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| British Columbia |
Your travel source with a personal touch! |
Here is a great source for travel tips and destination information on British Columbia. And, if you do not find what you are looking for, feel free to email me with your specific questions about British Columbia. Additionally, you can help with the building of this page by sending me some of your favorite things in British Columbia. mailto:jimbruner@gettingaway.com
British Columbia - Order FREE Travel Brochure!
Visitor Information for British Columbia
| Tourism British Columbia
Phone: 1-800-663-6000 or (250) 387-1642 PO Box 9830, Stn. Prov. Govt., Victoria, British Columbia, Canada V8W 9W5 Website: CTravel and Tourism Planning Site for British Columbia |
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One good way to get travel information for British Columbia and the rest of Canada is to check with Allexperts - Canada! This is a good site and I recommend it as you can ask volunteer experts questions about travel and tourism, and attractions for free! Allexperts and Getting Away With Jim Bruner, working together to give you the best in reliable travel information.
Click here for language helps, dictionaries, electronic translators, language software and other helps for learning a foreign language. Being able to speak at least some of the language in the country you are visiting will help you have a better time and enjoy your trip more. Jim.
Currency Exchange - Get your currency needs managed in advance! Many airports, railroad stations, bus depots, and other points of entry have no currency exchange. When currency exchange is available in airports, lines can be long and rates can be "sky high". These long waits and usurious fees can be a nightmare. Order in advance from All Foreign Currency right online. It's fast, easy, and you save time and money! The can also provide you with Travelers' checks, bank drafts, and transfers. U.S. dollars are not accepted everywhere and rates can be atrocious!
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I always research the destinations to which I intend to travel with books and maps. I normally use Fodor's as I find their guidebooks very informative and easy to read and understand. Click on the Amazon logo to search for travel books and maps. If you don't find what you are looking for, click on the Getting Away Travel Bookshelf to find some of my favorites! Still can't find what you need? Contact me. mailto: jimbruner@gettingaway.com |
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Travel
Etiquette Behavior and customs vary greatly from country to country. We discuss the correct travel etiquette so that you won't be caught out. TravelEtiquette was formed to offer a unique reference point on essential etiquette advice and information for worldwide travel. Our features and articles are written by professional journalists and experts - who have a particular interest, or a background in this area. So – know before you go. Visit TravelEtiquette so you will know how to, as the old adage states, “When in Rome, do as the Romans do.” |
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Climate
and Weather Information for British Columbia
Throughout British Columbia you may see the temperature shown in Celsius as well as in Fahrenheit. To convert from
Celsius to Fahrenheit multiply the number of Celsius by 9/5 and add 32. To convert from
Fahrenheit to Celsius subtract 32 from the number of Fahrenheit, then multiply by 5/9.
Getting
To And Around British Columbia
Crossing the International Border
On the Road
Americans who plan to drive in British Columbia should obtain a Canadian non-resident inter provincial motor vehicle liability insurance card from their insurance company.
To convert miles to kilometers multiply the number of miles by 1.6. to convert kilometers to miles multiply the numbers of kilometers by 0.6.
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Since 1996 IdeaMerge has helped savvy, independent people worldwide realize their motor travel ideas. Expertly and personably, we represent motoring options most agencies do not command. Hence we command as well the respect of our several, choice vendors — often allowing us to achieve for you what you could not achieve on your own. Click on IdeaMerge: Motorhome Rentals Worldwide for additional information or to rent a motorhome or other recreational vehicle in Australia or worldwide. IdeaMerge: RV Rentals Worldwide, and Tax-free Auto Leases in Europe |
Alldrive Canada, Inc. rents motor homes, campers and vans in Vancouver and Calgary. One way rentals available. They also rent boats, bicycles and outdoor equipment.
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Passport Visa Express specializes in obtaining Passports for United States Citizens who wish to travel internationally within the next 30 days. We work directly with the U.S. Passport Agency assisting you in expediting your passport application in as fast as the same day! Our passport consultants have many years of direct experience working with the Passport Agency. |
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GE Motor Club
Looking for peace of mind? The
GE Motor Club will give you just that with its 24-hour emergency roadside protection.
Why go it alone?
