ESSENTIALS - Canadian Rockies: Including Banff and Jasper National Parks - page 562

As a general rule when it comes to traveling with children, let them help you plan the
trip, looking at websites and reading up on the Canadian Rockies together. To make your
vacation more enjoyable if you'll be spending a lot of time on the road, rent a minivan (all
major rental agencies have a supply). Don't forget to bring along favorite toys and games
from home—whatever you think will keep your kids entertained when the joys of sight-
seeing wear off.
The websites of Travel Alberta ( www.travelalberta.com ) and Tourism British
Columbia ( www.hellobc.com ) have sections devoted to children's activities within the
two provinces. Another useful online tool is the website Travel with Your Kids
( www.travelwithyourkids.com ) .
Health and Safety
Compared to other parts of the world, Canada is a relatively safe place to visit. That
said, wherever you are traveling, carry a medical kit that includes bandages, insect repel-
lent, sunscreen, antiseptic, antibiotics, and water-purification tablets. Good first-aid kits
are available through most outdoor shops.
It's a good idea to get health insurance or some form of coverage before heading to
Canada if you're going to be there for a while, but check that your plan covers foreign
services. Hospital charges vary from place to place but can start at around $1,000 a day,
and some facilities impose a surcharge for nonresidents. Some Canadian companies offer
coverage specifically aimed at visitors.
If you're on medication, take adequate supplies with you, and get a prescription from
your doctor to cover the time you will be away. You may not be able to get a prescription
filled at Canadian pharmacies without visiting a Canadian doctor, so don't wait till you've
almost run out. If you wear glasses or contact lenses, ask your optometrist for a spare pre-
scription in case you break or lose your lenses, and stock up on your usual cleaning sup-
plies.
Believe it or not, AIDS and other venereal and needle-communicated diseases are as
much of a concern in the Canadian Rockies as anywhere in the world today. Take exactly
the same precautions you would at home—use condoms, and don't share needles.