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Hospitals
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Motor Vehicles/Trailors
Newspapers/Magazines
Personal Safety
 Passports & Visas
Pharmacies
Post Offices
Taxes
Time Zone
Traffic & Parking
What to wear
Weather
Wild Animals

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Canadian Goose


to TOP of PageWhat to wear?

When on the coastal regions mornings and evenings can be a bit damp and cool but very nice during the day. You might want to include a rain jacket and/or an umbrella. Summer months are low 70's and shorts and short sleeve shirts are comfortable but evenings can cool off as well so a light jacket is handy. The fall season is much cooler so warm clothing, sweaters etc are the best.

No matter what time of year you visit, you'll want to bring a pair of comfortable shoes for exploring. Clothing you can wear in layers, a t-shirt and a light sweater for instance, are a good bet.

to TOP of Page Time Zone - PST
(Pacific Standard Time)

Vancouver Island and British Columbia follow Pacific Standard Time (PST), and participate in Daylight Savings Time (DST). DST starts on Sunday April 7, 2002 at 2:00:00 am PST when clocks "spring forward" and hour, and ends on Sunday October 27, 2002 at 2:00:00 am PST when the time "falls back" one hour.

to TOP of PageCommunications
Internet
Most of Vancouver Island has Free Internet access through the Community Access Program (CAP) of which their are a number of them across Vancouver Island located through the Public Library system. Most business centers across the island will have cyber cafe's a perfect spot to enjoy a coffee while checking your mail. Most cafes charge a small fee, usually per minute for Internet access. Check the local yellow pages for the most up-to-date cyber cafe listings.

to TOP of PagePassports/Visas

Entry is usually granted for six months unless otherwise indicated in writing. Citizens or permanent residents of the US do not need passports or visas to enter Canada, but proof of citizenship such as a birth certificate, voter's registration, or baptismal certificate must be carried. Proof of residence, such as a driver's license, should also be carried. At least one ID card with a photo must be carried. US permanent residents should carry their Resident Alien Cards (Green Card). Temporary residents of the U.S need a passport for travel to Canada and may also require a visitor's visa.

All other persons entering Canada as visitors must be in possession of a valid national passport or other recognized travel document. Citizens of some countries also need visas to enter Canada. Visa applications and inquiries must be made at a Canadian embassy, consulate or mission outside of Canada. Visas are not available at the border or airport. Travelers with children should carry identification for each child as required for adults. Divorced parents with shared custody rights should carry legal documents establishing their status. A letter of permission from the parents of any children accompanying travelers (for whom they do not have legal custody) must be carried.

Visitors to Canada must: - not have a criminal record - this includes convictions for driving while intoxicated (DUI);
- have enough money to support themselves and their dependents during their stay;
- not pose a health risk; and
- be willing and have the means to leave Canada and go to another country.


to TOP of PagePost Offices

Mail can be sent to you here marked c/o General Delivery, Victoria, BC, Canada. Post offices are generally open weekdays 9 am to 5 pm and Saturday 9 am to 1 pm. Mailboxes are coloured red and are located throughout the city and along main routes.

Canada Post Information

Customer Service



Priority Courier-Xpresspost-Parcels and International Courier: 1-888-550-6333
Philatelic Products and Services: 1-800-565-4362
TTY (Deaf or Hard of Hearing): 1-800-267-2797
Canada Post Postal Outlets


to TOP of Page Vancouver Island Pharmacies

Phone Numbers & Address

Web Sites

to TOP of Page Hospitals

To top of page

(Choose by City)
A B C D K L N P Q T V

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St George's Hospital
182 Fir.
Alert Bay, BC.
(250)974-5585

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Red Cross Outpost Hospital
245 Bamfield Boardwalk.
Bamfield West, BC.
(250)728-3312

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Campbell River & District General Hospital
375 2nd Ave.
Campbell River, BC.
(250)287-7111

Chemainus Health Care Centre
9909 Esplanade.
Chemainus, BC.
(250)246-3291

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St Joseph's General Hospital
2137 Comox.
Comox, BC.
(250)339-2242

Cumberland Health Center
2696 Windermere Ave.
Cumberland, BC.
(250)336-8531

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Cowichan District Hospital
3045 Gibbins.
Duncan, BC.
(250)746-4141

