CANADIAN
MOUNTAIN HOLIDAYS
FREQUENTLY
ASKED QUESTIONS
WHERE are these destinations?
The Canadian mountain resorts of Whistler, Sun Peaks, and Panorama,
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., and the US 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 US states of Washington, Idaho and Montana lie on British Columbia's
southern border.
What TRAVEL DOCUMENTATION
do I need?
It is the responsibility of the traveler to ensure that valid travel
documentation is carried by all members of the party, and that all
persons in the party are eligible for entry to Canada. If
you will be entering Canada from any other country, it is recommended
that all travelers possess a passport valid at least 6 months after
their return home.
At least 3 months before you leave home, we recommend that you contact
your nearest Canadian government representative (consulate or embassy)
for details about requirements and restrictions for entering Canada,
as well as your country of residence’s immigration department regarding
re-entry to that nation.
All children, regardless of age, should have their own passports.
If children are traveling alone, or with one parent or a guardian,
be sure that the non-traveling parent/s provide the relevant documentation
allowing the children to enter Canada unaccompanied, with the other
parent, or a guardian.
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 has been denied for
any reason.
Note to all citizens/residents of the Western Hemisphere:
As of January 23, 2007, the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative
requires valid passports for all air travellers between Canada,
the USA, Mexico, Central America, South America, the Caribbean,
and Bermuda. From January 1, 2008 (date subject to change without
prior notice), this will include border crossings by land and sea.
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 year, right down to the village elevation.
In summer it is daylight from before 5am until about 10pm, while
in winter it can get dark as early at 4.30pm, and it doesn't get
light until about 7.30-8am.
What's the BUSIEST time
of year?
Without a doubt, the busiest times during winter are Christmas/New
Year (from around 22 December to about January 2) and the US President's
Week (usually mid-February) holiday. 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
peak periods. The quietest times, and therefore least 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 kids are in school.
When's the CHEAPEST time
to come?
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. Beware, though, that during low season some services
are not in operation - shops and restaurants may be closed for their
annual holidays and/or renovations, and the ski hills 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 do I GET AROUND?
In summer, most visitors drive themselves as having a private vehicle
gives them the freedom to explore this beautiful area, 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
chauffeur-driven or public transport options available during the
snow season. There are scheduled shuttles, limousine services, and
private car/minivan services with experienced 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, are on a free shuttle or
bus route - and there are 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 for the
evenings. It is always a good idea to bring rain gear along, though,
just in case!
For winter in the mountains you'll need full cold-weather outfitting
- waterproof outerwear, warm long underwear and socks, lined waterproof
footwear, gloves, and a warm hat.
Winter clothing can be purchased in the resorts, especially sports-specific
gear, but be prepared to pay premium rates!
What is the DRINKING AGE
(for alcoholic beverages) in Canada?
Adults 18 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.
Can I use my home DRIVER'S
LICENCE to drive in Canada?
Regulations vary depending on your country of origin, so please
be sure to check before you leave home. 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.
Please be aware that if you have a Driving-Under-the-Influence conviction
and immigration officials believe you intend to drive while you're
in Canada, you may be refused entry to the country.
Will I see the NORTHERN
LIGHTS?
Yes, it is possible that you will have the chance to see a display
of the Aurora Borealis during your stay! Unfortunately, it is not
possible to predict when they will show themselves - and it is fairly
rare, just a few nights each year. So keep your eyes peeled - you'll
never forget it! (When I've seen them, the northern lights have
appeared during the wee hours, in winter, on particularly chilly,
clear moonless nights).
Is the SHOPPING good?
Yes, the shopping is fantastic! Particularly in Vancouver, Whistler,
and Sun Peaks, where there are many opportunities to exercise your
plastic!
Don't forget that in Canada prices are quoted excluding taxes -
7% B.C. Provincial Sales Tax, and 6% 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
absolutely at your discretion, but standard is around 15%. For exceptional
service, feel free to give more - but 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?
Yes. Currently only GST on accommodation is refundable (there is
no longer a refund of GST paid on items purchased). You’ll
need to submit the original invoice from Compass Tours, which shows
a zero “amount due”. Information about the claim process
will be included in your arrival pack. Refunds may be processed
with the assistance of a company like Global Refund (they charge
a small handling fee to assist you), or directly with the Canadian
government which provides instructions on its website. The availability
of GST refunds may change or be discontinued without prior notice.
What effect will the 2010
VANCOUVER WINTER OLYMPIC & PARALYMPIC GAMES have on my travel
arrangements?
The 2010 Vancouver 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,
and Canada as a nation, in the form of improved and expanded sporting
facilities, as well as increased world-wide recognition. Of course,
many facilities will probably not be open to the public until after
the Games, and infrastructure construction will probably 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 between January 2010 and mid-March
2010, or your own enjoyment could be severely impacted.
Instead, why not visit Sun
Peaks or Panorama
in January, February and March 2010?!
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 travelled a lot, or 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 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 - contact
us so that we can get started planning your next Canadian mountain
holiday!
WHO IS Compass Tours?
Please visit our About
Us page for more information about Compass Tours.
Email
us if you have a question to add to our FAQ page!
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