Customs and immigration
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.
Time
Our clocks are set to Mountain Standard Time (UTC -7h). Daylight Saving Time (UTC -6h) comes into effect when we set our clocks ahead one hour on the second Sunday in March and set them back an hour on the first Sunday in November.
Currency – Canadian Dollar (CDN)
Canadian currency comes in a lot more colours than your average “greenback,” with different shades for a $5, $10, or $20 bill. $50 bills are red and $100 bills are brown.
The best exchange rates in Banff National Park can be found at the Canadian Chartered Banks and Credit Union. Most branches are open Monday to Friday from approximately 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Outside of those hours, money and traveler’s cheques can be converted to Canadian funds at currency exchange outlets throughout Banff and Lake Louise, most hotels or the airport.
You can also locate automated teller machines (ATMs) at banks, gas stations, variety stores, and the grocery store. Major credit cards are accepted almost everywhere.
What to pack
Layering is crucial in Lake Louise and the surrounding areas. You can always take off a layer of clothing and stash it in a bag if you’re too warm. In the fall, always take a jacket that repels rain and wind, and a sweater or fleece top. Sunglasses and sunscreen are also necessary year-round because of higher UV exposure from the sun at alpine altitudes.
Units of measure
Canada uses the metric system to calculate temperatures in Celsius, speed limits, and road distances in kilometres. Gas is sold by the litre (currently about $.85 CDN/litre as of June 2010).
Electrical connections
The electrical current in Canada is 110 volts, and plugs are two flat parallel prongs –
or two flat and one round prong.
Tips and gratuities
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.
Sales tax
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.
Mail and postage
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 vary according to international destinations.
Banff Post Office
204 Buffalo St.
Phone: 403-762-2586
Toll free: 1-800-267-1177
Lake Louise Post Office
Located in The Depot, Samson Mall
Phone: 403-522-3870
Toll free: 1-800-267-1177
Weather
Weather in the Canadian Rockies is unpredictable – at best. It’s possible to have sunshine, snow, wind or rain – all in the same day. Autumn is an excellent time to head to Lake Louise to see the changing colours of the trees, and to see the lake, which is one of the most beautiful destinations in the Canadian Rockies Autumn temperatures are relatively moderate; September's average daily high is 15°C (60°F). Visitors should keep in mind that in September, the overnight low averages -1°C (30°F).
Health & Safety
In terms of risk of crime or disease, Lake Louise is an extremely safe place to visit. There is very little street crime at all and there is hardly any risk to visitors. Travellers should always exercise precautions to protect themselves against common travel crime problems, such as pick pocketing, but in general, visitors do not need to worry about threats in this area.
The most common problem visitors have is related to unsafe practice around the water. Travellers are reminded that drinking alcohol while boating or engaging in other on-the-water activities is both illegal and dangerous. Travellers are also reminded to wear PFDs (life jackets) and observe other standard lake safety throughout their stay in the area. The water temperature in Lake Louise is rarely above 5°C
(40°F), which means that a fall from a boat into the lake means a serious and immediate risk of hypothermia .
Over-exposure to the sun can also be a problem at Lake Louise. Interestingly, this is more likely to be a problem in the winter than in the summer. This is primarily because, in the summer, visitors are more conditioned to take precautions such as wearing sunscreen and staying hydrated. Visitors are reminded to be safe in the Lake Louise weather in order to enjoy their vacation to the fullest extent.
Wildlife
Feeding bears (and other wildlife) is a very dangerous practice for both people and wildlife, and therefore it has been illegal within the national parks for the last forty years or more. Cougars are nocturnal, and therefore rarely seen, however it is dangerous to engage in activities such as cross-country skiing, cycling, or hiking solo or after dark, even if you are very close to the hotel or townsite.
Pepper spray is legal in Canada if used for protection against bears; however, it is considered a prohibited weapon for all other purposes. So if you feel you would like to carry pepper spray when hiking, it is best to purchase it in Canada, rather than to attempt to bring it across the border. And be careful not to carry it with you if you are not hiking.
Parking
We have secured an excellent parking rate for all Mine Closure 2011 delegates.
When you arrive at Chateau Lake Louise, please pull up to the front doors and identify yourself as a Mine Closure 2011 delegate.
Once you have registered at the front desk, you will be able to self-park in the hotel’s guest parking lot at the rate of $25.00 (CDN) for your conference stay. This parking fee can be added to your hotel bill but is at the expense of the individual.
Parking is not included in your conference registration.
Other Natural Hazards
Within the Lake Louise area, there are many natural hazards. Don't go past barriers, and don't expect that there will always be a barrier to protect you from danger. Do not short-cut the switchbacks (S-bends) in mountain trails; not only do your feet increase the damage caused by erosion, but you risk a serious fall by trying to take the shorter, steeper route.
Most lakes, rivers, and streams in the mountain parks are going to be at near-freezing temperatures year round, so a fall into them means a serious and immediate risk of hypothermia, as mentioned above.
Emergency Numbers (for ambulance, fire and police)
Dial 9-1-1 in the case of an emergency.
