Currency
The current value of the Canadian dollar in relation
to other international currencies makes the Canadian
Rockies one of the most value packed destinations
in the world. Major credit cards including Visa, MasterCard,
and American Express are accepted by most establishments.
Visitors can exchange their currency at Canadian
banks, trust companies, credit unions or foreign exchange
brokers. Some hotels, merchants and restaurants accept
US currency - but the exchange rate may be lower than
that posted by financial institutions.
Goods and Services Tax (5%)
GST is a value-added tax similar to that used in many
other countries. Foreign visitors can claim GST rebates
on paid goods which they take out of Canada within 60
days of purchase and on accommodation (less than a 30-day
stay per location). Claims can be made by submitting
receipts (each receipt must total at least $50 before
taxes). Non-eligible items include meals, entertainment,
alcohol, vehicle rentals, gas and any good consumed
or left in Canada. Forms are available at most hotels,
stores, restaurants and attractions.
For
more information contact:
Canadian Tax Refund
P. O. Box 42090, Vancouver, BC V6P 6S6, Canada
Fax: 604-261-7009
www.canadiantaxrefund.com
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Customs and Duty-Free Allowance
In Alberta visitors to Canada may bring in free of
duties a maximum of 1.5 litres of wines, 1.14 litres
of liquor (40 oz.), or 24x355 ml cans or bottles (8.5
litres) of beer or ale, as long as you meet the minimum
age of 18 years. Your personal baggage can also include
up to 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars, 200 grams of manufactured
tobacco, and 200 tobacco sticks. Visitors importing
such items must be over 18 years of age. Visitors
may bring sporting equipment and personal goods for
their own use by declaring them at entry.
Entry Regulations for Visitors
U.S. citizens and permanent residents require a passport to fly in or out of Canada. If crossing by land, no passport is required, but two pieces of identification to prove citizenship are, including:
- Driver's license
- Birth certificate
- Certificate of citizenship
- Certificate of naturalization
Children may travel with only birth certificates. Residents of countries other than the U.S. must
carry a valid passport. Visitors from some countries
may also require a visa or other documentation. Please
check with the nearest Canadian consulate well in
advance of your departure. All visitors should carry
proof of citizenship.
For more information, visit the Canadian Border Services Website: www.cbsa.gc.ca
National
Park Regulations
Please help protect the natural beauty of Canada's
parks by
respecting the following regulations.
It is against the law to collect natural objects
including flowers, plants, rocks, antlers and artifacts.
It is illegal to entice or feed wildlife (it can also
be very dangerous!). Fisherman must have a national
parks fishing license and hunting is prohibited. THE
USE OF FIREARMS WITHIN NATIONAL PARKS IS PROHIBITED.
Park Entry Fees
A Family Day Pass for up to seven people in a vehicle is $19.60 a day. Annual National Parks of Canada passes for a Family/Group (up to 7) are $136.40; these are multi-park passes that allow entry to all national parks in Canada. Single adult day passes are $9.80. Single adult annual passes are $67.70. Large group commercial rates can be arranged in advance through Parks Canada. Details can be obtained by writing:
Metric
Everything in Canada is measured in metric units,
though many stores use both metric and Imperial systems.
Speed limits and distances are in kilometres. For
example, within the Park the highway speed limit is
90 kilometres per hour (km/hr), equivalent to 55 miles
per hour (mph). With regard to temperatures, 20 degrees
Celsius is about 68 degrees Fahrenheit; 30°C is
80°F; 10°C is 50°F; and 0°C is 32°F.
Gas is sold by the litre and there are 3.8 litres
in a U.S. gallon.
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What to
Pack
Please keep in mind that you are visiting the
Rocky Mountains where the weather can change
quite frequently therefore, we suggest that
you dress in layers.
Be prepared by packing sweaters or sweatshirts
and at least a light jacket for evening outings.
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The winter months are cold and dry however we do receive
numerous Chinooks, which are warm winds that bring mild
temperatures.
While packing take into consideration the different
activities that you are interested in and pack accordingly.
A very warm winter jacket is a definite must and don't
forget your hat, mitts or gloves, scarf and boots.
There is usually a cold snap that occurs during the
end of December and early January so be prepared if
you are travelling during this time.
Weather
The weather in the Canadian Rockies changes frequently
due to the high elevation and rugged topography. The
summer months are generally warm with low humidity
and daylight hours stretching to 11:00 p.m. in June.
Warm Chinook winds bring spring-like conditions during
the winter and the spring is fabulous for skiing and
also taking part in activities like golfing, biking
and hiking.
Month |
High |
Low |
January |
-5.3°C |
23°F |
-14.9°C |
5°F |
February |
0.1°C |
30°F |
-11.3°C |
12°F |
March |
3.8°C |
38°F |
-7.9°C |
16°F |
April |
9.0°C |
48°F |
-2.8°C |
27°F |
May |
14.2°C |
55°F |
1.5°C |
34°F |
June |
18.7°C |
66°F |
5.4°C |
41°F |
July |
22.1°C |
71°F |
7.4°C |
45°F |
August |
21.6°C |
70°F |
6.8°C |
44°F |
September |
16.1°C |
60°F |
2.7°C |
38°F |
October |
10.1°C |
50°F |
-1.1°C |
31°F |
November |
0.5°C |
30°F |
-8.2°C |
16°F |
December |
-5.3°C |
23°F |
-13.8°C |
5°F |
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