Weather

Find up to date weather forecasts at Environment Canada

• Summer days are long and sunny, temperatures in the southern interior 30° C plus. Nearer the coast temperatures range from 23° to 28° C
• Spring & autumn days are mild with cooler evenings. The interior BC regions generally enjoy a drier climate
• Winter. Whistler and the resorts of BC’s interior across to the Rockies experience high levels of snowfall. Ski resorts open from late November until mid-April, with glacier skiing at Whistler nine months of the year

Download as a pdf >>

For more information
Map of British Columbia (pdf)
Further Travel Information

Useful Tips

Credit Cards & Money

• Canadian Dollars are the official currency
• All major credit cards are accepted in British Columbia

Gratuities

• This is standard practice in Canada. As a general guideline, the gratuity is usually 15% of the charge, excluding taxes
• Porters at airports, railway stations and hotels generally expect one to two Canadian Dollars per item of luggage

Sales Tax

Effective July 1, 2010 BC has a 15% HST harmonised sales tax

Luggage
If you are travelling within BC by float plane or helicopter, please note that your luggage allowance will be restricted

Electricity:
The electrical current in Canada, as in the US, is 110 volts at 60Hz
Download as a pdf

For more information
Map of British Columbia (pdf)
Further Travel Information

Key Info

Time zones

• Most of BC is on Pacific Standard Time (GMT – 8hr). This includes Vancouver, Victoria and Whistler  
• The south east corner of BC in the Rockies is on Mountain Standard Time (GMT -7hr)
• Daylight Savings Time changes begin on the first Sunday in November (-1 hour) and end on the second Sunday in March

Driving

• In Canada vehicles drive on the right-hand side of the road
• Seat belts must be worn by drivers and passengers and regulations for children up to nine apply
• Helmets are required for all cyclists and motorcyclists
• A valid UK or International licence can be used in BC for up to six months

BC Travel Information when in Canada

• Visit BC’s Visitor Information Centres for tourist information, assistance and advice
• Call freephone 1-800-435-5622 (1-800-HelloBC) for free visitor’s information
• Download ‘Near Me BC’ from the iPhone App store, direct to your iPhone, iPod or iPad, for information during your trip on activities, attractions, restaurants and accommodations in British Columbia.  More information >>

British Columbia Public holidays

Banks, government offices and some stores will close on:

• New Year's Day - 1 January
• Good Friday Easter - Monday
• Victoria Day - 24 May
• Canada Day - 1 July
• BC Day 2 August
• Labour Day – first Monday in September
• Thanksgiving Day - 11 October
• Remembrance Day - 11 November
• Christmas Day - 25 December
• Boxing Day 26 - December

Alcohol Laws

• BC's legal drinking age is 19
• Photo identification is required to purchase alcoholic beverages or enter nightclubs serving alcohol
• Visitors are not allowed to drink alcohol in public places except in those that have liquor licenses

Emergency Services in Canada:  Dial 911

Languages

• Canada has two official languages, English and French
• English is the predominant language in BC
  
  Download as a pdf

For more information

Map of British Columbia (pdf)
Further Travel Information

10 Reasons to go to BC

1. Just a hop, skip and a jump away
   Getting to BC is easy with Vancouver just a nine hour direct flight from the UK, while the Canadian Rockies are a short drive from Calgary. Why not experience one of the many spectacular train journeys through amazing scenery on the famed Rocky Mountaineer?
2. An outdoor adventure playground
   Where else can you ski, sail and play a round of golf in a day? From heli-hiking in the Rockies, to kayaking with porpoises and orcas, you’ll be spoilt for choice
3. Discover the ‘California of Canada’
   Frequently voted best city in the world to live, Vancouver is the gateway to BC, known as the ‘California of Canada’ for its inhabitants’ upbeat and active lifestyles. With Canada’s mildest climate, any time of year is a great time to visit BC!
4. Wildlife watching
   With black bears and grizzlies, whales and sea lions, bald eagles and salmon, being in BC is like being in a TV wildlife documentary.
5. Sample the delights of Pacific Northwest cuisine
   Whether discovering BC’s seafood delights, touring the inland wine routes or tasting Asian fusion cuisine, BC is a hidden gem for food lovers
6. World class skiing
   Home to 10 world class ski resorts with Whistler as the jewel in the crown, and the birthplace of heli-skiing, powder hounds find their true paradise in BC
7. An outdoor adventure playground
   Where else can you ski, sail and play a round of golf in a day? From heli-hiking in the Rockies, to kayaking with porpoises and orcas, you’ll be spoilt for choice
8. Warm summer weather
   BC is a vast province, stretching from the Pacific to the Rockies so variations in weather can be dramatic. From balmy summer days on the beach or the drier heat of the sun-drenched wine route, to the more refreshing temperatures found in the mountains.
9. The joy of the open road
   Throughout BC’s summer season, there is plenty of room to roam. Whether you are on major highways or back roads, nowhere is better for a fly-drive holiday.
10. Land of contrasts
    During just one holiday, you can swim, kayak or sail on the Pacific; hike through towering mountains; and eat at some of the world’s best restaurants.

For more information
Map of British Columbia (pdf)
Further Travel Information