Travel Tips for a Great Holiday !!!

Accommodation

Throughout British Columbia, an Approved Accommodation sign is awarded to tourist accommodations that have been inspected and meet Tourism British Columbia's standards of courtesy, comfort and cleanliness. Look for establishments that display the white "Approved Accommodation sign" and Ministry of Tourism's logo.

Boating Regulations

The Canadian Coast Guard sets and enforces regulations for all boaters. Even under adult supervision, persons under the age of 16 may not operate powerboats. Proof of operator competency will soon be required for all powered craft, including personal watercraft. As with operating all vehicles, drinking and boating is discouraged. For information, contact the Canadian Coast Guard office of Boating Safety at 1-800-267-6687 or visit the Website at www.pacific.ccg-gcc.gc.ca

Border Crossings

All persons entering Canada as visitors, other than American citizens, must be in possession of a valid passport or other recognized travel documents. United States residents should carry proof of citizenship. Officials at points of entry will issue any permits required for vehicles. Vehicles that are not registered to the driver require a letter of authorization from the owner.

Recreational Vehicles entering Canada must not exceed 2.6 meters (8 feet 6 inches) in width and 12.5 meters (41 feet) in length.

A towed recreational vehicle must not exceed 12.5 meters (41 feet) in length.

The maximum combined length for a Recreational Vehicle and trailer is 20 meters (65.6 feet).

For more information, contact: ICBC Compliance Operations, PO, BOX 3750, Victoria, V8W 3Y5
Phone: (250) 414 7900

Campfires

Campfire regulations are seasonal and vary from region to region. During the summer months forest fires are a very real danger and bans are put in place in the dryer areas. For detailed regional information about fire regulations, contact the BC Forest Service Fire Information Line at 1-888-336-7378. Always check with local Tourist Info Centers, as local regulations always supersede those of the Ministry of Forests.

Please limit your use of campfires to cooking and warmth. They not only create a danger of forest fires, but the smoke from campfires pollutes the environment. When gathering fuel use only fallen wood and never live timber. Often, cut wood can be purchased from campgrounds.

Don't burn garbage in your campfire. The smell is unpleasant for you and your neighbours, and may even attract bears into your camp. Unburned waste left in a fire pit is an unappealing discovery for whoever uses the site after you.

Never leave a fire unattended and always make sure that it is fully extinguished. Even days after having burned down embers can stay hot and pose a hidden danger. Pull apart the logs and pour water over the coals. These simple rules will help keep British Columbia's forests for all to enjoy.

Canada Customs/Border Crossing Information

All goods purchased, received or acquired abroad must be declared.
As a visitor to British Columbia, you are permitted to bring (free of duty) in a reasonable number of personal effects, a four-day supply of food, and a full tank of gas. Visitors should note that some foods such as corn, potatoes, pitted/stone fruits and apples are prohibited entry.

Visitors aged 19 years or over may import up to 50 cigars, 200 cigarettes and 200g (8 ozs) of tobacco, up to 1.14 litres (40 oz) of spirits or wine, or in lieu 8.5 litres (288 oz) of beer or ale, providing it is to be used for personal consumption.

All revolvers, pistols, fully automatic firearms and other weapons, and self-defence sprays such as pepper spray and mace are prohibited entry into Canada. All firearms (ie: hunting rifles, shotguns) and personal protection devices (ie: stun guns, mace, pepper spray) must be declared. There is presently legislation being considered which will limit the entry of all firearms and require registration at all border crossings.

Sporting equipment such as fishing tackle, boats, outboard motors, camping gear, golf clubs, as well as tape recorders, stereos, cameras, etc. to be used by the individual while in Canada should be declared when entering the country and exported when the traveller leaves Canada, or duty paid. Visitors from other countries should check on the amount of duty-free goods they are allowed to take home from Canada as it varies from country to country. For further information concerning customs regulations contact:

Revenue Canada
Customs and Excise, Regional Information Unit
333 Dunsmuir St., Vancouver B.C.
Canada, V6B 5R4.
Tel: 1-800-461-9999
(204) 983-3500 (outside Canada)

Campground / RV Sites

Campground/RV Site rates and policy notices must be posted conspicuously in the registration area. Visitors should contact the establishment directly to verify all quoted rate details.

Currency

It is recommended that visitors to Canada use Canadian dollars or traveller's cheques. Canadian banks, or foreign currency exchange outlets offer the prevailing rate of exchange. Click here for our on-line currency converter

Drivers Licence Requirements For Tourists

Non-resident drivers who hold a valid driver's licence from their home jurisdiction may drive in B.C. with their out-of-province driver's licence for a maximum of six months. This applies regardless of whether they hold a valid international driving permit.

