Frequently Asked Questions
I've heard the snow in the British Columbian interior is really quite different to other resorts in Canada, Australia and New Zealand. Is that so?
It really is the the snow! When you visit the interior you'll find out what fine dry snow has to offer compared to what you may be used to.
The Okanagan Valley has a unique microclimate and the resorts are blessed with huge annual snowfalls. For example, Big White's average collection is 7.5 metres (24 feet) of dry natural champagne powder.
It's the sort of snow that makes average skiers and boarders look, and feel, like stars. You'll feel the difference in the velvety softness of the powder and the smoothness of the groomed runs.
It's so dry you can hardly pack a snowball, and it's not uncommon for flakes to be the size of a small piece of tissue paper. Being dry and cold they don't melt quickly when they fall on your jacket.
The comfortable daytime temperatures average -3 C (27 F), and this is cold enough to keep the snow light and fluffy, yet perfect for skiing, riding the chairs, cross country skiing and other winter activities.
What information is available for people travelling with disabilities?
Travelling can be a challenge for people with disabilities. Moving around holiday spots, getting on and off aeroplanes and other transportation and finding services and hotels can be very difficult if you are disabled, but travel providers are increasingly recognising the need to make holiday destinations more accessible for people with special needs.
For more information on travel services available for the disabled, visit http://www.accesstotravel.gc.ca/
Apart from skiing and snowboarding, what other activities can we try on our holiday?
The staff at Ski Tours Canada are the experts when it comes to Canadian holidays and can organise a whole host of other activities both on and off the mountain for you to enjoy.
Many of our preferred resorts offer winter favourites including snowshoeing, horse-drawn sleigh rides, snowmobiling, tubing, dog-sled rides, night skiing, cross country skiing, spa and massage services.
And in addition to these resort-run activities, Ski Tours Canada can also arrange a variety of off-mountain activities including tickets to live ice hockey games, heliskiing, ice fishing, vineyard tours and tastings, shopping trips and day trips to other ski resorts.
For more information on the activities of offer at individual resorts, visit the activities section of our resorts section or contact Ski Tours Canada.
Are my travel itinerary details kept private by Ski Tours Canada?
In the rare event that a disaster, accident or emergency is reported to have occurred in a country in which you may be travelling, we may be required to disclose to the Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade details of your itinerary and contact details within Australia and overseas.
Can I get home delivered groceries at any of the resorts?
There are grocery delivery services at several of Ski Tours Canada's preferred resorts, including Sun Peaks, Big White and Silverstar.
Vacation Services based in Kelowna offer a ‘door-to-door' home delivery service to Big White. For an extra fee they will even unpack the order for you. Go to www.vacationservices.ca for more details.
At Silver Star, the grocery store located in the Lord Aberdeen hotel also offers an online grocery ordering facility. Go to www.lordaberdeen.com for full details. Alternatively Butcher Boys Grocery Market located on the Silver Star Road on the outskirts of Vernon will provide a grocery delivery service. Tel: 1 250 542 2968 or Fax: 1 250 549 2964. Or drop in and pick up supplies on your way to Silver Star.
Alternatively, Kelowna, your airport gateway for Big White and Silver Star, is a large regional town and has an extensive range of grocery and specialty food , liquor and department stores.
With limited full service grocery shopping available at Sun Peaks, the Sun Peaks Grocery Delivery Service is a convenient alternative for guests. It delivers fresh produce, baked goods, meats, seafood and a large selection of liquor on the day you arrive!
With suppliers including a large competitive grocery market and BC Liquor Store in the town of Kamloops, 50 minutes away, and gluten free bread, pasta, soy and organic options, you won't be in want of anything!
At Whistler, you can pick up supplies at Squamish about 20 minutes south of Whistler. Alternatively the Granville Markets in Vancouver offer a wonderful assortment of gourmet produce, organic foods, and interesting cuisines. Vancouver and Calgary both have an enormous choice of national supermarket chains such as Safeway.
Can we request particular seats on our flights?
