Vancouver Visitor Information

Some Facts About Canada - Vancouver Visitor Information

Canada occupies the northern half of the North American continent and has a land mass of 9,970,610 km2. It is the second-largest country in the world after Russia. Canada encompasses six time zones. "O'Canada" is our national anthem. Listen to it here or view the lyrics!

Languages

English and French are Canada's official languages so if you know either one there is sure to be someone who can answer your questions :-)

Temperature/Seasonal Climate

The climate ranges from humid continental in the south to subarctic in the north. Temperatures are given officially in degrees Celsius with the Fahrenheit equivalent often added. For an exact conversion of Fahrenheit to Celsius: subtract 32 from number of degrees F, then multiply by 5/9. Conversely, multiply degrees Celsius by 9/5, then add 32 to get degrees Fahrenheit. As a general guide, 20C is room temperature, 30C is a hot day and -20 is a cold winter day. Due to Canada's vast size, temperatures vary tremendously from region to region and even within the different regions. Generally, the lowest temperatures are recorded in January and the highest in July.

Canadian Weather

Canadian weather is much the same as that of northern United States. June, July and August are our summer months, when days are usually warm, though nights may be cool, particularly in the north. Medium to heavy-weight clothing is recommended from mid-September to mid-November and from mid-March through April. During the winter you'll need to dress warmly.

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Credit Cards - Most major credit cards are welcome in Vancouver and all over Canada. Debit cards are also widely accepted at many establishments. With regards to currency we recommend that visitors use Canadian funds. It is best to exchange your money at financial institutions such as banks, trust companies and currency exchanges. Currency exchange offices can be found at most airports and at some provincial travel information centers. Other businesses such as hotels and stores will exchange your currency but the rate is not generally as good as at a financial institution.

Goods and Services Tax (GST) Refund

Visitors from outside Canada may claim a refund of the seven per cent federal GST (Goods and Services Tax) on accumulated purchases of a minimum of $200, provided that each receipt is at least $50 in goods before tax and that the goods are taken out of Canada within 60 days of purchase. GST charged on hotel and motel accommodation is also eligible for refund. Excluded items are consumable goods, transportation, services, rentals, campsites, cruise ship cabins and train berths.

Visitor Rebate Program
Revenue Canada
Summerside Tax Centre
Summerside, PEI
C1N 6C6
CANADA
Tel: 1-800-66VISIT (1-800-668-4748) Toll free from anywhere in Canada

Customs and Immigration

American visitors crossing the border, either way, may be asked to verify their citizenship with such documents as a passport, or a birth or baptismal certificate. Naturalized U.S. citizens should carry a naturalization certificate. Permanent U.S. residents who are not U.S. citizens are advised to bring their "green card". For citizens of certain countries Canada requires a visitors visa to be obtained from their nearest Canadian Consulate before entry into Canada. Travelers should check to see if this is required of them before their trip. Travelers under the age of 18 and unaccompanied by a parent need a letter of permission to travel in Canada from a parent or guardian.

Vancouver Visitor Information Center: Health Insurance

Visitors are strongly urged to obtain medical travel insurance before coming to Canada. Make sure your health insurance will cover your costs outside of your home country, or purchase medical travel insurance from a travel agent.If you are taking medicine prescribed by your doctor, bring an adequate supply and a copy of the prescription in case it needs to be renewed by a doctor in Canada. Click here for insurance options for non-Canadians and Canadians abroad.

Vancouver Visitor Information Center: What can I bring into Canada?

There are rules and regulations just like and country and we suggest you take a look at this website listed. Inspection Canada

Visitor Information Center: Animals and Pets

Under the National Animal Health Program, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency establishes import requirements for all animals and animal products entering Canada-including domestic pets. The Agency can refuse entry to any animal presented for importation. Visit Pet Imports Canada for more information.

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