Travel Tips

Border Crossings/Canada Customs

Entry into Canada from the US: Passports are required for all travel by air between the US and Canada. By road, a passport or other approved secure travel document is required for all travel between the US and Canada. For updates, visit the US Department of State’s website at www.travel.state.gov. Visitors from all other countries must be in

possession of a valid passport and may also require a visa. Visitors must present and declare all

goods upon entry into Canada. Some goods may be prohibited and/or restricted and may require permits, such as firearms and weapons. Visitors to British Columbia are entitled to

bring in a reasonable number of personal effects and a four-day supply of food. Visitors aged 19 years or over may import up to 50 cigars, 200 cigarettes, 200g (8 oz) of tobacco, 1.14 L (40 oz) of spirits or 1.5 L (51 oz) of wine or 8.5 L (288 oz) of beer or ale for personal consumption. Sporting equipment (e.g., fishing tackle,

boats, outboard motors, camping gear, golf clubs) as well as tape recorders, stereos, cameras, etc., to be used by the visitor while in Canada should be declared when entering the country and exported when the traveller leaves Canada, or duty paid. For more information on customs

regulations call the Canada Border Services Agency at 1-800-461-9999 within Canada and 204-983-3500 outside Canada or visit www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca.

Automobile Accidents

If you are involved in an accident, immediately contact the local police or Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), then your insurance company.

Seat Belts

British Columbia law requires that all drivers and passengers use seat belts while driving or riding in a motor vehicle. Strict regulations are in place for children. Booster seats are mandatory for all children at least 40 lbs until they are 4’9” tall or age nine. Children over one year old and between 20-40 lbs must be secured in a child seat, regardless of who is driving the vehicle; and infant seats must be used until the baby is at least one year of age and 20 lbs. The seat must also be rear facing and not placed in front of an active frontal airbag.

Handheld Cellphones and Portable

Electronic Device Driving Ban

As of January 1, 2010, drivers in British Columbia can no longer use hand-held cellphones and other hand-held portable electronic devices while driving.

Ferries

For information on ferry schedules, rates and vehicle reservations call BC Ferries toll free at 1 -888-223-3779 from within British Columbia or 250-386-3431 from out of province or visit www.bcferries.com.

Goods and Services Tax (GST) and

Harmonized Sales Tax (HST)

The federal GST of 5% is applicable to most purchased goods and services. On July 1, 2010 British Columbia is introducing a harmonized value-added tax that will replace the GST and Provincial Sales Tax (PST). The harmonized sales tax will be 12% and apply to the majority of goods and services.

Emergency 911

In emergency situations, contact the local police, ambulance service, fire department and other emergency services by calling 911. Visitors taking prescribed medications should bring a copy of their prescriptions in case they need to be renewed or tended to by a doctor in Canada.

Tourist Alert

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) is frequently asked to communicate urgent messages to people on vacation. If you see your name listed in newspapers, at information centres or hear it on the radio or TV, please contact the numbers given.

Forest Fires

If you spot a forest fire while travelling in British Columbia, call the B.C. Forest Service toll-free at 1-800-663-5555, or *5555 on your cell phone.

W

elcome to Canada’s ONLY national accommodations rating program for bed and breakfasts, cottages, hotels, motels,

inns and resorts.

Properties listed in the British Columbia Travel Companion and displaying Canada Select Accommodation Star Ratings have voluntarily been inspected by Tourism British Columbia.

The Canada Select program rates all participating accommodations by category based on the extent and quality of the facilities and amenities provided. Each category i.e. hotel/motel, inn, cottage, B&B or resort has a set of unique inspection criteria to ensure they meet consumer expectations. Overall cleanliness and state of repair is a fundamental requirement of the rating program. The quality of personal services provided by an accommodation is not factored into the rating.

The Canada Select sign is your assurance of quality at more than 5,000 participating accommodations in Canada.

4 British Columbia Travel Companion

STAR RATING DESCRIPTIONS

 Modest Accommodations—Meeting the Canada Select standards of cleanliness, comfort and safety.

 Moderate Accommodations—With additional facilities

and some amenities

 Above Average Accommodations—A greater range of

facilities, guest amenities and services available.

 Exceptional Accommodations—With an extensive

range of facilities, guest amenities and services available.

 Luxurious Accommodations—Among the very best in the country. Outstanding facilities, amenities and guest

services provided. ½ 1/2 stars are awarded to properties whose overall quality of facilities exceeds their specific category star rating. Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45