GE
Motor Club can provide 24-hour
roadside assistance across the United States and Canada in practically any
car. On the expressway or in your driveway . . . in any eligible private,
non-commercial car that you own, lease, rent, or borrow . . . if you need
help,
GE
Motor Club will be there.
| GE Motor Club cuts out the worry as you make a short trip to the grocery store for milk or decide to take that long family vacation you’ve been thinking about. Does this interest you? It should! You don’t have to have a new car to enjoy the perks of driving one. Here are some of the roadside emergency services you will enjoy as a member of the GE Motor Club: |
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*Towing up to 100 miles *Lockout service *Battery boost/jump start *Flat tire service *Fuel delivery *Winching/stuck vehicle |
These are all excellent services, but they’re not all of the perks you will enjoy as a member. By joining today, you will also have access to free custom trip routing as well as hotel and car rental discounts. We’ll even let a second family member join for free! Along with 24/7 roadside assistance, GE Motor Club offers travel benefits, customized maps and directions, auto related legal services, and much more! All of the available services from GE Motor Club allow you to drive with a little extra peace of mind. No driver should ever be without a GE Motor Club membership. This means you! Click here for more information.
| Rent a GPS for travel within the
United States and Canada. Each GPS system is sized for both
automotive & handheld travel and features, state-of-the-art gps navigation,
sharp graphics maps, voice guidance and pre-loaded points of interest. With
top GPS models from Garmin, Magellan, Tom Tom & Mio - we select the best fit
for your destination. Combining easy ordering and shipment right to your
door, you'll wonder how you ever traveled without one! Elegant and simple!
Touch the screen and receive turn-by-turn directions with street names as
you enjoy your driving experience throughout major metropolitan areas within
Mexico.
Customize your navigation method or route to travel safely and
stress-free. built-in AAA travel information, and maps of the entire
United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico. For additional
information, click on
Domestic GPS Rental |
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Air
Fly to Canada and the U.S. in comfortable new jets with Live TV. Enjoy the best customer service in town.
Westjet.com for less!
British Airways (ba.ccom)
flies between Vancouver and London Heathrow.
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At
Travelocity, not only can you find
the lowest fare or best schedule on over 400 airlines, but you can also
find
Great
Car Rental Deals, Low hotel rates when you click on |
Boat
The Victoria Clipper
offers high-speed passenger service between Seattle's Pier 69 and Victoria. They
also have connections to the San Juans from both Seattle and Victoria.
British
Columbia Parks and Protected
Areas
National and Provincial Parks of British Columbia offers you a lot of good information on parks in British Columbia.
If any information you
believe I should add to this section of Getting Away.
mailto:jimbruner@gettingaway.com
Annual
Events for British Columbia
December
Richmond (a suburb of Vancouver)
"Nature Comes to Light" is filled with numerous nature themed displays
and over 200,000 lights that greet guest as they take a 15 minute stroll along
the board walk through the Richmond Nature Park. Presented by the Richmond
Kinsmen and Richmond Firefighter's Society.
Where: Richmond Nature Park, 11851 Westminster Highway and No. 5 Road.
When: December 1 to December 29, 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. every day.
Tickets: Suggested minimum donation of $2 per person or $10 per family.
Go to www.richmondkinsmen.com for
additional information.
To add your event here mailto:jimbruner@gettingaway.com
Click Here for a calendar of
events for Vancouver.
Attractions and Things to See and Do in British Columbia
Fishing in Canada Vacation Guide -
vacation guide and informational centre for fishing lodges, resorts and camps in Canada.
Clearwater
Ecosummer Expeditions - As a pioneer and leader in kayaking adventure
excellence, Ecosummer is proud of its active support for environmental
protection and policy improvement. We complement our reverence for the natural
earth with an unyielding commitment to the comfort and safety of our guests.
Over the 28 years we’ve been active, Ecosummer has maintained a perfect safety
record through experienced leadership and state-of-the-art equipment. For us,
ECO stands for Education and Challenge in the
Outdoors, and at Ecosummer we live by our name. Our adventures
create esteem for the natural world, its wild creatures, and our journeys within
it. We believe that adventure tourism is best realized through physical comfort
and mouth watering cuisine. Our client
testimonials speak for themselves. The
Royal Geographical Society magazine recently listed our Quest for the Spirit
Bear within the "25 Trips of a Lifetime - Unmissable Adventures from the Four
Corners of the Globe and Beyond".
Outpost magazine ranked our
Queen Charlotte Sail 9th out of "100 of the World's Best Trips and Tips for
the Modern Nomad". Our success has been built upon hard work, passion,
integrity, and thousands of happy guests. We aim to share our dream of creating
a lifestyle and way of travel that is as fun and fulfilling as it is favorable
to the environment that supports us. Owner Andy Schwaiger and the friendly and
knowledgeable staff of Ecosummer are committed to ensuring that each and every
trip exceeds client's expectations by bringing great people together in
inspirational settings. Ecosummer Expeditions. PO Box 177, Clearwater, British
Columbia, Canada, V0E 1N0. 1.800.465.8884.
www.ecosummer.com.
