A Vancouver area bed and breakfast with easy access to the attractions of Vancouver, B.C. Canada.

Information for Travellers to British Columbia

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British Columbia is the third largest of the ten Canadian Provinces covering an area of 944,735 km sq. ( 364,764 mi sq ) with a population of approximately 4 million. The capital is Victoria, located on Vancouver Island, but the largest city is Vancouver on the mainland located only 30 miles from The Canada / US border. Approximately half of the total population live in the south west corner of the province.The major cities are very multicultual and visitors to the province will find an extemely hospitable environment. British Columbia is renowned for its natural scenic beauty. Travel on well maintained modern higways and enjoy "supernatural B.C".

Below is general travel information that will help you enjoy your visit.and be sure to see our Vancouver Attractions page for some of the exciting things to do in the city and the Richmond and Greater Vancouver page for other attractions outside the city.

Customs Entry :

United States citizens must show photographic identification and proof of citizenship, or a passport.
Notice to US Visitors: US passports regulations are in the process of changing. For complete information see US Department of State.
Visitors from other countries must be in possession of a valid national passport and may also require a visa.

You can enter BC:

By Road: There are a number of Road border points in the Lower Mainland of the Greater Vancouver area with the main entry point being the Douglas Border Crossing. There are also a number of others scattered throughout the province - not all are open 24 hours

• Douglas Border Crossing Cam ( from Blaine, WA ): This is the main border crossing. Only use if you are going into Vancouver first. Open 24 hours.
• Aldergrove Cam ( from Lynden, WA ):
• Huntington / Abbotsford Cam ( from Sumas, WA )
• Border and Customs information

By Air : The two main airports are Vancouver International and Abbostford International

By Sea: The main port is Vancouver and most visitors arrive via cruise ship. If you arrive in BC via your own pleasure craft, you must contact Canada Border Services Agency upon arrival at an approved reporting site.
Note: All goods must be declared

• Dogs and cats from the US must be accompanied by a certificate signed by a licensed veterinarian of Canada or the US certifying that the animal has been vaccinated against rabies during the preceding 36 months.
• Fruits, vegetables, meats, dairy products, plant material: Restrictions apply to the importation of fruits, vegetables, meats, dairy products and plant material.
• Weapons: All firearms must be declared. Revolvers, pistols, fully automatic firearms and other weapons and self-defense sprays (e.g. mace, pepper spray) are prohibited.

Taxes:

Most purchases in British Columbia are subject to sales tax totalling 14% ( 7% Provincial Sales Tax and 6% Federal Tax called the GST ) of the purchase price. The provincial sales tax (PST) of 7% applies to retail purchases with the exception of liquor, which is taxed at 10%. Some items, including groceries, restaurant meals, children's clothing and books, are PST exempt.
The federal Goods and Services Tax (GST) of 6% is applicable to most purchased goods and services.

Driving Laws:

• Seatbelts must be worn by drivers and passengers in BC.
• Children under five must use an approved safety seat.
• Motorcyclists and cyclists must wear helmets.
• Drive on the right-hand side of the road and, if it's safe to do so, feel free to turn right at a red light after making a full stop, unless signs indicate otherwise.
• If you are involved in an accident, immediately contact the local police or RCMP, and then contact your insurance company.
• It is a criminal offense to operate or be in the care or control of a vehicle, whether in motion or not, with a blood alcohol content of more than 0.08 percent.
• Speed limits are posted in kilometres per hour.
• Out of province drivers' licences and international drivers' licences are valid in BC for a maximum of six months.
• Drivers with a non-English language licence are advised to obtain an international licence. Visit the British Columbia Automobile Association for more information.

Alcohol Laws

BC's legal drinking age is 19. Photo identification is required to purchase alcoholic beverages or enter nightclubs serving alcohol. Alcohol can be purchased in government liquor stores and at privately owned cold beer & wine stores.

Travel Insurance

Visitor to Canada, should clarify what coverage your personal insurance carrier provides before you leave your home country and, if necessary, obtain additional health insurance before coming to BC. It is also a good idea to purchase missed flight / general travel insurance.

Tipping

It is customary to tip between 15% and 20% at bars and restaurants in BC. Tips are also given to tour guides, and for taxi service, spa treatments and haircuts. Porters at airports, railway stations and hotels generally expect $1-2 (CDN) per item of luggage.

Public Holidays

Banks,schools, government offices and some stores will be closed on the following days:
New Year's Day - January 1
Good Friday - April 14
Easter Monday - April 17
Victoria Day - May 22 Canada Day - July 1
BC Day - August 7
Labour Day - September 4
Canadian Thanksgiving Day - October 9
Remembrance Day - November 11
Christmas Day - December 25
Boxing Day - December 26

Currency Exchange:

The monetary system in Canada is based on dollars and cents. To avoid exchange problems, visitors are advised to exchange their funds to Canadian dollars at a bank or a foreign currency exchange outlet.

To find out what your local currency converts to in Canadian dollars, click....... HERE

Measurements - Canada uses the metric system.

• 1 Canadian gallon = 4.5 litres
• 1 American gallon = 3.8 litres
• Road distances are measured in Kilometers. To convert to miles, multiply by 0.6 ( ie ) 100 Km = 60 mi.
• Temperature is reported in degrees Celcius. In the mid range multiply X 2 and add 32 to convert to Farenheight for approximate temperature.
• Time Zones / Daylight Savings Time Pacific Standard Time applies in most of BC. This is three hours behind Eastern Standard Time (Ontario/New York). BC is one hour behind Alberta, with the exception of some eastern areas which are on MST/Alberta time. Daylight Savings Time changes take place generally at the beginning of April (the clocks move forward one hour) and at the end of October (clocks move backward one hour).