Vancouver (Burrard Inlet)
Port of Call – Vancouver (Burrard Inlet)
Vancouver’s port on the Burrard Inlet sees more than a million cruise passengers pass through annually en route to Alaska. The port is wonderfully protected with calm waters which makes for a fantastic port for large ocean-going ships and cruise liners. Throw in a multitude of attractions, ethnic diversity and hospitable locals, and it’s no wonder this city keeps visitors coming back time after time.
Visitors will enjoy the countless world-renowned sights such as Stanley Park, Vancouver Aquarium Marine Science Centre, the Vancouver Art Gallery and the Harbour Centre Tower, the tallest structure in British Columbia, which offers breathtaking panoramic views over the city of Vancouver.
Vancouver has two separate cruise terminals with the Canada Place Terminal being the main one and closest to shops, restaurants, hotels and attractions. The Ballantyne Pier is located approximately 10 minutes from the city centre and shuttle and taxis can be hailed to get into town.
Shopping in Vancouver (Burrard Inlet)
Head to the trendy and fashionable Yaletown for all the best boutiques in Vancouver and some exciting shopping opportunities, while Chinatown’s weekend night market is worth a visit for all avid shoppers and bargain-hunters. Those looking to shop for their children should head to the Kids Market on Granville Island, where more than 25 shops featuring toys and costumes can be found.
Best Buy:
VQA Ice wine
Dining in Vancouver (Burrard Inlet)
Eighties Restaurant – popular eatery serving hearty home-cooked fare
Joe Fortes Seafood and Chophouse – fresh seafood eatery and oyster bar popular with locals
The Water Street Café – fantastic variety of food with outside patio dining option
Best Dish:
Salt-cured fish or venison
Travel to Canada
Overview
Canada has an abundance of things to see and do within its vast borders, as few countries are blessed with such a rich endowment of natural beauty and astounding physical attractions. Complementing these are world-class cities such as the west coast gem of Vancouver, the vibrant metropolis of Toronto, and elegant Montreal.
This is certainly a year-round destination, where the warm summer months (June to August) are perfect for sightseeing and overland travel, and the admittedly icy winters (December to February) provide for some incredible skiing and beautiful snow-covered vistas. Visitors to Canada generally choose to focus on one particular region, as there are major distances to travel if the desire is to see everything.
Climate in Canada
Canada is a large country and the climate varies substantially depending on which area travellers visit. The whole country has very distinct seasons, though, and the warmest months are June, July, and August. Winter (December, January, and February) is very cold, with heavy snowfalls in most provinces; autumn is a beautiful season, with crisp air and brilliant fall foliage. In some areas spring brings the emergence of carpets of wild flowers.
Health Notes when travelling to Canada
Travellers should be up to date with your COVID-19 vaccines before traveling to Canada, and should consider taking routine vaccines as a standard precaution. Medical care is excellent but expensive, so medical insurance is advised.
Safety Notes when travelling to Canada
While most visits to Canada are trouble-free, the country does share the common international risk of terrorism. The crime rate is low but travellers are advised to take sensible precautions to safeguard their belongings, as they would anywhere. Parts of Canada are prone to tornadoes between May and September.
Customs in Canada
Rowdiness and loud speech are inappropriate except under special circumstances or in places such as bars, as Canadians tend to be soft spoken, patient and almost apologetic in their public behaviour. They are generally tolerant of the complex network of cultural differences in public behaviour, particularly in cities where such diversity is more common place. Recreational cannabis is legally available throughout Canada, though local laws can vary depending on the province or territory travellers are visiting.
Duty Free in Canada
Travellers to Canada are allowed to enter the country with the following items without incurring custom duties: gifts to the value of C$60 per recipient (excluding advertising material, tobacco and alcoholic beverages); 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars or cigarillos and 200g of tobacco or 200 tobacco sticks; 1.14 litres of liquor or wine or 24 x 355ml bottles or cans of beer or ale. There are strict regulations governing the import of the following: explosives, endangered animal and plant species, items of heritage, fresh foodstuffs and weapons.
Doing Business in Canada
Vancouver, Toronto, Calgary, and Montreal are the main business centres, and English is the language of business except in French-speaking Quebec, where all written material and business cards should be in French. Business cards are not traditionally exchanged during an initial meeting, but at some appropriate time thereafter; it is best to wait for the host to offer theirs first.