Sidney
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Mineral World A unique experiment in retail, it has been recognized as one of the most innovative stores in Canada. Set in a large, window-filled building overlooking the sea, it offers many experiences to admire, to learn and to buy. Jewelry, stone works of art, crystals, fossils, giftware and more. An outdoor adventureland of gemstones, shells, gold panning and fossil digging. Unique in North America, the Scratch Patch is free to visit. Buy a collector's bag and hunt through millions of gems such as amethyst, agate, jade, jasper and many others, to choose your own treasures. Hours - Summer: 10:00am - 9:00pm. Spring/Fall: 10:00am - 5:00pm. Winter: Mon - Sat: 10:00am - 4:30pm Sun: 12:00am - 4:30pm. Sidney-by-the-Sea On the waterfront, 9891 Seaport Place, Sidney, BC. Phone: (250)655-GEMS. www.scratchpatch.com. |
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| At InfoHub, we believe vacation travel should be much more than just flying you to a tropical beach. Since 1996, we at InfoHub have worked hard to bring you the largest specialty travel portal on the Internet. Today, you can find over 20,000 specialty trips on InfoHub.com, covering activities from Artist Workshops to Yoga Retreats. Whatever your special interest is, you will find it right here! Plus trips you never even knew existed! We continue to expand the exciting array of travel options available by adding hundreds of out-of-the-ordinary trips every week! Our goal is to make Infohub.com "The Ultimate Source of Inspiring Travel Ideas" for your next dream trip. | ||
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| Cross-Country Ski Vacations: A Guide to the Best Resorts, Lodges, and Groomed Trails in North America - Looking for a cozy B&B in which to hide out and make a few leisurely cross-country tours? In search of a fine resort with an extensive trail system and ski school for the kids? This guide to making the most of your cross-country skiing vacation includes all the specifics you'll need to make an informed decision when choosing destination resorts and lodges. Besides the basics--items such as street and e-mail addresses, and phone numbers--the book includes descriptions of accommodations and restaurants, rates, payment options (namely, whether credit cards are accepted), the nearest airport and hospital, entertainment choices, children's activities, and, of course, trail conditions. |
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| Worldwide Riding Vacations : A Global Guide - Not just a guide to dude ranches, this handsome updated edition lists more strenuous and interesting equestrian trips by continent and then by country. Printed on heavy coated stock and illustrated with many color photographs, it includes over 100 entries. Each lists the company, address, phone number, E-mail, FAX, closest airports, price, and when available. There are descriptions of accommodations, meals, activities, and the horses and riding equipment, as well as a list of equestrian travel agencies and associations. British equestrian writer Ruler writes frequently on riding vacations and is an amateur horseman. Sacks, a former college professor, now owns a horse farm. Includes several locations for riding vacations in British Columbia. |
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| Fraser Valley Hiking Adventures - Fraser Valley Hiking Adventures is a fully licensed, insured and registered business and guarantees a minimum of 1 licensed paramedic on every adventure. Based in Chilliwack, BC, Canada, Fraser Valley Hiking Adventures is locally owned and operated. We are a small group of people who have come together as interested locals and friends to help others explore the area we call home - Southwestern British Columbia, Canada. |
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Dining
Suggestions for British Columbia
Coming Soon. In the mean time, send me any information you
believe I should add to this section of Getting Away.
mailto:jimbruner@gettingaway.com
Some
Favorites in British Columbia
Coming Soon. In the mean time, send me any information you
believe I should add to this section of Getting Away.
mailto:jimbruner@gettingaway.com
British
Columbia Links
Fishing in Canada Vacation Guide -
vacation guide and informational centre for fishing lodges, resorts and camps in Canada.
The Vancouver Guide offers information on Vancouver furnished apartments from 1200 CAD plus loads of Vancouver travel information.
Click here for language helps, dictionaries, electronic translators, language software and other helps for learning a foreign language. Being able to speak at least some of the language in the country you are visiting will help you have a better time and enjoy your trip more. Jim.
Currency Exchange - Get your currency needs managed in advance! Many airports, railroad stations, bus depots, and other points of entry have no currency exchange. When currency exchange is available in airports, lines can be long and rates can be "sky high". These long waits and usurious fees can be a nightmare. Order in advance from All Foreign Currency right online. It's fast, easy, and you save time and money! The can also provide you with Travelers' checks, bank drafts, and transfers. U.S. dollars are not accepted everywhere and rates can be atrocious!
On Line Pharmacies Canada can save residents of the United States between 25-90% on prescription medications. In fact, many seniors are able to save hundreds of dollars a month. Online Pharmacies Canada, which is located in Kirkland, Washington, just a little south of the Canadian border, has partnered with a premier Canadian doctors' clinic and pharmacy to help American consumers obtain substantial savings on their prescription medications. Additional savings are realized due to the strong U.S. dollar compared to the Canadian dollar. Currently, $1 U.S. dollar will buy approximately $1.55 Canadian currency. Additionally, the Canadian government utilizes price controls on pharmaceuticals to cap subsequent price increases. Visit their site at www.onlinepharmaciescanada.com today and begin saving tomorrow!
