Frequently Asked Questions

Canadian Mountain Holidays

Location	Travel Documentation	Weather	Busiest Time	Cheapest Time
Getting There	Clothes To Bring	Alcohol	Accommodation Definitions	Driving
Shopping	Tipping	Tax Refunds	2010 Olympics	Northern Lights

Where are these destinations?

The Canadian mountain resorts of Whistler, Sun Peaks, Panorama, and Revelstoke, and the city of Vancouver, are all located in the southern part of the province of British Columbia in western Canada. The Pacific Ocean lies to the west of B.C., the U.S. state of Alaska lies northwest. The Canadian province of Alberta is to the east, and the Yukon and Northwest Territories lie to the north. The U.S. states of Washington, Idaho, and Montana lie on British Columbia's southern border.

I don't live in Canada. What travel documents do I need?

At least three months before you leave home, you should contact your nearest Canadian government representative (consulate or embassy) for details about requirements and restrictions for entering Canada. You should also contact your country of residence's immigration department regarding re-entry to that nation.
All travelers, regardless of age, should have their own passports. If children are traveling alone or with one parent or guardian, be sure that the non-traveling parent/guardian provides the relevant documentation allowing the child/ren to enter Canada unaccompanied, with another parent, or a guardian.
It is the responsibility of the traveler to ensure that valid travel documents are carried by all members of the party, and that all persons in the party are eligible for entry to Canada. If you are entering Canada from any other country, it is recommended that all travelers possess a passport valid at least six months after their return home.
Neither Compass Tours, nor any of its partners, will be responsible should any person be denied entry to Canada or re-entry into the country of residence, for any reason. No refund is possible for arrangements cancelled because entry to Canada was denied. No reimbursement will be made for unexpected expenses caused by a delayed entry into Canada, or entry into Canada having been denied.
Please visit Immigration Canada's website with information for people visiting Canada on holiday.
Information for people traveling to Canada from, or via, the USA: US Government's Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative - check details as rules change without warning!

What's the weather like?

B.C.'s weather can be changeable due to the proximity of mountains and ocean - and the current state of climate change makes forecasting tricky. The height of summer is July and August, while the coolest part of winter is generally January and February. It doesn't often snow in Vancouver, even in winter, but in the mountain resorts snow can fall at any time of the year, right down to village elevation. In summer it is daylight from before 5am until at least 10pm, while in mid-winter it can get dark as early as 4.30pm, and it doesn't get light until 7.30-8am.

What's the busiest time of year?

Without a doubt, the busiest times during winter are Christmas/New Year (from around December 22nd to January 3rd) and the US President's Week holiday (mid-February). In summer, the busiest time is during July and August, when the best of the warm weather can be expected. These are also the most expensive times to visit - accommodation, lift tickets, golf, etc, always cost more during high-demand periods.
The quietest times, and therefore less expensive, in winter are the first half of December, most of January, and after Easter. In summer, there are fewer people around in early spring and fall, when the schools are in session.

When's the cheapest time to visit?

If you visit between the main seasons, ie: spring (April/May) and autumn (October/November), you'll find the accommodation more reasonably-priced than during summer and winter proper. Be aware, though, that during these low-demand times, some services are not in operation - shops and restaurants may be closed for their annual holidays and/or renovations, and the chairlifts and golf courses may also be closed.
If you're looking for a good time for a quiet get-away in the cool, clean mountain air, this is it! Walk, hike, cycle, relax beside a fire with a good book ... and no crowds!

How to I get to the resort, and around the resort when I'm there?

In summer, most visitors drive themselves because having a private vehicle gives them the freedom to explore and take advantage of some of the more remote activities available in the mountains.
Due to often extremely challenging road conditions during winter, we strongly recommend that visitors take advantage of the various public transport or chauffeur-driven options available. There are scheduled shuttles, limousine services, and private car/minivan services with professional drivers, all ready to take good care of you! Remember that many accommodation properties are within easy walking distance of the village and lift bases, or are on a free shuttle or local bus route - and the larger resorts have taxis, too!

What clothes should I bring?

The weather can change quickly in the mountains, so you should be prepared for just about anything, at any time of year!
In the height of summer, shorts and tee shirts are usually all you'll need during the day, with a light sweater or windbreaker during the evening. It is always a good idea to bring rain gear along, though, just in case! (Golfers please note: All championship golf courses require proper golf attire. Please ask us for details).
For winter in the mountains you'll need full cold-weather outfitting - waterproof outerwear, warm long underwear and socks, lined and waterproof footwear, gloves, and a warm hat.
Both winter and summer clothing can be purchased in the resorts, especially sports-specific gear, but be prepared to pay premium rates!
Even the most high-end mountain resort restaurants tend to have casual dress requirements ... but feel free to dress up ... and call ahead if you have a special occasion and you're not sure what to bring!

What is the drinking age for alcoholic beverages in Canada?

