
STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL ADVISORY - Canada
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CANADA - NOTICE
 April 9, 1992

"Rendezvous 92" in Western Canada:  1992 marks the 50th anniversary
of the building of the Alcan Highway, now known as the Alaska
Highway.  The Yukon territory is commemorating the event with a
series of highly publicized celebrations throughout the year as part
of its "Rendezvous 92" celebration.  U.S. travelers to "Rendezvous
92" should be aware of the need for advance planning to make their
trip to the Far North a success.

The Yukon:  The Yukon may be considered frontier territory in many
areas.  Facilities for car repair, while generally adequate, may
sometimes be limited outside the larger communities.  Because of the
distances from major population centers, the cost of food, gasoline,
and lodging often runs higher than in the continental United States.

The Highway:  The 1500 mile Alaska (formerly the Alcan) highway
starts in Dawson Creek, British Colombia, and runs north and west
through Fort St. John and Fort Nelson to the Yukon Territory towns
of Watson Lake, the capital city of Whitehorse and onward into
Fairbanks, Alaska.  For most of its length, it is a two or four lane
divided highway.  Most of it is in good condition and previously
rough sections have been repaired for the celebrations.  The highway
runs through some spectacularly beautiful areas, but much of the
area is sparsely inhabited.  Gas stations are spaced an average of
60 miles apart.

Lodging:  A full range of camping and motel lodging can be found in
the Yukon.  Further away from population centers, however, travelers
can expect facilities to be basic.  Several new motels and
campgrounds are opening this year, but travelers are advised to have
reservations -- particularly during the peak month of July.  It
might be wise to plan travel either a little earlier or a little
later than peak season, e.g., late May or early September.

Medical Care:  The longest stretch between medical facilities is
approximately 150 miles.  As with car repair, medical facilities are
limited outside of population centers.  As in many foreign
countries, most hospitals and clinics will insist on payment before
discharge.  While some (but not all) now accept Visa or Mastercard,
most will not wait for payment from insurance companies.


Problems with collecting bills from Americans have made medical
institutions increasingly cautious.

Insurance:  Travelers should check to make sure their medical and
auto insurance covers them while in Canada.  In many instances a
supplemental policy is required.

Firearms:  While not limited to the Yukon, all travelers to Canada
should keep in mind Canada's extremely strict laws regarding
firearms.  In general, handguns are not permitted in Canada.
Canadian law requires that officials must confiscate guns from
anyone crossing the border who denies having a gun in his/her
possession.  The confiscated guns are never returned.  It is
possible to take hunting rifles into Canada under certain
circumstances.  Anyone considering it should contact the nearest
Canadian consulate in advance for detailed information and
instruction.  In all cases, travelers should declare any firearms in
their possession to Canadian customs authorities when entering
Canada.  If the traveler is denied permission to bring the firearm
into Canada, in many cases there are facilities near the border
crossing where firearms could be surrendered and stored pending the
traveler's return to the U.S.

Information:  For further information/assistance, U.S. citizens
traveling to "Rendezvous 92" may contact the Consular Section of the
U.S. Consulate General at 1095 West Pender St., Vancouver, Canada
V6E 2M6 at tel: 604-685-4311.

 No. 92-74

This advisory replaces the advisory dated February 13, 1992, to
rescind the section on Meningitis in Eastern Canada per the Centers
for Disease Control's Advisory Memorandum No. 100.

