Canada Customs & Immigration / Canada Border Services
Most visitors to Canada require a valid passport to enter the country. Regulations concerning passports should be confirmed by all vistors prior to travel.
For additional information contact:
Automated Customs Information 1-800-461-9999
Canadian Fire Arms Centre 1-800-731-4000
Bringing Firearms Into Canada 1-800-461-9999
Bringing Pets Into Canada 1-800-461-9999
What Currency is used in Canada?
It is recommended that visitors use Canadian currency when traveling within Canada. Currency may be exchanged at chartered banks, trust companies, credit unions, or foreign exchange brokers, but it a good idea to have some local currency on hand before arriving. Some hotels, merchants, restaurants and suppliers accept US currency at pre-determined rates which may be different from the rate posted by financial institutions.
- Canadian one dollar coin ("loonie") ($) = 100 cents
- Canadian two dollar coin ("twoonie") ($) = 200 cents
- Notes are in denominations of $1000, $100, $50, $20, $10, $5
- Coins are in denominations of $2, $1, $0.50, $0.25, $0.10, $0.05, $0.01
What is the weather like?
Summer temperatures climb into the high teens and low 20s Celsius/low to mid-60s Fahrenheit. Rainfall is approximately 250 cm/100 inches annually.
What clothing should I bring?
Unless you are coming from an extremely warm, dry climate, most days you should be comfortable in shorts, a short sleeved shirt and a light sweater. During the evening you will likely prefer a warm sweater or fleece, and slacks.
Because weather can change quickly, dress in layers and carry breathable, water-resistant clothing at all times. A fleece vest and jacket are recommended. If you are planning a water or wilderness excursion contact the operator you will be travelling with for further instructions.
Should I book ahead?
The arrival and departure of trains and ferries creates an ebb and flow of visitors, which can result in no vacancies on some peak travel days. Book ahead to confirm your experience.
What do I need to know about tides?
Prince Rupert and the North Coast experience some of the world's largest tides. These 24-foot tides equate to a 4-foot change in water level every hour. There are two high and two low tides each day. The hours when high and low tides occur changes about 45 minutes a day. Tide charts are available at most retail fishing stores.
Where can I get information on sportfishing regulations?
Regulations and license fees contact:
Saltwater:
Department of Fisheries and Oceans North Coast District: (250) 627-3409
Freshwater:
BC only 1-800-663-7867. Outside of BC call Inquiry BC1-604-660-2421
Where are the boat launches and marinas?
Prince Rupert Yacht & Rowing Club (250) 624-4317
Port Edward Harbour Authority (250) 628-9220
Where can I get boating information?
Marine Emergency 1-800-567-5111
RCMP Coastal Watch 1-888-855-6655
Marine Weather (250) 624-9009
BC Parks (250) 387-4550
North Coast Forest District (250) 624-7460
Prince Rupert Yacht & Rowing Club (250) 624-4317
Port Edward Harbour Authority (250) 628-9220
What do I need to know about towing?
Any towed trailer or vehicle over 1400 kg (3000 lbs) must be equipped with brakes on all wheels plus a break-away device hooked to the trailer brake system. Three unit RV vehicle combinations are prohibited on BC highways. Max width for RV's is 2.6 metres (8 feet 6 inches). Max length for motorhome or towed RV is 12.5 metres (41 feet). Max length for combination is 20 metres (65.6 feet).
For additional info contact ICBC 1-800-950-1498, (250) 978-8300.
What do I need to know about Provincial Campgrounds?
Some provincial campgrounds are on a reservation system while others are first-come-first-served and permit only cash payment. Camping fees vary according to facilities and services provided and are based on a per party/per vehicle/per night rate. Fees ranging from $9-$22.00 per party per night.
For information visit the BC Parks website www.bcparks.ca
Reserve on-line at Discover Camping www.discovercamping.ca
Reservations phone line 1-800-689-9025
Greater Vancouver area (604) 689-9025
BC Forest Service Recreation Sites
At the time of printing, the policies related to BC Forest Service Recreation sites are under review. For further information at time of travel, contact:
Ministry of Forests Prince Rupert (250) 624-7460
For more information visit their website,
here ...
Where can I get information on road conditions?
BC Road Reports 1-900-565-4997
Skeena District Highway Office 1-800-663-9910
Where is Prince Rupert's airport?
Prince Rupert Airport is located on Digby Island with ferry-bus service to the city on regular scheduled flights. Pick-up and drop-off for Air Canada Jazz and Hawkair passengers is the Howard Johnson Highliner Plaza.
Can the airport handle private aircraft?
Parking and aviation fuel are available for private aircraft at the airport. For details call (250) 624-6274.
Air Emergency 1-800-567-5111
How do I get to outlying communities?
Floatplane, helicopter, ferry and water taxi services operate to outlying communities. Seaplanes and ferries offer scheduled service. Water taxis and aircraft are also available for charter.
For information on ferry service to Lax Kw'alaams/Port Simpson call (250) 624-5411 or (250) 625-3293. For details on ferry service to Hartley Bay, Kitkatla, Oona River and Metlakatla phone (250) 628-3201 or 624-3337. Call 624-9166 concerning scheduled service to Dodge Cove on Digby Island.
How do I get from the train station and ferry depot to my hotel?
Shuttle bus and taxis meet incoming trains and ferries. Vehicle rentals and public bus transit also operate.