Page 318 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Pacific Northwest

316  SUR VIV AL GUIDE

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

The Pacific Northwest’s stunning scenery pages provide useful information for all
attracts visitors from around the world. travelers planning a trip to this region.
Booming tourism, including ecotourism, has Personal Health and Security (see pp320–21)
spawned an extensive network of facilities recommends a number of precautions;
and services for visitors: internationally Banking and Currency (see p322) and Media
acclaimed accommodations and restaurants and Communications (see p323) answer
abound, while efficient transportation by financial and media queries. There is also
air, land, and water takes travelers virtually information on traveling to the region (see
anywhere they want to go. The following pp324–5) and driving once there (see pp326–7).

When to Go coastal cities are relatively visitors from most countries
Visitors should first determine rare, in the interior and eastern must have a non-immigrant
what they would like to do. regions they can be frequent visitor’s visa. Citizens of Australia,
The region’s winter weather and heavy. If you plan to cross New Zealand, the UK, and many
is ideal for skiing and other from west to east between late other European countries can
snow sports, while warmer fall and early spring, inquire first visit the US without a visa if they
weather suits hiking, cycling, about road conditions. plan to stay for fewer than 90
fishing, and watersports. days. All travelers under the
(See also pp34–7 for details on Visas and Passports Visa Waiver Program must pre-
seasonal events and weather register with the Department of
in the Pacific Northwest.) Due to changing US immigration Homeland Security’s Electronic
The peak tourist season laws, visitors to Washington and System for Travel Authorization
extends from mid-May through Oregon who are traveling from (ESTA) at www.cbp.gov well in
September. In the metropolitan outside the US should check advance of their departure.
areas of Portland, Seattle, and current entry requirements Visitors to Canada (including
Vancouver, spring is often quite with a US embassy or consulate US citizens) must carry a valid
rainy, with temperatures in before leaving. All visitors must passport (for US visitors, a US
the 60–69°F (16–21°C) range. have a valid passport, and passport card or enhanced
Along the coast, mild summer
temperatures average 77°F
(25°C) and occa sionally go as
high as 85°F (29°C), which makes
walking around these cities
comfortable. Central and eastern
regions can be significantly
hotter than the coast.
In early September, trees at
the higher elevations begin to
change color, making excursions
out of the cities even more
scenic. In September and early
October, the weather in the three
major cities, particularly in Seattle,
can be quite dry and sunny.
Although the weather is
generally clement along the
coast, rain is not uncommon
in other areas. It starts to get
chilly again in the fall, toward
the end of October.
Except in areas catering to
skiers and other snow sports
enthusiasts, winter is the least
popular season to visit. This
makes it an ideal time of year
for visitors who are looking
for fewer crowds and more
affordable hotel rates. Though
snowfalls in the three main Crystal Mountain, Washington, a perfect winter ski destination
Skiers in powder snow, Whistler, British Columbia

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