Travel advice

Image: Garry Donaldson

Below, we share 1) information about travelling to Canada, including what to expect at the airport, and through the customs process and 2) information about Sackville in particular, including safety considerations, food options and parking.

Travelling to Canada

Travel Insurance

We recommend purchasing travel insurance before your visit. Although it is not mandatory to enter Canada, accidents happen and medical costs can be high depending on the severity.

Documents

The essential document for entering Canada is a valid passport, along an entry visa or an electronic travel authorization (eTA), which must be valid at the time of travel. Also, have the Invitation Letter sent by the WHSG organizing committee and a copy of the conference registration (the copy sent to your email by Eventbrite is sufficient). Keep digital copies of your documents on your cell phone or computer if possible.

Baggage

Check the size and weight of checked and carry-on luggage with the airline. Usually, one piece of 23 kg checked baggage, one carry-on, and one personal item are allowed at no additional cost. However, we recommend checking the airline's policies and your ticket.

It is advisable to bring appropriate clothing and footwear, an extra change of clothes in your carry-on luggage, and personal hygiene items if it is a long flight. Note that some items are restricted by type of luggage; check the list for examples of commonly restricted items, and confirm with your airline and Canadian customs:

Carry-on Baggage

- Liquids over 100 ml: All liquids, gels, and aerosols must be in containers of 100 ml or less and must fit in a one-liter clear plastic bag.

- Sharp objects: Knives, scissors (with blades over 6 cm), razors, and other sharp objects.

- Weapons and explosives: Firearms, ammunition, fireworks, rockets, and other explosive materials.

- Tools: Hammers, saws, screwdrivers, and other potentially dangerous tools.

- Flammable substances: Gasoline, solvents, butane lighters, and other flammable liquids.

Checked Baggage

- Explosives and flammable substances: Ammunition, gunpowder, fireworks, butane gas, flammable liquids.

- Chemical and toxic products: Bleach, mercury, pesticides, acids, corrosive substances.

- Uninstalled lithium batteries: Loose large lithium batteries, such as those used in some large electronic equipment.

- Firearms: Although some firearms may be transported under strict regulations, many are prohibited without the proper permits.

- Perishable products: Some agricultural products, such as fruits, vegetables, plants, and seeds, are prohibited due to quarantine regulations.

Customs Restrictions

- Food products: Meat, dairy, fresh fruits, and vegetables.

- Animals and animal products: Some animal products may be restricted or prohibited.

- Medications: Prescription medications must be in their original containers and accompanied by a medical prescription.

- Counterfeit or pirated products: Clothing, accessories, technology, or any item that infringes intellectual property rights.

-If you are unsure if you need to declare your item, declare it to confirm the acceptance with the entry officials.

Other Prohibited Items

- Illegal substances: Drugs and narcotics.

- Obscene material: Pornographic material or items that violate local morality laws.

- Electronic cigarettes and vaping products: Some vaping products may be restricted or prohibited.

To ensure you are not carrying any prohibited items, it is advisable to check the specific regulations of the airline you are traveling with and the customs rules of Canada. If you are considering bringing liquor or tobacco products, the allowed quantities can be verified here. If you wish to purchase duty-free items, especially liquids over 100 ml, it is advisable to do so only if you do not need to leave the airport security zone during subsequent stops (after customs and immigration). Otherwise, you must place your items in checked baggage at subsequent stops after the initial flight segment or dispose of them if not.

At the Airport

For international flights, it is advisable to be present at least 3 hours before the flight, even 4 in some countries/airports with high traffic. This ensures extra free time in case of unforeseen events. We recommend bringing a reusable water bottle, some extra clothing, especially a jacket, and personal hygiene items in your carry-on luggage.

We recommend checking with the airline the final destination of your checked baggage. If the baggage arrives directly at the final destination airport (e.g., Moncton or Halifax), you will not have access to it until you reach your final destination. In many cases, you will need to collect your baggage upon arrival at the entry airport in Canada (usually Montreal or Toronto), then re-check the baggage before taking your next flight to Moncton or Halifax. If you need to re-check your baggage and the stop at the connecting airport is less than 3 hours, we recommend carrying only carry-on baggage and your personal item. Check the dimensions of the carry-on luggage with your airline and consult about the conditions of your baggage.

