Travel Tips

The City of Vernon is the largest city and oldest community in British Columbia's North Okanagan Regional District. It provides all the amenities of a major city.

Climate – And What To Wear

Vernon enjoys warm to hot weather in the summer months, with some humidity.

• Average high: 30ºC / 86ºF
• Average low: 14ºC / 57ºF

There are about 16 hours of sunshine per day in July. Light fabrics or short sleeves is advisable during the day, with a light jacket or sweater for evenings. Visitors can expect warm weather and sunshine.

Languages

Canada has two official languages – English and French. English is the predominant language in British Columbia, though many other languages are spoken throughout the province.

Time Zone / Daylight Savings Time

Vernon, and most of BC, is in the Pacific Time Zone which is one hour behind Mountain Standard Time (Alberta and some eastern areas of BC) and three hours behind Eastern Standard Time (Ontario/New York). Daylight savings time is in effect from the second Sunday in March until the first Sunday in November.

Metric Measures

Canada follows the International Metric System. Temperatures, rainfall measures, distance, weights, velocity are expressed in metric units. Distance is measured in kilometres.

Electricity

Outlets and voltage (120 volts) are the same as in the United States. Small appliances such as hair dryers, irons, razors, etc. can be used in Canada. For those from other countries, adapters are required for electrical appliances. The frequency of electrical current in Canada is 60 Hz.

Currency

The currency of Canada is the Canadian dollar (sign: $ or C$; code: CAD).

To avoid exchange problems, visitors are advised to exchange their funds to Canadian dollars at a bank or a foreign currency exchange outlet.

Money

Paper bills: $5 (blue), $10 (purple), $20 (green), $50 (red) and $100 (brown) denominations.

Coins include the nickel (5¢), dime (10¢), quarter (25¢), ‘loonie’ ($1) and ‘toonie’ ($2).

Electronic Transactions

Credit cards, ATMs, and direct-debit cards are commonly used in Canada.

Visa, MasterCard, and American Express cards are widely accepted in most stores and restaurants.

Banks

Banking hours are generally 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday to Friday. Some banks are open on Saturday.

ATMs (Automated Teller Machines or cash machines) are found at the airport, banks and in retail areas.

Tipping

Tipping in Vernon is normal and is around 15% to 18% of the bill.

Smoking And Alcohol

Smoking is restricted at many places in Vernon, including public transportation, restaurants, places of work and enclosed public areas. The current legal drinking age in B.C. is 19 years of age.