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B.C Ferry in Active Pass
How far away is “Victoria Island”?
There is no Victoria Island. The island is called “Vancouver
Island” and the major city is Victoria on the southern
tip. This charming city is the capital of British Columbia. It is a
small city and can be enjoyed in a day or overnight from Vancouver.
Travel time from downtown Vancouver to Victoria takes approximately
three hours, with one hour and forty minutes of that time being spent
on a large ferry travelling through the beautiful Gulf Islands to
Swartz Bay; thirty minutes from Victoria. Complete information on the
ferry services can be found at BC
Ferries
What does the green blinking traffic light mean?
It seems like Vancouver is unique in having some of the traffic
lights
at various times of the day. The blinking light means that the light
is not on a regular change cycle but can be activated, when needed by
a pedestrian or cyclist.
What currency can we use?
Although we are in the province of British Columbia, one of ten
Canadian provinces, we are not British and do not use the
British Pound. Our currency is the Canadian dollar and most businesses
expect to deal in the local currency. Many merchants in the Vancouver
area will accept US dollars but if you are travelling outside of the
area, you are safer to carry Canadian currency. The safest way to
carry money is by traveller's cheque denominated in Canadian dollars,
cashable at any bank, and accepted by most merchants. Major credit
cards are accepted by most merchants with VISA and MASTERCARD being
the most common.
At present, the Canadian dollar is low compared to many
currencies making Canada a very attractive holiday destination.Convert
to your local currency
here.
How much snow do you get?
Vancouver has a very temperate climate, and very seldom gets
snow. If it should snow occasionally, our winter rain soon washes it
away. For our guests wanting a “snowy experience”, the local
mountains framing our cityscape can be reached by car in approximately
35 minutes. Here you can ski and play in the snow to your heart’s
content . You can check on the current weather condition in Vancouver
at Current Vancouver Weather
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Arbutus Tree
(Arbutus Menziesii )
What is [an] ARBUTUS?
We have named our bed and breakfast after the Arbutus tree
(Arbutus Menziesii ), pronounced ar-byoot-us, parts of which
were used by some First Nations peoples to soothe aches and pains and
lift the heart and soul. The Arbutus, also called the Madrone on the
western US coast, is a beautiful broadleaf evergreen native to
temperate western coastal areas. Unfortunately, we do not have an
Arbutus tree in our garden but there are still some in the
neighbourhood, which is also referred to as the Arbutus Ridge.
Where are the best places to eat ?
Vancouver is a diners delight. A very cosmopolitan city with
most ethnic groups gastronomically represented. Many of the better
restaurants are located in the West Broadway / Fourth Avenue / South
Granville areas which are only a few minutes from Arbutus House Bed
and Breakfast.
Please refer to our Vancouver
Restaurant Guide page for a sample of some of the better
restaurants
When are the stores open?
All major department stores and malls are open from 9:30 AM to 6
PM, Monday through Saturday, and from 11 A.M to 5 P.M. on Sundays.
Some major stores stay open late until 9 PM on Wednesday, Thursday,
and Friday.
Do you have pets ?
Yes, we have a mini Golden Retriever ( Nova Scotia Duck Toller )
dog called Liesl ( but she doesn't sing The Hills Are alive With the
Sounds Of Music )
What is the GST?
This is the “goods and services” tax, federally
applied and meant for the residents of Canada. Out-of-country visitors
can get a
GST refund on their accommodation costs and on goods purchased
to take out of the country. You can obtain an application from the
tourist information booths and mail in your receipts when you get home
for a full refund.
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