Adults 19 years of age and older may be served, or purchase, alcoholic beverages in Canada. People who appear younger will be asked to provide proof of majority.

Accommodation definitions

Hotel room: Bedroom with king or queen bed, or two single beds, and full en-suite bathroom. Equipped with at least a telephone and television set. Most suited for a couple, two singles, or a single guest.
Studio: A traditional hotel room with kitchen facilities. Bed configuration varies, but most often queen bed and double sofabed. Usually with small sitting area or desk. Most suited for a couple, or a single guest.
One bedroom unit (or suite): This is a fully self-contained apartment with one bedroom private from the living area. The bathroom is usually off the living area, and full kitchen facilities with a small dining area are almost always included. One-bedroom suites in some full-service hotels do not have kitchens. Bed configuration is most often a king or queen bed in the bedroom, with a double sofabed in the living area. Best suited to a couple or a single guest who needs more space, or for a longer stay. Popular with couples with one small child. In-suite laundry facilities may or may not be available.
Two bedroom unit (or suite): This is a fully self-contained apartment with two bedrooms private from the living area. There are most often two full bathrooms - one en-suite of the master bedroom, and one off the living area. A full kitchen with a compact dining area are common. Two-bedroom suites in some full-service hotels do not have kitchens. Bed configuration is most often a king or queen bed in the master bedroom, with a queen or two singles or a set of bunks in the second bedroom, and a double sofabed in the living area. In-suite laundry facilities may or may not be available.
Three bedroom unit (or suite): This is a fully self-contained apartment with three bedrooms private from the living area. There are most often three full bathrooms - one en-suite of the master bedroom, one off the living area, plus another. A full kitchen with a dining area are common. Bed configuration is most often a king or queen bed in the master bedroom, with a queen or two singles or a set of bunks in the second and third bedrooms, and a double sofabed in the living area. In-suite laundry facilities may or may not be available.
Townhouse/townhome: Characterized by private entrances directly from the outdoors, these self-catering units include a full kitchen, weekly or bi-weekly housekeeping, indoor or outdoor parking which is free of charge. Most often, one bathroom per bedroom, with master bathroom en-suite, but this does vary (ie: a two-bedroom may have one bathroom, or a three-bedroom may have four bathrooms). If there is no washer/dryer in the unit, there's usually a laundry room with coin-operated machines in the complex. Check-in/out location is often not at the same place as the property. These units are suitable for all guests, especially extended families and those with small children. They tend to be more economical than lodge-style accommodation but are usually not as centrally located.
Condo/condominium/apartment: Characterized by entrances accessed off a central hallway, most often in apartment-style buildings called lodges, these self-catering units include some form of kitchen facilities, weekly or bi-weekly housekeeping, often with secure underground parking for which there is a nightly charge. Most often, one bathroom per bedroom, with master bathroom en-suite, but this does vary (ie: a two-bedroom may have one bathroom, or a three-bedroom may have four bathrooms). If there is no washer/dryer in the unit, there's usually a laundry room with coin-operated machines in the building. Check-in/out location could be in the lobby, or at another location altogether. These units are suitable for all guests.
Lodge: This is a combination of hotel and apartment style accommodations. Some units will feature some form of kitchen facilities, some form of regular housekeeping, some on-site amenities but not as extensive as you'd find in a full-service hotel, most have an elevator, some have a front desk service. If units don't have their own laundry facilities, there's usually at least one guest laundry room with coin-operated washers and dryers in the building.
Kitchen: The extent and quality of kitchen amenities available in each unit vary from property to property. A full kitchen would include a stove top and oven, fridge/freezer, microwave, toaster, kettle, coffee-maker, cutlery, crockery, glassware, linens, some pots and pans, and utensils. An efficiency, or mini, kitchen, would most likely include a kettle, toaster, microwave, bar-size fridge, along with some cutlery, crockery and linens.
Ski in/ski out: Ski in means that you can ski from the ski slope to an entrance of your hotel, lodge or townhouse complex. Ski out means that you can ski from a location very close to, or immediately from, the property where you're staying. Access may be via a ski run or cat track - not necessarily directly via a lift base. Of course, this accessibility is subject to prevailing weather conditions and cannot be absolutely guaranteed.
Check-in time: This refers to the time after which your room will be ready for your arrival. You may present yourself at the front desk prior to this time, but there is no guarantee that your room will be ready. The front desk staff may be able to store your luggage and provide a parking pass, though, so that you can explore while you're waiting for your room to become available.
Early check-in: If you're going to be arriving well before the stipulated check-in time, please let either Compass Tours or your accommodation property know so that every effort can be made to accommodate an early arrival. This service cannot be guaranteed, but every effort will be made to get you into your room as soon as possible.
Check-out time: This is the time of day by which you and your party, and all luggage, must be removed from the room or unit. The front desk staff may be able to store your luggage and provide a parking pass so that you can do other things if you're planning on a later departure.
Late check-out: Please contact your front desk staff if, for whatever reason, you will not be departing your accommodation until after the stipulated check-out time. Usually on the day of departure, the front desk will be able to let you know if they can give you a late check-out. There is no guarantee that this request will be granted, and there may be a charge associated with it.
Sofabed or pull-out bed or hide-a-bed: This is a double- or queen-size bed that folds out from the sofa, usually in the living area.
Bunk beds: This refers to any configuration of beds that are stacked over each other. Unless otherwise stated, bunk beds are always adult-size. The standard set is one single bed over another single bed. A tribunk is a single bed over a double or queen bed. A quad bunk is a double or queen bed, over a double or queen bed.
Murphy bed: A Murphy bed is a bed that folds up against a wall, without folding the mattress.
Fouton or futon: This is a Japanese-style bed that can be converted to a sofa during the day. Usually double-size bed.