If flying on Air Canada, we will reserve your seats for you. Please note seat allocation is always subject to change at the discretion of airline staff at time of check-in.
Can you compare for me the difference between the Canadian Ski fields in British Columbia and Alberta to Australian/New Zealand ski fields?
Put simply, the snow is outstanding. It is consistent in quality, regularity and volume with large ski areas - and all this available when Australians have more available holiday time - in our summer!
Generally the runs in British Columbia and Alberta are wider, certainly longer and there are more of them. The resorts provide good variation for skier experience and a balance of groomed through to virgin powder areas, glade skiing and ski in/ski out terrain.
Ski Tours Canada's preferred resorts each have a variety of blue, green, black and double black diamond runs. High-speed chairlifts dominate, and T bars are very rare.
High winds are not common, however very cold days can be a surprise the first time you experience them. It is very rare that you would find ice on the Interior British Columbia and Alberta ski resort trails and snow-making is virtually unheard of considering the plentiful natural falls.
You will notice the trees immediately, which are a complete contrast to the Australian gums, while the log buildings and local wildlife will give you that North American atmosphere.
Finally, the one thing you might miss are the long ski lines characteristic of Australian snow fields (just joking). Canadian ski resorts can be quite popular during the week from Christmas to New Years Day. But as January is the most convenient time for Australians to visit and is not holiday time for Canadians or Americans, during the mid-week in particular you will be astonished by the apparent lack of skiers. This is the situation till late February when the North American ‘Presidents Week' and ‘Spring Break' season starts. Generally the lift facilities are excellent and delays are not an issue.
Can you provide details of our embassies in the USA?
In the United States of America, you can obtain consular assistance from the:
Embassy of Australia
1601 Massachusetts Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20036-2273
Telephone: 1 202 797 3000
Facsimile: 1 202 797 3331
Consular jurisdiction: Arkansas, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Kentucky, Maryland, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia and West Virginia.
Australian Consulate-General
Atlanta Financial Center, Suite 1140
3353 Peachtree Road NE
Atlanta, Georgia 30326
Telephone: 1 404 760 3400
Facsimile: 1 404 760 3401
Consular jurisdiction: For Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina and South Carolina.
Australian Consulate-General
123 North Wacker Drive, Suite 1330
Chicago, Illinois 60606
Telephone: 1 312 419 1480
Facsimile: 1 312 419 1499
Consular jurisdiction: Indiana, Kansas, Illinois, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wisconsin.
Australian Consulate-General
Penthouse, 1000 Bishop Street
Honolulu, Hawaii 96813
Telephone: 1 808 524 5050
Facsimile: 1 808 531 5142
Consular jurisdiction: Hawaii and Alaska.
Australian Consulate-General
2029 Century Park East, 31st Floor
Los Angeles, California 90067
Telephone: 1 310 229 4800
Facsimile: 1 310 277 3462
Consular jurisdiction: Arizona, southern California, Colorado, New Mexico, southern Nevada and Utah.
Australian Consulate-General
150 East 42nd Street, 34th Floor
New York, New York 10017-5612
Telephone: 1 212 351 6500
Facsimile: 1 212 351 6501
Consular jurisdiction: Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands of the United States.
Australian Consulate-General
575 Market Street, Suite 1800
San Francisco, California 94105
Telephone: 1 415 536 1970
Facsimile: 1 415 536 1982
Consular jurisdiction: Northern California, Idaho, Montana, northern Nevada, Oregon, Washington State and Wyoming.
Outside business hours, callers from the United States may contact the Consular Emergency Centre in Australia toll-free by dialling 1 888 239 3501. You do not need to dial the international prefix, 0011, for this call.
If you are travelling to the Unites States of America, whatever the reason and however long you'll be there, we encourage you to register with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. The information you provide will help us to contact you in an emergency - whether it is a natural disaster, civil disturbance or a family issue.
In a consular emergency if you are unable to contact the Embassy you can contact the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305 or 1300 555 135 within Australia.
