Canadian Currency Exchange Rates

Great Currency Exchange Rates for the American Dollar*

Are you planning a visit from the United States? The exchange rate fluctuates continuously, but for the last several months, the exchange rate between the United States and Canada has been very favourable for people with American dollars. Lately, the currency exchange rate is floating around $1.00 USD = $1.30 CAD. That means it's a great time to travel to Whistler from the United States. Feel free to use the currency exchange converter below to see the current exchange rate.

Take advantage of these exchange rates! View our Deals & Packages section now.

Where to Exchange Money in Whistler

Currency can be exchanged at all Canadian banks or credit unions in Whistler.

Whistler banks / credit unions:

• The closest bank to Frist Tracks Lodge is ScotiaBank, Whistler Creekside.
• Other banks or credit unions in Whistler include Blue Shore Credit Union, CIBC (Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce) - ATM only, Royal Bank Canada, TD Canada Trust.

Making Purchases in Whistler

Most major credit cards are widely accepted by virtually all Whistler businesses. The most common credit cards accepted include VISA, MASTERCARD and American Express. Do your homework before you arrive to find out the best way to exchange money for your situation. Often (but not always) using your credit card can mean the best exchange rates.

Bank debit and credit cards can be used to make purchases at First Tracks Lodge (and other Whistler hotels), restaurants, retail outlets and activity providers.

You can also withdraw money in the form of Canadian currency from banks or credit unions including most ATMs. Check the symbols on your debit or credit card to see if they match those on the ATM you want to use. If there's a match, you should be able to withdraw money.

Taxes on Purchases in Whistler

The amount of taxes visitors pays on purchases ranges between 7% and 15%. Residents of countries outside Canada can apply for refunds on taxes paid in Canada. This refund is a simple form you can fill out at the border as you leave the country. Most customs agents and staff at the borders are well versed in this refund, and if you save your receipts, it is a simple matter. Typical tax rates are as follows: 7% Provincial Sales Tax (PST) / 8% PST for accommodations. 2% Municipal Regional District tax.

Additionally Federal 5% Goods & Services Tax (GST) is charged on virtually all good and services. This is similar to the VAT in the EU and is a hidden tax in the United States (as it used to be in Canada) This means that the tax also exists in the United States but is paid by the manufacturer.

Tipping in Whistler

Ah, tipping! No matter where you travel, there will be a different culture around tipping. Who to tip, how much, when — all these things are different depending on where you travel. In Whistler, tips or service charges are not typically added to your bill for services. A tip of up to 15% to 20% of the sub-total (before taxes) is typical for servers, barbers and hairdressers, taxi drivers, etc.

At hotels, airports and railway stations, bellhops, doormen, etc. are generally paid $1-$2 per item of luggage.

* Currency exchange rates are subject to change

About Canadian Currency

The Canadian dollar is the national currency of Canada including Canada's 10 provinces and 3 territories.

Canadian Bank Notes

Bills are printed for the following amounts: $5, $10, $20, $50, $100, $1,000 (not common). While American dollars are green Canadian bank notes are brightly coloured and are therefore easy to distinguish from one another. You'll most often see the Queen of England, as ATMs here also distribute the $20 bill most often. Enjoy our colourful currency!

Canadian Coin Currency

Coin are minted for the following amounts: 1¢(Penny), 5¢(Nickel), 10¢(Dime), 25¢(Quarter), 50¢ (not common), $1(Loonie) and $2(Toonie) — Yes, we really do call our coins silly names. The "Loonie" is named after the bird on the coin. This is not a joke. The two dollar coin was minted afterward, and so people quickly began to call it the "Toonie".

Virtually all businesses in Whistler accept US dollars. (US dollars are accepted by many Canadian businesses, especially those located near the Canada / US border.) While exchange rates offered by Whistler businesses may vary most businesses exchange at the current rate suggested by Tourism Whistler.