To whom it may concern:

Actually, this is practically for any 19+ on WWU’s campus.

Isn’t it lovely that Canada is only a hop, skip and a jump away from us in all of it’s glory? The lower drinking laws, the good times, the great culture! I know that’s one of the reasons I decided to attend WWU. Well, it’s not solely based on that fact; I am Canadian, as a matter of fact. I’ve discovered it to be interesting that people seem to believe that the great city of Vancouver is directly across the U.S./Canadian border. But once they do finally make it to the city, I also notice how their jargon immediately spots them out as punk American tourists. Canadians will not hesitate to poke fun at any of our neighbors to the South, especially if their young and under 21. Also, Vancouver can be a dangerous place if one does not know the area. So I though it may be a good thing to those who plan on visiting my great country any time in the future to make a list of helpful hints. I know you will, so here are some tips to blend in and survive with the Canadian crowd.

A) Language
1. Washroom: Rather than “where’s the bathroom,” simply replace it with “washroom.”
2. Pardon?: Instead of “WHAT?” when asking someone to repeat a sentence. Canadians tend to find “what” extremely harsh and rude (and American).
3. Two-Four: When picking up an extremely over-priced twenty-four case of beer, refer to it by it’s proper Canadian name.
4. Mickey: for a pint of liquor
5. Eh?: It is a very acceptable phrase, if used correctly. Best for asking for reassurance on a statement you’ve already made. For beginners, it’s best to use it in a sentence such as “I know, eh?” or “Get a load on the prices here. It’s ridiculous, eh?”
6. DO NOT ridicule a Canadian while in Canada. Not only will this perpetuate the belief of the "Ignorant American," but a group of Canadians can easily kick your butt, which would certainly put a damper on your holiday.

B) Traffic
1. Traffic is HORRIBLE in Vancouver. Always be on your guard, especially when driving with friends and loud music. Seriously, as much as I hate to admit it, Canadians are very inconsiderate when driving. They may apologize when you step on their foot, but they will not hesitate to cut you off on the road.
2. It is nearly impossible to make a left-handed turn anywhere Downtown Vancouver. Avoid them at all costs, unless you enjoy sitting at a green light while people are honking behind you, and then attempting to safely screech through an intersection at a yellow/red light.
3. That blinking, green light? It means that it could at any time turn into a yellow light. The pedestrians have the right-of-way on any street with a blinking green light.
4. Ugh, here’s one I still don’t quite understand. There are signs before an intersection that will light up about 10 seconds before the amber “slow” light turns on. My Vancouverite friends tell me it’s just a handy signal to speed up before the light changes…ha.
5. Parking in Downtown Vancouver can be a nightmare. Don’t be surprised if you’re towed after the meter has ran out. They’re ruthless. Make sure to keep an eye on your meter, or park off of the Downtown streets, either in your hotel’s parking lot, or take the sky-train. Information can be found at a hotel concierge desk. Also, when riding the sky-train, be sure to pay the ticket price. If you are caught without a ticket, you can face a hefty fine if caught.

B) Alcohol
1. Alcohol is very expensive in Canada. This is because the taxes they place on alcohol pays for things such as the building and maintenance of roads for the province. Plus, Vancouver is preparing for the 2010 Winter Olympics. Hey, it’s a big country, but there ain’t a lotta people in it.
2. Have two pieces of I.D. handy. Your driver’s license and passport can work in a pinch. If you’re not confident on carrying your passport around with you, or don’t have one, it is safe to assume you’ll only be asked for one piece of I.D. If for some reason you are still not accepted inside, there are plenty of other places to go to. It is Vancouver, after all.
3. Be prepared to drop a lot of money in one night if you’re going to a club or bar. A regular shot of any liquor costs between $6 to $7.50 Canadian. A beer such as Corona can cost up to $5.75. However, there are some places that sell $10 pitchers of beer, or a toonie per pint ($2). Then again, those places are usually not the best quality or safest.
4. Make sure to exchange your American money if you’re planning on going to a bar or club. Many places only accept American money at face-value, so make sure you know how much you wish to spend, and exchange it beforehand.
5. Clubs and bars close at 2 a.m.
6. DO NOT DRINK AND DRIVE. In Canada, drinking & driving is a federal offence.
7. I realize many RA’s have already explained this, but do NOT still be intoxicated when passing through the border. Even if you’ve come from Canada where the drinking age is 19, you can still be given a DUI or MIP in America if you’re over the legal limit (which is very low).

C) After-Hours

1. Make sure that you find somewhere to stay that is relatively nice. However, you don’t have to spend a lot of money to find somewhere that’s safe and reliable.
2. Take advantage of your hotel concierge. They usually have great suggestions of places for young students to visit.
3. I would suggest that you DO NOT visit Chinatown at night. Because of the high gang violence in the city, it is best to stay away from Chinatown within a two-block radius.
4. I would also advise that you DO NOT stay or walk on East Hastings Street, especially at night and early morning. Dangerous homeless people and drug dealers are a given. If you must walk through the area, be sure to be on your guard and keep money and passports and other valuables out of sight.

I believe that covers most of it. Just be sure to be safe, keep belongings at your side, but most of all have fun! Anything you think I’ve missed, just let me know.