Go Yellowhead 2016 | Page 79

TRAVEL INFORMATION WEATHER AND ROAD CONDITIONS DOES MY PET NEED A PERMIT? Environment Canada maintains a website that allows instant searches for current weather conditions and forecasts. It also includes weather warnings, marine weather information, and radar and satellite imaging. To check conditions and forecasts, visit weather.gc.ca For up-to-the-minute road reports, call 511. Many live animals require permits. Often animals require a health inspection in the country of origin. A domestic dog or cat travelling with the owner need only meet the rabies certification requirements. CONSTRUCTION / EMERGENCY SPEED LIMIT Motorists must slow to 60 kph, or less if the posted speed is lower, when passing stopped emergency vehicles (police, ambulance, fire-fighting, public utility, or designated emergency response vehicle) or tow trucks on the same side of the highway with their flashing lights on. TIPPING The average tip in Canada is 15 percent. However, depending on the level and the nature of the service, tipping may range from 10 to more than 20 percent. Tips are generally given for good service by food and beverage servers in bars and restaurants, taxi drivers, tour guides, hotel bellhops, and estheticians. While it is not required to tip other service staff, you are certainly at liberty to do so. DISTRACTED DRIVING LAWS Canada has strict laws against distracted driving. Drivers can be charged with this offense and heavily fined if they operate any electronic device such as a cell phone, or are caught eating or grooming while driving. It is also an offense to drive in a way that will distract, startle, or interfere with highway users. RENTING A CAR All car rental companies have a strong network of outlets across Canada. To rent a car you must be 21 years old and hold a valid driver’s licence and a major credit card. (A surcharge may apply to drivers under 25 years of age.) NATIONAL PARK ENTRY Permits are required for entry into any national park in Canada. You can purchase a day pass at a park gate, but if you intend to spend some time exploring the vast network of parks, national historic sites and marine conservation areas consider buying an annual National Parks of Canada pass. The pass is valid for one year from the date of purchase. Also included with the annual pass is a booklet of discount coupons. TIME ZONES FERRY SERVICES B.C. Ferries serves almost 50 points of call along the B.C. coastline. For information on fares, routes and times, or to make reservations call 1-888 BC FERRY (toll free in North America) or visit bcferries.com RENTING A MOTORHOME Renting a motorhome is a convenient way to explore the Yellowhead Highway. You may purchase insurance at the time of rental. For lower rates, it is recommended that bookings be made three to four months in advance. CENTRAL STANDARD (CST) ZONE Manitoba, Saskatchewan, south to Texas MOUNTAIN STANDARD (MST) ZONE Alberta, south to Arizona PACIFIC STANDARD (PST) ZONE British Columbia, south to California goyellowhead.com 79