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Visitor Information
Things to Know
Passports
All international visitors need valid national passports to visit Canada.

Customs Regulations
You can bring sporting equipment - such as fishing tackle, cameras, outboard motors, camping equipment, portable boats, hunting rifles, etc. - for your use in Canada during your vacation by simply declaring these items to Customs at your point of entry. Carrying a duplicate list that includes the description and serial number of each item is the quickest way to clear Customs upon your return.

Climate
Anyone planning a trip to Labrador should be aware of possible changes in weather patterns, as they often affect travel schedules. Summers are brief, but warm. Summer temperatures range from 12C to 24C. Coastal regions are occasionally foggy especially in the month of July.

Winter is the longest season, with abundant snowfall, crisp temperatures and lots of sunshine. Snow begins to fall in late October and stays until April. Winter temperatures range from 15C to -25C and average snowfall is 366 cm. Labrador Coastal Drive is serviced mainly by the Strait of Belle ferry service and the ferry service operating from Goose Bay to Cartwright. Ice conditions can affect schedules in early spring and high winds can affect schedules especially in late fall. If you do find yourself delayed by weather, remember that spontaneity is the soul of your Labrador excursion. You will never be stranded - friendly faces and flexibility will turn a delay into an adventure.

Black Flies
During the summer, from mid-July through mid-September, the Labrador Coast is also home to biting black flies. Although biologists tell us that the presence of these insects is a sign of an unpolluted environment, it is sometimes not enough consolation! However, if you plan for these flies and arrange your outdoor activities accordingly, they do not have to be a nuisance. The flies are only a problem when the air is warm and calm. Along the coastline, there is nearly always a breeze. In addition, most types of insect repellent work and should provide enough protection.

Time Zones
Labrador Coastal Drive is on the same time as the island of Newfoundland which occupies its own time zone. It is half an hour later than Atlantic Time and a full hour and half later than Eastern Standard Time. Northern and western regions of Labrador occupy the Atlantic Time Zone. In Quebec, the time during the summer months is 11/2 hours earlier than on Labrador Coastal Drive.

Hospital and Medical Services
All visitors to Canada are strongly urged to obtain health insurance before leaving their home country. If you are taking medicine prescribed by your doctor, it's a good idea to bring along a copy of your prescription in case you need to have it renewed or an ample supply as many medications may be difficult to obtain smaller communities. Labrador Coastal Drive is serviced by a health center in Forteau and nursing stations in Mary's Harbour & Cartwright

Banking
The Canadian dollar is the currency used in Newfoundland and Labrador. Many operators and retailers will accept American dollars, but not always at the official exchange rate. However, businesses do not accept other foreign currencies; and there is no currency exchange house in the province. Even banks do not normally exchange foreign currencies. We recommend that you convert your national currency into Canadian dollars before you leave home. Most of our businesses accept some credit cards and most have Direct Payment machines.

Bank Locations:
Eagle River Credit Union
L'Anse Au Loup, Mary's Harbour & Cartwright

Pets and Animals
You can bring your cat, dog or horse to Newfoundland and Labrador without a permit, and they can be moved freely between Newfoundland and Labrador. However, the importation of non-indigenous animals and the movement of Labrador Huskies from Labrador to Newfoundland is restricted. If you have any questions about bringing animals to the province, please contact:

Animal Health Division
Department of Forest Resources and Agrifoods
P.O. Box 7400
St. John's, NL A1E 3Y5
Telephone: (709)729-6879/6886
Note: There are no skunks or snakes on the island of Newfoundland, and there is no poison ivy or poison oak.

Soil and Plants
Neither soil nor plants bearing soil may be removed from Newfoundland because of the possibility of accidentally spreading soil-borne diseases from certain areas. Vehicles leaving Newfoundland are inspected at the ferry terminals, and soil and plants are subject to confiscation. Special permits for removing plants under strict conditions may be obtained from Agriculture Canada. Please telephone (709)772-5030 for further information.

Wheelchair Accessibility
Establishments listed as "wheelchair accessible" meet the minimum requirements set out in the provincial Buildings Accessibility Act and Regulations. These establishments have a main entrance, and, where provided, public washrooms that an individual in a wheelchair can access unassisted. Hotels/motels with the accessibility designation have a wheelchair accessible room or suite, but there are no guarantees all the establishment's attractions could be accessed by wheelchair users. Some hotels/motels have only a limited number of wheelchair accessible rooms, so reservation should be made. Also, many establishments not listed as accessible may provide acceptable facilities, depending on individual needs.
 

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