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Introduction We've listed the information here in the same way it is laid out in the book so it's easy to find your way around. Online Upgrades don’t replace the guides – they add important information gathered since the current edition of the book was published. You can print them out and stick them in the back of your current guide. This Upgrade was posted in August 1998. Be aware that things keep changing – even after we post these Upgrades. Always check the latest information on visa requirements and safety warnings with your embassy or consulate prior to departure. |
There have been no major changes in Canada that will directly affect visitors since we last visited. The Liberal government remains in power and is popular. The economy has generally been good and inflation very low. Prices are stable and Canada's tourism industry has continued to expand.
Facts about the Country
NATIONAL PARKS
For internet information, check:
www.parkscanada.pch.gc.ca.Facts for the Visitor
VISAS & EMBASSIES
Visitors from Portugal no longer need a visa to visit Canada. Visitors from Hong Kong, like those from anywhere in China, do need a visa. Visas now cost $75 and extensions are possible for an additional $75.Try this link to work out visa requirements for any nationality in the world: http://www.travel.com.au/destination/index.html
Canadian Embassies, High Commissions & Consulates Abroad
Details of the following embassies/consulates abroad have changed:Australia
Consulate of Canada,
(Tel 09-322-7930)
267 St George Terrace,
3rd Floor,
Perth,
Western Australia 3000Germany
Canadian Embassy,
(Tel 011-49-228-968-0)
Friedrich-Wilhelm-Strasse 18,
53113 BonnSweden
(Tel 8-453-3000)Switzerland
(Tel 31-357-3200)Embassies & Consulates in Canada
Details of the following embassies in Canada have changed:Korea
(Tel 613-232-1715)
150 Boteler St,
Ottawa,
Ontario K1A 5A6Spain
(Tel 613-747-2252)
74 Stanley Ave,
Ottawa,
Ontario K1A 1P4SIDE TRIPS TO THE USA
Travellers may well find that different border personnel interpret the rules and regulations differently. Some are open-minded, others are prejudiced. If you are having difficulties crossing the border, arguing is not often useful. It is a better idea to try at another entry point or wait until a new shift takes over. A visa does not guarantee entry, it is up to the discretion of the border officials. The US assumption is that all visitors are attempting to become immigrants, a state of affairs they seek to minimise.Australians no longer need visas to visit the USA but citizens from Portugal and South Africa, for example, do. Citizens of most western countries do not.
People visiting the USA from countries whose citizens do not need a US visa (almost all western countries) may have to pay a $6 entry fee at the border, no matter how long you intend on staying.
Remember that foods such as meat, fish and eggs can be confiscated at the border, so eat your picnic before arriving at the inspection booth.
TOURIST OFFICES
Provincial/Territory Tourist OfficesWeb Page Addresses:
Ontario:
www.travelinx.on.caQuebec:
www.tourisme.gouv.qc.caNewfoundland & Labrador:
www.gov.nf.caNova Scotia:
www.explore.gov.ns.caPrince Edward Island:
www.peiplay.comNew Brunswick:
www.gov.nb.ca/tourismManitoba:
www.gov.mb.ca/index.en.htmlSaskatchewan:
www.sasktourism.comAlberta:
www.discoveralberta.comBritish Columbia:
www.tbc.gov.bc.caYukon:
www.touryukon.comNorthwest Territories:
www.nwttravel.nt.caMONEY
Currency Exchange
It’s always risky to pin down a currency on paper (or on screen), so try this currency converter to give you the current value of the Canadian dollar:
http://oanda.comRates vary from dealer to dealer, and big city exchange dealers usually offer more than the banks.
Costs
Inflation has been less than 2% in recent years and this has helped to keep costs down. Transport costs have generally increased more than this. But in the past two years, for example, the one-way bus fare from Toronto to Montreal has gone up from $64 to $69. Hostel rates are generally about $15 to $20.
Some museum and art gallery admissions have risen noticeably as government funding has decreased. This has also effected government-run campgrounds where the overnight fees average about $15 (more in Ontario) for a tent site.INTERNET RESOURCES
For more up to date information on Canada, try the following links:Canadiana û a list of resources to much about Canada:
http://www.lonelyplanet.com/Statistics Canada site:
http://www.statcan.ca/start.htmlBackpackers Canada:
http://www.backpackers.ca/The anti-Canada Web site is a real hoot:
http://www.neptunenet.com/antican/default.htmCanadian newspapers:
http://www.ecola.com/news/press/na/ca/The Ecotravel Center:
http://www.ecotour.org/ecotour.htmACCOMMODATION
The hostel situation continues to expand and improve. To help keep track, Backpackers has a list of independent hostels at www.backpackers.ca.Increased use has meant more need for reservations. Be aware that many hostels are full through the summer, so plan ahead if possible.
