Travel Tips
Get general travel tips and information on gaining entry to Canada as well as a great checklist of what to pack for your trip.
Attention International Travelers If you are travelling by air to Canada please click here to see if you require an eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization). If you are a Canadian Citizen or Resident or a US Citizen you do not need an eTA, all other nationalities must check and if required apply for the eTA prior to departure.
Clothing
Layering is the key to wearing the right clothing at Big White, no matter what the weather brings. Weather changes quickly in the alpine and a warm, sunny day can quickly turn wet and cold. Alpine temperatures are typically at least 10 degrees colder than temperatures in Kelowna – check our Weather Report for updated on-mountain weather information. Be prepared for summer, spring, fall and winter conditions.
Hiking footwear with good support and grip is essential for the hiking trails. Carry a backpack and be sure to pack sunscreen, bug spray, sunglasses, a hat, snacks, water and a whistle for attracting attention should you require assistance in the alpine. Anything you forget is available for purchase in Altitude, the retail store located in the Village Centre Mall.
Units of Measure
Canada uses the metric system to calculate temperatures in Celsius, speed limits and road distances in kilometers, and gas is sold by the litre.
www.bcgasprices.com
Time
Our clocks are set to Pacific Standard Time, and Daylight Saving Time comes into effect as we set our clocks ahead one hour on the second Sunday in March and fall back an hour on the first Sunday in November. This schedule coincides with the United States implementation of Daylight Saving Time.
Currency Exchange
For quick cash, you’ll find automated teller machines (ATMs) around the village. Major credit cards are accepted almost everywhere.
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% of the total bill.
Sales Tax
There is a 5% Goods and Services tax (GST) charged on the sale of all products and services in British Columbia. There is a 7% Provincial Sales tax charged on Rental Equipment. Accommodations taxes are 8%.
- What to do if your flight is cancelled
WILLIAM PANG
THE GLOBE AND MAIL
PUBLISHED AUGUST 14, 20181. KEEP CALM AND CARRY ON
Airlines typically rebook you on the next available flight automatically. You can either ask for a full refund – which can be done through the website or hotline – or stick with the new itinerary (which might only mean a few hours delay). Avoid running to the queue immediately; it’s not worth the experience of being sandwiched among dozens of disgruntled passengers.
2. CALL CUSTOMER SERVICE
Airport staff are often “harassed by too many people, under a lot of pressure, and can only give you a certain amount of limited time to find a solution for you,” says Arif Khan, manager of Voyages Norko Travel in Montreal. Call customer service instead, where an agent can talk you through all the options./p>
3. SEE WHAT’S AVAILABLE
It is not uncommon for airlines to fly in an empty plane and rebook all passengers on it. Depending on your final destination, it might not get you there in the shortest amount of time. “You must remind them to look for partner airlines too; sometimes they only look in their system for the airline,” Khan added./p>
4. ASK, ASK, ASK!
“Be proactive and ask politely,” says Andrew D’Amours, co-founder of Flytrippers, a website that offers flight deals and advice. Food and hotel vouchers are usually offered for passengers stuck overnight, but airline staff might overlook these details when they’re under a lot of pressure. Also, having the ground staff on your side might land you a seat with extra legroom or lounge access./p>
5. EXPRESS YOUR GRIEVANCES
After you’ve unpacked from your trip, tell the airline how your plans were disrupted. Unless your flight was cancelled due to reasons out of the airline’s control, namely bad weather, you might get a voucher or even cash compensation (if your flight began or ended in an EU country). Remember: A happy customer is a returning customer. Play that to your advantage!
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.
Clothing and Gear
"Dressing in layers" is the key to staying comfortable at Big White, 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" – an insulated jacket, and warm, waterproof footwear are definitely needed in winter and of course you will need your ski/snowboard gear as well, unless you plan to rent.
Don't forget to pack masks or face coverings to wear in public spaces at the resort, including loading and unloading the lift, day lodges, restaurants, and in the Village Centre. Face coverings are mandatory!
Sunglasses and sunscreen are also a must due to the higher UV exposure from the sun at alpine altitudes – unprotected skin can burn, even on cloudy days. On snowy days, goggles are a must; especially those with lenses designed for overcast conditions. A small backpack is a great way to tote the day's necessities, and there are lockers at Happy Valley and in the Village Centre Mall. Conversely, with so much ski-in and ski-out accommodation, you can always return to your condo if you need more gear.