In Australia, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade in Canberra may be contacted on (02) 6261 3305.
Can you tell me more about the Air Canada non-stop service from Australia to Vancouver?
Air Canada is one of our preferred airline partners and the daily direct non-stop service from Sydney to Vancouver is in high demand from Australian travellers. It is the only non-stop service between Sydney to Vancouver. Click here for more details and seating plans on the aircraft.
Can you tell me the key public holiday dates in Canada?
Canada celebrates a number of national and provincial statutory holidays. For a full list of dates go to http://www.pch.gc.ca/progs/cpsc-ccsp/jfa-ha/index_e.cfm
Can you tell me the key holiday dates in Canada?
There are national gazetted holidays along with specific provincial holidays and American holiday dates that are important when planning your vacation to Canada. Here are some of the key dates to assist with your holiday planning.
2009
Apr 10, 2009 - Good Friday
Apr 12, 2009 - Easter Sunday
May 18, 2009 - Victoria Day
Jul 01, 2009 - Canada Day
Sep 07, 2009 - Labour Day
Oct 12, 2009 - Thanksgiving Day
Dec 25, 2009 - Christmas Day
Dec 26, 2009 - Boxing Day
2010
Jan 01, 2010 - New Years Day
Jan 18, 2010 - Martin Luther Kng Junior Day (USA Holiday)
Feb 15, 2010 - Presidents Day (USA Holiday) & Alberta Family Day
Mar 5 - 15, 2010 - BC Spring Break
Mar 12 - 22, 2010 - Ontario Spring Break
Mar 19 - 29, 2010 - Alberta Spring Break
Apr 2, 2010 - Good Friday
Apr 4, 2010 - Easter Sunday
May 24, 2010 - Victoria Day
Jul 01, 2010 - Canada Day
All passengers need to travel with adequate travel insurance cover. A comprehensive policy should be taken out at the time of booking.
We recommend Suresave Travel insurance, which offers a comprehensive travel insurance for singles and families, plus a specialist Skiing policy for travellers who plan to take their own gear. Click on our Insurance link for a quick quote.
Do most Canadian resorts use groomers on their runs?
Most resorts use groomers on 35-45% of their runs each night, and have little ice to stand in the way! This leaves 2-4cm of soft snow on the surface, allowing greater control even on steep terrain.
The introduction of winch-cats in North America has allowed resorts to groom even steep black runs.
Do most resorts have child minding available?
All of Ski Tours Canada's featured resorts offer a variety of child minding services, many ranging from infant care through to ski school for kids and teens.
Several resorts offer short ski lessons as part of their child-minding packages, so kids aged 3-4 years can experience the snow without having to be out on the slopes all day.
However, many resorts' child care classes fill up quickly so it's best to book in advance. Ski Tours Canada can arrange all your childcare and ski school needs, so leave all the organising to the experts!
Contact Ski Tours Canada for child-minding information relating to specific resorts.
I am interested in Winter Festivals and Events. Can you advise of which resorts have winter themed festivals?
Ice Magic Festival
The annual Ice Magic Festival at The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise is held during January. The ice art is magical, especially when dramatically lit at night, but don't break the spell; have a vodka martini, not shaken but chilled on its way through a carved "ice luge",and sip it outdoors in a blue ice palace on the lake shore, or take in a special performance of The Snow Queen.
www.banfflakelouise.com/events-and-festivals/ice-magic
Winterlude Festival
Join 650,000 fun-seekers at the Winterlude festival in Ottawa each February. Marvel at majestic snow sculpture, experience the amazing playground made of snow and skate the Rideau Canal -the world's largest skating rink (7.8 kilometres).
www.winterlude.ca
Winter Festival of Lights
This is one festival you won't forget in a hurry. Picture three million sparkling lights illuminating one million bathtubs of water, falling in torrents over gigantic cliffs every minute. It has to be seen to be believed! The Niagara Falls Winter Festival of Light runs from November - January each year.
www.wfol.com
Nova Scotia Ice Wine Festival
Strap on the snowshoes and take a sommelier-led tour of Nova Scotia's wine regions during the Ice Wine Festival in February each year. Savour these internationally award-winning Ice wines, take a cooking class, fill up on gourmet goodies and stay warm in cozy winter lodgings.
www.winesofnovascotia.ca
Montreal High Lights Festival
Check out the Montreal High Lights Festival each February. the largest culinary, festive and artistic celebration in Canada. Join this festive winter wonderland and experience the ultimate urban outdoor party.
