Approved Accommodation
Throughout British Columbia, an Approved Accommodation sign is awarded to tourist accommodation indicating that it has been inspected and that Tourism British Columbia's standards of courtesy, comfort and cleanliness have been met. Many establishments currently display a blue "Approved Accommodation" sign. You will also see a sign that features the Ministry's new logo. Eventually all establishments will display the new white "Approved Accommodation" sign.

Boating Regulations
New recreational boating regulations for persons under 16 years of age operating power boats came into effect April 1, 1999. For information contact the Canadian Coast Guard office of Boating Safety at 1-800-267-6687.

Border Crossings
All persons entering Canada as visitors, other than American citizens, must be in possession of a valid passport or other recognized travel documents. United States residents should carry proof of citizenship. Officials at points of entry will issue any permits required for vehicles.

Canada Customs/Border Crossing Information
All goods purchased, received or acquired abroad must be declared. As a visitor to British Columbia, you are permitted to bring (free of duty) in a reasonable number of personal effects, a four-day supply of food, and a full tank of gas. Visitors should note that some foods such as corn, potatoes, pitted/stone fruits and apples are prohibited entry.
Visitors aged 19 years or over may import up to 50 cigars, 200 cigarettes and 200g (8 oz) of tobacco, up to 1.14 litres (40 oz) of spirits or wine, or in lieu 8.5 litres (288 oz) of beer or ale, providing it is to be used for personal consumption.
All revolvers, pistols, fully automatic firearms and other weapons, and self-defence sprays such as, pepper spray and mace are prohibited entry into Canada. All firearms (i.e.: hunting rifles, shotguns) and personal protection devices (i.e.: stun guns, mace, pepper spray) must be declared. To obtain information on new firearms legislation, please contact the Canadian Firearms Centre at 1-800-731-4000.
Sporting equipment such as fishing tackle, boats, outboard motors, camping gear, golf clubs, as well as tape recorders, stereos, cameras, etc. to be used by the individual while in Canada should be declared when entering the country and exported when the traveller leaves Canada, or duty paid. Visitors from other countries should check on the amount of duty-free goods they are allowed to take home from Canada as it varies from country to country.
For further information concerning customs regulations contact: Revenue Canada, Customs and Excise, Regional Information Unit, 333 Dunsmuir St., Vancouver BC, Canada V6B 5R4, Tel: (604) 666-6031

Emergencies
Travellers are reminded that emergency telephone numbers are listed inside the front cover of all British Columbia telephone directories.

Fishing
Separate licences are required for saltwater and freshwater fishing. Saltwater licences are issued by the Federal Department of Fisheries and Oceans; freshwater licenses are issued by the provincial Ministry of the Environment, Lands and Parks. Both types of licenses can be purchased at sporting goods stores and other fishing retailers as well as most Government Agents' offices.
A specific license is required in National Parks and can be purchased at the Park Headquarters at each Park site.

Food
Canadian food is very difficult to define. British Columbian food is even harder to define! Because of the ethnic origins of the British Columbia population travellers will find a wide range of food available. British Columbia is famous for its seafood, particularly salmon, both fresh and smoked. However visitors will find that British Columbia has developed its own unique style of Pacific fusion cooking that combines the flavours of British Columbia with the cooking styles of California and the orient. Food prices in restaurants are very reasonable when compared to prices internationally.

Forest Fires
If you spot a forest fire while travelling in British Columbia call the British Columbia Forest Service at 1-800-663-5555. This is the free province wide forest fire reporting telephone number.

Fuels
All common fuels, including leaded and unleaded gasoline and diesel, are available in BC and sold in litres. 4.5 litres = 1 Canadian gallon; 3.78 litres = 1 American gallon. Propane is also available at many stations throughout British Columbia. GST is a 6% federal tax that is charged on most goods & services sold or provided in Canada. It is separate & distinct from the BC Provincial Sales Tax, which is currently 7%.

Hospital & Medical Services
Visitors are advised to obtain health insurance before coming to Canada. Check your policy; many health insurance plans only provide partial coverage for services rendered outside the borders of the policy holder's country of residence. Visitors taking prescribed medications should bring a copy of their prescriptions in case they must be renewed by a doctor in Canada.

Hunting
Hunting is strictly regulated by the British Columbia Environment-Wildlife Branch. All hunters, whether resident or non-resident, must obtain a license.
Laws pertaining to firearm import/possession changed October 1, 1998. Check with Canada Customs or the RCMP for details before bringing firearms into Canada.
A non-resident (does not live in British Columbia) hunting big game must be accompanied by a licensed British Columbia guide. A non-resident of British Columbia may be accompanied by a resident of British Columbia in place of a licensed guide outfitter, provided that person is a Canadian citizen and has obtained all mandatory permits.
It is not necessary for a non-resident of British Columbia to have a guide when hunting small game or game birds.
Licensing details and "Hunting and Trapping Regulations Synopsis" are available from Government Agents' offices or from the BC Environment - Wildlife Branch, PO Box 9374, Stn. Prov Govt, Victoria, BC V8M 9M4

Maps
Current road maps of British Columbia are available from Travel Info Centres throughout the province.

Motor Vehicles
Vehicles and trailers not exceeding 2.6 metres (8'6") in width are permitted into Canada for touring purposes for periods up to 12 months and without payment of customs fees. Motor vehicle registration forms should be carried, and if the vehicle is rented from a company, a copy of the rental agreement bearing an endorsement to the effect that the rented vehicle is permitted entry into Canada should also be carried. Canadian residents cannot bring in a rented vehicle from the US. Three unit Recreational Vehicle are prohibited on British Columbia highways. For information contact: Vehicle Inspection Department, 2631 Douglas Street, Victoria, BC V8T 5A3 or phone 250-387-6634.
Vacation Trailers left in Canada for a season require an E-99 Permit from Canada Customs, which must be visible from outside the vehicle. Vacation trailers may not be left in Canada in off-season.
Drivers' licenses, whether from any state of the US or from other countries, and international drivers' licenses, are valid in Canada.