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Kyuquot Red Cross Hospital
Kyuquot, BC.
(250) 332-5289

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Ladysmith General Hospital
1111 4th Ave.
Ladysmith, BC.
(250)245-2221

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Central Vancouver Island Health Region
610 495 Dunsmuir.
Nanaimo, BC.
(250)755-3010

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Nanaimo Regional General Hospital
1200 Dufferin Cres.
Nanaimo, BC.
(250)755-7615

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Trillium Extended Care Hospital
401 S Moilliet.
Parksville, BC.
(250)248-8353

West Coast General Hospital
3841 8th Ave.
Port Alberni, BC.
(250)723-2135

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Port Alice Hospital
1090 Marine Dr.
Port Alice, BC.
(250)284-3555

Port Hardy Hospital
9120 Granville.
Port Hardy, BC.
(250)949-6161

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Port McNeill & District Hospital
2750 Kingcome Pl.
Port McNeill, BC.
(250)956-4461

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Eagle Park Health Care Facility
777 Jones St.
Qualicum Beach, BC.
(250)752-7075

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Tahsis Health Centre
1085 S Maquinna Dr.
Tahsis, BC.
(250)934-6322

Tofino General Hospital
261 Neill
Tofino, BC.
(250)725-3212

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Royal Jubilee Hospital
1900 Fort St.
Victoria, BC.
(250)370-8000

Victoria General Hospital
1 Hospital Way
Victoria, BC.
(250)727-4212

to TOP of PageTravel and Emergency Medical Assistance Insurance

Worldwide emergency and travel assistance insurance available through (Travel) traveles.com
Now you can have the peace of mind knowing that throughout the duration of your trip in and emergency or illness arises, help is only a phone call away.

Motor Vehicle Insurance

Ensure that you have proof of insurance while driving in Canada. US motorists should obtain a Canadian "Non-Resident Inter-Provincial Motor Vehicle Liability Insurance Card" from their insurer before traveling to Canada. This indicates that you are covered with the minimum legal insurance requirements throughout Canada.

For further information about this yellow card contact:
Superintendent of Financial Institutions
1900 - 1050 West Pender Street
Vancouver, BC V6E 3S7
Tel: (604) 660-2947


to TOP of PageMotor Vehicles and Trailor
Recreational vehicles (RVs)

and trailers not exceeding 2.6 meters (8'6") in width are permitted entry into Canada, for touring purposes, for periods of up to 12 months. No customs fees are payable. Motor vehicle registration forms and proof of insurance are required for every vehicle and trailer. If the vehicle is not registered to the driver, documentation authorizing your use of the vehicle or trailer must be provided. If the vehicle is rented from a company, the motor vehicle registration form and a copy of the rental agreement should be carried. The rental document should bear an endorsement to the effect that the rented vehicle is permitted entry into Canada. Canadian residents may not bring a US rented vehicle into Canada.

Vehicle Towing Regulations: When a vehicle or trailer weighing 1,400 kilograms (3,087 pounds) or more is towed behind a recreational vehicle, the towed vehicle must be outfitted with functional braking and emergency breakaway devices which apply the brakes at the end of the axles. Additionally, one or more safety chains that can hold the weight of the towed vehicle must be attached.

Check with Canada Customs if you plan to leave your vehicle in Canada. Canadian residents may not use a US citizen's possessions unless Canadian duties and taxes have been paid. A special permit (E-99) from Canada Customs is available if you plan to leave your recreational vehicle in Canada for a season. The posted permit must be clearly visible from outside the vehicle.

Road Reports
Winter weather conditions can make road trips stressful. Planning your route with up-to-date road information will go a long way toward saving you time, trouble and reducing stress. We're sure you will agree - the best route is a planned route.

