Page 386 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Canada

PRACTICAL
INFORMATION

NEED TO KNOW Practical Information essential advice and information you will need during your stay.
A little local know-how goes a long way in Canada. Here you will find all the

Personal Security
AT A GLANCE
Canada is one of the safest countries in the
EMERGENCY NUMBER
world. Most places are safe during the day and
pickpocketing and muggings anywhere are rare.
GENERAL
Theft is also rare in hotel rooms, but it’s still a
EMERGENCY
good idea to store valuables and important
documents in the safe provided.
911
Health
A comprehensive range of treatment centers
are available in Canada. For minor ailments,
pharmacies offer a good source of advice and
TIME ZONE medicinal supplies, and walk-in clinics are
Canada spans six time available in all cities. In smaller communities,
zones: PST/MST/CST/ the emergency room of the closest hospital
EST/AST/NST. DST is the best option. Medical services are not free
(Daylight Savings of charge in Canada, and it is important to take
Time) is observed from out health insurance prior to visiting.
the second Sunday There are risks associated with wilderness
in March to the first
Sunday in November. expeditions to the backcountry. Seek local
advice about wild animals (including cougars),
dangerous plants (including poison ivy), and
insects (including mosquitoes), and always boil
TAP WATER water that might be unsafe to drink. If you are
Unless stated bitten or scratched by an animal (domestic or
otherwise, tap wild), see a doctor immediately.
water in Canada
is safe to drink. Smoking, Alcohol, and Drugs
Smoking is banned on all modes of transporta-
tion, but restrictions for other public places vary
by province. Quebec allows smoking on outdoor
patios but in BC and Alberta, it is banned in all
TIPPING public places and workspaces, including within
16 ft (5 m) of doors and windows.
Waiter 15–20 percent Provinces across Canada have various
provisions for regulating e-cigarettes and vaping
Hotel Porter $2–3 per bag products. Some cities ban vaping where smoking
is banned, but others are less restrictive.
The legal limit for drivers in Canada is 80 mg
Housekeeping $3–5 per night of alcohol per 100 ml of blood or 0.08 percent
BAC (blood alcohol content). This is roughly
Concierge $10–15 equivalent to a small glass of wine or a pint of
regular-strength beer.
Taxi Driver 10–15 percent Recreational use of cannabis is legal in
Canada, if you are 19 years of age or older. You

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