Arriving in Canada

Upon disembarking, you must go through immigration and declare the goods you are bringing with you. To do this, you can download the ArriveCAN application, where you can fill out your customs declaration digitally. Another option is to use the self-service kiosks, where you will need to scan your passport and fill in the required data - note that depending on the volume of passengers on the flight or concurrent flights, this process may take much longer than the virtual option using ArriveCAN. Both Montreal and Toronto airports have free WiFi access, which facilitates access to the application, but we recommend downloading the app before the trip.

After obtaining the copy of the declaration receipt, you must go to the immigration kiosk, where an officer will evaluate your entry and the items you have declared. At this point, you must have all identification documents, your visa application supports (if applicable), the invitation letter to the meeting and/or scholarship, the virtual copy of your return flight ticket, your accommodation reservation (when applicable), and your meeting registration ticket. Each application is evaluated individually, and it is your responsibility to carry the documentation that may be required by the immigration officer. Additionally, you may be asked about the duration of your stay, your destination, and the purpose of your visit. The duration of your stay will be determined by the entry and exit dates of your flights, the address of the event is 63B York St, Sackville, New Brunswick, Canada. E4L 1G7, where Mount Allison University is located. The reason is your participation in the conference. Your status is a participant, even if you are a committee member or will be helping with some logistics (you are not a volunteer; this can confuse the reason for your entry to Canada). After this, you can recover your luggage, if instructed, and proceed to the connection area for your flight to Moncton.

The organizing committee is not responsible for any possible complications or unforeseen events that may occur during the trip. Following the recommendations in this manual will minimize the likelihood of such occurrences and ensure you can successfully attend the conference. We urge you to review the official information or contact your airline for any additional information about your flight.

We are very excited to welcome you and look forward to seeing you soon.

Sincerely,

The organizing committee of the 10th WHSG

Guide to Sackville

Updated August 5th, 2024

We have prepared a guide to help you navigate Sackville, the city hosting our upcoming conference.

We recommend you download the PDF with the information in SPANISH and ENGLISH

Inside, you'll find essential information on power considerations, safety tips, nearby hospitals and pharmacies, getting around town, parking options, currency matters, and local dining spots. Make sure to read through this guide carefully to ensure a smooth and enjoyable visit to Sackville!

  1. Power

  2. Safety Considerations

  3. Hospitals and Pharmacies

  4. Getting Around Sackville

  5. Parking

  6. Currency

  7. Food in Sackville

    Power

Canada operates with 120V voltage, and a type A /B plug. If you are coming from outside of North America, you may need a plug adaptor and/or voltage converter. These are likely unavailable in Sackville (but check the Dollar Store), so come prepared.

Safety Considerations

Emergencies

If you are experiencing an emergency (i.e. fire, medical emergency, or criminal), call 911. Note that in rural areas, it can take some time for emergency personnel to arrive.

Sackville, and the Maritimes in general, is generally a very safe place. Simple precautions, such as locking your vehicle doors and not leaving valuables or bags inside your car unattended, are effective at deterring thefts from vehicles. Violent crime is very infrequent.

If you need to contact police in a non-emergency situation, the phone number for the local RCMP detachment is (506) 364-5023 and the station is at 31 Main Street. 


Wildlife

There are bears, moose, coyotes and ticks in the region. The chances of having an encounter with any of these animals is low, but it is best to be prepared if you are going hiking or otherwise spending time in areas where they are found.

Bear, Moose and Coyotes- Black Bears, moose and coyotes are fairly common in the forests of New Brunswick and Nova Scotia, but are generally quite afraid of humans. The best way to avoid a negative experience with these animals is to prevent an encounter, by making noise while in wooded areas. If you see any of these animals, do not run. Speak calmly to make your presence known, and slowly back away. 

