Frequently Asked Questions
by International Tourists
With a population of only one million, Saskatchewan has more golf courses and golfers per capita than anywhere in the world. It's easy to understand why - there are courses on rolling prairie, forests, the rocky Canadian Shield, urban sites and resort lakes. The more than 250 courses in Saskatchewan are a golfer's paradise with top notch courses, stunning natural beauty, easy access and warm Canadian hospitality.
Saskatchewan golf is discounted by 50% due to a very favorable US-Canada dollar exchange rate. A 2002 survey by the Royal Canadian Golf Association, the governing body for golf in Canada, found the average 18-hole green fee during 2001 was $44.68 Cdn. weekdays and $48.79 Cdn. weekends. By comparison, in a 2002 survey of 15 major 18-hole courses in Saskatchewan done by the City of Regina, fees average $30.63 Cdn. weekdays and $32.73 Cdn. weekends.
This section is a companion to the Travel Deal Page, Hole #10 on SaskGolfer.com, which lists vacation deals, handy websites for tourism and so on.
How to Get Here
Regina and Saskatoon airports are the major airports in the province and are served by direct flights from several major cities in the U.S. The Calgary International and Winnipeg International airports offer connector flights from most cities in the world.
Flying times from Calgary and Winnipeg to Regina and Saskatoon are about an hour.
Driving in Canada
Canada has a good highway system, with distances and speed limits clearly posted on highway signs in metric. Drivers' licenses from the United States or from other countries, are valid in Canada. Seat belt use is mandatory. Relax and drive at a comfortable pace and you'll be rewarded with wildlife viewings and simply stunning scenic vistas.
Sample driving distance between selected U.S. cities and Vancouver or Banff: Driving times: Regina to Saskatoon = 2.5 hours; Saskatoon to Prince Albert = 1.5 hours; Regina to Moose Jaw = 1 hour; Regina to Prince Albert = 4 hours; Saskatoon to Swift Current = 3 hours.
There are 13 ports of entry from U.S. Hours of operation subject to change, call Canada Customs toll free in Canada at 1-800-461-9999, or 204-983-3500 outside of Canada.
Vehicle insurance compulsory - visiting motorists expected to produce evidence of financial responsibility if involved in an accident.
Banking
Canadian dollars come in denominations of $5, $10, $20, $50, and $100; coins 1c, 5c, 10c, 25c, $1, and $2. Many retail stores, restaurants and other locations might accept American Dollars, we advise our guests to exchange funds into Canadian currency. Banking hours vary - usually Monday to Friday, 9.30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., extended hours including weekends at many locations.
Automated teller machines (ATMs) are open 24-hours daily. At ATMs displaying the Cirrus, Plus or Interac international banking network symbols, visitors can withdraw Canadian funds using their own personal automated banking cards or credit cards. The visitors' bank sets the exchange rate.
Most businesses will accept major credit cards and travelers checks for payment.
Foreign exchange is available at city banks, major hotels, and numerous private foreign currency exchange offices located in tourist centers.
OANDA, The Currency Site provides an extensive set of currency conversion and foreign exchange information services for travelers, investors and businesses. MORE >>
Tipping
Tips or service charges are not usually added to a bill in restaurants in Western Canada. In general, tip approximately 15 to 20 % of the bill amount based on service quality. $2 is normal for incidental tips such as luggage handlers or bellhops.
Sales Tax Rebate Program for Visitors
A 7% national Goods and Services Tax (GST) is charged on most goods and services. No sales tax on food, restaurant meals, or children's clothing (under 14 years of age). A 6 % provincial sales tax is also charged.
Foreign visitors can claim a full rebate of the GST on non-consumable goods (items purchased in Canada and taken out of the country within 60 days of purchase), and on hotel accommodation. There is no rebate on consumable items such as food, liquor, tobacco, transportation costs and gasoline.
Applying for a refund - present your original receipts at a participating Canadian duty free shop for a total cash refund up to $500 Canadian when departing Canada. Or mail a completed refund application along with the original receipts to the address on the application. Allow six to eight weeks for a refund.
For further information, call the Visitor Rebate Program at 1-800-668-4748 inside Canada or (902) 432-5608 outside the country. Or, visit their website: www.ccra-adrc.gc.ca/menu-e.html
Climate
Saskatchewan offers a very hospitable climate for golfers - with long warm summer days, and mild spring and fall temperatures. The golfing season on the prairies runs from mid-May to mid-October. Of course the weather is variable in such dramatic terrain so always pack your rain and wind gear. Our latitude means we enjoy daylight as late as 10 pm during June and July. Average summer temperatures are in the 70°s Fahrenheit (high 20°s Celsius).
It's pleasant, warm with low humidity for summer golf in Saskatchewan.
