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Canada...

Description

The westernmost of Canada's three Prairie provinces, Alberta lies between the 49th and 60th parallels, at virtually the same latitude as the United Kingdom. Alberta is 1217 km from north to south and between 293 and 650 km in width from west to east. Nearly equal in size to the state of Texas, the province covers an area of some 661 185 km2.

Roughly half of the southwestern section of the province is dominated by mountains and foothills - striking reminders of the glaciers that, over millions of years, formed, moved and receded in the area. Peaks of the Rocky Mountains located in Alberta range from 2130 to 3747 m in elevation.

The foothills, which form a gentle link between mountain and prairie landscapes, feature heavily forested areas and grasslands used for grazing cattle. Beneath their surface, the foothills contain some of the province's richest deposits of sour gas and coal.

The remainder of the province - approximately 90 percent of the land area - forms part of the interior plain of North America. The plains include the forested areas that dominate the northern part of the province and the vast stretches of northern muskeg that overlay much of Alberta's oil and gas deposits and oil sands.

Alberta has what is known as a continental climate. It is characterized by vivid seasonal contrasts in which long, cold winters are balanced by mild to hot summers and an unusually high number of sunny days, no matter what the season. Although cold air covers the whole province in winter, it is frequently replaced in the southwest by a mild wind, the "chinook," funneling through the mountains from the Pacific Ocean.

Wintersports

Opportunities to pursue winter sports at Western Canadian ski resorts and amongst the surrounding mountains are unparalleled. From the majestic Canadian Rocky Mountains right through to the spectacular costal mountains of western British Columbia, there are simply endless choices.

Combining wild alpine beauty with first-class amenities, Western Canada offers vacation possibilities as diverse as the foothills and mountain landscapes themselves. Few places in the world have such stunning scenery, and fewer still offer the warm hospitality and excellent service you can enjoy throughout Canada's west.

Climate

The Summer climate (July/August) brings low humidity, warm temperatures and extended daylight hours lasting until 11:00 p.m. at the height of the summer equinox.

The Autumn season (Sept/Oct) sees a diminishing of the daylight hours and warm days with cooling evening winds. The first snows beings to fall on the Canadian Rockies sometime in November (though it can and does snow whenever nature dictates - we have had major blizzards leave several feet of snow in mid-summer). The snow is usually staying for the winter by Nov. with the first of several winter storms coming in from the Pacific providing the Rockies with its blanketing of snow and the arrival of ski season. Sometime during the month of December/January the Rockies usually experience a brief two week cold snap with temperatures plummeting into the low -30 degree C/F range but the average temperature during the winter months is around -12º C (6º F).

Luckily throughout the winter months, Banff and areas west and south regularly receive a welcome weather phenomenon, Chinooks, which can produce spring like temperatures in a matter of hours.

Spring begins sometime in March but the snow stays until mid April when rain and warming temperatures melt winter away from the valleys - snow does not leave the mountain passes until mid summer. May and June are the Rockies rainy periods though we have awoke in May to foot of snow - While the average precipitation is relatively low during this time, snowmelt pushes the rivers to their crests.

The UV rating for Banff and surrounding area is usually high to extremely high throughout the year. Because of our altitude and the suns angle of incidence in our section of the world, people tend to burn much faster than usual -- bring along sunscreen, a shade hat and a pair of sunglasses.

Local Time

Daylight Saving Time
From April 3, 2005 until October 30, 2005

Pacific Standard Time (PST) = GMT-8
Pacific Daylight Time (PDT) = GMT-7

Health

While Canadian hospitals and medical services are generally very good, there are no special arrangements for British visitors. We strongly recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling, as medical treatment can be very expensive. The British High Commission and Consulates-General cannot assist with medical expenses.

If the weather is extremely cold, avoid strenuous activity, cover your mouth to protect your lungs from the cold air and be alert for signs of frostbite. Sunglasses help cut glare from the sun, particularly where there is extensive snow cover, and reduce the effects of ultraviolet rays.

Rabies is a problem in most of Canada and can be spread by small animals such as racoons and bats. Do seek urgent medical advice if bitten by a wild animal.

Customs & Duty Free

Non-residents entering Canada:

*Tobacco...200 cigarettes and 50 cigars and 200g of loose tobacco
*Alcohol...1 bottle of wine or spirits, 24 bottles or cans of beer
Perfume...Reasonable amount
Cameras...No restrictions
Film...Reasonable amount
Gifts...$60 Cad max per gift -excludes tobacco/liquor
Agricultural items/currency...Refer passenger to consulate

(*Applies only to passengers over 18 yrs of age)

Residents returning to Canada:

After 24 hr absence...C$50

No Tobacco and alcohol

After 48 hr absence...C$200

Tobacco...200 Cigarettes and 50 Cigars
Alcohol...40 oz. (1.14 Litres)

After 7 days absence...C$750

Tobacco...200 Cigarettes and 50 Cigars and 200g of Tobacco
Alcohol...1.14 litres of liquor or 1.5 litres of wine

Passport & Visa

Important

Visas are not generally required for British Citizens visiting Canada for short periods. However, other categories of British nationals should check requirements before making firm plans. If in any doubt contact the Visa Section of the Canadian High Commission: Canadian Representation in London.

If you are travelling with children, and where only one parent is present, you should bear in mind that it is advisable to carry a letter of consent from the non-travelling parent. Immigration officers have the right to question children using simple and appropriate language, to establish if there are any child abduction concerns. There is discretion, but this depends on the attitude of the accompanying parent. A letter of consent will help to dispel potential concerns, and should refer to the travel details in question and provide the necessary agreement to the visit.