Sun Peaks Ice Wine Festival The Annual Okanagan Icewine Festival in January at Sun Peaks Resort is the most unique of all the wine festivals. Spectacular wines and an award winning alpine resort create an unbelievable weekend of education and recreation. From wine masters dinners, to educational seminars and a unique progressive tasting, this is a memorable weekend in the making. Sun Peaks Resort is renowned for its dedication to quality and amazing winter recreation. These outdoor adventures in the crisp mountain air, combined with the acclaimed wines and world famous Icewines of the Okanagan, make this a Canadian winter escape to be remembered.
If I'm coming for at least 2 weeks would you recommend I stay in one resort or move around the region?
This is really a personal preference and Ski Tours Canada is well positioned to provide you all the information and advice to assist you in making the right decision.
For some, a complete zone out at one resort for 2 or more weeks is just the tonic to relax and refresh after a long and busy year. For others, experiencing 2 or 3 resorts provides the colour and diversity they are seeking. Let us assist you - contact us today.
Should we hire a car or use other means of transportation?
Generally speaking, the Canadian road system is kept very well maintained during the winter, although you should expect the occasional snow storm to cause delays.
The Sea to Sky highway between Vancouver and Whistler is currently under major construction improvements which will be completed in time for the 2010 Winter Games. It is approximately 1.5 - 2 horus drive from Whistler, hugging the spectacular coastline of Howe Sound.
For travellers to the interior of British Columbia to resorts such as Big White, Sun Peaks, Silver Star and Red Mountain, the roads are generally quite good, and easy to travel along. The more challenging mountain passes are on the roads heading inland to the Rockies and Alberta.
From Calgary to Banff and Lake Louise it is a major four lane highway so its an easy drive most of the time. Ski Tours Canada has road maps available for clients needing more information.
What are carry-on baggage limits for Qantas and Air Canada when flying to the USA and Canada?
This information has been sourced from www.qantas.com.au and is subject to change. We recommend you also check directly with specific airlines.
Travel to and from Canada
Transport Canada has instructed all airlines to apply new security measures for flights into and out of Canada.
Transport Canada has advised they are enforcing a limit of up to two carry on bag per passenger (refer Canadian Air Transport Security Authority). Please be advised, that a restriction of one carry on bag applies to any passenger transiting within the US.
Additionally, customers are limited on the amount of liquids/gels/pastes they are permitted to take as carry on baggage. Customers are permitted to carry 1 clear transparent resealable 1 quart (1 litre) size plastic bag containing liquids, gels and/or aerosols in containers of 3.3oz (100ml) capacity or less per container. The contents of the plastic bag must fit comfortably and the plastic bag must be completely closed/sealed. This bag must be presented separately for screening.
Qantas recommends liquids in excess of this allowance be placed in checked baggage before progressing to check-in. This includes (but is not limited to) the following items:
- duty free purchases obtained before the security check point inspections,
- beverages (including duty free purchases),
- shampoos,
- suntan lotions,
- creams,
- toothpastes,
- hair gel, hair spray or other items of a similar consistency.
Excluded from the measures are baby formula or juice if a baby or small child is travelling. Prescription medicine and non-prescription medicine is allowed provided the passenger can demonstrate a bona fide need for these items.
Customers travelling to and from Canada may purchase duty free after Immigration and the primary screening point. It must be presented upon boarding in the duty free bag with the receipt clearly visible. Passengers clearing US Customs at Vancouver may purchase duty free items, but must transfer any goods that do not meet the carry on baggage restrictions to their checked baggage before proceeding through passenger screening.