A firm handshake is used by way of greeting and punctuality should be taken seriously for meetings. Canadians dress conservatively and smartly for business and suits are the norm. Gifts can be given in conclusion to celebrate a deal, but should be understated; taking someone out for a meal is a popular way to conclude business dealings.
Canadians are reserved and frown on emotional outbursts. Business is based on facts and figures rather than relationships, so it is best to be as prepared as possible for meetings. Hours of business are usually 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday.
Communication in Canada
The international access code for Canada is +1. The outgoing code is 011 followed by the relevant country code. The outgoing code is not necessary for calls to the US and the Caribbean. Hotels, cafes and restaurants offering free WiFi are widely available. As international roaming costs can be high, purchasing a local prepaid SIM card can be a cheaper option.
Tipping in Canada
A tip of around 15 percent is standard in restaurants, and hairdressers and taxi drivers are usually tipped at the same rate. Bellhops, doormen, porters, and similar service providers at hotels, airports, and stations are generally paid at the customer’s discretion.
Passport/Visa Note
All visitors must hold a valid passport, and it’s recommended that passports always be valid for six months after the intended period of travel. Visitors are required to hold onward or return tickets, all documents needed for the next destination and sufficient funds to cover the period of intended stay.
Travellers from most visa-exempt countries arriving in Canada by air need to fill in an Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) form online prior to visiting Canada. This requirement is applicable to all but U.S citizens and travellers with a valid Canadian visa. Canadian citizens, including dual citizens, and Canadian permanent residents cannot apply for an eTA. As part of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI), all travellers travelling between the United States and Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean region are required to present a passport or other valid travel documents to enter or re-enter the United States. If departing from the USA a valid passport will be required by immigration authorities.
Entry Requirements
- Entry requirements for Americans:
US travellers should have a valid passport if departing from the USA. Other proof of citizenship is accepted in the form of a birth certificate, a US certificate of citizenship, a US certificate of naturalisation, or a NEXUS card. A visa is not required for a stay of up to six months.
- Entry requirements for UK nationals:
UK nationals must have a passport valid for the period of intended stay. A visa is not required for a stay of up to six months, though UK travellers must have Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA).
- Entry requirements for Australians:
Australians must hold passports valid for period of intended stay. Nationals of Australia with an Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) are visa exempt for a maximum stay of 6 months.
- Entry requirements for Irish nationals:
Irish nationals must hold a passport valid for the period of intended stay. A visa is not required for stays of up to six months. However, the individual must have an Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA).
- Entry requirements for New Zealanders:
New Zealanders require a passport valid for the period of the intended stay. No visa is required for stays of up to 6 months. However, the traveller requires an Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA).
- Entry requirements for South Africans:
South African nationals must be in possession of a passport valid for the period of intended stay. A visa is required. South African temporary passports are not recognised. Passports, identity or travel documents of Bophuthatswana, Ciskei, Transkei and Venda are not accepted.
Tourist Offices
Canadian Tourism Commission, Vancouver: +1 604 638 8300 or http://www.travelcanada.ca
Canada Embassies
- In the United States:
Canadian Embassy, Washington DC, United States: +1 202 682 1740.
- In the United Kingdom:
Canadian High Commission, London, United Kingdom: +44 (0)20 7258 6600.
- In Australia:
Canadian High Commission, Canberra, Australia: +61 (0)2 6270-4000.
- In Ireland:
Canadian Embassy, Dublin, Ireland: +353 (0)1 234 4000.
- In New Zealand:
Canadian High Commission, Wellington, New Zealand: +64 (0)4 473 9577.
- In South Africa:
Canadian High Commission, Pretoria, South Africa: +27 (0)12 422 3000.
Foreign Embassies in Canada
- American Embassy
United States Embassy, Ottawa: +1 613 688 5335.
- British Embassy
British High Commission, Ottawa: +1 613 237 1530.
- Australian Embassy
Australian High Commission, Ottawa: +1 613 236 0841.
- Irish Embassy
Irish Embassy, Ottawa: +1 613 233 6281.
- New Zealand Embassy
New Zealand High Commission, Ottawa: +1 613 238 5991.
- South African Embassy
South African High Commission, Ottawa: +1 613 744 0330.
Public Holidays Around the World
Planning your year? Knowing public holidays in different countries can help you plan trips, schedule events, or understand global schedules. Below, find a comprehensive list of public holidays sorted by country.
