General Information

We are looking forward to seeing you in St. John's - Newfoundland and Labrador for the Canadian Hydrographic Conference!

We invite you to visit this website regularly, as more information becomes available.

In the meantime, here are some tips & tools to better prepare your stay in St. John's - Newfoundland and Labrador:

Venue

Phone: +1 (709) 758-1111 ext. 403

Website: https://sjcc.ca/ 

Language

French and English are Canada's two official languages. English is the predominant language in St. John's - Newfoundland and Labrador.

Wordly - Simultaneous translation

Simultaneous translation is available from Tuesday to Thursday. Instructions can be found at the entrance to the presentation rooms. Please bring your own earphones.

Visa & Letter of Invitation

Some participants may require a visa to enter Canada. For more information click here.

Upon request, the secretariat of the Canadian Hydrographic Conference will send an invitation letter. This letter is meant only to verify the name, dates, location, and purpose of the conference to obtain a visa or travel funds. This letter is in no way a commitment to the participant on the part of the organizing committee.

Insurance

The Conference Secretariat and organizers cannot be held liable for personal accidents, loss of or damage to private property of the conference participants and accompanying persons, either during, or directly arising from the Canadian Hydrographic Conference. Participants should make their own arrangements for health and travel insurance.

Visitors are not covered by Canadian health insurance plans. Check with your personal medical plan before leaving your home country to ensure you have adequate travel insurance.

Clothing & Weather

The dress code for the conference is informal for all occasions.

Eastern Newfoundland has a moderate four-season climate.  The cold Labrador Current and the warm waters of the Gulf Stream meet on the Grand Banks in the North Atlantic just off the coast of Newfoundland.  With the location in the middle of the North Atlantic one can experience changes in weather in a short period of time.  In fact, locals will tell you that if you don’t like the weather, just “wait five minutes, it will change”. Surprising to many is the fact that St. John’s has the third most temperate climate of all cities in Canada (behind Victoria and Vancouver).

St. John’s and the Eastern region enjoy a temperate marine climate with few extremes in temperature.

Temperatures in late May are generally 10-15 °C (day) and 5 °C (night). 

Travel Information – Getting Here

By Plane

When you travel to Newfoundland and Labrador by air, you can reach all areas of the province. Convenient schedules and flight times help you make your travel plans to suit your interests.  Wherever you start your journey, there’s a wide variety of international and connector airlines from which to choose… Air Canada, WestJet, Porter Airlines, Sunwing, Swoop, Lynx Air, Provincial Airlines and Air Saint Pierre provide seamless travel to and within the province.

There are four airports on the island: St. John’s (YYT), Gander (YQX), Deer Lake (YDF), and St. Anthony (YAY). St. John’s (YYT) is the main international hub for Newfoundland and Labrador and receives flights from Alberta, Ontario, Québec, and Nova Scotia.

Gate-to-Gate Approximate Travel Times by Air:

Halifax – St. John’s 1.5 hrs (direct flights only)
Montreal – St. John’s 2.5 hrs (direct flights available)
Ottawa – St. John’s 2.5 hrs (direct flights available)
Toronto – St. John’s 3 hrs (direct flights available)
Calgary – St. John’s 7.5 hrs (one stop flights available)
Vancouver – St. John’s 9 hrs (one stop flights available)
Florida – St. John’s 5.5 hrs (direct flights available)
Houston – St. John’s 6.5 hrs (one stop flights available)

The St. John’s International Airport is only 10 minutes (less than 10km) from downtown and all major accommodations and convention facilities.

Travellers are encouraged to check with individual airline services for the most up-to-date information prior to and during travel.

Airlines

Air Canada (www.aircanada.com)
Reservations: +1 888 247 2262
Information: +1 888 422 7533

Porter Airlines (www.flyporter.com)
Reservations: +1 888 619 8622

WestJet (www.westjet.com)
Reservations: +1 888 937 8538 (+1 888 WESTJET)

By Ferry / Car

Located at the most easterly edge of North America, Newfoundland and Labrador makes a great road-trip destination. Most car travellers access the province by Marine Atlantic ferries, which operate between Nova Scotia and the island of Newfoundland. These modern vessels carry thousands of vehicles and passengers to the island every year.