Customers travelling to Canada with connecting flights are advised that any duty free, including those purchased inflight, must be placed in your checked baggage after clearing Customs and Immigration. If this is not possible, do not buy duty free goods on board. Any purchases made on board and carried in hand baggage will be confiscated at transfer points.
Passengers may be subjected to a pat down inspection and their accessible property may be inspected at the boarding gate before departure.
Travel to and from the USA
The United States Department of Homeland Security has instructed all airlines to apply new security measures for flights from the United States and into the United States from Australia and New Zealand.
Passengers may only carry on one bag plus a personal item, such as a purse, briefcase, backpack or similar, per passenger. Medical assistance items (crutches, wheelchairs etc) are exempt from this requirement. These limits are strictly enforced at all airport security checkpoints and on board departing Qantas flights. Note: this new limitation only impacts on the allowance for First and Business Class customers. Economy Class limits are unaffected.
Customers are limited on the amount of liquids/gels/pastes they are permitted to take as carry on baggage. Customers are permitted to carry 1 clear transparent resealable 1 quart (1 litre) size plastic bag containing liquids, gels and/or aerosols in containers of 3.3oz (100ml) capacity or less per container. The contents of the plastic bag must fit comfortably and the plastic bag must be completely closed/sealed. This bag must be presented separately for screening.
Qantas recommends liquids in excess of this allowance be placed in checked baggage before progressing to check-in. This includes (but is not limited to) the following items:
- duty free purchases obtained before the security check point inspections,
- beverages (including duty free purchases),
- shampoos,
- suntan lotions,
- creams,
- toothpastes,
- hair gel, hair spray or other items of a similar consistency.
Excluded from the measures are baby formula or juice if a baby or small child is travelling. Prescription medicine and non-prescription medicine is allowed provided the passenger can demonstrate a bona fide need for these items.
Customers travelling to the US may purchase duty free after Immigration and the primary screening point, provided it is delivered by the Duty Free concessionaire/Qantas Group representative to the aerobridge (post gate security). Customers transiting through Auckland en route to the US, however, should not purchase duty free in Australia. Duty free purchases must be made at Auckland Airport transit area or inflight from Auckland to Los Angeles.
Customers travelling to the US with connecting flights are advised that any duty free purchased inflight must be placed in your checked baggage after clearing Customs and Immigration. If this is not possible, do not buy duty free goods on board. Any purchases made on board and carried in hand baggage will be confiscated at transfer points.
Customers travelling from the US may purchase duty free after Immigration and the primary screening point. It must be presented upon boarding in the duty free bag with the receipt clearly visible.
Customers travelling from the US with connecting flights are advised any duty free purchased inflight must be placed in your checked baggage after clearing Customs and Immigration. If this is not possible, do not buy duty free goods on board. Any purchases made on board and carried in hand baggage will be confiscated at transfer points.
Passengers may be subjected to a pat down inspection and their accessible property may be inspected at the boarding gate before departure.
For latest updates please also refer to Qantas:
http://www.qantas.com.au/info/flying/beforeYouTravel/baggageCarryOnCountry
Air Canada has introduced a new baggage policy. All Air Canada guests are permitted 2 checked pieces of luggage.
In order for Guests to count 1 pair of skis and 1 pair of boots as one of those two checked pieces, you MUST register your details with Air Canada. This allows Air Canada to accommodate for the extra weight and space that sporting equipment brings to the aircraft.
If you or your agent do not register your extra luggage the passengers will pay a $225 CAD excess baggage fee when checking in at the airport.
Policy effective, for all travel from 7 January 2008. Click here for more details.
What are the best resorts in Canada for advanced skiers and snowboarders?
While all our featured resorts offer a range of terrain to cater to all skill levels, there are several that are ideal for advanced to expert skiers and snowboarders, offering a variety of steep and challenging terrain.
