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Things To Know When Visiting Newfoundland
Newfoundland is located in a time zone unique in North America, half an hour later than Atlantic Time, one and a half hours later than Central Canada and four and a half hours later than the west coast of the country, the only place in Canada with a split in the set variations of one hour between time zones. Daylight Saving Time is observed from April to October after which the province returns to Newfoundland Standard Time. Most of Labrador occupies the Atlantic Time Zone, except for the area on the coast from L'Anse au Clair to Cartwright which operates on Newfoundland Time.
Newfoundland's climate can best be described as moderate and maritime. The island enjoys winters that are surprisingly mild by Canadian standards, though with a high rate of precipitation. Labrador, by comparison, has the cold winters and brief summers characteristic of the Canadian mid-North. Winters in Labrador usually last from November until late May with snow present in all areas. St. John's is the windiest and foggiest city in Canada, while Churchill Falls receives the most snowfall. Rain averages about 1,120 mm yearly. Heavy winter snowfalls are common, especially on the island. Good swimming weather begins at the end of June.
Newfoundland is not noted for its sunshine! The total number of hours of bright sunshine for the island is usually less than 1600 hours a year, which is below the Canadian average of 1925 hours. The summer months are the sunniest, with an average of 187 hours of sunshine a month, about 42% of the total possible. The least sunshine is experienced in December, when the average daily duration is about 2 hours.
Average temperature ranges for St. John's are -7.5 to -0.6 °C (19 to 31 °F) in February and 11 to 20.5 °C (52 to 69 °F) in July, while temperature ranges in Happy Valley-Goose Bay are -22.4 to -12.3 °C (-8 to 10 °F) in February and 9.8 to 21.1 °C (50 to 70 °F) in July. The warmest recorded temperature in Newfoundland was 41.7 °C (107.1 °F) on August 11, 1914 at Northwest River, and the coldest was -51.1 °C (-60 °F) on February 17, 1973 at Esker. You can also see the northern lights, or aurora borealis, flicker over Labrador.
American Citizens or permanent residents of the United States do not need a passport to visit Canada, but should carry a birth, baptismal or voters certificate, or other documents establishing their citizenship, such as naturalization certificate. Visitors from all other countries must have valid national passports.
All drivers must carry a valid Driver's License, Vehicle Registration and Proof of Liability Insurance Coverage. Legislation requires that motorists carry lump-sum public liability and property damage insurance of $200,000.00. In the case of an accident involving personal injury, proof of such insurance must be produced within 24 hours or driving privileges could be suspended. The driver and all passengers must wear seat belts. A child weighting less than 9 kilograms must be secured in either an infant carrier or a convertible car seat adjusted to the rear facing position. The driver is responsible for ensuring all passengers under the age of 16 are properly restrained by seat belts. The use of radar detectors is illegal. It is illegal to drive with a blood alcohol limit exceeding .05 milligrams of alcohol per litre of blood.
4-lane highways and 2-lane sections of Route 1, 100km/h (62 mph); Route 3, 90km/h (55 mph): rural 2-lane highways, 80 km/h (50 mph) or 60 km/h (40 mph); gravel highways, 60km/h (40 mph); in towns and cities, 50 km/h (31 mph); or lower where posted.
There are about 150,000 moose on the island and most of the highways traverse good moose habitat. If you see a moose on or near the road, slow down and be prepared to stop quickly. If you drive at night, slow down, scan both sides of the road. Keep your lights on high beam unless overtaking or meeting other traffic.
A 15% Harmonized Sales Tax is applied to most goods and services in Newfoundland and Labrador. Visitors from outside Canada can get rebates of the entire 15% on accommodations and goods taken out of the country (not alcohol, tobacco, gasoline and oil). Application forms can be obtained from visitors information centres and at most hotels and retail outlets. For Canada Customs info call Within Canada1-800-668-4748; Outside Canada 902-432-5608
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