Tips For Your Visit To Penticton

For your convenience we’ve included a bit of information on topics we felt were useful to Penticton and Wine Country visitors.

If there is something you feel should be added here please email us: Travel Tips

For information on travel arrangements, area amenities, attractions and wine touring contact:

Penticton & Wine Country Visitor Information Centre

553 Railway Street
Penticton, BC  V2A 8S3
Phone: 250 492-4103
Toll-free: 1-800-663-5052
Email: visitors@penticton.org

Holidays & Significant Dates

(Statutory holidays are shown in italics)

For US & International Visitors

Customs

Entry into Canada: United States citizens must show photographic identification (such as a driver's licence) and proof of citizenship (such as a birth certificate or certificate of citizenship), or a passport. Visitors from other countries must be in possession of a valid national passport and may also require a visa. When travelling with children, carry each child's birth certificate. When only one parent is travelling with the child(ren), he or she should carry written permission from the other parent. Divorced parents who share custody should also carry copies of the legal custody documents. Adults who are not parents or guardians should have written permission from parents or guardians to supervise the children.

BC has several ports of entry. Major border crossings are open 24 hours while others operate on a limited schedule.

Returning to the US (As of January 1, 2008): The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) that will require all travellers to the US to show passports (including returning US citizens) is currently in effect for air travellers and will come into effect for travel by land or sea as early as 2008. US visitors should confirm current re-entry requirements with the US Border Services prior to entering Canada (web site below).

Pets: Dogs and cats from the US must be accompanied by a certificate signed by a licensed veterinarian of Canada or the US certifying that the animal is currently vaccinated against rabies.

Fruits, vegetables, meats, dairy products, plant material: Restrictions apply to the importation of fruits, vegetables, meats, dairy products and plant material.

Firearms, etc. : All firearms must be declared. Revolvers, pistols, fully automatic firearms and other weapons and self-defense sprays (e.g. mace, pepper spray) are prohibited. For more information contact the Canadian Firearms Centre toll-free inquiry line at 1-800-731-4000.

Canada Border Services: http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/travel/visitors-e.html

US border services: http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/travel/vacation/faqs.xml

Languages Spoken

English and French are Canada’s two official languages.  The predominant language spoken in Penticton and the South Okanagan is English.

Driving Laws

Seatbelts must be worn by drivers and passengers in BC. Children under five must use an approved safety seat. Motorcyclists and cyclists must wear helmets.

Drive on the right-hand side of the road and, if it's safe to do so, feel free to turn right at a red light after making a full stop, unless signs indicate otherwise. If you are involved in an accident, immediately contact the local police or RCMP, and then contact your insurance company. It is a criminal offense to operate or be in the care or control of a vehicle, whether in motion or not, with a blood alcohol content of more than 0.08 percent.

Speed limits are posted in kilometres per hour.

Out of province drivers' licences and international drivers' licences are valid in BC for a maximum of six months. Drivers with a non-English language licence are advised to obtain an international licence.

Time Zone

Penticton is in the Pacific Time Zone (GMT/UTC -8). Pacific Standard Time is in effect until March 9, 2008 when Pacific Daylight Saving Time is in effect (one hour earlier) until November 2, 2008.

Taxes

There are two taxes applied to purchases made in British Columbia.  A 7% Provincial Sales Tax, or PST, is levied on all retail purchases with the exception of alcoholic beverages that have a 10% tax.  The Goods & Services Tax, or GST, is 5% as of January 1, 2008.  It is a tax levied on the supply of most goods and services in Canada. 

Non-residents of Canada can claim GST rebates on accommodations and on purchases taken out of the country.  Some restrictions do apply.  Please consult the Canada Customs website at www.rc.gc.ca/visitors or call toll free within Canada 1-800-668-4748 or long distance (902) 432-5608.

Liquor Consumption 

The legal drinking age in British Columbia is 19 years of age.  Anyone under the age of 19 is considered a minor and not permitted in nightclubs or drinking facilities and cannot purchase alcoholic beverages. 

Alcoholic beverages can be purchased at either a government liquor store, or a privately-owned cold beer, wine and liquor store.

Emergency Information

In emergency situations, contact the local police, ambulance service, fire department and other emergency services by dialing 911, a free call from any telephone. The news media and many tourist facilities cooperate with the RCMP to communicate urgent messages to visitors. If you see or hear your name, please phone the number given.

If you are a visitor to Canada, you should clarify what coverage your personal insurance carrier provides before you leave your home country and, if necessary, obtain additional health insurance before coming to BC.

Weights & Measures

Canada uses the Metric System of weights and measures.

Electrical Current

Canada uses the same electrical current and electric plug shape as the United States (110 volts AC at 60Hz).  You will need to use an adapter if you wish to use an appliance from overseas during your visit.

Gratuities & Tipping

Providing a tip or gratuity for service has become customary in Canada.  Generally, in bars and restaurants the amount is not calculated on your bill, so it is suggested that you add between 10% - 20% (15% is customary) to the amount before taxes, however, the amount should be dependant upon the quality of service you received. Tips are also customary for tour guides, taxi service, spa treatments and hair cuts. Porters at airports and hotels generally expect $1-2 (Cdn) per item of luggage.

What to Wear

The Penticton and the surrounding Wine Country offers a comfortable climate year round. Sunglasses are a recommended accessory at all times of the year. Summers are warm with hot days, clear sunny skies and low humidity. Shorts, t-shirts, sundresses, and bathing suits are the most common choices from the Victoria Day weekend (May 19) until after Labour Day (Sept. 1). Depending on your choice of activities, bring clothing and footwear suitable for walking, hiking, boating and cycling as well as beach wear. A light, waterproof jacket is always a good accessory for the odd day when you may encounter rain. If you are planning any extended time outdoors, a good hat is important.

Winters are generally very mild and while snow is abundant on the ski hill, it rarely stays for long in the Valley. Dressing in layers is recommended for optimum comfort. During fall and winter expect cool mornings and warmer daytimes with cool evenings. In the spring daytime temperatures can be quite warm with cool mornings and evenings.

Plan on evenings out during your stay, for while the atmosphere is decidedly casual, there are plenty of entertainment opportunities where you will appreciate having appropriate dress.