ESSENTIALS - Canadian Rockies: Including Banff and Jasper National Parks - page 565

changes in elevation and GPS to plot hiking trails. The backs of maps are filled with trail
information as well as tidbits of history.
Maps are available at bookstores, gas stations, and gift shops throughout the Canadian
Rockies. In Banff, head to Mooseprint Books and Gifts (208 Buffalo St., 403/762-3355)
for the full range of Gem Trek maps. In Calgary, Map Town (400 5th Ave. SW, 403/
266-2241) is a specialist map shop worth stopping at as you pass through. In Vancouver,
pick up maps at these specialty bookstores: International Travel Maps & Books (530 W.
Broadway, 604/879-3621), The Travel Bug (3065 W. Broadway, 604/737-1122), or Wan-
derlust (1929 W. 4th Ave., Kitsilano, 604/739-2182).
CURRENCY EXCHANGE
At press time, the Canadian dollar had been steady against the greenback since dip-
ping to record lows in 2002, when it was trading at US$1 per CDN$1.65.
At press time, exchange rates (into CDN$) for major currencies are:
• US$1 = $1
• AUS$1 = $0.95
• €1 = $1.55
• HK$10 = $1.60
• NZ$1 = $0.82
• UK£1 = $1.90
• ¥100 = $1.20
On the Internet, check current exchange rates at www.xe.com/ucc .
All major currency can be exchanged at banks in Canmore, Banff, and Jasper, or
at airports in the gateway cities of Calgary, Edmonton, and Vancouver. Many Ca-
nadian businesses will accept U.S. currency, but you will get a better exchange rate
from the banks.
Park Information
Each of the five national parks has at least one park information center. These are the
places to head for interpretive displays, all park-related information, trail reports, weather