Visitor Information

About Vancouver

Below are a few tips to help you enjoy your stay.

For additional information on Vancouver, please visit Tourism Vancouver’s website at www.tourismvancouver.com and Tourism BC’s website at www.hellobc.com.

Climate

Warmed by Pacific Ocean currents and protected by a range of mountains, Vancouver enjoys mild temperatures year-round. From low 20's Celsius (high 70's Fahrenheit) in summer to a mild 0º to 5º Celsius (mid 40's Fahrenheit) in winter, the climate is always hospitable. Vancouver enjoys warm, comfortable summers that are rarely scorching. June to August daytime temperatures linger just above 20º Celsius (70º Fahrenheit). For more detailed weather information visit www.theweathernetwork.com.

Temperatures

Month 		Average Daily High Average Daily Low Bright Sun %

 

°Celsius

°Fahrenheit

°Celsius

°Fahrenheit

 

January

6

42

1

34

21

February

7

45

1

34

31

March

9

49

3

38

33

April

13

56

5

42

47

May

16

63

8

48

53

June

19

68

11

54

47

July

21

72

12

56

63

August

21

72

12

56

56

September

17

65

10

52

50

October

13

56

9

50

34

November

9

49

4

40

26

December

7

48

2

36

17


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Currency

The monetary system in Canada is based on dollars and cents. Most Greater Vancouver establishments accept US dollars and Japanese yen, and usually offer reasonable exchange rates.

The current Canada/US exchange rate and the exchange rate between Canada and other countries can be found at http://www.xe.com/ucc.

The Canadian Dollar is available in $5, $10, $20, $50 and $100 bills. The coinage denominations are $2, $1, 25 cents, 10 cents, 5 cents and 1 cent. There are 100 cents to one dollar.

The Canadian dollar itself is a relatively large gold-coloured coin and the locals have nicknamed it the “Loonie,” officially because it features a Canadian bird, the loon, on its face. The $2 coin is slightly larger and two toned, gold and silver coloured, and has been nicknamed the “Toonie.”

Bank debit or credit cards are the most convenient means of getting cash at the many 24 hour access automated banking machines.  As in the US and Europe these machines accept cards with Plus, Interac and Cirrus symbols and there is one on almost every block in downtown Vancouver.

Most Canadian businesses accept US currency and travellers cheques. International currency exchanges are available at the airport and at all the banks in the city.

Major credit cards (VISA, MasterCard, and American Express) are generally accepted by Canadian businesses.


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Electricity

Outlets and voltage (110 volts) are the same as in the United States. Small appliances such as hair dryers, irons, razors, etc. can be used in Canada. For those from other countries, adapters are required for electrical appliances. The frequency of electrical current in Canada is 60 Hz.


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Food & Beverage

An extensive variety of cuisine is available representing the multicultural flavour of Vancouver. Fine dining, casual or family friendly restaurants are easily accessible throughout Greater Vancouver.

Minors are not admitted into bars. In BC, minors are defined as anyone under 19 years of age.


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Language

Federal government departments provide service in English and French, but most of the population speaks English as either a first or second language. The City of Vancouver is quite cosmopolitan and has representation from many multicultural languages.


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Medical Insurance for Travelling to Canada

Visitors are not covered by Canadian health insurance plans. Check with your personal medical plan before leaving your home country to ensure you have adequate travelling insurance. Participants are urged to take out insurance to cover loss incurred in the case of cancellation, medical expenses and damage to or loss of personal effects whenever travelling outside of their own country.


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Passports & Visas

A valid passport is required while a tourist visa is necessary for visitors from certain countries. A letter of invitation will become available on the registration page of this website. Where possible, it is advised that international delegates arrange connecting flights through Canada rather than the United States to avoid immigration delays. Persons who wish to enter the USA from Canada should make proper arrangements before leaving their home country. For more information please see www.cic.gc.ca. Citizens from countries other than the US may require a visa. A drivers’ license is NOT proof of citizenship. The process of applying for a visa should be started as early as possible to allow time for administration.


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Smoking Laws

Smoking is not permitted by law in public buildings, on public transit, in shopping malls, and in most restaurants, pubs, nightclubs, and casinos, including outdoor seating areas (such as cafe patios). Please smoke in designated areas only.


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Taxation

There are three levels of taxation that affect visitors to Vancouver. There is a 10% tax charged on accommodation and liquor. For just about all other goods and services, there is a 7% provincial sales tax (PST)-its official title is "Social Services Tax" as well as the 6% federal goods and services tax (GST).

There are a number of exemptions and complexities to the way those taxes are applied, particularly where food is involved. PST, for instance, is not applied to, among other things, food, and children's clothing.

The goods and services tax (GST) is charged on most goods and services sold or provided in Canada.


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Time

Vancouver is in the Pacific time zone, eight hours behind Greenwich Mean Time (GMT), or Universal Coordinated Time (UCT). When it is midnight in London, England, it is 4pm Pacific Time.

You can see Vancouver's time in relation to most cities on the globe by visiting www.timeanddate.com which also provides a Canadian calendar.


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Tipping

Visitors should be advised that the standard tip in most restaurants is 15 percent of the total bill.


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What to Wear

Vancouver is a casual town with mild weather year-round; layers and smart casual clothes will see you through most situations. Fall evenings, especially in the surrounding mountains, can be cool, so it's best to pack a jacket and sweater.

Did you know…?

Imagine - A rose with your name on it.

Enter a draw to name a rose by registering and paying for the Rose Convention and booking your accommodation at the Westin Bayshore Hotel by September 15, 2008. The "Name a Rose" contest is sponsored by breeder Brad Jalbert of Select Roses.


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Last updated: February 12, 2008

Our Host Partners

Please visit our host partners websites by clicking below

World Federation
of Rose Societies

The Canadian
Rose Society

The Vancouver
Rose Society

American
Rose Society

Sponsors

       

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