For more information contact the Driver Licensing Information line at 1-800-950-1498 or 978-8300 in Victoria.

Emergencies

All across the province dial 911 for emergency assistance. Police, fire and ambulance services can be contacted through one number.

Should you need to report an emergency in a community not covered by the 911 service, check the inside cover of a phone book for a list of emergency contacts.

To report a forest fire, dial 1-800-663-5555 - For more information on current fire status go to the Ministry of Forests Web Site.

Ferry Travel

British Columbia has several ferry routes both inland and on the coast. The majority of routes are run by the BC Ferry Corporation and sail between the mainland, Vancouver Island and some of the Gulf Islands. Most sailings are hourly and it is suggested that you arrive at least 30 minutes before departure time.

You can make reservations and find sailing schedules and prices online at www.bcferries.com

Inland ferries, operated by the Ministry of Transportation, cross lakes and rivers around the province. These ferries are free of charge, with the exception of the Shuswap Lake Ferry. For sailing times and information, visit the Transportation and Highways Website.

Fishing

Separate licences are required for saltwater and freshwater fishing. Saltwater licences are issued by the Federal Department of Fisheries and Oceans; freshwater licenses are issued by the provincial Ministry of the Environment, Lands and Parks. Both types of licenses can be purchased at sporting goods stores and other fishing retailers as well as most Government Agents’ offices.

A specific license is required in National Parks and can be purchased at the Park Headquarters at each Park site.

Food

Canadian food is very difficult to define. British Columbian food is even harder to define! Because of the ethnic origins of the British Columbia population travellers will find a wide range of food available. British Columbia is famous for its seafood, particularly salmon, both fresh and smoked. However visitors will find that British Columbia has developed its own unique style of Pacific fusion cooking that combines the flavours of British Columbia with the cooking styles of California and the orient. Food prices in restaurants are very reasonable when compared to prices internationally.

Forest Fires

If you spot a forest fire while travelling in British Columbia call the British Columbia Forest Service at 1-800-663-5555. This is the free province wide forest fire reporting telephone number. For more information on current fire status go to the Ministry of Forests Web Site.

Fuels

All common fuels, unleaded gasoline, diesel and propane, are widely available at service stations in British Columbia and sold in litres. 4.5 litres = 1 Canadian gallon; 3.78 litres = 1 American gallon.

Less urban service stations sell fuel with an added purple dye. There are no road taxes included in the price of purple fuel, so it is only authorized for use in off-road applications. ATVs, motorboats, generators and other equipment that does not use public highways can burn purple fuel.

Goods and Services Tax (GST) Refund for Visitors to Canada

GST is a 7% federal tax that is charged on most goods & services sold or provided in Canada. It is separate & distinct from the BC Provincial Sales Tax, which is currently 7%. When you buy goods for export, you can claim exemption from the 7% Goods & Services Tax on your purchases. When taking the goods with you, you pay the tax at the time of sale, but you can claim a full rebate if the goods are taken out of the province within 30 days.
Be sure to keep the receipts showing tax paid. For full details and an application form contact:

Visitor Rebate Program
Summerside Tax Centre
Canada Customs and Revenue Agency
Suite 104, 275 Pope Road
Summerside PE C1N 6C6
Canada

or, call toll-free from anywhere in Canada, 1-800-668-4748. If you are outside Canada, call 1-902-432-5608.
Internet: www.ccra.gc-adrc.gc.ca

The GST paid on hotel rooms and campsite fees, including hook-up charges, is eligible for a rebate.
At the border crossings and other exit points you will have to make the goods available for inspection. There is no refund for GST you pay on: meals and beverages; wine, liquor, beer, and other alcoholic beverages; tobacco products; transportation such as air, train or bus tickets and car rentals; services such as dry cleaning, shoe repair, auto repairs, entertainment, etc.; rentals of campsites, tents and houseboats; rentals of travel trailers and all other recreational vehicles; cruise ship cabins or train berths; automotive fuels; or goods consumed or left in Canada.

Hospital & Medical Services

Visitors are advised to obtain health insurance before coming to Canada. Check your policy; many health insurance plans only provide partial coverage for services rendered outside the borders of the policy holder’s country of residence. Visitors taking prescribed medications should bring a copy of their prescriptions in case they must be renewed by a doctor in Canada.

Hotel and Motel Room Tax

All fixed roof accommodations with 4 or more units are subject to an 8% provincial hotel and motel room tax. Where approved, an additional 2% tourism tax is levied by local Municipal Government. The hotel and motel tax does not apply to campgrounds and RV parks.

Hunting

Hunting is strictly regulated by the British Columbia Environment-Wildlife Branch. All hunters, whether resident or non-resident, must obtain a license. Visit the web site for more information.

