Useful Information

Weather
For current weather information, visit Environment Canada

Coach Repairs
Kamloops: Canada West Coach Lines Ltd, 101 - 929 Laval Crescent, Tel: 250-374-7032

Kelowna: Cookson Motors, 1150 Gordon Drive, Tel: 250-763-2327

Penticton: Berry & Smith Trucking Ltd, 301 Warren Avenue E, Tel: 250-492-4042, Toll Free: 1-800-663-2339

Salmon Arm: Gemm Diesel Ltd, 8 - 5270 Auto Road SE, Tel: 250-832-6207 or 250-832-6391 (after hours emergency only)

Vernon: AE Trucking Service, 1220 Waddington Drive, Tel: 250-549-4519

Currency and Banking
Travellers cheques or Canadian currency are recommended. US currency is widely accepted, but not necessarily at the current daily exchange rate. Currency can be exchanged at all seven branches of Interior Savings Credit Union or any major Canadian bank. Major Canadian banks, credit unions, and automated teller machines are conveniently located throughout the Thompson Okanagan. Banking hours vary. Some banks and credit unions are open on Saturday. Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Interac direct debit cards are accepted at most commercial establishments.

Canadian Customs and Entry
Passport, Birth Certificate, or Proof of Citizenship is required for entry. Check with customs for current allotments and duties on liquor, tobacco, and agricultural and other consumer products. Revolvers, pistols, and fully automatic firearms are prohibited entry into Canada.

Driving Laws
International driving licenses are accepted. Wearing seatbelts at all times is mandatory. Road signs are posted in metric (kilometers/hr). Maximum speeds of up to 110 km/hr or 66 mi/hr are posted. Drinking alcohol while driving is prohibited and subject o severs penalties un the Criminal Code.

Emergency Contacts
Direct all emergency calls to 911. Non-emergency numbers are listed in the front of all local telephone books.

Fishing and Hunting
Freshwater Fishing Licensing:
Tel: 250-387-9589

Hunting Licensing:
Tel: 250-387-9739

Foreign Motor Coach Operators
All charter buses operating in British Columbia must carry the Motor Vehicle Liability Insurance Card and Canada Interprovincial "P" Cards. Operators planning the maximum six entries per year may obtain all necessary permits at any weight scale. For more than six entries, contact the British Columbia Motor Carrier Commission at 604-953-3777.

Highway Reports
User pay recorded message: 1-900-451-4997
Cellular phone: *4997

Holidays
Good Friday/Easter Monday:
March 21/24, 2008; April 10/13, 2009

Victoria Day:
May 19, 2008; May 18, 2009

Canada Day:
July 1

BC Day:
First Monday in August

Labour Day:
First Monday in September

Thanksgiving:
October 13, 2008; October 12, 2009

Remembrance Day:
November 11

Hospitals and Walk-in Clinics
Hospitals and walk-in medical clinics are located in major cities and some small towns throughout the region.

Liquor Laws
The minimum age is 19 for consumption of any alcohol in British Columbia, Government Liquor outlets are located throughout the province and are close don Sundays and statutory holidays. Cold Beer & Wine Stores can be found in most communities and are open every day. Drinking while driving motorized vehicles, including boats, is illegal and subject to severe penalties under the Criminal Code.

Regional Maps
Comprehensive regional road maps are available through:
Tourism British Columbia
Toll free: 1-800-HELLO-BC (1-800-435-5622)

Taxes
Provincial Sales Tax: 7% on retail purchases; 10% on liquor; and 8%-10% on accommodation. Federal Goods & Services Tax (GST) 5% may apply to various goods and services you purchase during your stay in Canada.

On March 19, 2007, the Government of Canada confirmed their intention to eliminate the GST/HST Visitor Rebate Program and announced the introduction of the Foreign Convention and Tour Incentive Program.

For more information, visit Changes to GST/HST Visitor Rebate Program