Public Holidays
There are statutory and civic holidays in Canada. Generally, banks and some businesses remain closed. Theatres, restaurants, and corner grocery stores remain open for business as usual. In tourist centres, many of the shops remain open.
| Holiday | 2003 | 2004 |
| Victoria Day | May 19 | May 24 |
| Canada Day | Jul 1 | Jul 1 |
| Civic Holiday | Aug 4 | Aug. 2 |
| Labour Day | Sept 1 | Sep 6 |
Emergency Medical Travel Insurance
Canadian hospital and medical services are excellent. We recommend that you carry travelers' health insurance, however Canadian hospitals will not refuse treatment if you require care, regardless of financial status or health care coverage.
Non-resident Automobile Liability Insurance while Driving in Canada
All US motorists driving in to Canada should obtain a Canadian Non-Resident Inter-province Motor Vehicle Liability Insurance Card. This card is available only in the USA through United States insurance agents. All provinces in Canada require visiting motorists to produce evidence of financial responsibility should they be involved in an accident.
Electricity
Outlets and voltage (110 volts) are the same as in the USA. Small appliances such as hair dryers, irons and razors can be used in Canada. Adapters are required for electrical appliances for those from other countries. The frequency of electrical current in Canada is 60 Hz
Video System
In Canada, the NTSC-system is used as in the USA. This system is not compatible with the PAL and SECAM systems. If you purchase a videocassette in Canada, ensure it is recorded in the appropriate system for your system.
Canada is Metric
Canada follows the international metric system. Temperature, distance, velocity and weights are in metric units.
Conversion Guide
| Measurement | Metric | Imperial |
| Distance | 1 kilometer | 0.6 mile |
| Mileage Conversion | 50 km/h | 30 mph |
| | 80 km/h | 50 mph |
| | 100 km/h | 65 mph |
| Volume | 1 liter | 1 US quart |
| Weight | 1 kilogram | 2.2 pounds |
| Temperature | 28° C | 80° F |
| | (9/5 X Celsuis) + 32) |
Language
English and French are Canada's two official languages. English is predominant in Saskatchewan and Western Canadian. Hotels, airline offices, restaurants, banks and shops in key tourist destinations have some multi-lingual staff.
Time Zone
Canada is the second largest country in the world and spans seven time zones. Saskatchewan is in the Central Time Zone and does not change its clocks at any time during the year like other parts of the country do for Daylight Savings Time.
Customs and Immigration Regulations
US citizens and visitors from most European countries do not require a Visitor Visa for entry to Canada. For Americans, identification establishing citizenship is required such as an original birth certificate or a certified copy of proof of birth location from a town hall, plus one photo ID card. A passport is not required but is ideal for identification. Temporary residents of the U.S. must carry a passport and may also require a Visitor Visa depending on their citizenship.
Visitors from other countries require a passport valid for at least six months longer than their intended stay. Some may be required to obtain a Visitor Visa from a Canadian embassy or consulate prior to travel to Canada. You may e-mail Canada Customs at: vco@rc.gc.ca for information or contact your closest Canadian embassy or consulate for this information. Contact information for Canadian embassies around the world can be found at the website: http://www.ccra-adrc.gc.ca/menu-e.html
Traveling with Children
Saskatchewan and Western Canada is a safe and friendly country to travel in with children. Most of our hotels, resorts, attractions and restaurants offer special programs or menus for children to encourage family travel. Ask us for specific child friendly vacations.
U.S. visitors entering Canada with children must show identification for each child establishing citizenship, such as an original birth certificate or a certified copy of proof of birth location from a town hall plus one photo ID card. A passport is not required but is ideal identification. A letter of permission is required from the parents of any child accompanying travelers who do not have legal custody of that child. Visitors from other countries should contact their nearest Canadian consulate or embassy to learn what documents are required. Contact information for Canadian embassies around the world can be found at the website: http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca/travel/consular/16015-2-e.htm
Bringing Alcohol and Tobacco into Canada
We recommend purchasing here in Canada. Minimum age for alcohol purchase is 19.
Visiting Canada with Your Pet
We do not recommend traveling to Saskatchewan with your pet. Dogs and cats allowed into Canada free of duty.
Canada Customs FAQs
Important Telephone Numbers and Websites
For those non-golfing days in Saskatchewan, there are plenty of vacation options. Click here to discover more
For further information on the Visitor GST Rebate Program, call 1-800-668-4748 inside Canada or (902) 432-5608 outside the country. Or, visit their website: www.voyage.gc.ca/consular_home-e.htm
Contact information for Canadian embassies around the world can be found at the website: http://voyage.dfait-maeci.gc.ca/Consular-e/for_dest_menu-e.htm. Canada Customs may also be contacted by e-mail at: vco@rc.gc.ca
