Travel Information
Fishing & Hunting Licenses
Alberta is world renowned for hunting and fishing, but you MUST have a valid license to experience these sports. Catch limits are set to preserve fish and wildlife populations. Licenses for fishing in National Parks of Canada can be purchased at park information centres, administration, campgrounds, warden offices and select fishing shops. Fishing licenses to be used outside of a National Park can be purchased at Fish and Wildlife offices, hardware, convenience and department stores as well as at select gas stations. Hunting regulations and special licenses vary depending on what type of hunting you are doing. No hunting is permitted in any National Park of Canada. For complete information contact the Alberta Environment Information Centre by phone at 780-944-0313 or online at www.gov.ab.ca/srd.
Insurance
Travel and Health Visitors to Canada should ensure they have proper health and travel coverage during their travels. Travel insurance offered by travel agents and credit card companies may be able to provide additional coverage for loss/damage of baggage, cancellation and medical incidents. Visitors taking prescription medications should bring a copy of the prescription should it need renewal in Canada. Motor Vehicle It is mandatory to carry valid documentation establishing proof of insurance and ownership for all vehicles you bring into Canada. Minimum liability coverage required in Alberta is $200,000.
Currency & Banking Canadian dollars and cents form the monetary system. While many operators of retail outlets, restaurants and other venues accept American money, visitors should exchange their travellers cheques or cash for Canadian currency. The use of credit cards is also recommended.
Taxes
Alberta is the only province in Canada with no Provincial Sales Tax, or PST. The Canadian Government charges a five per cent Goods & Services Tax (GST) on most purchases. GST rebates on some accommodations and purchases taken out of the country can be claimed by nonresidents of Canada. Please call 1-800-66-visit (8-4748) for more information or visit www.cra-arc.gc.ca/tax.
Tipping
Tips are given for good service to food and beverage servers in bars and restaurants, taxi drivers, tour guides and hotel bellmen. The average tip in Canada is 15 percent, but can range from 10 to 20 percent depending on quality service. Tipping is also customary for other services such as hairdressers and aestheticians. In these cases the percentage of tip is up to the individual, but 10% minimum is a common guideline.
Time Zone
Public Holidays 2011 January 1 – New Year’s Day February 21 – Family Day (AB) April 22 – Good Friday April 24 – Easter Sunday May 23 – Victoria Day July 1 – Canada Day August 1 – Heritage Day September 5 – Labour Day October 10 – Thanksgiving November 11 – Remembrance Day December 25 – Christmas Day December 26 – Boxing Day
Metric Conversions
Canada uses the metric system for distances, weights and measures. Distance: 1 kilometre (km) = .625 miles Kilometres per hour or miles per hour: 100 km/hr = 60 mph Weight: 1 kilogram (kg) = 2.2 lbs 500 grams = 1.1 lbs
Alberta is on Mountain Standard Time. Daylight savings time is observed from the second Sunday in March to the first Sunday in November.
Liquid volume (used for gasoline): 4.5 litres (L) = 1 imperial gallon 3.8 litres (L) = 1 U.S. gallon
Motorcycles
Vehicle Leasing & Renting
Motorcyclists are required to wear helmets and to drive with headlights on. Riding two abreast is prohibited.
Seat Belts
Seat belt use is mandatory for all drivers and passengers in Canada.
Travel Websites
Road Conditions http://www.ama.ab.ca/road_reports Border Crossing Wait Times http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/general/times OR Twitter: http://twitter.com/CBSA_BWT
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To rent a car you must be 21 years old and hold a valid driver’s license and major credit card. A small surcharge applies for drivers under 25 years of age. There are numerous car rental companies available in Chinook Country. Renting a motor home is a convenient way to explore Alberta and its wilderness. Insurance may be purchased at the time of rental. For lower rates, it is recommended that bookings be made 3 to 4 months in advance.
RV SaniDump Sites
RV SaniDump sites are available at most campgrounds. To select a campground with a SaniDump, please refer to the Alberta Campground Guide. A site is also available at the Visitor Information Centre at 2805 Scenic Drive South, Lethbridge.