easycanada.info |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Check these websites |
|
|
 |
| |
I would recommend everyone who spends some time in Vancouver to get a copy of 'City of Glass; Douglas Coupland's Vancouver'. It's Coupland's take on the city and functions as an alternative travel guide. A must for fans and non-fans, and I thinkit's only available in Vancouver and Canada (never saw it anywhere else except on the web and I have been looking for it for sometime).
Also It is not worth going to the Royal Ontario Museum or the Art Gallery of Ontario until 2007/8 when the extentions are finished as most of both collections are closed until then (unless going on the free evenings). I was annoyed to pay $8 at AGO for effectively 2 rooms of exhibits.
When in Vancouver, pick up a copy of the Georgia Straight, a free newspaper found in shops, bars and street corners. It contains heaps of "two meals for the price of one" coupons, a great way to eat out and save cash when you are traveling. Also lists places to go, local talks, expos and has some real local knowledge.
Northern Vancouver Island: Hotels north of Sayward charge, on average, twice as much per night as those in Sayward. The same goes for restaurants and campgrounds. More importantly, the campgrounds in Telegraph Cove and Alder Bay are large treeless parking lots which do nothing to show case the natural beauty of the North Island. Both the campground at the Fisherboy and the Village of Sayward site are less than half the cost of those to the north while offering the same facilities along with trees, park like settings, privacy and ocean and mountain views.
|
Just one more thing about visas, embassies & border crossings
Recently I went to the Niagara Falls on the Canadian side. I thought it was a good idea to drive across from the USA. For non-US or Canadian passport holders, there is no sign telling you about the long procedure or to discourage you to just go to the other side for a simple look or for fun.
Driving to the border can be done via Whirlpool Bridge or Rainbow Bridge. It took 2 hours and US$6 to get the visa. Also the American side isn't worth the trouble, the Falls and the area are nicer in Canada. If I would have been warned, I would have stayed on the Canadian side. The procedure of crossing the border is different from a US airport (the officer told me) and this is why it takes a long time.
Finally you probably want to check this out:
- Make sure you have a signed, valid passport and visas, if required. Also, before you go, fill in the emergency information page of your passport!
- Read the Consular Information Sheets (and Public Announcements or Travel Warnings, if applicable) for the countries you plan to visit.
- Familiarize yourself with local laws and customs of the countries to which you are traveling. Remember, the U.S. Constitution does not follow you! While in a foreign country, you are subject to its laws.
- Make 2 copies of your passport identification page. This will facilitate replacement if your passport is lost or stolen. Leave one copy at home with friends or relatives. Carry the other with you in a separate place from your passport.
- Leave a copy of your itinerary with family or friends at home so that you can be contacted in case of an emergency.
- Do not leave your luggage unattended in public areas. Do not accept packages from strangers.
- Prior to your departure, you should register with the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate through the State Department’s travel registration website . Registration will make your presence and whereabouts known in case it is necessary to contact you in an emergency. In accordance with the Privacy Act, information on your welfare and whereabouts may not be released without your express authorization. Remember to leave a detailed itinerary and the numbers or copies of your passport or other citizenship documents with a friend or relative in the United States.
- To avoid being a target of crime, try not to wear conspicuous clothing and expensive jewelry and do not carry excessive amounts of money or unnecessary credit cards.
- In order to avoid violating local laws, deal only with authorized agents when you exchange money or purchase art or antiques.
- If you get into trouble, contact the nearest U.S. embassy.
|
· 
