| Taxes The provincial sales tax is 7% except
for Liquor which is 10%. An additional tax
applied to most goods and services, the GST is an
additional 7%. There is a program for visitors or
tourists called the FORIEGN VISITOR REBATE
(follow the link for details) which provides a
rebate on GST taxes on certain expenditures.The
claim must be made within 60 days.
Tipping
Tipping is expected for good
service at a rate of 10 to 15% of the before tax
total.
Language
Canada's official languages are
French and English. In British Columbia the
predominant language spoken is english.
Climate
The Vancouver area rarely has
snow. The winters tend to be wet and cool, the
summers are shirtsleeve and very comfortable but
don't discount the possiblity of rain. When it's
sunny in Vancouver, it can last for months. Once
you leave the lower mainland the weather becomes
more extreme (and more like the rest of Canada)
and somewhat dryer. Outside of Vancouver in the
Coast Mountains snow is the norm throughout the
winter months.
Holidays
British Columbia shares the
same holidays as the rest of Canada (see the
VISITING CANADA section) with the exception of
British Columbia Day which falls on August 7th in
the year 2000 and August 6th in 2001.
Driving
You are permitted to turn right
on red lights (once you've come to a stop and
ascertained the way is clear). British Columbia
is very strict in ensuring pedestrians have the
right of way, so be alert when driving. Approach
crosswalks and street corners with caution. Much
of British Columbia is mountainous and driving
conditions can deteriorate rapidly. In many areas
snow is possible at any time of year. Check for
road conditions and closures before setting out.
Provincial
Information
Government
Regional Information
Vancouver Coast and Mountians -
Southwestern British Columbia
Weather
Marine Forcasts
Temperatures -
Vancouver
Although the average
temperature in the summer months seems almost
cool, the Vancouver area is definately T-shirt
country in the summer. Be prepared for rain at
any time of year but don't be when the sun
shines, it shines, sometimes for as much as a
month straight.
MONTH HIGH LOW HIGH LOW
Jan 6C 1C 42.8F 33.8F
Feb 8C 1C 46.4F 33.8F
March 11C 3C 51.8F 37.4F
Apr 14C 5C 57.2F 41F
May 18C 8C 64.4F 46.4F
June 21C 11C 69.8F 51.8F
July 23C 13C 73.4F 55.4F
August 23C 12C 73.4F 53.6F
Sept 19C 10C 66.2F 50F
Oct 14C 7C 57.2F 44.6F
Nov 9C 4C 48.2F 39.2F
Dec 7C 2C 57.2F 35.6F
While it rarely snows in the city of Vancouver
other areas of the Coast and Mountains may get
plenty. Road closures on route to Whistler or the
interior are certianly not impossible. Best to
check before you go.
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