About the HotelLocal Guide
Local Time
10.57am
(GMT-8)
Local Weather
High: 10C/50F
Low: 5C/41F
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Facts for the Traveller
Vancouver is Canada’s most vibrant city on the edge of nature. Nestled between the Coast Mountain Range and Pacific Ocean, it is a destination where visitors can ski in the morning and sail in the afternoon. Recently named the world’s “most liveable city” by the Economist Intelligence Unit, Vancouver offers exciting opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts and world-class urban amenities for sophisticated travellers.Plug TypeLanguageEnglish and French are the two official languages in CanadaPopulationTwo million (greater Vancouver)Time ZoneGMT - 8 hours (Pacific Time)MeasuresMetric systemVoltage110 VoltsMobile PhonesCDMA 450 – 800 Kbps
GSM/GPRS – 2.5G
3GCitizens of all countries EXCEPT the following require a visa to visit Canada: Andorra, Antigua and Barbuda, Australia, Austria, Bahamas, Barbados, Belgium, Botswana, British citizens (at home and abroad), Brunei, Cyprus, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong SAR, Iceland, Ireland, Israel (National Passport holders only), Italy, Japan, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Namibia, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Papua New Guinea, Portugal, Republic of Korea, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent, San Marino, Singapore, Solomon Islands, Spain, Swaziland, Sweden, Slovenia, Switzerland, United States, and Western Samoa.Visa Requirements from the Canada Immigration Web siteThe Canadian Dollar (CAD) is the currency for Canada. Locals refer to the CAD 1 coin as the "Loonie" because of the loon (a water bird) featured on the coin. Money and travellers cheques can be exchanged at banks and moneychangers. Major credit cards and direct deposit from bank cards (Interac) are accepted at almost all retail outlets.
Many retailers also accept traveller’s cheques, but it is best to enquire whether the retailer will accept specific traveller’s cheques before you make a purchase. Here are the most recent exchange rates for some common currencies.CAD 1.00 equals:There are three levels of taxation that affect visitors to Vancouver. There is a 10% tax charged on accommodation and liquor. For the majority of other goods and services, there is a 7% provincial sales tax (PST) plus the 5% federal goods and services tax (GST). There are a number of exemptions and complexities to the way those taxes are applied, particularly where food is involved. PST, for instance, is not applied to food and children's clothing. Visitors will also be taxed an additional 1.5% on hotel accommodations for a Destination Marketing Fee (DMF). This means a total of 16.5% on overnight accommodations.Tipping is common practice in North America. The tip should be proportionate with the level of service received at any restaurant or hotel. Visitors are advised that the standard tip in most restaurants is 15 percent.
Some properties and resort hotels include tips or gratuities with tour groups to simplify bookkeeping (check with your tour guide). This will usually include gratuities for housekeeping, bell service and food service. If meals are included in the price, customary gratuity will be calculated at 15 percent. Bank HoursMost banks are open from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday, with some open 10am to 3pm on Saturdays. Banks are closed on Sundays. ATMs are available 24 hours.Office HoursMost government offices are open from 8.30am to 4.30pm Monday through Friday and are closed on Saturdays and Sundays. Commercial offices are open from 9am to 5pm Monday through Friday, with some open from 9am to 2pm on Saturdays.Shop HoursStore hours vary depending on location and type of retail outlet. However, most shops open between 9am and 10am and close between 8pm and 10pm, Monday to Saturday. Some stores are open from 11am to 7pm on Sundays. It is best to check the hours of a particular store or location in advance.Individual travellers are advised to obtain their own personal health, luggage or other travel insurance as desired. However, regardless of financial status or health care coverage, British Columbia hospitals will not refuse treatment to those who require it, but a fee will be charged depending on the service given.Vancouver enjoys mild weather year-round.
Summer: Shorts or light pants and short-sleeve shirt. Evenings can be cooler.
Autumn: Light pants and long-sleeve shirt or light sweater.
Winter: Winters are mild and wet. Dress to stay dry – you'll need warm clothes, a raincoat and an umbrella. Waterproof footwear is always a good idea.
Spring: Light clothing with a sweater for evenings.Vancouver has three distinct weather seasons.
The autumn and spring are generally mild with temperatures ranging from 13C/55.4F to 21C/69.8F. Evenings will cool down significantly.
Summers are generally warm with light breezes and temperatures range from 23C/73.4F to 35C/95F.
Winters are generally mild and bring more rain than snow. Temperatures range from 7C/44.6F to 12C/53.6F.
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Five-Day Forecast
Today
Tomorrow
Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
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High: 10C
Low: 7C
High: 50F
Low: 45F
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High: 10C
Low: 5C
High: 50F
Low: 41F
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Mostly Cloudy
Mostly cloudy with a shower in the area
High: 8C
Low: 4C
High: 46F
Low: 39F
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Showers
Cloudy, rain possible in the afternoon
High: 8C
Low: 3C
High: 46F
Low: 37F
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Mostly Cloudy
Mostly cloudy
High: 8C
Low: 3C
High: 46F
Low: 37F
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