Check with your travel agent or airline about various weight and bag restrictions; these can vary greatly from one carrier to the next.
Book Your Shuttle to the Resort Before You Leave
Unless you plan on driving back and forth to Kelowna or exploring other resorts in the vicinity, a rental vehicle is not needed at Big White. A ride on our airport shuttles must be booked at least 72 hours prior to arrival. Masks are mandatory on all Big White Central Reservations booked transportation. You can book your shuttle by e-mailing or calling Central Reservations. For more information on our shuttle services >>
Arriving in Canada and Clearing through Customs and Immigration
If you arrive by plane you will clear Canadian Customs and Immigration at Kelowna International Airport and are required to declare your country of origin, your Canadian destination and length of stay, and what articles you are bringing in to the country that will not leave with you when you depart (gifts for family members or friends, etc).
Once you're here, look out for our Airport Shuttle drivers in the arrivals lounge. Our shuttles will whisk you through the mountains to Big White Ski Resort in less than an hour.
Feeling Hungry?
Depending on what time you arrive at the resort, you can either take out or dine in at one of Big White's many restaurants, cafes and pubs, have Vacation Foods deliver your food prior to your arrival, or shop at the Market at Big White. The Market also offers a deli, and alcohol, featuring a great selection of local BC and international wines, and will deliver right to your accommodation if you don't feel comfortable shopping inside!
Hours of Operation
Monday - Saturday: 8:30am - 9:00pm
Sunday: 8:30am - 7:00pm
Phone: 250.765.7666
Vacation Food Service will take your order before you leave home and make sure that you arrive to your condo with a well-stocked refrigerator and cupboards.
Order online at: www.vacationfoods.com
For prices and information please call: 250.862.3466 or 1.877.443.3663.
Email: info@vacationfoods.com
Find a list of our restaurants, cafes and pubs, here.
- Travel Information
Clothing
Layering is the key to wearing the right clothing at Big White, no matter what the weather brings. Weather changes quickly in the alpine and a warm, sunny day can quickly turn wet and cold. Alpine temperatures are typically at least 10 degrees colder than temperatures in Kelowna – check our Weather Report for updated on-mountain weather information. Be prepared for summer, spring, fall and winter conditions.
Hiking footwear with good support and grip is essential for the hiking trails. Carry a backpack and be sure to pack sunscreen, bug spray, sunglasses, a hat, snacks, water and a whistle for attracting attention should you require assistance in the alpine. Anything you forget is available for purchase in Altitude, the retail store located in the Village Centre Mall.
Units of Measure
Canada uses the metric system to calculate temperatures in Celsius, speed limits and road distances in kilometers, and gas is sold by the litre.
www.bcgasprices.comTime
Our clocks are set to Pacific Standard Time, and Daylight Saving Time comes into effect as we set our clocks ahead one hour on the second Sunday in March and fall back an hour on the first Sunday in November. This schedule coincides with the United States implementation of Daylight Saving Time.
Currency Exchange
For quick cash, you’ll find automated teller machines (ATMs) around the village. Major credit cards are accepted almost everywhere.
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% of the total bill.
Sales Tax
There is a 5% Goods and Services tax (GST) charged on the sale of all products and services in British Columbia. There is a 7% Provincial Sales tax charged on Rental Equipment. Accommodations taxes are 8%.
- What to do if your flight is cancelled
WILLIAM PANG
THE GLOBE AND MAIL
PUBLISHED AUGUST 14, 20181. KEEP CALM AND CARRY ON
Airlines typically rebook you on the next available flight automatically. You can either ask for a full refund – which can be done through the website or hotline – or stick with the new itinerary (which might only mean a few hours delay). Avoid running to the queue immediately; it’s not worth the experience of being sandwiched among dozens of disgruntled passengers.