Kicking Horse Mountain Resort, located in Golden, British Columbia, offers 45% advanced-expert terrain. Head to the adrenaline-pumping CPR and Redemption ridges, where even the experts will be challenged with plenty of black and double black diamond steeps. Click here for more information on Kicking Horse Mountain Resort.
Revelstoke Mountain Resort, a brand new purpose built resort located near the township of Revelstoke in British Columbia, offers 56% advanced-expert terrain. With the longest lift serviced vertical descent in North America (1713 metres/5620 feet) and over 200 established heli-ski runs in the Selkirk and Monashee Mountains, Revelstoke already has so much to offer, with much more under development. Revelstoke closest gateway cities are either Kelowna or Calgary, and both have international Airports. Click here for more information on Revelstoke Mountain Resort.
Red Mountain Resort, located in the West Kootenay region of British Columbia, is a haven for advanced skiers and snowboarders. In recent years Red Mountain has had significant upgrades in infrastructure and expansion of purpose built ski-in/ski-out accommodation. It was ranked as one of North America's top 10 expert ski resorts by Forbes Traveler, while Ski Canada Magazine awarded it Best Steeps, Best Trees and Best Powder. Click here for more information on Red Mountain Resort.
And if you want a challenging and exhilarating experience while skiing some of the best and most untouched terrain in British Columbia, why not try heliskiing and be the envy of all your friends back home. Ski Tours Canada together with our partners at TLH and Last Frontier heliskiing can provide you with the perfect package to suit every travelling party. Click here for more information on heliskiing.
What are the best resorts to go to if we have beginners or young children in our group?
While Ski Tours Canada preferred resorts all offer a range of beginner, intermediate and expert terrain to suit skiers and snowboarders of all abilities, there are several resorts that are best suited to families with young children or beginners.
Sun Peaks is British Columbia's second largest all-seasons resort, offering 122 runs, 1,471 hectares (3,678 acres) of terrain, 3 mountains to choose from and a true ski-in/ski-out village. Reported to have over 2,000 hours of sunshine a year and an average snowfall of 5.6metres (18feet), Sun Peaks Resort is one of Canada's finest year-round resorts. Sun Peaks Ski Resort also has a great program of family events that varies throughout the winter. These include a 'Slopeside Movie Night', a 'Family Casino Night ' and a 'Mid-Mountain Dinner and Torchlight Descent'. Click here for more information on Sun Peaks.
Silver Star Mountain Resort is located at the northern end of Lake Okanagan, 20 minutes from the township of Vernon and 90 minutes from Kelowna International Airport. With two distinct ski areas comprising 1,240 hectares (3,065 acres) of ski terrain, there is something for skiers and snowboarders of every level of experience at Silver Star. With 115 runs, ranging from cruisey sweeps of powder to double black diamond gems, you will be spoiled for choice. Click here for more information on Silver Star Mountain Resort.
Located in the Okanagan region in the interior of British Columbia, Canada, Big White Ski Resort is an easy 45-minute drive south east from the airport and is the closest ski resort to Kelowna. Big White Ski Resort is also British Columbia's highest winter village and, because it has an annual snowfall which averages more than 750cm (24.5ft), it offers truly spectacular skiing. Click here for more information on Big White.
Panorama boasts a vast mountain with super-long cruising, award-winning grooming, a mile-long terrain park and the recently developed Tayton Bowl (formerly heli skiing terrain), featuring backcountry style glades, chutes and gullies and exceptional powder. Panorama Mountain Village is one of the Canadian Rockies' premier slope side ski village destinations, with easy access to other ski resorts on the Rockies' 'Powder Highway' such as Banff, Kicking Horse Mountain and Fernie. Click here for more information on Panorama.
What are the different rules and regulations regarding driving in Canada, and do I need an International Drivers Licence?
Australian travellers do not need an International Drivers License or permit to drive in Canada for a limited amount of time, but make sure you have your Australian drivers licence with you at all times.
There are several variations in road rules between Canada and Australia, the major one being that in Canada you drive on the right-hand side of the road and the driver sits in the left-hand side of the car. This is particularly important to remember when you are turning left from a main road - you will be crossing traffic and will have to make sure you end up in the right-hand lane on the right-hand side of the road.