For information on road conditions while traveling in B.C call the Ministry of Transportation and Highways at 1-900-565-4997. There is a 75 cents per minute charge for these calls. A free, pre-recorded telephone information service providing updated critical road information for Vancouver Island is available by dialing 953-9000 in Victoria (enter code 7623).

to TOP of PageTraffic and Parking
Canada has recently in the last few years converted over to a metric measure. Miles per hour are now called kilometers. So converting km to mph is 1km = 0.62 miles
In Canada, cars drive on the right-hand side of the road and pass on the left. Speed limits are generally posted: 30 km per hour (18.6 miles per hour) in school zones, 50 km per hour (30 miles per hour) in business or residential areas and 80 km per hour (50 miles per hours) on most highways, unless specified by road signs. All persons riding in an automobile are required to wear a seat belt, and an infant car seat is required for children weighing up to 18 kg (40 pounds).

If you manage to find a parking spot in Victoria, read the parking signs carefully, or you could end up with a visit from a tow truck or an excessive bylaw fine. Be especially wary of neighborhood permit areas, bus zones and stay out of parking lanes opened up for rush hour traffic. Fines may cost more than $20, plus another $100 for towing, and storage fees each day.

British Columbia has an excellent highway system, with distances and speed limits clearly posted on highway signs in metric (kms/hour). International Driver's licenses, US State Drivers' licenses and licenses from other countries are all valid in Canada. U.S motorists should obtain a Canadian non-resident inter-provincial motor vehicle liability insurance card from their insurer before traveling to Canada.

Drivers are required to keep their vehicle headlights on while driving - day and night. 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 milligrams of alcohol in the bloodstream.

Vehicle Accidents: If you are involved in an automobile accident, you should immediately contact the local police or RCMP, then your own insurance company. If the accident involves a BC licensed and registered vehicle, contact the nearest Insurance Corporation of British Columbia (ICBC) office, listed in the telephone directory, for advice. BC employs photo radar to police and regulate driving speeds in the province. For current radar locations, call 1-800-772 8120

Fuels: All common fuels, including leaded and unleaded gasoline and diesel, are available in BC and are sold in litres. Propane is also available at many gas stations throughout British Columbia.

1 Canadian gallon = 4.5 litres
1 US gallon = 3.78 litres


to TOP of PageNewspapers

Victoria has a newspaper called the "Times-Colonist". It is printed daily and is available everywhere on the island. Nanaimo has a three newspapers called the "Daily Free Press", "Harbour City Star", and the "Bulletin". Most of the medium sized towns have small local newspapers of local interest and advertise garage sales, church bazarres, and fall fairs etc. There are many smaller settlements along the coastal regions of Vancouver Island.

to TOP of PageCurrency and Banking - currency converter

The monetary system in Canada is based on dollars and cents, as in the United States. Due to current monetary exchange rates, there is a significant difference in value between the Canadian dollar and the American dollar. Although US Dollars are generally accepted in Canada at the current rate of exchange, it is always best to change your money at a recognized financial institution, bank, or a foreign currency exchange outlet, where you will receive the prevailing exchange rate. A nominal handling fee will be charged for this service. Stores, hotels and restaurants will also exchange currency, but the rate will not be as favorable as that at a financial institution.

Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Travelers Cheques are widely accepted in Canada. You can use any bank card for the Interac system with just about every automatic banking machine in Canada. Banking machines are conveniently located at banks and other locations throughout most cities and airports. Banking hours are generally 10:00am to 4:00pm, Monday to Friday. Some banks are open on Saturday.

It is recommended that visitors carry travellers' cheques as well as a small amount of Canadian cash. While not impossible to cash personal cheques drawn on foreign accounts, it can be an expensive and time-consuming process to clear the cheque. Most U.S. credit cards are honoured in Canada. Any charge to a credit card will reflect the applicable exchange rate.

To check current exchange rates online, go to www.xe.net


to TOP of PageCustoms - Duty Free

Like most countries, Canada has requirements and restrictions on goods such as firearms, animals and animal products, endangered species and fresh fruit and vegetables, as well as certain food and drug products.

Goods for your personal use while in Canada - including clothing, stereos, cameras, tape recorders, personal computers, sporting equipment, boats and outboard motors - are exempt from duties and taxes, provided you declare them to Revenue Canada (Customs) when entering the country and they are exported when you leave Canada. Visitors aged 19 years or over may bring in 50 cigars, 200 cigarettes and 200g (7 oz.) of manufactured tobacco. The alcoholic beverage allowance permits the import of 1.14 liters (40 oz) of spirits or wine, or 24 x 355 ml (12 oz) bottles/cans of beer or ale, providing it is to be used for personal consumption. If you bring in more than these quantities, you will have to pay federal duties and provincial fees and taxes when you enter Canada.

