Visitor Tips
Climate
Swift Current's climate, with a yearly average of 2,374 hours of sunshine, ranks as one of the best overall in the country. A survey of 100 cities by Meteorological Services of Canada shows Swift Current has the third most sunshine, the fifth clearest skies and the least smoke and haze in the country.
For the current temperature in Swift Current, visit Environment Canada's Weather. For long term averages, the Weather Network provides excellent information on our climate.
Canada uses the Celsius temperature scale, which means the freezing point arrives at 0°C, compared to 32° Fahrenheit. To convert to Celsius, multiply the temperature by 2 and add 32.
Canadian Holidays
2011
New Year’s Day - January 1
Family Day - February 21
Good Friday - April 22
Victoria Day - May 23
Canada Day - July 1
Civic Holiday - August 1
Labour Day - September 5
Thanksgiving Day - October 10
Remembrance Day - November 11
Christmas Day - December 25
Boxing Day - December 26
Currency & Banking
Canada’s money system is based on dollars and cents. Most businesses will accept US dollars, major credit cards and travellers cheques for payment. Visitors are encouraged to exchange their currency into Canadian dollars at chartered banks and credit unions.
Automated teller machines designated with a Plus or Interac symbol will accept automated banking cards from outside Canada. Automated teller machines will charge a transaction fee, and the exchange rate is set by the visitor’s bank.
Hunting & Fishing Licences
Saskatchewan Environment Ministry administers hunting and fishing licences within Saskatchewan. Licensing requirements vary for Saskatchewan residents, Canadian residents, and non-Canadian residents. For more information, call (306) 787-2847.
Canada has strict laws on the possession and use of firearms. Handguns and automatic weapons are prohibited. Visit Canada Border Services Agency for information on bringing firearms into Canada, or call them toll free within Canada at 1-800-461-9999, and from outside Canada (204) 983-3500 or (506) 636-5064.
Parks & Fees
The motto of all our parks is "Take only pictures, leave only footprints." It is illegal to pick or remove any vegetation, flowers, rocks, etc. from parks. Animals in national and provincial parks and other areas are wild and therefore dangerous. It is also illegal to approach, harass or feed wild animals and birds in any provincial or national park.
All park fees vary by site and by the type of park. Park passes are available on a daily or annual basis. For fees in national parks, visit Parks Canada. For provincial parks, visit Saskatchewan Tourism, Parks, Culture & Sport , and for regional parks, visit Saskatchewan Regional Parks.
Liquor & Gaming
Liquor may only be purchased from Saskatchewan liquor store outlets. Wine and beer, however, can be obtained at licensed cold beer and wine stores. The legal minimum age to purchase liquor or participate in games of chance in Saskatchewan is 19.
Health & Medical
Canadian hospitals and medical services are among the world's best. Saskatchewan hospitals will not refuse treatment to those requiring care, but to ensure coverage, visitors to Canada should obtain travel health insurance before leaving home.
The Cypress Regional Hospital offers emergency care at 2004 Saskatchewan Drive, (306) 778-9400.
Emergency care in Swift Current
Dial '911' for emergency service, including situations where an ambulance is needed.
For non-emergency care or for minor medical emergencies, most medical clinics will accept limited walk-in patients. Check the Yellow Pages in the phone book under 'Physicians and Surgeons.'
Time Zone
Saskatchewan is in the Central Standard Time Zone, however, Saskatchewan does not convert to Daylight Savings Time:
March to October - Mountain Time
October to March - Central Standard Time
Metric System
Canada uses the metric system for weights, measures and distances.
Converting between metric and imperial:
Distance
1 Kilometre(km) = 5/8 mile
Driving Speed
50 km/h = 30 mph
100 km/h = 60 mph
Weight
1 kilogram(kg) = 2.2 lb.
500 grams(g) = 1.1 lb.
Liquid Measures
In Canada, fuel and most other liquids are sold in litres
1 litre = 0.26 US gallons, or approximately 1 quart.
Sales Taxes
The Saskatchewan Provincial Sales Tax is five per cent. The Federal Goods and Services Tax (GST) is five per cent.
Telephones
International Dialling Procedures:
To dial overseas: Dial 011 + Country Code (1-5 digits) + Routing Code (1-5 digits) + Local Number (2-9 digits). Country and Routing Codes can be found in the long distance services area near the front of the telephone book , or the operator (dial 0) will also be able to supply them.
Provincial Dialling Procedures:
To dial within Canada:
Dial 1 + Area Code (3 digits) + Local Number (7 digits).
To dial within the local calling area, simply use the 7 digit local number.
The Area Code for Saskatchewan is 306.
Postal Rates & Codes
To mail a letter through Canada Post, visitors must use Canadian stamps.
Within Canada is 59 cents + GST
The U.S. is $1.03 + GST
International Destinations are $1.75 + GST
The cost of mailing a letter more than 30 grams is determined by weight and size, plus GST. All mail sent within Canada must include the postal code for each address. Postal outlets and some hotels will have postal code directories.