Canadian Rockies Golf FAQ

For U.S. golfers, Canadian golf is typically discounted by about 30% due to a very favorable US-Canada exchange rate.

Getting Here
Calgary International Airport is served by direct flights from many major cities in Europe, Asia, and the U.S.

Estimated flight times to Calgary:

Driving
Canada has an well taken care of highway system, even during the winter. Drivers’ licenses from the United States are valid in Canada. Seat belts are mandatory.

Driving distances from selected U.S. cities and Vancouver or Banff:
Seattle – Vancouver: 3 hours

Portland – Vancouver: 5 hours
Spokane – Banff: 8.0 hours

Money
The Canadian dollar comes in denominations of $5, $10, $20, $50, and $100; coins 1c, 5c, 10c, 25c, $1, and $2. While lots of retail stores, restaurants and other locations accept U.S. Dollars, it is advised to exchange your dollars to Canadian.
Typical Canadian banking hours are Monday to Friday, 9.30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., extended hours including weekends at many locations.

Automated teller machines are open 24-hours daily. ATMs with the Cirrus, Plus or Interac international banking network symbols,  can be used to withdraw Canadian funds with personal automated banking cards or credit cards. The visitors’ bank sets the exchange rate.

Most businesses accept major credit cards and travelers checks for payment.
Foreign exchange is available at city banks, major hotels, and numerous private foreign currency exchange offices located in tourist centers.

OANDA, The Currency Site provides an extensive set of currency conversion and foreign exchange information services for travellers, investors and businesses.

Sales Tax Rebate Program for Visitors

We handle your Sales Tax rebate on the GST charged on your Golf Canada’s West vacation (subject to visitor’s country of residence and package inclusions).

A 5% national Goods and Services Tax (GST) is charged on most goods and services.

Public Holidays

There are statutory and civic holidays in Canada. Generally, banks and some businesses remain closed. Theaters, restaurants, and corner grocery stores remain open for business as usual. In tourist centers, many of the shops remain open.

Climate
Western Canada offers a very hospitable climate for golfers – with long warm summer days, and mild spring and fall temperatures. The golfing season in the mountains runs from mid-May to mid-October. Naturally the weather is variable in such dramatic terrain so always pack your rain gear. On the milder West Coast, many courses in British Columbia are open year-round, with great golfing available from February to November. Our latitude means we enjoy daylight as late as 11pm during June and July. Average summer temperatures are in the 70°s Fahrenheit (high 20°s Celsius). Humidity is low, especially in the mountains and it’s pleasant, warm and never extremely hot for summer golf in Western Canada.

Emergency Medical Travel Insurance
Canadian hospital and medical services are excellent. We recommend that you carry travellers’ health insurance, however Canadian hospitals will not refuse treatment if you require care, regardless of financial status or health care coverage.

Non-resident Automobile Liability Insurance while Driving in Canada
All US motorists driving in to Canada should obtain a Canadian Non-Resident Inter-province Motor Vehicle Liability Insurance Card. This card is available only in the USA through United States insurance agents. All provinces in Canada require visiting motorists to produce evidence of financial responsibility should they be involved in an accident.

Language
English and French are Canada’s two official languages. English is predominant in British Columbia and Alberta. Hotels, airline offices, restaurants, banks and shops in key tourist destinations have multi-lingual staff.

Electricity

Outlets and voltage (110 volts) are the same as in the USA. Small appliances such as hair dryers, irons and razors can be used in Canada. Adapters are required for electrical appliances for those from other countries. The frequency of electrical current in Canada is 60 Hz

Video System
In Canada, as in the USA, the NTSC-system is used. This system is not compatible with the PAL and SECAM systems. If you purchase a videocassette in Canada, ensure it is recorded in the appropriate system for your system.

Time Zone
Canada is the second largest country in the world and spans seven time zones. Vancouver and Whistler are in the same time zone as Los Angeles (Pacific Standard Time). The Canadian Rockies are in the same time zone as Denver (Mountain Standard Time)

Customs and Immigration Regulations
US citizens and visitors from most European countries do not require a Visitor Visa for entry to Canada. For Americans, identification establishing citizenship is required such as an original birth certificate or a certified copy of proof of birth location from a town hall, plus one photo ID card. A passport is not required but is ideal for identification. Temporary residents of the U.S. must carry a passport and may also require a Visitor Visa depending on their citizenship.

Visitors from other countries require a passport valid for at least six months longer than their intended stay. Some may be required to obtain a Visitor Visa from a Canadian embassy or consulate prior to travel to Canada. You may e-mail Canada Customs at: vco@rc.gc.ca for information or contact your closest Canadian embassy or consulate for this information.

Travelling with Children

Western Canada is a safe and friendly country to travel in with children. Most of our hotels, resorts, attractions and restaurants offer special programs or menus for children to encourage family travel. Ask us for specific child friendly vacations.

U.S. visitors entering Canada with children must show identification for each child establishing citizenship, such as an original birth certificate or a certified copy of proof of birth location from a town hall plus one photo ID card. A passport is not required but is ideal identification. A letter of permission is required from the parents of any child accompanying travellers who do not have legal custody of that child.

Visitors from other countries should contact their nearest Canadian consulate or embassy to learn what documents are required.

Visiting Canada with Your Pet
We do not recommend travelling to Western Canada with your pet.