Can I use my home driver's licence to drive in Canada?

Non-resident drivers who hold a valid driver's licence from their home jurisdiction may drive in B.C. with their out-of-province driver's licence for a maximum of six months. This applies regardless of whether they hold a valid international driving permit. For more information contact the Driver Licensing Information line at 1-800-950-1498 or 250-978-8300.
Canadian car rental companies will accept your home driver's licence from some countries, while residents of other countries may have to show an International Driver's Permit. Check with the rental company before leaving home.
Please be aware that if you have a Driving Under the Influence conviction, and immigration officials believe that you intend to drive while you're in Canada, you may be refused entry to the country.

Will I see the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis)?

Yes, it is possible that you will have the chance to see this magical display during your stay! Unfortunately, it is not possible to predict when they will show themselves, and it is fairly rare at these latitudes, with just a few appearances a year. So keep your eyes peeled - you'll never forget it! (Personal experience: When I've seen them, the northern lights have appeared during the wee hours, in winter, on particularly cold, clear nights).

Is the shopping good?

Yes, the shopping is fantastic, particularly in Vancouver, Whistler and Sun Peaks, where there are many opportunities for retail therapy! Don't forget that prices in Canada are quoted excluding taxes: 7% B.C. Provincial Sales Tax, and 5% General Sales Tax - these will be added at the check-out and must be paid by everyone.

Is tipping expected in Canada?

Yes, it is customary to tip restaurant servers, ski instructors, concierges, housekeeping staff, taxi drivers, etc. The amount is at your discretion, but standard is around 15%. For exceptional service, feel free to give more - and don't hesitate to withhold a gratuity if you don't feel that it has been earned!

Is there a tax refund for non-residents of Canada?

The Canadian government program to refund GST on short-term accommodation and personal items purchased while in Canada is being phased out. For details of the current status, please visit the Canadian government website.

What effect will the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympic & Paralympic Games have on my travel arrangements?

The 2010 Winter Olympic Games are scheduled for February 12-28, 2010, and the Paralympic Games are set for March 12-21, 2010.
The Olympics will bring great benefits to Whistler and Vancouver, as well as the province of British Columbia and Canada as a nation, in the form of world class sporting facilities, improved amenities, and increased recognition. Of course, many facilities will probably not be open to the public until after the Games, and infrastructure construction may be evident right up to the start of the event.
For the run-up to and during the Games, both Whistler and Vancouver accommodation will be at a premium, and access to some facilities will probably be restricted.
We would suggest that unless you're coming to watch, volunteer at, or participate in, the Games, you avoid Whistler and Vancouver from January to March 2010, or your enjoyment could be severely impacted. Have you considered visiting Sun Peaks, Panorama, or Revelstoke, instead?!

Why can't I book arrangements online through this website?

Creating a travel package from scratch can be a confusing and complicated business, especially if you haven't traveled a lot, or if you've never visited a particular destination before. We can make the process simple for you, and save you hours of research time, by taking the time to learn about your specific needs and then working with you to create your ideal itinerary!
Compass Tours is committed to providing exceptional service to its clients. A big part of this commitment is our willingness to share our own experience in the travel industry, and personal knowledge of the destinations. An online booking system would not allow you to benefit from this wealth of information!
Ease of booking, as well as your convenience, comfort and enjoyment, are of paramount importance to us. Please contact us so that we can start planning your next Canadian mountain holiday!

Who is Compass Tours?

Please visit our About Us page for more information about Compass Tours.

Whistler Canada	Sun Peaks BC	Panorama Resort	Revelstoke Resort
Whistler Accommodation	Sun Peaks Accommodation	Panorama Accommodation	Revelstoke Accommodation
Whistler Transportation	Sun Peaks Transportation	Panorama Transportation	Revelstoke Transportation
Whistler Activities	Sun Peaks Activities	Panorama Activities	Revelstoke Activities
Whistler Weather	Sun Peaks Weather	Panorama Weather	Revelstoke Weather