Gifts:

You can bring gifts for relatives and friends, duty free, if each gift is valued at $60 Cdn or less. If the value of the gift is more than $60 Cdn., you may have to pay duties and taxes. You cannot bring tobacco and alcohol products as gifts. Goods "in transit" (but not hand guns) may be brought through Canada by Americans seeking a convenient route to other parts of the mainland US or Alaska. To facilitate your border crossings, you should carry 3 copies of a list of all the goods you are bringing with you, including values and serial numbers where applicable. Consumable goods, such as alcohol, tobacco and food, should be packed in containers that can be corded and sealed by Canada Customs at the time of entry.

Endangered Species: Trade in endangered or threatened species of fauna and flora is strictly controlled by an import/export system. Be sure to determine what rules and regulations apply before bringing animals or plant products into Canada. All plant material must be declared to Canada Customs at the point of entry. Authority to import plant material from all countries must be obtained in advance. Many agricultural items are restricted or prohibited entry to Canada.

For more information on customs regulations call Revenue Canada, Customs and Excise, Regional Information Unit, at 1-800-461-9999 or (204) 983-3500 from outside Canada. Or visit www.ccra-adrc.gc.ca

Pets

All pets must be accompanied by their owners when entering Canada. Dogs and cats entering from the US must be accompanied by a certificate signed by a licensed Canadian or US veterinarian certifying that the pet has been vaccinated against rabies during the preceding 36 months. An exception is made for puppies or kittens that are younger than three months old.

For information contact:
Canadian Food Inspection Agency(CFIA) Import Services Centre
Tel: 1-888-732 6222 or 1-604-541 3370
Fax: 1-604-541 3373


World Consulate Contact Information in BC

to TOP of PageTaxes - GST/PST

GST (Goods and Services Tax) is a 7% federal tax applicable to most services and goods purchased.
PST (Provincial Sales Tax) is a 7% provincial tax charged on purchases of most goods.

An 8% Hotel Room Tax is levied on all B.C Accommodations with the exception of campgrounds and houseboats. Local Municipal Government, where approved, levies an additional 2% tourism tax on accommodation bills.

Tax Refunds

Non-residents of Canada may apply for a rebate of the 7% GST paid. The following qualifying guidelines are taken from the Goods and Services Tax Refund for Visitors (Summer 1998) guide, published and distributed by Revenue Canada Customs and Excise.

In order to qualify for the GST rebate you must ensure that:
- GST was paid on goods purchase amounts (before taxes)
- total at least $200 Cdn
- each individual receipt shows a minimum purchase amount (before taxes) of $50 Cdn
- goods were purchased for use outside of Canada
- goods were removed from Canada within 60 days of delivery to you
- original receipts and supporting documents are attached to application
- proof of export may be required if goods are not in the applicant's possession


Simply pick up a copy of Tax Refund Application for Visitors at any Customs office or from most tourism information centres, duty-free shops, department stores and some hotels. A refund may be obtained from participating Duty-Free Shops if the refund is $500 Cdn or less. An application for refund may also be made by mailing to:

Revenue Canada,
Visitor Rebate Program,
Summerside, PEI C1N 6C6, Canada.


The claim period is one year from the date you purchased the goods. If the seller ships your purchase out of Canada on your behalf you will not have to pay the GST and, therefore, no refund can be claimed. You can claim a GST refund on eligible short-term accommodation and for tax paid on most goods you take home. This includes tax paid on campsite fees where you rented a campsite, continuously, for less than one month.

Since the spring of 1999, there have been changes to the GST refund regulations whereby you will have to make the goods available for inspection by authorities at border crossings and other exit points.

For more information, call toll-free 1-800-668-4748 from anywhere in Canada
1-902-432-5608 from outside Canada.


Airport Tax

Vancouver International Airport Improvement Tax: $15-00 Cdn
Domestic Tax (including Mexico and US): $10-00 Cdn
British Columbia Tax: $5-00 Cdn
Airport tax does not apply to passengers with connecting flights on the same calendar day.

to TOP of Page Holidays for 2002