General Travel Information

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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.

Canadian Public Holidays

Public Holidays	2008	2009	2010
New Year's Day	January 1	January 1	January 1
Good Friday	March 21	April 10	April 2
Victoria Day	May 19	May 18	May 24
Canada Day	July 1	July 1	July 1
BC Day	August 4	August 3	August 2
Labour Day	September 1	September 7	September 6
Thanksgiving	October 13	October 12	October 11
Remembrance Day	November 11	November 11	November 11
Christmas Day	December 25	December 25	December 25
Boxing Day	December 26	December 26	December 26

Conversion Information

Canada changed to the metric system in the 1970’s howver 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 = 68° Fahrenheit – Commonly 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.

Food

Canadian food is very difficult to define. British Columbian food is even harder to define! Because of the ethnic origins of the British Columbia population travellers will find a wide range of food available. British Columbia is famous for its seafood, particularly salmon, both fresh and smoked. However visitors will find that British Columbia has developed its own unique style of Pacific fusion cooking that combines the flavours of British Columbia with the cooking styles of California and the orient. Food prices in restaurants are very reasonable when compared to prices internationally.

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 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

Many cities and municipalities in British Columbia have passed smoking by-laws which prohibit smoking in restaurants, and reduce the smoking areas allowed in pubs and bars. Hotels and motels throughout British Columbia offer non-smoking rooms or floors. If you require a non-smoking or 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 25¢. To place an international call, the operator will inform you of the cost and you will need to have the coins available. Some 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 end of October (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 all the time.

Tipping

Some customers may like to tip for services they receive but there is no 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% of the bill.

Visitor Info Centres

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.