Persons with Disabilities
Hearing and Speech Impairment Services are available for persons with hearing and speech impairments by contacting: Western Institute for Deaf and Hard of Hearing, 2125 West 7th Avenue, Vancouver, BC V9K 1X9, (604) 736-7391 (voice), (604) 736-2527 (TTY).

Pets
Dogs and cats over three months of age entering Canada from the US must be accompanied by a certificate signed by a licensed veterinarian of Canada or the US certifying that the pet has been vaccinated against rabies during the preceding 36 months. For information, contact: Canadian Food Inspection Agency 101- 620 Royal Avenue, New Westminster, BC V3L 5A8. Tel: (604) 666-8750.

Plant Material
Authority to import plant material from all countries must be obtained in advance. For information, contact: Canadian Food Inspection Agency 101- 620 Royal Avenue, New Westminster, BC V3L 5A8. Tel: (604) 666-8750.

Play it Safe
Wherever you camp, play it safe! Accidents do occur in the great outdoors so why not think of some of these precautions that make for safe camping: safe boating & swimming practices, campfire responsibility and respect for nature & your environment.

Practice Good Camping Citizenship
Good manners, consideration and courtesy are as essential out-of-doors as indoors. Destruction of nature costs taxpayers millions of dollars annually in manpower and machines to pick up debris. Most serious are the small acts. Filter-tip cigarette stubs, for example, are not bio-degradable. Thrown to the ground they resist deterioration and have to be picked up individually. Always carry a litter bag in your car, bring a garbage can/liner for your campsite and never bury garbage. Deposit it in approved trash containers along the way, or at gas stations. Any example of good housekeeping encourages others to practise outdoor manners. On any trip, let no one say that you left a campsite less beautiful than it was when you came. Canada belongs to everyone. Be a good outdoor citizen.

Road Conditions
For information on road conditions 24 hours a day, contact the Ministry of Transportation and Highways at 1-900-663-4997 at a charge of 75 cents per minute.

Seat Belts
The law in British Columbia requires that drivers and passengers must use seat belts while driving or riding in a motor vehicle. Visitors should note that an infant car seat is required for children weighing up to 9 kg (20 pounds). For residents, an infant or child car seat is required for children weighing up to 18 kg (40 pounds).

Smoking
Many cities and municipalities in British Columbia have passed smoking by-laws which prohibit smoking in restaurants, and reduce the smoking areas allowed in pubs and bars.

Taxes
Under the Federal Goods and Services Tax (GST), most goods and services sold or provided in Canada are taxed at the rate of 6%. If you require further information or assistance, please call toll-free from anywhere in Canada, 800-668-4748. If you are outside Canada, call 613-991-3346. Except for campgrounds and houseboats, all British Columbia accommodation charges are subject to an 8% Hotel Room Tax. Where approved, an additional 2% tourism tax is levied by local Municipal Government.

Tipping
Tipping is an accepted practice and many service industry personnel depend on tips for a large part of their incomes. Airport taxi drivers expect 15%. Hotel bell people or porters no less than $1 or $1 per bag; the house cleaning staff is typically left $1 - $2 per day. Since the concierge is to help guests he or she should not be tipped unless an unusual or very difficult task is performed.
Tipping in restaurants depends upon the quality, ambiance and sophistication of the establishment. The key factor is the quality of the service. The standard for waiters and waitresses is 10 - 15% of the bill.

Toll Road
The Coquihalla Hwy. (Hwy 5, Hope to Kamloops) is a tolled highway. The toll plaza is located mid-way between Hope and Merritt. The cost is $10.00 per passenger vehicle (car or RV). Visa and MasterCard are accepted. Should you wish to avoid the toll fee, alternative routes are available.

Tourist Alerts
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) are frequently requested to communicate urgent messages to people on vacation. If you see your name listed in newspapers, at information centres or hear it on radio or TV, please phone the nearest RCMP detachment office for further details.

Vehicle Accidents
If you are involved in an automobile accident with a B.C. licensed and registered vehicle, call the Insurance Corporation of British Columbia. If the accident involves vehicles from out of B.C., contact the nearest Insurance Corporation of British Columbia office listed in the telephone directory for advice. US motorists should obtain a "Canadian Non-resident Interprovincial Motor Vehicle Liability Insurance Card" from their insurance company. This card is only available through your own insurance company.

Vehicle Towing Regulations
When a vehicle or trailer weighing 1,400 kilograms (3,087 pounds) or more is towed behind a recreational vehicle, the towed vehicle must be outfitted with functional braking and emergency breakaway devices which apply the brakes at the end of the axles. As well, one or more safety chains must be attached which can hold the weight of the towed vehicle.

Visitor Info Centres
To assist you with your travels within British Columbia, watch for the network symbol displayed along the highways and byways. This sign is located at over 100 community operated Visitor Info Centres and is your assurance that you will receive helpful information, professional counselling, a wealth of travel literature and friendly, personalized service.

Weapons
All revolvers, pistols, fully automatic firearms and other weapons, and self-defence sprays such as, pepper spray and mace are prohibited entry into Canada. All firearms (i.e.: hunting rifles, shotguns) and personal protection devices (i.e.: stun guns, mace, pepper spray) must be declared. To obtain information on new firearms legislation, please contact the Canadian Firearms Centre at 1-800-731-4000.

Parrys RV Park - 380 Martindale Road,  Parksville, BC,  V9P 1R7
Tel: (250) 248-6242       Email: