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Business Hours/Shopping Hours

Most business hours are 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. or 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Most shops are open 9:00 a.m. or 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Monday through Wednesday and Saturdays with many staying open until 9:00 p.m. on Thursday and Friday evenings. Many shops are open on Sundays, generally 11:00 a.m. or 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

British Columbia Public Holidays

New Years Day - January 1st
Good Friday - March or April - check calendar
Easter Monday - March or April - check calendar
Victoria Day - Third Monday in May
Canada Day - July 1st
BC Day - First Monday in August
Labour Day - First Monday in September
Thanksgiving Day - Second Monday in October
Remembrance Day - November 11th
Christmas Day - December 25th
Boxing Day - December 26th

Conversion Information

Canada changed to the metric system in the 1970's however Canada still uses both the Imperial and Metric system. All speed-limit signs are in metric (i.e. kilometres/hour) and gasoline is sold in litres. Fresh goods and meat are primarily sold by the pound, and a metric breakdown is normally provided. The following metric conversions may be useful:

•  1 Canadian gallon = 4.5 litres
•  1 American gallon = 3.8 litres
•  Miles x 1.6 = kilometers
•  Kilometers x 0.6 = miles
•  30°Celcius = 86° Fahrenheit - Warm weather
•  20°Celcius = 70° Fahrenheit - Referred to as room temperature
•  0°Celcius = 32° Fahrenheit - Water Freezes
•  -10°Celcius = 14° Fahrenheit - Cold weather

Electricity

Canada operates on 110V, 60 cycle electric power (same as the U.S.). Non-North American visitors should bring a plug adaptor should you wish to use your own small appliances from home (i.e. razors, hair dryers). If you are visiting from countries such 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 (same as the U.S.), or a three-pronged plug, most sockets accommodate both.

Liquor Laws

The law in British Columbia prohibits the sale of alcoholic beverages to anyone under the age of 19 years. Alcoholic beverages can only be purchased at B.C. Liquor Agency Stores, beer and wine stores, and at licensed restaurants, pubs, and lounges. In general, alcoholic beverages can only be consumed on licensed premises or on private property, and not in unlicensed public areas, including parks, beaches, and streets, however drinking in provincial campgrounds at your site is permitted, as it is considered private property.

Smoking

British Columbia has passed smoking by-laws which prohibit smoking in public places and workplaces, including restaurants, bars, and casinos, as well as within 3 meters of doorways. Smoking is prohibited in vehicles when passengers under age 16 are present. Local municipalities have the right to enact stronger smoke free air regulations. Hotels and motels throughout British Columbia still offer non-smoking rooms or floors. If you require a non-smoking or even a smoking room, it is advisable to mention this when making a reservation.

Telephones

Public telephones are located in all major centers. A local call costs 50¢. To place an international call, dial "0" and the operator will inform you of the cost and you will need to have the coins available. Most public telephones accept credit cards. Phone cards are available at most small grocery or newspaper stores, which allow you to purchase a certain amount of time in advance.

Time Zones/Daylight Savings Time

Pacific Standard Time (BC) is three hours behind Eastern Standard Time (Ontario). British Columbia is one hour behind Alberta. Daylight Savings Time takes place generally at the beginning of April (the clocks move forward one hour) and the beginning of November (clocks move backward one hour). There are also two maverick areas in BC - the area from Creston to Yahk in southeastern BC, and the Peace River area in the northeast - do not change to daylight-saving time. They hold to Mountain Standard Time always.

Tipping

Some customers may like to tip for services they receive but there is not usually a set tipping amount but of course any one receiving a tip would be most grateful. Tipping in restaurants depends upon the quality, ambiance and sophistication of the establishment. The key factor is the quality of the service. As a guide, for waiters and waitresses offering great service, the tipping amount is 10 - 15% before taxes.

Visitor Information Centers                                

To assist you with your travels within British Columbia, watch for the network symbol displayed along the highways and byways. This sign is located at over 100 community operated Visitor Info Centres and is your assurance that you will receive helpful information, professional counselling, a wealth of travel literature and friendly, personalized service.