Visitor Information

About Vancouver

Below are a few tips to help you enjoy your stay.

For additional information on Vancouver, please visit Tourism Vancouver’s website at www.tourismvancouver.com and Tourism BC’s website at www.hellobc.com.

Climate

Warmed by Pacific Ocean currents and protected by a range of mountains, Vancouver enjoys mild temperatures year-round. Hovering around 25º Celsius (high 70s Fahrenheit) in summer to a mild 0º to 5º Celsius (mid 40s Fahrenheit) in winter, the climate is always hospitable.

In June for the Rose Convention, we are anticipating warm, comfortable summer days and evenings. For more detailed weather information visit www.theweathernetwork.com.

Temperatures

Month 		Average Daily High Average Daily Low Bright Sun %

 

°Celsius

°Fahrenheit

°Celsius

°Fahrenheit

 

January

6

42

1

34

21

February

7

45

1

34

31

March

9

49

3

38

33

April

13

56

5

42

47

May

16

63

8

48

53

June

19

68

11

54

47

July

21

72

12

56

63

August

21

72

12

56

56

September

17

65

10

52

50

October

13

56

9

50

34

November

9

49

4

40

26

December

7

48

2

36

17


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Currency

The monetary system in Canada is based on dollars and cents. Most Greater Vancouver establishments accept US dollars and Japanese yen, and usually offer reasonable exchange rates.

The current Canada/US exchange rate and the exchange rate between Canada and other countries can be found at http://www.xe.com/ucc.

The Canadian Dollar is available in $5, $10, $20, $50 and $100 bills. The coinage denominations are $2, $1, 25 cents, 10 cents, 5 cents and 1 cent. There are 100 cents to one dollar.

The Canadian dollar itself is a relatively large gold-coloured coin and the locals have nicknamed it the “Loonie,” officially because it features a Canadian bird, the loon, on its face. The $2 coin is slightly larger and two toned, gold and silver coloured, and has been nicknamed the “Toonie.”

Bank debit or credit cards are the most convenient means of getting cash at the many 24 hour access automated banking machines.  As in the US and Europe these machines accept cards with Plus, Interac and Cirrus symbols and there is one on almost every block in downtown Vancouver.

Most Canadian businesses accept US currency and travellers cheques. International currency exchanges are available at the airport and at all the banks in the city.

Major credit cards (VISA, MasterCard, and American Express) are generally accepted by Canadian businesses.


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Electricity

Outlets and voltage (110 volts) are the same as in the United States. Adapters are required for electrical appliances not originating in North America. The frequency of electrical current in Canada is 60 Hz.


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Food & Beverage

An extensive variety of cuisine is available representing the multicultural flavour of Vancouver. Fine dining, casual or family friendly restaurants are easily accessible throughout Greater Vancouver.

Minors are not admitted into bars. In BC, minors are defined as anyone under 19 years of age.


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Language

Federal government departments provide service in English and French, but most of the population speaks English as either a first or second language. The City of Vancouver is quite cosmopolitan and has representation from many multicultural languages.


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Medical Insurance for Travelling to Canada

International attendees are not covered by Canadian health insurance plans. Check with your personal medical plan before leaving your home country to ensure you have adequate travelling insurance. Attendees are urged to take out insurance to cover loss incurred in the case of cancellation, medical expenses and damage to or loss of personal effects whenever travelling outside of their own country.


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Passports & Visas

International attendees require a valid passport while a tourist visa is necessary for attendees from certain countries. Where possible, it is advised that international attendees arrange connecting flights through Canada rather than the United States to avoid immigration delays. Delegates who wish to enter the United States from Canada should make proper arrangements before leaving their home country.

For those attendees requiring a visa, a letter of invitation will become available on the registration page of this website. The process of applying for a visa should be started as early as possible to allow time for administration. For more information, visit www.cic.gc.ca.

Do I need a passport to get into Canada from the US?

As of June 1, 2009, Americans will need a passport or other accepted documents to enter Canada and to return to the US after their visit. Visit www.explore.canada.travel for more information. To learn more about the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative, visit travel.state.gov.

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Smoking Laws

Smoking is not permitted by law in public buildings, on public transit, in shopping malls, and in most restaurants, pubs, nightclubs, and casinos, including outdoor seating areas (such as cafe patios). Please smoke in designated areas only.


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Taxation

There are three levels of taxation that affect visitors to Vancouver. There is a 10% tax charged on accommodation and liquor. For just about all other goods and services, there is a 7% provincial sales tax (PST)-its official title is "Social Services Tax" as well as 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.

The goods and services tax (GST) is charged on most goods and services sold or provided in Canada.


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Time

Vancouver is in the Pacific time zone, eight hours behind Greenwich Mean Time (GMT), or Universal Coordinated Time (UCT). When it is midnight in London, England, it is 4pm Pacific Time.

You can see Vancouver's time in relation to most cities on the globe by visiting www.timeanddate.com which also provides a Canadian calendar.


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Tipping

Visitors should be advised that the standard tip in most restaurants is 15 percent of the total bill.


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What to Wear

Vancouver is a casual town with mild weather year-round; layers and smart casual clothes will see you through most situations. June evenings, especially if you venture to the surrounding mountains, can be cool, so it's best to pack a jacket and light sweater.

Did you know…?

Imagine - A rose with your name on it.

Enter a draw to name a rose by registering and paying for the Rose Convention and booking your accommodation at the Westin Bayshore Hotel by October 15, 2008. The "Name a Rose" contest is sponsored by breeder Brad Jalbert of Select Roses.


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Last updated: December 17, 2009

Our Host Partners

Please visit our host partners websites by clicking below

World Federation
of Rose Societies

The Canadian
Rose Society

The Vancouver
Rose Society

American
Rose Society