Go Yellowhead 2017 | Page 60

TRAVEL INFORMATION -15 -9 0 10 13 16 18 21 24 27 29 32 35 37 5 15 32 50 55 60 65 70 75 80 85 90 95 100 APPROXIMATE DISTANCES To convert kilometres to miles, multiply number of kilometres by 0.6. To convert miles to kilometres, multiply by 1.6. K ILOMETRES MILES 48 30 56 35 64 40 72 45 80 50 88 55 96 60 160 100 POSTED SPEED LIMITS KPH 30 50 60 70 80 90 100 110 MPH 20 30 35 45 50 55 60 65 60 GO Yellowhead 2017 All travellers to and from the Caribbean, Bermuda, Panama, Mexico, and Canada must have a passport or other secure, accepted document to enter or re-enter the United States. BORDER CROSSING INFORMATION Check the U.S. Customs and Border Protection website for the most current information on border crossing requirements. cbp.gov TAXES Alberta is the only province in Canada with no Provincial Sales Tax (PST). However, Alberta charges a 4% Tourism Levy on hotel rooms. The Canadian Government charges a 5% Goods & Services Tax (GST) on most purchases. In Saskatchewan there is a separate 10% liquor consumption tax. The non-alcoholic portion of a restaurant meal is not taxed. This chart indicates the taxes levied on most purchases at press time: AB GST BC GST + PST MB GST + PST SK GST + PST CELSIUS FAHRENHEIT PASSPORTS To convert Celsius to Fahrenheit, multiply Celsius temperature by 9/5 (1.8) and add 32. To convert Fahrenheit to Celsius, subtract 32 from Fahrenheit temperature and multiply by 5/9 (.556). 1-800-461-9999 cbsa-asfa.gc.ca/menu-eng.html TEMPERATURE CUSTOMS INFORMATION METRIC AT A GLANCE 0% 7% 8% 5% 5% 12% 13% 10% LEGAL AGE The legal minimum age for the purchase or consumption of alcoholic beverages in Canada varies by province. PROVINCE LEGAL AGE AB, MB BC, SK 18 19 stopped emergency vehicles (police, ambulance, fire-fighting, public utility, or designated emergency response vehicle) or tow trucks on the same side of the highway with their flashing lights on. DISTRACTED DRIVING LAWS Canada has strict laws against distracted driving. Drivers can be charged with this offense and heavily fined if they operate any electronic device such as a cell phone, or are caught eating or grooming while driving. It is also an offense to drive in a way that will distract, startle, or interfere with highway users. FERRY SERVICES B.C. Ferries serves almost 50 points of call along the B.C. coastline. For information on fares, routes and times, or to make reservations call 1-888 BC FERRY (toll free in North America) or visit bcferries.com DOES MY PET NEED A PERMIT? Many live animals require permits. Often animals require a health inspection in the country of origin. A domestic dog or cat travelling with the owner need only meet the rabies certification requirements. TIPPING The average tip in Canada is 15 percent. However, depending on the level and the nature of the service, tipping may range from 10 to more than 20 percent. Tips are generally given for good service by food and beverage servers in bars and restaurants, taxi drivers, tour guides, hotel bellhops, and estheticians. While it is not required to tip other service staff, you are certainly at liberty to do so. RENTING A CAR All car rental companies have a strong network of outlets across Canada. To rent a car you must be 21 years old and hold a valid driver’s licence and a major credit card. (A surcharge may apply to drivers under 25 years of age.) RENTING A MOTORHOME Most communities along the Yellowhead Highway have a visitor information centre that provides a rest stop, travel guides, and updated travel information. Renting a motorhome is a convenient way to explore the Yellowhead Highway. You may purchase insurance at the time of rental. For lower rates, it is recommended that bookings be made three to four months in advance. EMERGENCY INFORMATION NATIONAL PARK ENTRY VISITOR INFORMATION CENTRES In emergency situations, contact the local police, ambulance service, or fire department by calling 911. WEATHER AND ROAD CONDITIONS To check conditions and forecasts, visit weather.gc.ca For up-to-the-minute road reports (except in Saskatchewan), call 511. CONSTRUCTION /EMERGENCY SPEED LIMIT Motorists must slow to 60 kph, or less if the posted speed is lower, when passing Permits are required for entry into any national park in Canada. However, in honour of Canada’s 150th birthday, all annual passes are free and can be collected at the park gate. The pass is valid until the end of 2017. TIME ZONES CENTRAL STANDARD (CST) ZONE Manitoba, Saskatchewan, south to Texas MOUNTAIN STANDARD (MST) ZONE Alberta, south to Arizona PACIFIC STANDARD (PST) ZONE British Columbia, south to California