Travel Advisories

[Rissask]

I guess travel advisories and other misinformation is not just limited to Mexico.

Apparently ignorance is a common thread in the travel industry when it comes to advising tourists of what to watch for when traveling to other countries.

From the US government's site:

Drivers should be aware that the frequency with which motorists run red lights is a serious concern throughout Canada, and motorists are advised to pause before proceeding when a light turns green.

Distances and speeds, however, are posted in kilometers per hour, and some signs, particularly in Quebec, may only be in French.

they are?


The UK site issues warnings that breathing the air in winter in Canada may harm your lungs....BC is a hot spot for tornadoes ....and that rabies run rampant.

Tornadoes can occur almost anywhere in Canada. May to September are the main tornado months with the peak season in June and early July in southern Ontario, Alberta, south eastern Quebec, and a band stretching from southern Saskatchewan and Manitoba through to Thunder Bay. The interior of British Columbia and western New Brunswick are also tornado zones.

Rabies is a problem in most of Canada and can be spread by small animals such as racoons and bats. You should seek urgent medical advice if bitten by a wild animal.

Forest fires can break out at anytime, regardless of the season. In the grasslands and forests of western Canada the fire hazard is frequently higher.

If you intend to ski in Canada you should be aware of the possibility of avalanches. During the winter highways are often closed in Alberta and British Colombia by avalanches.

Oh, and you shouldn't drink and drive in Canada (should you anywhere? )

Canadians drive on the right side of the road. Seat belts are compulsory and right turns on red lights are permitted except in some parts of Quebec. You should not drink and drive.

Oh, and let's not forget our HUGE terrorist threat....

You should be aware of the global threat of indiscriminate terrorist attacks which could take place in public areas, including those frequented by foreigners. The Canadian authorities have carried out a number of arrests as a result of investigations into terrorist networks.

Too funny!
I guess they just ALL have the same gloom and doom, worst case scenario approach.

[kwagner99]

Be afraid, be very afraid...

And watch out for those giant man-eating moose, eh?

"We have always been at war with East Oceana."

[nworowley]

I think those swarms of black flies and mosquitoes were mistakenly identified as tornadoes!

[Rissask]

If I were making up advisories, I would definitely include the mosquitoes and West Nile issue....maybe warn people about those nasty spruce bug bites.....but rabies? Whatever.

[nworowley]

I forgot about spruce beetles - the worst! I keep a fly swatter beside me just for them!

[Ginger]

I'd like to know what highways in BC are often closed by avalanches ??

Wow, what a HUGE amount of misinformation. Just goes to show how you can't depend on these reports. Thanks for posting this, Maggie!

[Ginger]

the forest fire threat one is funny!! an all seasons threat! You couldn't even START a forest fire around here right now, every tree is waterlogged.

[kwagner99]

How about this warning:

You should be aware of the global threat of indiscriminate Minnesotans, which appear in public areas, including those frequented by other foreigners. The Canadian authorities have carried out a number of arrests as a result of investigations into really bad Ole and Lena jokes.

[Juanito]

I was in Canada and I had this really disgusting imported beer. It was called "Budweiser".

Governments should issue travel advisories against Budweiser.

Also, Wreck Beach still does not have a Web Cam. What's up with that? The weather will be warming up pretty soon. Someone should issue a travel advisory about that.

[Seakony]

Yeah, And in some parts if you want Ice tea you have to ask for an extra glass of ice.

[Tommygurl]

A tornado in BC?

Crap I am moving now!

So are french numbers different or what? I mean 50K is 50K right?

Oh dear & I hadn't considered all the wild rabid animals running around biting people......

[Rissask]

So are french numbers different or what? I mean 50K is 50K right?

good point...
It also said that on most highways the speed limit is 80 km/hr ...uh, it's 100 or 110 isn't it, mostly?

[Tommygurl]

Originally Posted by Rissask

good point...
It also said that on most highways the speed limit is 80 km/hr ...uh, it's 100 or 110 isn't it, mostly?

The Coq is 110k & Highway 1 is 90 in most spots here anyway..... I wonder who the heck writes these things?

[kwagner99]

Originally Posted by Tommygurl

The Coq is 110k & Highway 1 is 90 in most spots here anyway..... I wonder who the heck writes these things?

Americans!

[Rissask]

Originally Posted by kwagner99

Americans!

and the Brits- their site was worse than the US one, actually....breathing cold air can be dangerous.

I just thought it was funny because all the people in the past year or so, who were making fun of the 'over-dramatic Canadians' saying Mexico was dangerous in spots.