Page 16 - Travel Guide to Canada 2019

14

VICTORIA CONFERENCE CENTRE, VICTORIA, BC • DESTINATION CANADA/BRETT RYAN
Whether you’re coming for business or pleasure,

chances are you will want to hit the ground running.
Travellers’ So it’s benefi cial to have a handle on the essentials
before arriving. Provincial and territorial agencies are
valuable resources, and their websites are often
Tips packed with practical, region-specifi c information.

More details can be found in the federal government’s
on-line portal (www.canada.ca). But we’ve compiled
BY SUSAN MACCALLUM-WHITCOMB our own compendium of tips to help with your trip prep.

ENTERING THE COUNTRY and the buying or selling of illicit drugs is greyhound.ca). Civic buses provide public

First impressions count, so the Canada severely dealt with. However, possession of transit in many communities; Vancouver,
Border Services Agency makes entering the up to 30 g of legal cannabis is permitted for Calgary, Edmonton, Toronto and Montréal,
country comparatively easy. Vacationing adults. Drug-impaired driving is illegal and moreover, have excellent subway and
citizens of Britain and most EU or it is also unlawful to take cannabis across local rail systems. Taxi service has been a
Commonwealth countries need only a the Canadian border whether entering or foundation in cities and municipalities
valid passport and, if travelling by air, an leaving (www.canada.ca/en/services/health/ for many years, however, upstart Uber is
Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA). campaigns/cannabis). When travelling, available in some major cities. For many
Visas aren’t required; however, a return prescription medications should be kept in travellers, though, driving is the preferred
ticket and proof of suffi cient funds may original containers in case customs offi cials way to go.
be requested. American citizens travelling want to see them. In the interest of public The cornerstone of the national road
between the U.S. and Canada must produce health, restrictions are also placed on the network is the Trans-Canada Highway,
a passport or other WHTI-compliant importation of animals, plants and foods which stretches 8,030 km (4,990 mi.) from
document, such as a NEXUS card (www.cbp. (www.inspection.gc.ca). Victoria, B.C., to St. John’s, Newfoundland,
gov/travel). If in doubt, consult Citizenship with ferries covering coastal waters at
and Immigration Canada (www.cic.gc.ca). GETTING AROUND each end. Canadians drive on the right
There are no limitations on what Flights operated by Air Canada (www.air and follow rules similar to those in Britain

personal eff ects can be brought into Canada. canada.ca) and carriers like WestJet (www. and the U.S. At intersections you may turn
Gifts must be valued at $60 or less each. westjet.com) or Porter (www.fl yporter.com) right on a red light if the way is clear and
Duty-free limits for adults when returning link many Canadian cities. In some airports, unless posted otherwise (except on the
to Canada after 48 hours or more are 1.5 l a departure tax is levied on top of taxes Island of Montréal). Speed limits, stated in
(53 imp. oz.) of wine, 1.14 l (40 imp. oz.) of included in your ticket price. The national kilometres, vary but are usually around 100
spirits or 8.5 l (299 imp. oz.) of beer or ale. train system, VIA Rail, off ers cross-country to 110 km/h (62 to 68 mph) on highways and
Adults may also bring up to 200 cigarettes, service, with connections to certain U.S. 50 to 60 km/h (31 to 37 mph) in urban areas.
50 cigars, 200 g (7 oz.) of tobacco or 200 cities (www.viarail.ca). Intercity bus service Radar detectors are illegal in most locales.
tobacco sticks. is also available in some areas through Seat belts are compulsory, and children
The use of fi rearms is strictly controlled, companies such as Greyhound (www. weighing less than 18 kg (40 lb.) must be in