Vancouver Canada customs and traditions for tourist information

Vancouver What You Need to Know

Upon entering Canadian soil, there are a few things you will need to be aware of. Before your plane lands, you will be asked to fill out a custom sheet along with your passport details and where you intend to be staying. You should DECLARE any foodstuff and anything other than your clothes and personal items. If you get caught trying to smuggle anything in, the consequences are serious and you may be asked to pay fines.

If you want to bring dogs or cats that are more than three months old from the US, they must be accompanied by a veterinarian's certificate proving that the animal has been vaccinated against rabies for the next 3 years.

For more information on Canada Customs and Regulations, visit Canada Customs and Revenue Agency

Tipping
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Tipping is very much a part of Canadian lifestyle. You are expected to give at least 15-20% of your total bill to any staff who served you in a restaurant. (However, if service was not up to your standard, you should not pay tip.) Many cafeteria and fast food outlet have a jar of tips for you to put your spare change in it. While it is only courtesy to pay tips when you are dining in a restaurant, you do not have to pay tips to fast food outlets in Vancuver.

Like anywhere else in the world, you should pay a tip to any of the porters who come to take your bags when you check into a hotel. Housekeepers, taxi drivers and some hair stylists will expect tips from you.

Do not be annoyed by such customs. It is a way of life in Vancouver and you should at least honor that part.

Driving on Vancouver Streets
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You should think about getting an Auto Insurance if you are thinking about driving in Vancouver. This means getting as much liability as possible as the basic liability coverage require by the Insurance Corporation of British Columbia (ICBC) is around $200,000.

After you get your basic insurance covered, then it is a short matter of heading down to the nearest car rental office and choose your car. You will be expected to show a valid driving license and passport. If you have a driver's license from another Canadian province, a US state or district, or an overseas driving license then you are able to drive on the Canadian road for a period of 180 days.

Should you wish to prolong your stay, it is idea to get an international license with your photo before you leave your country. The international license is honored for one year but you must carry your valid home license along.

It is illegal to drive with a blood alcohol content of .08% or more. You must wear a seat belt at all times. If you drive a motorcycle or even cycle in parks or on a highway, you must wear an approved helmet. Children under the age of 5 must be placed in special seats restraint.

Right turns are allowed at red lights but only if you come to a complete stop first and then look out for cars and pedestrians before you turn. The speed limit is 50km/h unless you are on a highway. Watch out for school and playground zones where the speed limit drops to 30km/h.

Vancouver has a four-way stop sign. If you arrive at one, always give way to the cars that arrive first. If both cars arrive at the same time, you must give way to the car coming on your right. Remember that pedestrians always have right of way.

The general rule is always maintain a vigilant eye.

Driving in Canada is relaxing and fun. Driving up to places like Whistler or Stanley Park will not only prove to be enjoyable but rewarding. You can also check out the Routes We Love to Hate page to see what routes to avoid.

Fishing
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Fishing in Vancouver is relaxing and care-free hobbies to try. Whether you're a beginner or an expect fisherperson, you should at least try fishing in the blue clean waters of Canada.

There are several restriction that you should observe before you embarked on such a hobby. State regulations requires you to get separate licenses for both saltwater and freshwater fishing. The saltwater license is issued by the Federal Department of Fisheries and Oceans. You can get the freshwater license from the B.C. Ministry of Environment, Recreational and Fisheries Branch.

However, if you are unable to make it to either two of the branches, there are other government agents located in Downtown Vancouver, Chilliwack, Maple Ridge and New Westminster.

Canada is famous for its salmon, however, you may find yourself restricted to salmon fishing depending on which season the salmons are spawning. You might also find that you will need special license if you wish to fish in national parks. This can be purchased at the park headquarters.

Fishing equipment and boat rentals are readily available through various fishing shops and dealers.

For more information, visit Ministry of Agriculture, Food & Fisheries or BC Fisheries.

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