KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
CURRENT PUBLIC HEALTH GUIDELINES AND VENUE PROTOCOLS
For those travelling to Farmfair International from outside of Canada, please visit the Government of Canada website for COVID-19 travel, testing and quarantine requirements.
INFO CLIMATE & WEATHER
Edmonton is the capital city of the province of Alberta located on the North Saskatchewan River. The city had a population of 932,546 in 2016, making it Alberta’s second-largest city and Canada’s fifth-largest municipality. Edmonton is North America’s northernmost metropolitan area with a population over one million.
In November, expect low humidity with an average temperature of -4℃ (24℉), but expect that temperatures may fall below -20℃ (-4℉) during your visit.
WHAT TO WEAR
If you plan on sightseeing and attending tours it is recommended that you bring warm winter boots, a heavy winter coat, hat, scarf, gloves/mittens and layers. You can purchase these items in Edmonton once you arrive if needed.
TIME ZONE
Edmonton is located in the Mountain Time Zone. Mountain Daylight Time (UTC-6) is observed during the summer months (Mar – Nov). During your visit in November, Edmonton will be on Mountain Standard Time (UTC-7) starting November 6.
PASSPORTS & TRAVEL VISAS
All visitors to Canada require a valid passport, including US citizens. Visa-exempt foreign nationals who fly to a Canadian airport require an Electronic Travel Authorization form (except US citizens). US citizens can visit Canada with just a passport. Please apply here.
For visa requirements to visit Canada, learn more here.
Please familiarize yourself with the laws and customs of Canada and the rules surrounding what items may be brought into Canada.
CURRENCY
The official currency in Canada is the Canadian Dollar. Denominations of currency are in 5¢, 10¢, 25¢, $1, and $2 coins and $5, $10, $20, $50 and $100 bills. $1 coins are affectionately referred to as loonies and $2 coins as toonies. The 1¢ penny was discontinued in 2012 with all transactions now rounded off to the nearest 5¢.
Businesses do not accept foreign currency, including the US Dollar, for cash payments. However, foreign debit and credit cards can be used.
Most businesses accept Visa, MasterCard and American Express. Banks and currency exchange offices are available throughout Edmonton.
For daily currency exchange rates visit here.
SALES TAX AND TIPPING
A sales tax of 5% is applicable in the Province of Alberta and will be added to your purchases. This is the federal Goods & Services Tax (GST) which is charged on most goods and services purchased in Canada.
Tipping in Canada is much the same as in the USA. It is not mandatory but is generally expected (hotels, transportation, restaurants). A tip in the range of 15 – 20% of the pre-tax amount is recommended.
