Canadian Currency Exchange Rates

Great Currency Exchange Rates for the American Dollar*

We can't guarantee that these rates will last, but for the past few months, the US - Canadian exchange rate has been smoking hot for Americans travelling to Canada (and Whistler!). It's just an added bonus for you when you choose your vacation in Whistler. Lately, the currency exchange rate is floating around $1.00 USD = $1.30 CAD. That's great news for American visitors to Whistler (and Canada). Feel free to use the currency exchange converter below to see the current exchange rate.

They won't always be this favourable! Visit now, while the exchange is great. 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 Evolution Whistler 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. It's a good idea to find out before you travel, but often, making purchases with your credit card offers the best exchange rate.

You can use your credit or debit card to make purchases at Evolution (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 ATMs.

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. 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 "Goods and Services Tax" is similar to the VAT in Europe and is a tax that is paid by manufacturers in the United States (as used to be the case in Canada.) As such, it is still there in the United States, but "hidden" from consumers within the cost of the goods sold.

By saving your receipts, you can very easily get your sales taxes refunded. 

Tipping in Whistler

Tipping is different everywhere you go! In Whistler, tips or service charges are not typically added to your bill for services.

Unlike in many parts of the United States where the tip is often added to the total bill, in Whistler, we usually tip the sup-total, before taxes. A tip of between 15% and 20% is adequate and appreciated for waiters, waitresses, barbers and hairdressers, taxi drivers, etc.

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

* page posted Feb. 11, 2015 (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. Yes, that's the Queen on the $20. Just as in most US ATM machines, the most common denomination in the ATMs is the $20.

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 call our one dollar coin the "Loonie" — named after the bird on the coin. And, since the $2 coin came out after the one dollar coin, people quickly started calling this one the "Toonie" You will hear this often.

Just as is the case nearly everywhere in the world, 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. You should do your research before you leave to decide how you will get the best deal on your currency exchange. Knowing in advance will help a lot when making purchasing decisions once you arrive.