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TRAVEL IN CANADABorder Crossing [ top ] * Text to come. * [ top ] Climate in the Kootenays varies widely depending on season and the day. The phrase "If you don't like the weather wait 10 minutes" is very applicable here. As a general guide: (Average temperatures only):
[ top ] Most major credit cards are honored in Canada. Of these, Visa and Mastercard are the most frequently used. In certain cases, you'll find a retailer or restaurant that will be 'cash only' or refuse to take certain credit cards due to the vendor charges involved. Likewise, 'Debit' cards are also widely accepted, subject to the same considerations as credit cards. ATM machines are easily accessible in almost every community. At the Dancing Bear Inn, we accept Visa, Mastercard and Debit cards only. We do not give cash advances on credit or debit card purchases.[ top ] [ top ] American state driver's licenses are valid in Canada for varying periods of time as legislated by individual provinces and territories. The International Driving Permit is also valid but it must be accompanied at all times by the visitor's state or national driver's license.[ top ] 110 Volts, 60 cycles AC[ top ] All visitors to Canada are required to present their passport at points of entry. Citizens or permanent residents of the U.S. do not require visas to visit Canada. If a current passport is not available, U.S. citizens should consult Canadian Customs & Immigration with regard to specific forms of identification that will be accepted for entry. Foreign visitors from outside North America may require specific visas or other documentation such as proof of immunization. Further information can be obtained from the Canadian Embassy and Consulates.[ top ] The nearest foreign consulates are located in Vancouver, BC. These include:Australia: 604.684.1177 France: 604.681.2301 Germany: 604.684.4258 Japan: 604.684.5868 New Zealand: 604.684.7388 Switzerland: 604.684.2231 United Kingdom: 604.683.4421 United States: 604.685.4311 For a complete listing visit: foreign consulate list GOODS & SERVICES TAX (GST) AND VISITOR REBATES [ top ] The goods and services tax (GST) is a seven per cent tax charged on most goods and services sold or provided in Canada. As a visitor to Canada, you will pay the tax on most of your purchases. Under the visitor rebate program, you may get a refund of the tax paid on goods you take home and on accommodations in Canada provided it is less than one month per lodging establishment.You qualify for a tax refund if: . You are not a resident of Canada . You spend $100 (Canadian) or more on qualifying goods and/or accommodation anywhere in Canada . You have your original receipts . You apply for the refund within one year of purchasing the qualifying goods and accommodations. For more information, call 1-800-668-4748 (within Canada) or 902-432-5608 (for outside Canada). Rebate Program Address: Summerside Tax Centre 275 Pope Road , Summerside , PEI C1N 6N6 [ top ] Canadian hospital and medical services are, for the most part, excellent. In rural areas such as Nelson, specific specialties may be unavailable and evacuation may be required for specific types of medical emergencies. It is recommended that visitors to Canada obtain traveler's health insurance before leaving their country because health insurance plans often do not extend coverage for services received outside the country of residence. Visitors may find they have either no health insurance or inadequate coverage when in Canada. Visitors taking medicine prescribed by a doctor should bring a copy of the prescription in case it needs to be renewed by a doctor in Canada.[ top ] New Year's Day: January 1Easter: March or April Victoria Day: 3rd weekend in May Canada Day: July 1 Civic Holiday: 1st weekend in August Labour Day: 1st weekend in September Thanksgiving: 1st weekend in October Christmas: December 25 Boxing Day: December 26 [ top ] Traditional couriers such as Federal Express and United Parcel Service offer timely and efficient delivery of small packages and documents into and out of Canada. For larger shipments, Canadian customs brokers or a Canada Customs office can provide information on transportation companies that offer efficient service for "time sensitive" meeting materials or exhibit goods.For shipping to Nelson, allow 1-4 additional days over and above the time frame for shipping to larger metropolitan areas. [ top ] Canada has six time zones:Newfoundland ( 1 1/2 hours ahead of Atlantic) Atlantic (1 hour ahead of Eastern) Eastern (5 hours behind Greenwich Mean Time) Central (1 hour behind Eastern) Mountain (2 hours behind Eastern) Pacific (3 hours behind Eastern) Nelson is in the Pacific time zone. [ top ] Tips or service charges are not usually added to a bill in Canada. In general, a tip of between 15% and 18% of the sub total before taxes is given, is considered appropriate. This applies to waiters, waitresses, barbers and hairdressers, taxi drivers, etc. Bellhops, doormen redcaps (porters) etc., at hotels, airports, and railway stations are generally paid $1 to $2 per item of luggage.[ top ] Canadian tap water is among the cleanest in the world and is very safe to drink. If you are planning a back country camping or trekking experience, it is always best to bring a portable water filter.[ top ] As a mountain town, weather in Nelson can change quite frequently. For up-to-date information on the most current weather forecasts for Nelson as well as all of Canada, please go to: weatheroffice.ec.gc.ca |
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