Burnaby Cariboo RV Park - A deluxe RV park for sightseeing the Vancouver area. Over 200 full hook up sites. Indoor pool, Jacuzzi, fitness room. Located on the Skytrain public transit line (monorail) from which you can go right into the center of the city without using your car. Grayline tours pick up twice daily. Burnaby Cariboo RV park (BCRV), 8765 Cariboo Place, Burnaby, B.C. V3N 4T2. Phone: 604.420.1722 or (in North America) 1.800.667.9901 or (toll free world wide) 0080040855470. www.bcrv.com.
Cyber City Guide - Vancouver Hotels - Guide to Vancouver including discount hotels, attractions, travel tips and more!
Fraser Valley Hiking Adventures - Fraser Valley Hiking Adventures is a fully licensed, insured and registered business and guarantees a minimum of 1 licensed paramedic on every adventure. Based in Chilliwack, BC, Canada, Fraser Valley Hiking Adventures is locally owned and operated. We are a small group of people who have come together as interested locals and friends to help others explore the area we call home - Southwestern British Columbia, Canada.
Victoria, British Columbia is always in
season! Victoria has the mildest climate in Canada, and is a place so green all
year that flowers fall out of the sky and even the lamp posts bloom. It is no
wonder that it is called The Garden City! The wild beauty of the Pacific coast
and the adventure of the great outdoors are within the city limits and ocean and
mountain vistas will follow you wherever you go. Victoria remembers its colorful
history with First Nations totem poles, heritage architecture and afternoon tea,
and bustles with the energy of a university town, having the University of
Victoria, Canada within its limits. Shop windows are full of British imports,
Native art and the latest trends. Restaurants and cafés serve the freshest
cuisine. The harbor is alive with the romance of an era when tall ships moored
alongside the wharf and evenings glitter as lights twinkle and cast their magic
from atop the landmark British Columbia Legislative Buildings. The Garden
City is a year-round tourism destination that offers a friendly, safe haven for
all visitors. Getting here is very easy, and, once here, you will feel a million
miles away. With a clean environment and charming ambience, it is no surprise
that Victoria, BC is one of the world's favorite destinations. For additional
information about Vancouver Island, please visit the official regional website
for Tourism
Vancouver Island.
Visitor Centre -
812 Wharf
Street, Victoria, BC
Canada, V8W 1T3. Tel: (250) 953-2033. Fax: (250) 382-6539. Email Inquiries:
info@tourismvictoria.com
| Milepost 2002 : Trip Planner for Alaska, Yukon Territory, British Columbia, British Columbia & Northwest Territories - A reader comments about Milepost 2002. "I live here, and find this book to be nice to have around. I purchase one every couple of years. Recreation activities for me usually involve a lot of driving, often in remote and infrequently traveled areas. The Milepost is an indispensable guide to construction, frost heaves, and other road conditions. When you are barreling down a narrow, winding road with a trailer in tow, it's nice to not have surprises. For the visitor to Alaska, this book provides detailed information on sites to see, lodging, fuel stations, etc. If you plan to drive to or around Alaska, this book is a must have. Even if you don't plan a visit, the book makes a nice memento. It is interesting to compare the new issue to the older ones and see the changes over time. Yes, even in Alaska, progress marches on. Enjoy, and have a safe trip." |
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| Great Family Vacations Midwest & Rocky Mountain States (Includes Colorado, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Ohio, South Dakota, Utah, Wisconsin, Wyoming, and British Columbia, Canada) - Inside this guide you will find twenty-five complete vacations loaded with enough activities to keep every member of your family happy for weeks. Whether you're looking for museums and historic sites, thrill-a-minute amusement parks, animal attractions, natural wonders and the great outdoors, sporting events, or a healthy dose of all of the above, here's everything you need to make your next family vacation a great family vacation. This guide includes hundreds of exciting things to see and do, valuable family-travel tips, family-friendly places to lodge and dine, personally recommended side trips, important local sources of information and handy travel directions. |
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2007 Travel Alert - Passports Needed for Canada, Mexico, Bermuda and Caribbean. Effective January 8, 2007, all travelers (including United States citizens) will be required to carry current passports to enter or re-enter the U.S. Click here for the State Department Summary. And, if you need a passport in a hurry, because you forgot to apply months ago when you should have and your trip is almost upon you, click on Passports In A Hurry!
If you have something you believe should be added to this page of Getting Away, please contact Jim with all of the information. mailto:jimbruner@gettingaway.com
