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ELECTRICITY Outlets and voltage
in Canada, like the U.S., operate on
110 volts AC at 60 Hz. Adapters are
required for appliances from most
other countries.
LANGUAGES Canada’s official languages are English and French, but English
is predominantly spoken in most of
BC. Federal government departments
provide service in both languages.
MONEY The currency in Canada is
the Canadian Dollar (CAD). ATMs
are widely available, and many accept
credit card withdrawals. Credit cards
are commonly used, and accepted at
almost all hotels, shops and restaurants. Some retailers accept U.S. cash,
but change is always given in Canadian
currency. Most retail purchases are
subject to a 7% Provincial Sales Tax
(PST) as well as a 5% federal Goods
and Services Tax (GST). Liquor is an
exception, and is taxed at 10%. Note
that Canada no longer uses the onecent coin (penny), so cash purchases
are rounded up or down to the closest
five cents. This does not apply to credit
and debit card payments.
PETS When your dog poops, you must
scoop it or risk a fine. Dogs must be
on a leash except when in one of the
city’s over 30 clearly designated offleash dog parks. Animals (other than
certified assistance animals) are not allowed in restaurants or bars. TransLink
allows small animals in cages on board
buses, the SkyTrain and the SeaBus.
PUBLIC TOILETS There is no charge to
use a public toilet in Vancouver. Several
busy street corners have self-contained, self-cleaning toilets. Shopping
malls are another handy place to find
clean washrooms. Facilities in cafes
and restaurants are often reserved for
customer use only.
SMOKING Smoking is not permitted
in stores, restaurants, bars, parks,
beaches or the seawall. Most buildings
do not allow smoking near their front
doors. Those caught smoking in a
smoke-free area risk a fine.
PHOTO BY KK LAW
TRAVEL
AROUND VANCOUVER BY TAXI The
city and surrounding areas are well-
WHY I LOVE KITSILANO
Trevor Bird, CHEF AND OWNER OF FABLE AND TOP CHEF CANADA
FINALIST
“Kits has a great reputation as a community, not just a
neighbourhood. A fantastic culinary scene is emerging right
now on 4th Avenue—there are so many talented chefs in
the neighbourhood, it’s great to be a part of it. I run the
seawall with my dog in the early mornings, go for my coffee
fix and meetings at 49th Parallel, breakfast at Au Comptoir, healthy juice from Sejuiced mid-shift, post-work wine
and cocktails at Mission, and date nights at AnnaLena’s or
Oakwood Canadian Bistro—their burger is killer. I believe in
healthy living and eating, and at Fable we use a lot of whole
foods, make everything in house. Kits is very much into that
whole way of living.”
serviced by taxi companies, making
this a convenient option. In Vancouver,
all cabs are metered so there is no
need to negotiate a fare. Rates do not
include gratuities. When travelling
from Vancouver International Airport
into the city, taxis charge a flat fee
based on zone. In inclement weather,
leave extra time for travel as taxi
companies are often busy during this
time. Wheelchair-accessible vehicles
are available, simply ask for options
when booking.
AROUND VANCOUVER BY TRANSIT
Bus routes connect with the three
SkyTrain rapid transit lines and
SeaBus passenger ferries, all part of
TransLink’s transportation network.
TransLink’s reloadable Compass card
is available for purchase at specific
vending machines, transit stations and
terminals, as well as many drugstores
and convenience stores. Load a
single fare, monthly pass or prepaid
balance. Pay your fare by “tapping in,”
and “tap out” when you exit to avoid
GO WEST Not to be confused: the West End is a downtown neighbourhood, West Van is a
city on the North Shore, and New West refers to New Westminster, a city 30 minutes east.
where.ca
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