodations will be your biggest expense. Gasoline is sold in liters (3.78 liters equals one
U.S. gallon) and is generally $1.20-1.50 a liter for regular unleaded.
Taxes
A seven percent Provincial Sales Tax is applied to almost all purchases made within British
Columbia (basic groceries are exempt) and a five percent goods and services tax (GST)
applied across Canada.
MAPS AND INFORMATION
Maps
Driving maps are available at bookstores, gas stations, and gift shops throughout the
province. In Vancouver, pick up maps at these specialty bookstores: International Travel
Maps and Books (12300 Bridgeport Rd., 604/273-1400, Richmond, www.itmb.com ) , The
Travel Bug (3065 W. Broadway, 604/737-1122, www.travelbugbooks.ca ) , or Wanderlust
(1929 W. 4th Ave., Kitsilano, www.wanderlustore.com , 604/739-2182). These stores stock
many topographical maps and can order specific maps and marine charts for you.
If you're heading to the BC Rockies, look for Gem Trek maps ( www.gemtrek.com ) ,
which use GPS to plot hiking trails. The backs of the maps are filled with trail information
and tidbits of history.
Tourism Information
Begin planning your trip by contacting the government tourist office: Tourism BC (250/
387-1642 or 800/435-5622, www.hellobc.com ) . The literature and maps can be downloaded
from the website or ordered by phone. As well as being a great source of tourist informa-
tion, the agency produces the invaluable Accommodations guide and a road map.
Each town of any size in British Columbia has a visitor center; hours vary, but most
are open June-August. (The Vancouver Visitor Centre is at 200 Burrard St., 604/683-2000.)