Hostelling International membership cards can provide discounts at an amazing array of attractions, museums, sites and tours. It's always worth asking, you never know what kind of a deal you might get.
Getting Around
AIR
In addition to the main national carriers, ask travel agents about the charter companies. Greyhound Air has folded but there is still Canada 3000, known for price, not service. In addition to its Canadian destinations, it also flies to the USA, the Caribbean, Europe and Australia.BUS
Bus Passes
Greyhound now runs from Ottawa, Ontario westwards across the country.
Greyhound's Canada Travel Passes allow for unlimited travel. The seven day pass is now $224, the 15-day is $294, the 30-day is $401 and the 60-day is $508. Prices include all taxes. The pass must be purchased seven days before your first trip.For travel in Ontario and Quebec, the Route Pass honoured by numerous bus companies across the two provinces is a possible option. The Route Pass comes in several versions. The seven-day pass costs $200, the 14-day is $230 and the 18-day is $288, taxes included. The 18-day pass includes New York City, and extra days can be purchased.
Restrictions apply, for example you can't travel back and forth between two cities countless times, so ask for details. The passes are not valid during the Christmas peak season.TRAIN
These are the current rates for the VIA Conrail Pass:
In high season, the standard adult rate is $609. For those under 24 or over 60, it costs $534. Students with International ID cards get a further reduction.In low season, the prices are $395 and $363, and again a student discount is in effect.
Ontario
Toronto
Places to Stay
The HI Toronto Hostel, same telephone, is back at 223 Church St for the summer of 1998. A second place is about a five-minute walk away at 160 Mutual St. Plans are in the works for a new, permanent downtown site. It may be operational before the end of the year, possibly sooner.KITCHENER
The Seagram Museum has closed.Quebec
MONTREAL
Entertainment
The bar at the top of the Chateau Champlain hotel is closed.Nova Scotia
HALIFAX
Check out the Titanic display at the Nova Scotia Museum of Natural History. The city also has a cemetery with graves for victims of the great shipwreck.SHERBROOKE
The entrance fee to Sherbrooke Village is now $6.Alberta
BANFF
Places to Stay
The King Edward Hotel (Tel 800-344-4232) now rents rooms to hostelers, if they have vacancies, at $30/44 for a single/double. It's very central at 137 Banff Ave and generally much more expensive. Best times to try are September to Christmas and April, May and June.NATIONAL PARKS
Entrance fees for national parks are not standard across Canada. The western parks now have a daily entrance fee of $5 for adults; for two to seven adults a group ticket is $10. A one-year pass is $35 or $70 for a group of two to seven adults. In other words, if you're alone and staying more than a week or visiting other parks, the annual pass is a better bargain than paying the daily fee. The pass is good for all parks in western Canada. Camping fees are extra.British Columbia
VANCOUVER
Places to Stay
Brigitte's Bed & Breakfast (Tel 604-521-8979), 503 Blackford St, New Westminster, has been getting excellent reviews as an inexpensive and convenient guest house. Prices are $40/50/60 for a single/double/triple. It's 25 minutes to downtown on the Skytrain.The Harbourfront Inn hostel has had very bad reports lately and seems to have deteriorated markedly.
Getting There & Away
Train
Amtrak (Tel 800-872-7245) has one train daily, the Mt Baker International, connecting Vancouver to Seattle, Washington. The roughly four-hour trip costs from US$19 to $31 one-way depending on availability. Travellers are subject to Customs and Immigration inspection and requirements. It offers good scenery and has a snack bar and dining car.
VICTORIA
Getting Around
Freedom Adventure Tours is now known as Midnight Sun Adventure Tours and has expanded its number and type of trips.SUNSHINE COAST
Places to Stay
The Fiddlehead Farm telephone is now 604-483-3018 and the rate is $23 plus two hours of work for bed and all meals.The Yukon
WHITEHORSE
Places to Stay
Readers say the High Country Inn is no longer offering any backpacker rates.Essential Lonely Planet Resources
Don't stop here in your search for up to date information on travelling in Canada. Guidebooks and Upgrades provide a neat snapshot of the place as it was when the author was last there, but for the very latest news, travellers' reports and embassy advice, check the following sections of the Lonely Planet Web site.
Scoop û Canada News Archive
Postcards û Travellers' Reports From Canada
The Thorn Tree û North America Travellers' Bulletin Board
Propaganda û Lonely Planet's Latest Guides to Canada
Destinations û Lonely Planet's Online Mini Guide to CanadaThanks for Your Feedback
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