Ticks and Lyme Disease- There are multiple species of ticks in Atlantic Canada, including black-legged ticks, which can carry Lyme disease. There are hotspots in the region, such as in Southwest Nova Scotia, and Pictou County, but they can also be found around Sackville. 

If you are going somewhere with long grass or vegetation, prevent ticks by wearing long pants, tucked into socks. Light coloured clothing will help you spot ticks more easily. You can use a Deet or Icaradin based insect repellent to help avoid ticks. Carefully check for ticks, and remove them ASAP. 

Note: Driving

Please be very careful when driving, especially at night. You may encounter deer, moose, bears and other wildlife on the roads, including on major highways. Be alert, and slow down in areas of low visibility.


Hospitals and Pharmacies

In the event of a medical emergency, call 911 for an ambulance.

Sackville has a hospital (8 Main Street, Sackville, NB) with an emergency room, that is in theory open from 8:00-16:00. In reality, the emergency room is often closed and the Cumberland Regional Health Care Centre in Nova Scotia (19428 NS Highway 2, Amherst, NS) is a better option for an emergency room. Note that wait times can be very long (i.e. 10 hours), so come prepared with a phone charger, snacks and something to keep yourself entertained. 

There are two pharmacies in Sackville: Jean Coutu and the Guardian. Both are located downtown, at the traffic lights. You can find an assortment of medications and first aid supplies here, along with toiletries, food and more. Pharmacists may be able to provide some advice for minor ailments. 

To avoid any complications, please bring enough prescription medications with you to last for your stay in Canada.


Getting around Sackville

There is no public transportation in Sackville, but it is possible to walk almost everywhere in town within 30 minutes.

Taxis are available:

Sackville Cab (506-364-8000) or Squire’s Cab (506-536-3118).

You can find an interactive map of the Mount Allison University campus here, and a printable map at the end of this document. 

Parking

You are able to access free, overnight parking during the conference. Your best option will be at the King Street Parking Lot, which is close to the residences, meal hall and conference buildings. If you are looking for locations to park during the day, there are various lots around Mount Allison University (see the campus map), or you can park on the street. Keep an eye out for signs about street parking, as there are often 2 hour time limits.

Currency

Most businesses in Sackville take cash, debit and credit cards. There are two banks downtown, Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) and Scotia Bank (SB). There are three other ATMs: a Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CIBC) machine in the Jean Coutu drug store downtown, a Toronto Dominion (TD) bank machine in the student centre on campus, and an RBC machine at the Irving gas station by the highway. All of these are major Canadian Banks that have Interac and can accept most international debit cards.

Cash or Credit Card (VISA) will be required for the silent auction. Cash will be required for the conference t-shirts. There will be an Artists Pop-up Shop during the conference, payment will likely be cash (but some vendors may be able to take credit card).


Food in Sackville

Water

Most tap water in Sackville is potable. Signs will be posted anywhere that tap water is not safe to drink. There are also many water fountains and filter stations, like the one in the photo below, to refill water bottles on the Mount Allison campus.

Groceries

There are two grocery stores in Sackville, which are within a 10-15 minute walk of the university residences- Rose’s Independent (75 Main Street) or Foodland (11 Wright Street). Note that they close at 20:00 or 21:00 every day, and have more limited hours on Sundays (10:00-18:00).

  

Cafes and Restaurants

There are a number of cafes and restaurants in Sackville, either by the highway or located downtown. Cranewood, Aida’s, the Cackling Goose and Café Tintamarre all offer coffee, baked goods and various food choices. Patterson’s and Painted Pony offer North American dishes, and you can find pizza at Jack’s Pizza or Goya’s (which also offers Lebanese dishes). Song’s Chopsticks and Oh Chicken have Korean Food, and Fener’s Place has Kurdish dishes. Ducks Aren’t Real offers cocktails and dishes made with locally sourced ingredients. Lastly, you can find fast food near the highway, including McDonalds, Tim Hortons, Subway and Burger King.

If you are looking for a drink, Bagtown Brewery and Ducky’s both have patios and an assortment of drinks. For an experience with locals, there’s also the Legion or Uncle Larry’s.

Check the hours of the restaurants before going, as they are not always open every day.