There is year-round service between North Sydney, Nova Scotia and Port aux Basques, in southwestern Newfoundland. Most days have two sailings – morning and evening – and the crossing takes six to eight hours, depending on weather.

From June to September there is also service between North Sydney, Nova Scotia and Argentia, on the Avalon Peninsula, a 90-minute drive from the capital city of St. John's. This longer trip, about 15 hours, runs three times a week.

By Bus

Newfoundland and Labrador has a well-maintained highway system and charter motor coach service is available to centres throughout the island. The City of St. John’s has a bus system operated by the St. John’s Transit Authority which also offers bus charter services.

For group shuttles, Metrobus offers 50-passenger buses with a minimum one hour charge. Motorcoaches are also available for varying capacities (Rates vary).

Car Rental

The province is serviced by all of the national car rental agencies and the car sharing platform, Turo. Rent a car or drive your own. From Port aux Basques on Newfoundland’s west coast, the Trans Canada Highway links the island to St. John’s, a distance of 905 km (565 miles). St. John’s is Mile Zero.  Don’t forget to get your picture taken where Canada begins! From Argentia, the terminus of the Marine Atlantic ferry on the east coast, Route 100 connects with the Trans Canada Highway 134 km (78 miles) west of the capital city.  All around Eastern Newfoundland are well-marked themed touring routes like the Irish Loop, the Cape Shore, the Baccalieu Trail, the Discovery Trail, the Heritage Run, the Admirals’ Coast and the Killick Coast. These scenic tours are well worth the drive as you pass through colourful outports along the edge of the sea.

Many visitors are surprised by the size of the province. Geographically speaking it is an 11 hour drive from Port aux Basques to St. John’s.

Taxis

City Wide Taxi
Tel.: +1 (709) 722-7777 
Website: www.citywidetaxi.ca

Currency, Banking, ATM & Credit Cards

The currency is the Canadian dollar (CAD).

Foreign currencies can be exchanged at banks and at foreign currency exchange offices either at the Airport or at other locations throughout the city.

Bank debit or credit cards are the most convenient means of getting cash at the many Automatic Teller Machines (ATMs). ATMs are spread throughout the city and accept cards with the Interac, Plus, and Cirrus networks. Most are in operation 24 hours a day/7 days a week.

Most businesses accept U.S. currency and traveler’s cheque, as well as major credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, and American Express).

Sales Taxes

There is a 5% Goods and Services Tax (GST) in effect in Canada and a Provincial Sales Tax (PST) of 10% in the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador, for a combined tax rate of 15%. These taxes are applicable to most items and are not refundable.

Electricity

The electrical current is the same as in the United States: 110 volts AC at 60Hz. Adapters are required for electrical devices from other countries.

Time Zone

St. John's - Newfoundland and Labrador is in the Newfoundland Daylight Time (NDT). Time Zone UTC/GMT -2:30 hours. Newfoundland Daylight Time (NDT) is in effect from March to November.

Cannabis

On October 17, 2018, the Cannabis Act and a number of supporting regulations and ministerial orders came into force, legalizing and strictly regulating the sale, possession and production of cannabis in Canada.

Entering Canada

Cannabis is now legal in Canada. However, the legalization of cannabis in Canada does not change Canada’s border rules. Taking cannabis or any product containing cannabis into Canada is illegal and can result in serious criminal penalties both at home and abroad.

Leaving Canada

if you’re planning a visit south of the border, you should know that having cannabis in your possession is prohibited by law in the United States. And while several states have legalized cannabis, the product remains a controlled substance under federal law. So, be sure your bags and vehicle don’t contain cannabis in any form before heading off. The same applies if you take a plane.