Layering. It’s the key to wearing the right clothing in Banff National Park, no matter what the weather brings. You can always take off a layer of clothing and stash it in a bag if you’re too warm. Gloves, knitted hats – that’s Canada's famous “toque” – a heavy coat, and warm, waterproof footwear are definitely needed in winter. In the summer, never set out for the day without a jacket that repels rain and wind and a light sweater or fleece top. Sunglasses and sunscreen are also a must all year-round- due to the higher UV exposure from the sun at alpine altitudes. A small knapsack/rucksack makes a great way to tote a day's necessities.
Canada uses the metric system to calculate temperatures in Celsius, speed limits and road distances in kilometres, and gas is sold by the litre (currently about $1.10 CDN/litre as of September, 2007).
Our clocks are set to Mountain Standard Time (UTC -7h), and Daylight Saving Time (UTC -6h) comes into effect as we set our clock ahead one hour on the second Sunday in March and fall back an hour on the first Sunday in November. This schedule coincides the United States implementation of Daylight Saving Time as well.
The best exchange rates in Banff National Park can be found at the Canadian Chartered Banks and Credit Union and most are open Monday to Friday from approximately 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Outside of those hours, money and travelers cheques can be converted to Canadian funds at currency exchange outlets throughout Banff and Lake Louise, most hotels or the airport. For quick cash, you’ll find automated teller machines (ATMs) at banks, gas stations, variety stores and the grocery store. Major credit cards are accepted almost everywhere.
The electrical current in Canada is 110 volts, and plugs are two flat parallel prongs – or two flat and one round prong. Most hotels in Banff and Lake Louise stock international converters or can direct you to a shop to purchase one.
Letters and postcards can be mailed at hotel front desks, corner mail boxes or at the post offices in Banff and Lake Louise. You can also purchase stamps and post parcels at the post office, which is generally open from Monday to Friday excluding holiday periods. Postage and delivery times will vary according to international destinations.
| Banff Post Office | Lake Louise Post Office |
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204 Buffalo St. Phone: 403-762-2586 Toll free: 1-800-267-1177 |
Located in The Depot, Samson Mall Phone: 403-522-3870 Toll free: 1-800-267-1177 |
Gratuities are usually not included on bills in restaurants and bars, and are completely at your personal discretion. Satisfied customers usually leave a gratuity of 15 per cent of the total bill and tour guides and bus drivers are generally tipped $1 to $2 per day, per person.
There is no provincial sales tax in the province of Alberta, where Banff and Lake Louise are located, but there is a 5 per cent Goods and Services Tax (GST) charged on the sale of all products and services in Canada.
If you arrive by plane you will clear Canadian Customs and Immigration at the airport and are required to declare your country of origin, your Canadian destination and length of stay, and what articles you are bringing into the country. A valid passport is necessary.