ABOUT VANCOUVER
Vancouver and Attractions
Vancouver is consistently ranked as one of the most beautiful cities in the world. It is a city of stunning natural beauty nestled between the snow capped Coastal Mountains and the blue waters of the Pacific Ocean, as well as being a cosmopolitan city, bustling with activity.
To enhance your stay, Vancouver presents a dazzling array of attractions to entertain, excite and inform visitors. Bring a camera to capture the breathtaking panoramic views while walking along the Seawall, relaxing in Stanley Park, or taking a boat ride to Granville Island. Imagine going sailing, playing a round of golf on an internationally renowned golf course and a sunset dinner with a view of the majestic mountains at Whistler/Blackcomb Resort - all in the same day! Families will find exceptional facilities that their children will thoroughly enjoy.
For more information on Vancouver, please contact: www.tourismvancouver.org
For more information on Vancouver Restaurants, please see: www.where2eat.ca
Weather
Vancouver enjoys warm, comfortable summers that are rarely scorching. June to August has daytime temperatures that linger just above 20º Celsius (70º Fahrenheit). Evenings, especially in the surrounding mountains, can be cool, so it is recommended to pack a light jacket and/or sweater. For up-to-date weather information, please visit http://www.theweathernetwork.com.
Banks / Currency Exchange
1 CAD $ = 100 cents
Banks are generally open from 10:00 to 16:00, Monday through Friday. Visitors to Canada are encouraged to exchange funds for Canadian dollars at Vancouver International Airport, at a bank or at a foreign currency exchange outlet where they will receive the prevailing rate. Automatic teller machines (ATMs) are found throughout Vancouver. International credit cards are accepted throughout the country and traveler cheques can be changed at banks, hotels, resorts and the airport.
For up-to-date information, please refer to the Universal Currency Converter at: http://www.xe.com/ucc/.
Electricity
Canada operates on 110V, 60 cycle electric power, which is the same as in the United States. Non-North American visitors should bring a plug adaptor if they wish to use their own small appliances from home (razors, hair dryers, etc). If you are visiting from countries, such as Australia, that use a higher voltage, you may encounter problems charging your re-chargeable batteries. Canadian electrical goods come with either a two-pronged plug, which is the same as the US, or a three-pronged plug; most sockets accommodate both.
Taxes
A provincial tax of 7% is charged on the majority of items purchased in British Columbia. An additional Goods and Services Tax (GST) of 5% is charged on most items and services, (10% on alcoholic beverages); accommodation tax is 8%.Visitors to Canada are eligible to participate in the Canada Tax Back Program which allows you to claim the 5% GST (Good and Services Tax). You may claim the rebate on most of your purchases after your visit to Canada.
Tipping
Some properties and resort hotels include tips or gratuities with group tours to simplify bookkeeping. This will usually include gratuities for housekeeping, bell service and food service. Otherwise, customary gratuity will be calculated at 15%, which is a base standard tip in most restaurants, bars and hotels.
Smoking
Smoking is not permitted at the Congress facilities. The City of Vancouver has public health regulations that prevent smoking in public buildings, on public transportation and in ALL restaurants. Certain bars have designated smoking areas.
Liquor Laws
In British Columbia, the legal drinking age is 19; bars and restaurants are open from 11:00 to 04:00. In BC, there are stiff penalties for drinking and driving.