2. CALL CUSTOMER SERVICE
Airport staff are often “harassed by too many people, under a lot of pressure, and can only give you a certain amount of limited time to find a solution for you,” says Arif Khan, manager of Voyages Norko Travel in Montreal. Call customer service instead, where an agent can talk you through all the options./p>
3. SEE WHAT’S AVAILABLE
It is not uncommon for airlines to fly in an empty plane and rebook all passengers on it. Depending on your final destination, it might not get you there in the shortest amount of time. “You must remind them to look for partner airlines too; sometimes they only look in their system for the airline,” Khan added./p>
4. ASK, ASK, ASK!
“Be proactive and ask politely,” says Andrew D’Amours, co-founder of Flytrippers, a website that offers flight deals and advice. Food and hotel vouchers are usually offered for passengers stuck overnight, but airline staff might overlook these details when they’re under a lot of pressure. Also, having the ground staff on your side might land you a seat with extra legroom or lounge access./p>
5. EXPRESS YOUR GRIEVANCES
After you’ve unpacked from your trip, tell the airline how your plans were disrupted. Unless your flight was cancelled due to reasons out of the airline’s control, namely bad weather, you might get a voucher or even cash compensation (if your flight began or ended in an EU country). Remember: A happy customer is a returning customer. Play that to your advantage!
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.
- What to do if your flight is cancelled
- Packing for the Trip
Clothing and Gear
"Dressing in layers" is the key to staying comfortable at Big White, 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" – an insulated jacket, and warm, waterproof footwear are definitely needed in winter and of course you will need your ski/snowboard gear as well, unless you plan to rent.
Don't forget to pack masks or face coverings to wear in public spaces at the resort, including loading and unloading the lift, day lodges, restaurants, and in the Village Centre. Face coverings are mandatory!
Sunglasses and sunscreen are also a must due to the higher UV exposure from the sun at alpine altitudes – unprotected skin can burn, even on cloudy days. On snowy days, goggles are a must; especially those with lenses designed for overcast conditions. A small backpack is a great way to tote the day's necessities, and there are lockers at Happy Valley and in the Village Centre Mall. Conversely, with so much ski-in and ski-out accommodation, you can always return to your condo if you need more gear.
Check with your travel agent or airline about various weight and bag restrictions; these can vary greatly from one carrier to the next.
Book Your Shuttle to the Resort Before You LeaveUnless you plan on driving back and forth to Kelowna or exploring other resorts in the vicinity, a rental vehicle is not needed at Big White. A ride on our airport shuttles must be booked at least 72 hours prior to arrival. Masks are mandatory on all Big White Central Reservations booked transportation. You can book your shuttle by e-mailing or calling Central Reservations. For more information on our shuttle services >>
Arriving in Canada and Clearing through Customs and ImmigrationIf you arrive by plane you will clear Canadian Customs and Immigration at Kelowna International Airport and are required to declare your country of origin, your Canadian destination and length of stay, and what articles you are bringing in to the country that will not leave with you when you depart (gifts for family members or friends, etc).
Once you're here, look out for our Airport Shuttle drivers in the arrivals lounge. Our shuttles will whisk you through the mountains to Big White Ski Resort in less than an hour.
Feeling Hungry?Depending on what time you arrive at the resort, you can either take out or dine in at one of Big White's many restaurants, cafes and pubs, have Vacation Foods deliver your food prior to your arrival, or shop at the Market at Big White. The Market also offers a deli, and alcohol, featuring a great selection of local BC and international wines, and will deliver right to your accommodation if you don't feel comfortable shopping inside!
Hours of Operation
Monday - Saturday: 8:30am - 9:00pm
Sunday: 8:30am - 7:00pm
Phone: 250.765.7666Vacation Food Service will take your order before you leave home and make sure that you arrive to your condo with a well-stocked refrigerator and cupboards.
Order online at: www.vacationfoods.com
For prices and information please call: 250.862.3466 or 1.877.443.3663.
Email: info@vacationfoods.comFind a list of our restaurants, cafes and pubs, here.
Book with Confidence
Big White Central Reservations is committed to provide you with outstanding customer service, great value, health & safety best practices, and the inside scoop on everything Big White!
Free Parking
Free Ski Storage
Free Wifi
Free In Room Tea & Coffee on Arrival
Free Weekly Events & Activities
➤ Booking and Cancellation Policies
24 Hour Check In & In Resort Assistance
Minimum Night & Age Policies Apply
A credit card pre-authorization will be required on check in
All bookings are subject to a Service Fee
Call Direct: 250-765-8888
Call Toll Free: North America: 1-800-663-2772
Australia: 0011-800-2449-4483 (charges may apply)
New Zealand: 00-800-2449-4483
United Kingdom: 00-800-2449-4483