In certain provinces you can turn right on a red signal.We would suggest you check with your rental car company for further details on any other important differences in road rules that you will need to be aware of.
What are the new rules and regulations on visas for Australian residents travelling to Canada transitting via the USA?
PASSPORTS & VISA REQUIREMENTS:
Australian Passport Holders - You must ensure your Australian passport has a validity of six months after your return date to Australia as you may be refused entry into some countries if you do not comply with this regulation. Please advise us if you wish us to make any necessary visa application on your behalf. Service charges may apply.
If you are travelling on your Australian passport, your passport does not need to be an ePassport for entry under the Visa Waiver Program, but it must be machine-readable. Australian passports that do not have two lines of 44 characters at the bottom of the personal particulars page are not machine-readable. To confirm whether your passport is machine-readable, please contact the Australian Passports Information Service on 131232 (within Australia).
Important Disclosure: In the event that you are travelling to a country or countries which do not require a visa for Australian passport holders, you must tell us if you have been arrested or convicted in respect of any offence or breach of law. Non disclosure of this information may lead to your being refused entry on arrival in certain countries. In that event, we take no responsibility whatsoever. If you do not wish to disclose such information to us, then you must contact the embassy of each country of destination and make your own arrangements in regard to entry to that country. Some countries may require visas, depending upon your passport. Please contact us to discuss your specific requirements.
UNITED STATES CUSTOMS & IMMIGRATION INFORMATION - VISA & OTHER ENTRY/ EXIT CONDITIONS - USA & TRANSIT PASSENGERS TO CANADA
Entry and Exit Requirements to the United States of America (such as currency, customs and quarantine regulations) change regularly. Contact the nearest Embassy or Consulate of the United States for the most up to date information.
The United States administers a strict entry regime and you may be refused entry on arrival if you don't comply with entry requirements. We strongly recommend you contact the nearest Embassy or Consulate of the United States of America about your specific circumstances, well in advance of travel, including if you plan to transit the United States.
VERY IMPORTANT INFORMATION: From 1 August, 2008 travellers eligible for the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) will be able to apply online for an electronic travel authority (Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA)), which is a new security measure under the VWP. The ESTA system is available on a voluntary basis from 1 August 2008 and will be mandatory from 12 January 2009. To obtain a travel authorisation, travellers will need to use an online system at least three days before departure. If their application is refused, travellers will need to apply for a visa for travel to the US. During the transition period from 1 August 2008-11 January 2009, travellers who have obtained a travel authority will still need to complete the green form I-94W upon arrival in the US and surrender the bottom portion of the form when they leave. From 12 January 2009, passengers wishing to travel to the US will need to have either a valid ESTA travel authority or a valid visa. The ESTA website will be available in August 2008.
Further information about ESTA can be found on the Department of Homeland Security website. http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/travel/id_visa/
For up-to-date visa information, you should review information contained on the following United States Government website before deciding whether to seek entry under the Visa Waiver Program or to apply for a visa: Embassy of the United States of America in Australia at http://canberra.usembassy.gov/
If you are visiting the United States for business or pleasure, you may be eligible to be admitted for 90 days under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). If you wish to work (including on journalism assignments), study, or stay for more than 90 days, you are not eligible for entry under the Program and you must obtain a visa before travelling.
Whether you are staying with family or friends or staying at a hotel, you will need to provide full details of a valid address in the United States when you check in for your flight. A five-digit zip code (post code) is required for all addresses. If you are a permanent resident of the United States, you will be asked for your Alien Registration Number and your country of normal residence. Further information, including examples of addresses if you are joining a cruise ship or touring by rental car, is available from US Customs and Border Protection.
Under the US-VISIT program, most visitors to the United States, including those seeking entry under the Visa Waiver Program, are required to have fingerprints scanned by an inkless device and to have a digital photograph taken on arrival.
