CLIMATE
Swift Current’s climate, with a yearly average of 2,374 hours of sunshine, ranks as one of the best overall in the country. A survey of 100 cities by Environment Canada shows Swift Current has the third most sunshine, the fifth clearest skies and the least smoke and haze in the country.
For the current temperature in Swift Current, visit Environment Canada’s Weather. For long term averages, the Weather Network provides excellent information on our climate.
HEALTH & MEDICAL
Canadian hospitals and medical services are among the world’s best. Saskatchewan hospitals will not refuse treatment to those requiring care, but to ensure coverage, visitors to Canada should obtain travel health insurance before leaving home.
The Cypress Regional Hospital offers emergency care at 2004 Saskatchewan Drive, 306-778-9400.
Emergency care in Swift Current
Dial ‘911’ for emergency service, including situations where an ambulance is needed.
For non-emergency care or for minor medical emergencies, medical clinics will accept limited walk-in patients. Check the Yellow Pages in the phone book under ‘Physicians and Surgeons.’
CURRENCY & BANKING
Canada’s money system is based on dollars and cents. Most businesses will accept US dollars and major credit cards for payment. Visitors are encouraged to exchange their currency into Canadian dollars at chartered banks and credit unions.
SALES TAXES
The Saskatchewan Provincial Sales Tax is six per cent. The Federal Goods and Services Tax (GST) is five per cent.
TIME ZONE
Saskatchewan is in the Central Standard Time Zone, however, Saskatchewan does not convert to Daylight Savings Time.
LIQUOR & GAMING
Liquor, wine and beer may be purchased through Saskatchewan liquor stores and licensed outlets. The legal minimum age to purchase liquor or participate in games of chance in Saskatchewan is 19.
PARKS & FEES
“Take only pictures, leave only footprints.” It is illegal to remove any vegetation, flowers or rocks from parks. Animals in national and provincial parks and other areas are wild and therefore dangerous. It is also illegal to approach, harass or feed wild animals and birds in any provincial or national park.
Park passes are available on a daily or annual basis. For fees in national parks, visit Parks Canada. For provincial parks, visit Saskatchewan Parks, Culture & Sport , and for regional parks, visit Saskatchewan Regional Parks.
FIREARMS, HUNTING & FISHING LICENCES
Canada has strict laws on the possession and use of firearms. Handguns and automatic weapons are prohibited. Visit Canada Border Services Agency for information on bringing firearms into Canada.
Saskatchewan Environment Ministry administers hunting, fishing and trapping licences within Saskatchewan. Licensing requirements vary for Saskatchewan residents, Canadian residents, and non-Canadian residents. For more information, call 1-800-567-4224.
TELEPHONES
To dial within the local calling area, use the area code, followed by the 7 digit local number:
Area Code (3 digits) + Local Number (7 digits).
Saskatchewan has two area codes: 306 and 639.
Provincial Dialling Procedures:
To dial within Canada:
Dial 1 + Area Code (3 digits) + Local Number (7 digits).
International Dialling Procedures:
To dial overseas: Dial 011 + Country Code (1-5 digits) + Routing Code (1-5 digits) + Local Number (2-9 digits). Country and Routing Codes can be found in the long distance services area near the front of the telephone book , or the operator (dial 0) will also be able to supply them.
POSTAL RATES & CODES
To mail a letter through Canada Post, visitors must use Canadian stamps.
Visit Canada Post for current rates.
All mail sent within Canada must include the postal code for each address. Postal outlets will have postal code directories.
METRIC SYSTEM
Canada uses the metric system for weights, measures and distances.
Converting between metric and imperial:
Distance
1 Kilometre(km) = 5/8 mile
Driving Speed
50 km/h = 30 mph
100 km/h = 60 mph
Weight
1 kilogram(kg) = 2.2 lb.
500 grams(g) = 1.1 lb.
Liquid Measures
In Canada, fuel and most other liquids are sold in litres
1 litre = 0.26 US gallons, or approximately 1 quart.
CANADIAN HOLIDAYS
2023
New Year’s Day – January 1
Family Day – February 20
Good Friday – April 7
Easter Sunday – April 9
Victoria Day – May 22
Canada Day – July 1
Civic Holiday – August 7
Labour Day – September 4
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation – September 30
Thanksgiving Day – October 9
Remembrance Day – November 11
Christmas Day – December 25
Boxing Day – December 26