A non-resident (does not live in British Columbia) hunting big game must be accompanied by a licensed British Columbia guide. A non-resident of British Columbia may be accompanied by a resident of British Columbia in place of a licensed guide outfitter, provided that person is a Canadian citizen and has obtained all mandatory permits.

It is not necessary for a non-resident of British Columbia to have a guide when hunting small game or game birds.

Licensing details and "Hunting and Trapping Regulations Synopsis" are available from Government Agents’ offices or from the BC Environment - Wildlife Branch, 3-780 Blanshard St., Victoria, BC V8V 1X4 Tel: (250) 387-9739, Fax: (250) 356-9145.

Maps

Current road maps of British Columbia are available from Travel InfoCentres throughout the province.

Motorcycle Safety

Motorcycle helmet are mandatory in British Columbia. They must be worn by all riders, except for people who practice the Sikh religion, have unshorn hair and habitually wear a turban composed of 5 or more square metres of cloth.

Motor Vehicles

Vehicles and trailers not exceeding 2.6 metres (8'6") in width are permitted into Canada for touring purposes for periods up to 12 months and without payment of customs fees. Motor vehicle registration forms should be carried, and if the vehicle is rented from a company, a copy of the rental agreement bearing an endorsement to the effect that the rented vehicle is permitted entry into Canada should also be carried. Canadian residents cannot bring in a rented vehicle from the US.

Persons with Disabilities

Hearing and Speech Impairment Services are available for persons with hearing and speech impairments by contacting: Western Institute for Deaf and Hard of Hearing, 2125 West 7th Avenue, Vancouver, BC V9K 1X9, (604) 736-7391 (voice), (604) 736-2527 (TTY)

Pets

Dogs and cats over three months of age entering Canada from the US must be accompanied by a certificate signed by a licensed veterinarian of Canada or the US certifying that the pet has been vaccinated against rabies during the preceding 36 months. For information, contact: Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, 620 Royal Avenue, New Westminster, BC V3L 5A8. Tel: (604) 666-8750.

Plant Material

Authority to import plant material from all countries must be obtained in advance. Application for import permits should be addressed to: Plant Protection Division, Camelot Court, 59 Camelot Drive, Nepean, Ontario, K1A 0Y9 Tel: (613) 952-8000 Fax: (613) 943-1252.

Most plants imported must be accompanied by a health certificate from the country of origin with the exception of house plants originating from the continental US. All plant material must be declared to Canada Customs at the point of entry. Visitors may take plants of Canadian origin (except certain prohibited items) into the US provided the plants are accompanied by a plant health certificate.

Play it Safe

Wherever you camp, play it safe! Accidents do occur in the great outdoors so why not think of some of these precautions that make for safe camping: safe boating & swimming practices, campfire responsibility and respect for nature & your environment.

Pleasure Boats/Private Aircrafts

Prior to departure from the US, all visitors are required to contact Canadian Customs Border Services at 1-888-226-7277. Customs Border Services of Revenue Canada, along with Citizenship and Immigration Canada, offer a pre-approval program for Canadian and US citizens/residents. Please call the CANPASS Enrollment Centre at (604) 535-9346 for more information.

Practice Good Camping Citizenship

Good manners, consideration and courtesy are as essential out-of-doors as indoors. Destruction of nature costs taxpayers millions of dollars annually in manpower and machines to pick up debris. Most serious are the small acts. Filter-tip cigarette stubs, for example, are not bio-degradable. Thrown to the ground they resist deterioration and have to be picked up individually. Always carry a litter bag in your car, bring a garbage can/liner for your campsite and never bury garbage. Deposit it in approved trash containers along the way, or at gas stations. Any example of good housekeeping encourages others to practise outdoor manners. On any trip, let no one say that you left a campsite less beautiful than it was when you came. Canada belongs to everyone. Be a good outdoor citizen.

Road Conditions

For information on road conditions 24hours a day contact the Ministry of Highways at their web site. The information on the road reports pages provides the reported condition of a particular provincial road at the time the route was last checked. Online information is available for most major provincial highways.

Road conditions are constantly changing depending the season so please Drive smart! Drive safe!

Seat Belts

The law in British Columbia requires that drivers and passengers must use seat belts while driving or riding in a motor vehicle. Visitors should note that an infant car seat is required for children weighing up to 9 kg (20 pounds). For residents, an infant or child car seat is required for children weighing up to 18 kg (40 pounds).

Smoking

Many cities and municipalities in British Columbia have passed smoking by-laws which prohibit smoking in restaurants, and reduce the smoking areas allowed in pubs and bars. Hotels and motels throughout British Columbia offer non-smoking rooms or floors. If you require a non-smoking or a smoking room it is advisable to mention this when making a reservation.

