Western Canada: A fine mountain Golf vacation
The spectacular courses of western Canada are a golfer's paradise with legendary courses, stunning natural beauty, easy access and warm Canadian hospitality.

Our carefully chosen courses all provide quality facilities, services and value.
For American golfers, Canadian golf is discounted by approximately 30% due to a very favourable US-Canada dollar exchange rate. Our specially-created vacation itineraries are also available to help you drive even better value into your golf vacation in Western Canada.

How to Get Here
Calgary International is served by direct flights from most major cities in the U.S., Europe and Asia.

The following chart lists estimated flying time between selected cities and Calgary:

Driving in Canada
Canada has an excellent highway system, with distances and speed limits clearly posted on highway signs in metric (k/hr). Drivers' licenses from the United States or from other countries, are valid in Canada. Seat belt use is mandatory. Relax and drive at a comfortable pace and you'll be rewarded with wildlife viewings and simply stunning scenic vistas.

Sample driving distance between selected U.S. cities and Vancouver or Banff:
Seattle - Vancouver: 3 hours
Portland - Vancouver: 5 hours
Spokane - Banff: 8.0 hours

Banking
The Canadian dollar and notes come in denominations of $5, $10, $20, $50, and $100; coins 1c, 5c, 10c, 25c, $1, and $2. Many retail stores, restaurants and other locations might accept American Dollars, we advise our guests to exchange funds into Canadian currency.
Banking hours - Monday to Friday, 9.30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., extended hours including weekends at many locations.

Automated teller machines (ATMs) are open 24-hours daily. At ATMs displaying the Cirrus, Plus or Interac international banking network symbols, visitors can withdraw Canadian funds using their own personal automated banking cards or credit cards. The visitors' bank sets the exchange rate.

Most businesses will accept major credit cards and travellers 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.

Tipping
Tips or service charges are not usually added to a bill in restaurants in Western Canada. In general, tip approximately 15 to 20% of the bill amount based on service quality. $2 is normal for incidental tips such as luggage handlers or bellhops.

Sales Tax Rebate Program for Visitors
We handle your Sales Tax rebate on the GST charged on your Golf Canada's West vacation.
A 7% national Goods and Services Tax (GST) is charged on most goods and services.
Foreign visitors can claim a full rebate of the GST on non-consumable goods (items purchased in Canada and taken out of the country within 60 days of purchase), and on hotel accommodation. There is no rebate on consumable items such as food, liquor, tobacco, transportation costs and gasoline.

Applying for a refund - present your original receipts at a participating Canadian duty free shop for a total cash refund up to $500 Canadian when departing Canada. Or mail a completed refund application along with the original receipts to the address on the application.

Allow six to eight weeks for a refund.
For further information, call the GST Rebate Program at 1-800-668-4748 from Canada or (902) 432-5608 outside the country. 9% Provincial Sales Taxes (PST) is applicable in British Columbia. There is no PST in Alberta.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Canada is Metric
Canada follows the international metric system. Temperature, distance, velocity and weights are in metric units.

Conversion Guide
Measurement Metric Imperial
Distance 1 kilometer = 0.6 mile
Mileage Conversion
50 km/h = 30 mph
80 km/h = 50 mph
100 km/h = 65 mph
Volume 1 liter = 1 US quart
Weight 1 kilogram = 2.2 pounds
Temperature 80° F= 28° C

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.

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. Contact information for Canadian embassies around the world can be found at the website: http://www.voyage.gc.ca/main/foreign/can_offices_desc-en.asp

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. Contact information for Canadian embassies around the world can be found at the website:
http://www.voyage.gc.ca/main/foreign/can_offices_desc-en.asp

Bringing Alcohol and Tobacco into Canada
We recommend purchasing here in Canada.

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

Important Telephone Numbers and Websites
Golf Canada's West call 1-877-323-3633 or (403) 678 2838

For those non-golfing days the Canadian Rockies, World Heritage Sites, Banff National Parks, Jasper National Park, Lake Louise, quaint towns and big nature provide plenty of vacation options.

For further information on the GST Rebate Program, call 1-800-668-4748 from Canada or (902) 432-5608 outside Canada or visit their website: http://www.ccra-adrc.gc.ca/visitors/
Contact information for Canadian embassies around the world can be found at the website: http://voyage.dfait-maeci.gc.ca/menu-e.asp.