Vancouver - The City


Vancouver is a modern city on the shores of the Pacific Ocean with spectacular scenery - a natural harbor, majestic mountains, sandy beaches and a sparkling ocean that set the mood for a relaxed lifestyle. Friendly, outgoing people are ready to greet you with a warm, west coast welcome.

The city lies between the mountains to the North and the delta of the mighty Fraser River to the South. There is a distinct cosmopolitan flavor to the city. Western and Eastern cultures, together with the intriguing west coast native culture have found a home in Vancouver. Shop for exquisite carvings, masks and prints. View its unique parks with haunting totem poles, plazas and beautiful buildings that graciously remind us of the city's heritage.

Enjoy world-class dining from rich French cuisine to sumptuous Chinese cooking. Try the spicy surprises from Indonesia, the smoky morsels of Native Indian cooking and the delicate elegance of Japanese sushi. Seafood is the local delicacy, fresh from the ocean and cooked for you in many imaginative ways.

So Much To See and Do


Downtown Vancouver is exciting for visitors with Gastown, a restored area where the city began; Chinatown, the second largest one in North America; Stanley Park, a magnificent setting of 1000 acres of lush forest surrounded by the sea with its world famous Aquarium; Robson Street, a delightful shopping section with a rich European flavour; Granville Island, with its large market and specialty restaurants; The Vancouver Museum, Art Gallery, The Orpheum, Queen Elizabeth Theatre and the impressive new city library. Visit the University of British Columbia with its unique Museum of Anthropology and Nitobe Gardens and the Simon Fraser University, designed by Arthur Erickson, Canada's most prestigious architect.

Getting to Vancouver - by air


The modern and newly completed Vancouver International Airport is 16km/11 miles from downtown. An efficient Airporter service, at a cost of approximately $12.00 each way, transports you from the airport to the many downtown hotels. Also many Vancouver area hotels offer complimentary shuttle service. Taxi fares from the airport to downtown are approximately $28.00 CDN. Private limousine service is also available and can be arranged upon your arrival at Vancouver International Airport.

Vancouver International Airport is in the process of expanding and a "user" fee is levied to all individuals upon their departure through the airport. Individuals are charged a $10.00 CDN fee for Domestic flights (within Canada) and a $15.00 CDN fee for International flights (USA, Europe, etc.). There are several booths located throughout the airport and a voucher can be purchased in advance of your flight or you may pay at the gate as you depart Vancouver.

Getting to Vancouver - by car from Seattle

Driving from Seattle takes approximately 3 hours. Border crossings generally only take 10-15 minutes, but during peak times (weekends) can sometimes take up to 1 hour. Please obtain appropriate visas prior to your departure.

Car Rentals - All major companies offer daily, weekly and monthly car rentals from offices in Vancouver International Airport and in downtown Vancouver.

Metric Reminder: Canada's highways and roads are measured in kilometers; highway speeds are measured in kilometers per hour, gas is purchased in litres. When renting a vehicle the rental agency will supply you with a conversion table.

Public Transit


A modern public transit system reaches every point in the city. Buses serve Vancouver and its suburbs and the SkyTrain (a light rapid transit train) connects the downtown area to the outlying areas. The SeaBus, an extension of the SkyTrain, travels across the harbour (between downtown and the North Shore), a 10 minute cruise that is a sightseeing delight.

All-day passes allowing unlimited travel may be purchased. Tickets and transfers are dispensed by drivers on buses (correct change only), by machines at SkyTrain stations and SeaBus terminals, and at corner store ticket outlets located throughout the city. Daily or weekly transit passes may be purchased. Additional transit information is available at http://www.translink.bc.ca/ and will also be available at the conference registration and information desk.

Passports and Visas

United States Visitors:
Participants are strongly advised to determine their individual requirements. A little planning and proper documentation will ensure a minimum of formality when entering Canada. In general, United States citizens and permanent residents need only to carry a birth or baptismal certificate, and either a voter's registration card or current U.S. driver's license. Naturalized citizens should be able to produce documents proving citizenship, such as a green card, and permanent alien residents should carry their immigration documents.

Citizens from Countries Other than the United States:
Visitors must have a valid passport and, from some countries, a visa is required. Persons who wish to enter the U.S.A. from Canada should make proper arrangements before leaving their home country. For more information please consult the nearest Canadian Embassy, High Commission, Consulate or Agent at least four to six months before the Conference.

Banking

There are several banks in close proximity to the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver. General banking hours are Monday - Friday 09:00-17:00, but may vary at different banks. Many branches have automatic teller machines which can be accessed by account holders 24 hours a day.

Credit Cards

All major credit cards are accepted in most hotels, stores and restaurants.

Taxes

British Columbia has both a Provincial Sales Tax (PST) of 7% and a Federal Goods and Services Tax (GST) of 5%. These taxes will apply to items purchased, meals in restaurants, services rendered, tourist activities, etc. Visitors residing outside of Canada are eligible for a rebate of GST paid while they were in Canada. Full details and rebate forms are available at government agencies (border crossings, post office). The rebate does not apply to all items - details are described in the rebate form.

Currency Exchange

The monetary system in Canada is based on Canadian dollars and cents. International currency exchange services are available at the Vancouver International Airport, downtown banks and currency exchange outlets located throughout the city. Most hotels will also offer currency exchange services.

Health Insurance

Visitors are not covered by Canadian health insurance plans. It is, therefore, recommended that participants arrange their own personal health and accident insurance.

Official Invitation

An official letter of invitation can be obtained by any participant by going to the "Official Letter of Invitation" page of this website. Participants can create their own letter by following the instructions on that page. However, this invitation implies no obligation, financial or otherwise, by the Conference.

Electrical Currents

The electrical current in Canada is 110 volts 60 hz.

Insurance

The organizing committee will accept no liability for personal injuries sustained by or for loss or damage to property belonging to Conference participants, either during or as a result of the Conference or during all tours and events.

Registration fees do not include insurance of any kind. It is strongly recommended that at the time you register for the Conference and book your travel you take out an insurance policy of your choice. The policy should include loss of fees/deposit through cancellation of your participation in the Conference, loss of international/domestic air fares through cancellation for any reason, loss of tour monies through cancellation for any reason including airline or related services strikes within Canada, failure to utilize tours or pre booked arrangements due to airline delay, Force Majeure or any other reason, medical expenses, loss or damage to personal property, additional expenses and repatriation should travel arrangements have to be altered. Venue West cannot take any responsibility for any participant failing to arrange their own insurance. This insurance is to be purchased in your country of origin.

Certificate of Attendance

Certificates of attendance will be provided for all participants upon request.