Taxes

Under the Federal Goods and Services Tax (GST), most goods and services sold or provided in Canada are taxed at the rate of 7%. Non-residents of Canada may apply for a rebate of the 7% Goods and Services Tax. If you require further information or assistance, please write to:

Revenue Canada
Visitor Rebate Program
Summerside Tax Centre
Summerside, PEI,
Canada, C1N 6C6
or, call toll-free from anywhere in Canada, 1-800-66VISIT (1-800-668-4748). If you are outside Canada, call (613) 991-3346.

Except for campgrounds and houseboats, all British Columbia accommodation charges are subject to an 8% Hotel Room Tax. Where approved, an additional 2% tourism tax is levied by local Municipal Government.

Tipping

Tipping is an accepted practice and many service industry personnel depend on tips for a large part of their incomes. Airport taxi drivers expect 15%. Hotel bellpeople or porters no less than $1 or $1 per bag; the house cleaning staff is typically left $1 - $2 per day. Since the concierge is to help guests he or she should not be tipped unless an unusual or very difficult task is performed.

Tipping in restaurants depends upon the quality, ambiance and sophistication of the establishment. The key factor is the quality of the service. The standard for waiters and waitresses is 10 - 15% of the bill.

Toll Road

The Coquihalla Hwy. (Hwy 5, Hope to Kamloops) is a tolled highway. The toll plaza is located mid-way between Hope and Merritt. The cost is $10.00 per passenger vehicle (car or RV). Visa, MasterCard and American Express are accepted. The Coquihalla is a fast and smooth highway but by no means the only route to Kamloops from the Lower Fraser Valley. If you wish to avoid paying the toll there are several other highways that go into the interior. None are as direct and fast as the Coquihalla highway, but all are scenic and worthwhile drives.

Tourist Alerts

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) are frequently requested to communicate urgent messages to people on vacation. If you see your name listed in newspapers, at information centres or hear it on radio or TV, please phone the nearest RCMP detachment office for further details.

Vehicle Accidents

If you are involved in an automobile accident with a British Columbia licensed and registered vehicle, call the Insurance Corporation of British Columbia. If the accident involves vehicles from out of British Columbia, contact the nearest Insurance Corporation of British Columbia office listed in the telephone directory for advice.

Vehicle Towing Regulations

Several safety regulations apply when towing a trailer in Canada.

All vehicles being towed with a ball hitch must have safety chains or cables. A fifth-wheel hook-up does not require safety chains or cables.

Only one trailer may be towed at a time (a car dolly with a car is considered one trailer).

The maximum length for a towed recreational vehicle is 12.5 meters (41 feet), and a vehicle trailer combination cannot exceed 20 meters (65.6 feet).

The gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) and the gross axle weight rating (GAWR) of the tow vehicle must not be exceeded.

All trailers and towing dollies must have brakes on all wheels when the Gross Vehicle Weight exceeds 1,400 kg (3,086 lbs). All trailers with brakes must have a break away device hooked up to the trailer's brake system.

Surge brakes may be used up to a towed vehicle gross weight of 2,800 kg (6,173 lbs). From 2,800 kg and up, the trailer's brakes must be able to be applied by the driver of the tow vehicle.

Only a motorhome may tow brakeless motor vehicles with a tow bar when the towed vehicles weight is less than 2,000 kg and less than 40% of the GVWR. Any towed vehicles over 2000 kg must have brakes and a breakaway device hooked up.

For more information: www.icbc.com

Visitor Info Centres

To assist you with your travels within British Columbia, watch for the network symbol displayed along the highways and byways. This sign is located at over 100 community operated Visitor Info Centres and is your assurance that you will receive helpful information, professional counselling, a wealth of travel literature and friendly, personalized service.

Weapons

All revolvers, pistols, fully automatic firearms and other weapons, and self-defence sprays such as, pepper spray and mace are prohibited entry into Canada. All firearms (ie: hunting rifles, shotguns) and personal protection devices (ie: stun guns, mace, pepper spray) must be declared. To obtain information on new firearms legislation, please contact the Canadian Firearms Centre at 1-800-731-4000.

Winter Weather and Driving Time in British Columbia

From late October to March the weather can serve up winter driving conditions in all parts of British Columbia. This varies from wet roads to snow and ice. Colder temperatures always challenge a vehicle while winter driving demands the vehicle’s best possible performance.

It is advisable to winterize your vehicle by having a qualified service centre check items such as anti-freeze, the battery, wiper blades, tread on tires and tune up the motor.

Always check the weather forecast and the road report before traveling. We have provided a weather link for you on the home page and for information on current road conditions visit the Ministry of Highways site.

ICBC the Insurance Corporation of British Columbia provides great information on their web site on further actions to winterize your vehicle. In addition ICBC has driving tips for all road conditions you may encounter.