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TRAVEL TIPS
Everything you need, including tips.
Kelowna Visitor Info Centre is located on Harvey Ave (Hwy 97) at the corner of Hwy 97 and Ellis Street. We’re open every day to help you plan your perfect Okanagan holiday. Our friendly staff can provide maps, detailed directions and the latest information on attractions and events. You’ll find a large selection of free tourist services and attractions brochures to choose from as well.
BC / Canadian Holidays
| New Year’s Day |
January 1, 2008
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| Good Friday |
March 21, 2008
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| Easter Monday |
March 24, 2008
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| Victoria Day |
May 19, 2008
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| Canada Day |
July 1, 2008
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| BC Day |
August 4, 2008
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| Labour Day |
September 1, 2008
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| Thanksgiving Day |
October 13, 2008
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| Remembrance Day |
November 11, 2008
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| Christmas Day |
December 25, 2008
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| Boxing Day |
December 26, 2008
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Information for visitors to Canada
The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) wants to help travellers find the information they need to know in order to enter Canada. For useful links to assist in your travel planning visit they below link.
Visit Website
Visitor Requirements: U.S. Residents
Visit the U.S. Customs and Border Protection website for current requirements for traveling outside of the US.
Visit Website
Climate
Kelowna’s climate is mild and one of the reasons why so many of our visitors become residents. Warm summers are characterized by low humidity, along with relatively mild winters.
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Monthly Temperatures
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High
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Low
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January
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0 C/32 F
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-7 C/19 F
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February
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3 C/37 F
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-5 C/23 F
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March
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9 C/48 F
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-2 C/28 F
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April
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15 C/59 F
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1 C/34 F
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May
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20 C/68 F
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5 C/41 F
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June
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24 C/75 F
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8 C/46 F
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July
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28 C/82F
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10 C/50 F
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August
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27 C/81 F
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10 C/50 F
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September
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21 C/70 F
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5 C/41 F
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October
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14 C/57 F
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1 C/34 F
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November
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5 C/41 F
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-2 C/28 F
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December
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0 C/32 F
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-6 C/21 F
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Currency
Rates of exchange fluctuate on a daily basis and are posted at points of sale. You are encouraged to exchange funds at a bank where you will receive the current rate of exchange. For updated information on currency exchange, please visit http://www.bankofcanada.ca/en/rates/exchform.html
All major credit cards are accepted in Kelowna and most bank machines offer “Plus”, “Cirrus” and “Interac” networks where you can withdraw cash.
Driving in BC
Visitors may drive in BC for up to 6 months with a valid driver's licence from another province, state or country.
In BC, seatbelts and other safety devices such as child restraints, are mandatory and must be worn by the driver and all passengers. Bicycle helmets and motorcycle helmets are also required by law
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.
| Police/Fire/Ambulance Emergencies |
911
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| Non-Emergency Police |
(250) 762-3300
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| Kelowna City Hall |
(250) 763-6011
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| Kelowna Forest Fire Report |
Dial 0 and ask for Zenith 555
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1-800-663-5555
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| Kelowna General Hospital |
(250) 862-4000
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| Marine or Aircraft Distress |
1-800-567-5111 Cellular *311
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| BCAA Road Report |
1-800-222-4357
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| Weather Report |
(250) 491-1500
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Gratuities & Tipping
Providing a tip or gratuity for service has become a standard practice in Canada. The amount is not calculated on your bill, so it is suggested that you add 10% - 15% to the amount before taxes. However, the amount should vary and be dependant upon the quality of service you received.
Languages Spoken
English and French are Canada’s two official languages. The predominant language spoken in Kelowna is English
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.
Metric Equivalents
| Length: |
| 1 kilometre = 0.6 mile |
| 1 mile = 1.6 kilometres |
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| Weight: |
| 1 kilogram (kg) = 2.2 pounds (lbs) |
| 500 grams (g) = 1.1 pounds (lbs) |
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| Temperature: |
| 0 C = 32 F |
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| Mileage: |
| 50 km/h = 30 mph |
| 100 km/h = 60 mph |
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| Fuel: |
| 3.8 litres (l) = 1 US Gallon |
Taxes
There are two taxes applied to purchases made in Kelowna and the rest of 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 6%. 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.
| Air Service |
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| Kelowna International Airport Terminal |
(250) 765-5125
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| Shell Aero Centre (Private Terminal) |
(250) 765-8155
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| Air Canada Reservations |
1-888-247-2262
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| Air Canada Local Flight Information |
(250) 765-8777
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| Central Mountain Air |
1-888-865-8585
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| Westjet Reservations |
1-800-538-5696
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| Westjet Flight Information |
1-877-929-8646
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| Horizon Air Reservations |
1-800-547-9308
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| Horizon Air Cargo Information |
1-800-225-2752
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| Wildcat Helicopters Inc |
1-877-768-2061
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| Carson Air Flight Centre |
1-800-765-7779
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| Bus Lines |
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| Greyhound Bus |
1-800-661-8747
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| Kelowna Terminal |
(250) 860-3835
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| Ground Transportation |
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| Kelowna Airporter |
1-877-235-6962
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| Kelowna Airporter (Local) |
(250) 765-0182
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| Kelowna Transit System |
(250) 860-8121
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| Taxi Services |
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| Checkmate Cabs |
(250) 861-1111
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| Donchuck Ventures |
(250) 860-2663
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| Vehicle Rental Companies |
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| Budget Car & Truck Rental |
(250) 491-7368
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| Enterprise Rent A Car |
(250) 979-0299
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| BC Ferries |
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| Information |
(604) 386-3431
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| Toll Free (BC Only) |
1-888-223-3779
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What to Wear
The Okanagan Valley offers a comfortable climate year round. Summers are warm with hot days, boasting clear sunny skies and low humidity. Shorts, t-shirts, sundresses, and bathing suits are the best bet during the summer season. Winters are generally much milder than other areas east of the Valley. Although snow is abundant at the surrounding ski resorts, it rarely stays for long on the Valley roadways. Sweaters, vests and fleece clothing are popular during our fall and winter seasons. The mean annual hours of sunshine in Kelowna are just under 2000 hours. Consequently, umbrellas are seldom required. Dressing in layers is recommended for optimum comfort, especially in the spring and fall seasons, as temperatures can fluctuate between cool mornings and hot daytimes but return to cool evenings. And don't forget your sunglasses, you'll need them for any time of the year!
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