Location:  Vancouver, Canada

Capital: Ottawa

Official Language:  English and French. English is the predominant language in British Columbia.

Population: Greater Vancouver's estimated total population is 2.1 million (2004)
Vancouver is renowned for its incomparable natural beauty and cultural diversity.  It is the largest city in the province of British Columbia. Vancouver is surrounded by water on three sides and is nestled alongside the Coast Mountain Range. Vancouver boasts one of the mildest climates in Canada.

Passport/Visa Requirements
A valid U.S. Passport, or passport from your country of citizenship is required. Please note:  your passport should be valid throughout your stay in Vancouver.  

For more information on passport/visa information, visit:  http://www.cibt.com.

Currency
The official currency oCanada is the Canadian dollar.  Notes come in denominations of $1000, $100, $50, $20, $10, and $5. Coins come in denominations of $2 (called a ”toonie”), $1 (called a “loonie”), $ 0.50, $0.25, $0.10, $0.05 and $0.01. For information on exchange rates, visit www.xe.com.

Most major credit cards are accepted, but visitors are always advised to check with the vendor before a purchase is made. Cash machines with 24 hour access are available in many convenient locations throughout Greater Vancouver.  Most machines accept bank or credit cards that are part of the Cirrus, Plus and Interac networks.  If you are unsure about the compatibility of your card, contact your credit card company or local bank.  It is always a good idea to let your credit card company know you will be traveling out of the country to avoid any usage problems. 

Time
The majority of British Columbia is in the Pacific Standard Time Zone; however, a small portion of the province that borders the Rocky Mountains are in the Mountain Time Zone, one hour ahead of the Pacific Zone.

Electricity
Outlets and voltage (110 volts/60 Hz) are the same as in the United States. Small appliances such as hair dryers, irons, razors, etc. can be used in Canada.

Water
There is plenty of water of excellent drinking standard.

Climate
Warmed by Pacific Ocean currents and protected by a range of mountains, Vancouver's weather is mild year-round. From high 70's F (low 20's Celsius) in summer to a mild mid 40's Fahrenheit (0º to 5º Celsius) 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). Evenings, especially in the surrounding mountains, can be cool, so it's best to pack a light jacket and sweater.  Average highs for June are 69°F.

Communication
There are three telephone area codes for the province of British Columbia - 604, 778 and 250. If you're calling from within Canada or the United States, direct dialing is: 1.areacode.phone.number (e.g. 1.604.555.1212). There is good Internet access throughout B.C.  Hotel rooms also have Internet access.   

Transportation
Attractions, shopping, outdoor activities - everything you want to do and see in Vancouver is easily accessible - within walking distance, a short drive, quick ferry ride or convenient trip on the local transit system.  For schedules, please visit:

Transit System: TransLink Vancouver
BC Ferries
 
Restaurants
An extensive variety of cuisine is available representing the multicultural flavor of Vancouver. Fine dining, casual or family friendly restaurants are easily accessible throughout Greater Vancouver.

Alcoholic beverages in bottles are sold in special 'Liquor' stores. However, alcoholic beverages including beer and wine may be purchased in "Licensed Premises" - establishments, such as restaurants, hotel lounges, pubs, and nightclubs. Minors are not admitted into bars. In BC, minors are defined as anyone under 19 years of age.

Tipping
Some properties and resort hotels include tips or gratuities with tours group to simplify bookkeeping. This will usually include gratuities for housekeeping, bell service and food service. If meals are included in the price, customary gratuity will be calculated at 15 percent. Visitors should be advised that the standard tip in most restaurants is 15 percent.

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. Many restaurants and other establishments have designated smoking areas such as patios or outside heated seating areas. Please smoke in designated areas only.
 
Related Links:
Vancouver Tourism