International visitors will receive a white or green Arrival-Departure Record (Form I-94 or Form I-94W), upon arrival in the United States. This form must be returned to an airline or ship representative when departing the United States. It is usually taken at the time of check-in. Visitors are lawfully present in the United States only up to the date stamped on their Arrival-Departure Record, not the expiration date printed on the visa. If detected, visitors staying beyond the 90-day Visa Waiver Program limit or beyond the date stamped on their Arrival-Departure Record may be arrested and detained for up to seven weeks or more, deported and likely barred from re-entering the United States, possibly for life.
Where children are travelling alone or with one parent/guardian, it is recommended you carry a notarised letter of consent for travel signed by the non-travelling parent(s) or guardian.
Australians with a criminal record (regardless of how minor or how long ago the offence took place) should ensure they seek advice about their visa requirements for entering or transiting the United States as they may be refused entry.
What are the rules regarding taking liquids, aerosols and gels through security onto international flights?
Effective 31 March 2007 new rules regarding carry on luggage will be enforced due to heightened security regulations. Click here for AFTA guidelines.
What documents do I need to bring children into Canada?
Children must have their own passport. A letter of permission is required from the parents of any children accompanying travellers who do not have legal custody of the children.
If only one parent is travelling with the child, a letter of authority from the other parent is required. If this is impossible, we recommend carrying a letter from a solicitor or a death certificate if applicable to avoid awkward questions at Immigration.
A 5% purchase tax that is levied on most goods and services similar to the Goods and Services Tax (GST) in Australia.
What is the legal drinking age in Canada?
The legal drinking age in Canada varies between provinces. The drinking age in British Columbia and Ontario is 19 years, while in Alberta and Quebec it's 18 years.
What is the weather like in Canada?
The weather varies greatly in such a large country. You can find out more about your specific destination at the Weather Network.
What quantities of alcohol and tobacco can I bring into Canada?
Alcohol - Those meeting the age requirements of the province or territory of entry (19 years in most provinces; 18 in Alberta, Manitoba and Québec) may bring either 40 oz. of liquor or wine or 24, 12 oz. containers of beer or ale.
Tobacco - Visitors meeting the age requirements of the province or territory of entry may bring in 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars, 7 oz. loose tobacco and 200 tobacco sticks.
What type of electrical outlets are used in Canada?
Canadian appliances operate on 110 voltage, direct current 2 pins.
Why are flight details on my itinerary different to those appearing on my airline tickets?
As we indicate in your documentations, airlines often adjust their flight schedules. So flight timings shown on your itinerary may not match those on your airline tickets.
Please refer to the flight details on your itinerary and not the flight numbers and times that appear on your tickets. We recommend you confirm flights referring to the airline's website or phone service.
Australian contacts for:
Qantas: 131 223
United: 131 777
Air Canada: 1300 655 767
Will my mobile phone work in Canada?
Unless it is a tri-band, your mobile phone will not work in Canada. You will also find that while the major cities have coverage, many of the more remote areas of Canada are not covered by a mobile network. Many Canadian pay phones take credit cards and you can buy phone cards in Canada that offer very cheap international telephone calls.
With a young family, we are really looking for accommodation that is close to everything. What do you really mean by ski in/ski out, as I've been caught out before where you still have a significant walk or have to catch a shuttle.
Big White is Canada's largest totally ski in/ski out resort village. Whistler , Sun Peaks, Silver Star, Panorama, Red Mountain Resort, Kicking Horse, Kimberley,Fernie and Sunshine, all offer ski in/ski out convenience.
Ski Tours Canada has a preferred selection of fine hotels, luxury town homes, condominium apartments, mountain chalets and log cabins, many of them positioned on the mountain right beside ski runs, giving you supreme access to the slopes straight from your front door. Budget units and hostels are also available.
Of course, some accommodation will be better positioned than others, but the team here at Ski Tours Canada knows these resorts and can assist you in selecting the best location for your needs.
The towns of Banff, Jasper and Lake Louise all offer a complimentary ski shuttle to nearby ski hills.
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