WEST VANCOUVER This upscale neighbourhood offers world-class shopping and an abundance of stunning parks and beaches . Visit Ambleside Park for panoramic views of Vancouver and Stanley Park , gaze up at enormous first-growth trees in Lighthouse Park or shop till you drop at Park Royal Shopping Centre , with over 275 brand-name stores , services and eateries . On the city ’ s western edge , picturesque Horseshoe Bay is a departure point for ferries to Bowen Island , Vancouver Island and the Sunshine Coast . www . vancouversnorthshore . com Map 4
WHISTLER The official mountain venue of the 2010 Olympic Winter Games is known as one of the world ’ s best year-round destination resorts . Ski or snowboard at over 200 runs on Whistler and Blackcomb mountains , or , during the warmer months , go mountain biking or take a swing at a world-class golf course . Ride the Peak 2 Peak Gondola — the highest and longest lift of its kind in the world — then savour the après scene in the Village , which ranges from patio beers to craft cocktails to dancing the night away . 1-800-WHISTLER ( 944-7853 ). www . whistler . com Map 2 : A8
YALETOWN This former industrial area has undergone a renaissance to epitomize urban cool . Keep company with the city ’ s upwardly mobile at the galleries , boutiques , spas and cafes that thrive along these condo-lined streets . With countless eateries and trendy bars — and more patios than anywhere else in the city — there ’ s always something happening . Stop by the Roundhouse Community Centre for art , live performances and a taste of Canadian railway history , or relax at David Lam Park , one of the sites of the TD Vancouver International Jazz Festival . www . yaletowninfo . com Map 1
USEFUL INFORMATION
HOLIDAYS On the following dates , businesses in BC may be closed or have reduced hours . Victoria Day : May 22 , 2017 Canada Day : July 1 , 2017 BC Day : Aug . 7 , 2017 Labour Day : Sep . 4 , 2017 Thanksgiving : Oct . 9 , 2017 Remembrance Day : Nov . 11 , 2017 Christmas Eve : Dec . 24 , 2017 Christmas : Dec . 25 , 2017 Boxing Day : Dec . 26 , 2017 New Year ’ s Eve : Dec . 31 , 2017
New Year ’ s Day : Jan . 1 , 2018 Family Day : Feb . 12 , 2018 Good Friday : Mar . 30 , 2018 Easter Sunday : Apr . 1 , 2018 Easter Monday : Apr . 2 , 2018
TIPPING In Canada , tipping for good service is customary in certain situations . Restaurant Server : 15 % to 20 % of the total bill , before taxes . If you ’ re dining with a group , the restaurant may add a gratuity of 18 % or more . Bartender : 10 % to 20 % of the total bill , before taxes . Hairdresser / Aesthetician : 10 % to 15 % of the total . Parking Valet : $ 2 to $ 5 . Taxi / Limo Driver : 10 % to 15 % of the fare . Tour Guide : 10 % to 15 % of the total . Concierge : At your discretion . Porter : $ 1 to $ 2 per bag . Housekeeper : $ 2 or more per day , paid daily . Hotel Doorman : $ 2 to $ 5 .
CLImATE Vancouver enjoys mild weather year-round . Winters can be wet , so carry an umbrella . Snowfall is rare , except on local mountains . In summer , expect warm temperatures with cooler evenings .
DRINKING The legal drinking age in British Columbia is 19 . Bars , restaurants and liquor stores may ask to see a government-issued piece of identification as proof of your age before selling you alcohol . Most government liquor stores and beer-and-wine stores are open seven days a week .
ELECTRICITY Outlets and voltage in Canada , like the US , operate on 110 volts AC at 60 Hz . Adapters are required for appliances from most other countries .
LANGUAGES Canada ’ s official languages are English and French , but English is predominantly spoken in most of BC . Federal government departments provide service in both English and French .
mONEY The currency in Canada is the Canadian Dollar ( CAD ). ATMs are widely available , and many accept credit card withdrawls . Credit cards are commonly used , and accepted at almost all hotels , shops and restaurants . Some retailers accept US cash , but change is always given in Canadian currency . Most retail purchases are where . ca N5