Not Everything Qualifies For Rebate On Canada’s Gst
Q: Our friends recently came back from a spring ski trip in British Columbia, and they were confused in their attempt to get a GST rebate on their Canadian purchases. Before my family goes on our summer vacation to the Okanagan Valley, we’d like to know more about the tax rebate. - K.J-S., Post Falls.
A: Canada’s 7 percent Goods and Services Tax refund program can be confusing if travelers do not ask for a copy of the GST Refund pamphlet when they cross the international border.
The tax applies to most goods and services sold or provided in Canada. To qualify for a tax refund, visitors must spend $100 (Canadian) or more on qualifying goods and/or accommodations anywhere in Canada, and the original receipts must be presented at the time of rebate application. The key to successful application for a refund is understanding what qualifies. There are NO refunds for taxes paid on meals, beverages, tobacco products, transportation (air, train, bus or car rentals), auto fuel, entertainment, or rentals of campsites, tents, houseboats, trailers and RVs. Qualifying goods must be bought for use outside Canada.
The tax on accommodations only qualifies if the receipt shows the number of nights of lodging. Remember to ask for a sales receipt because credit card slips and photocopies of receipts are not accepted.
Travelers may apply in person for an immediate cash refund up to $500 (Canadian) at participating Canadian Duty Free Shops or by mail. The closest Visitor Rebate Center for your family’s proposed trip in south-central British Columbia is at Osoyoos.
INFORMATION SOURCES
Additional information is available by calling the Visitor Rebate Program in Ottawa, (613) 991-3346.
For more information on visitor services in the Okanagan Valley, call the Okanagan-Similkameen Tourist Association in Kelowna, (604) 860-5999.
Q: We would like to know more about any “Passion Plays” in the Inland Northwest. - R.P.H., Coeur d’Alene, Idaho.
A: “Passion Play” offers the greatest story to be told, the dramatic portrayal of the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Viewers are transported across the centuries and find themselves caught up in the events of first-century Palestine.
This inspiring production has a cast of hundreds of volunteers and takes place in an outdoor amphitheater to lend a more natural story-telling setting.
The Canadian Badlands Passion Play will be held July 1, 2, 3, 8, and 9 in Drumheller, Alberta. Visitors who have been to the Holy Land say Drumheller’s badlands setting is remarkably similar. The production staff has retained the natural ambience of the open-air amphitheater by not cluttering the setting with lighting and sound systems.
Don’t wait to book a reservation because last year’s performances were sold out well in advance. Admission is $15 for adults and $7.50 for children.
INFORMATION SOURCES:
For “Passion Play” reservations, call (403) 823-7750.
For lodging choices and other attractions in the Alberta badlands region, call the Drumheller Chamber of Commerce, (403) 823-2171 or the Big Country Tourist Association, (403) 823-5885.
Q: For the past 22 years, my family has met every year for a combined Thanksgiving-Christmas reunion at a resort for outdoor fun and fellowship. There are 52 of us, and we all live in parts of western Oregon and Washington, as well as Spokane. It is getting more difficult to find a centrally located place that can accommodate this many people. Do you know of any places that we have overlooked? - I.F., Spokane.
A: Discounting all the places you’ve already stayed, I would recommend Skamania Lodge in Stevenson, Wash., for the large size of your family reunion. The Cascadian-styled lodge has been designed to capitalize on the cultural, historical and recreational opportunities in the area. The lodge has a large indoor fitness center and outdoor sports areas. The dining room features Pacific Northwest cuisine. There are many room and suite designs to meet the needs of families.
Early winter recreation activities near the lodge include snowshoeing, nordic skiing and snowmobiling at several designated Sno-Parks in the Wind River Ranger District. The closest alpine ski resorts would be on Mount Hood, just across the Columbia River in Oregon.
INFORMATION SOURCES:
For group discounts and reservation information for Skamania Lodge, (800) 221-7117.
For Skamania County visitor information, (509) 427-8911.
Send your Northwest travel questions to: Travel Editor, Features Department, The Spokesman-Review, P.O. Box 2160, Spokane, WA 99210; or fax to 459-5098.
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