To See and Do In Vancouver
Vancouver is one of the few places in the world where you can play a round of golf at an internationally renowned golf course, go sailing or ski at one of the local mountains, all in one day. It is a truly unique and magical playground.
For more information on sights and adventures in and around Vancouver, please visit: www.tourismvancouver.com
Scenic Sights
Popular attractions include the Vancouver Aquarium Marine Science Centre where you can experience the BC Coast in wonderful detail. Walk across the famed Capilano Suspension Bridge or take the Skyride to the top of Grouse Mountain. Top off the excitement with a visit to Science World and its interactive exhibits or ride the glass walled elevator to see the spectacular 360-degree view from the Lookout at Harbour Centre.
Cultural Activities
Vancouver is home to some wonderful galleries and museums. Highlights include: the Vancouver Art Gallery showcasing modern and historical artists, the University Of British Columbia Museum Of Anthropology offering incredible First Nations art, the Vancouver Museum, and the Vancouver Maritime Museum, just minutes away from downtown.
Performing Arts
Vancouver offers everything from innovative comedy theatre and Broadway extravaganzas to Shakespeare on the beach, as well as brilliant performances by the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra, the Vancouver Opera and the Vancouver Cantata Singers.
City Of Neighbourhoods
Stroll the cobbled streets of historic Gastown or join a sightseeing tour of colourful Chinatown. Discover Vancouver’s many distinctive enclaves, from the Punjabi Market to trendy Yaletown with its designer shops, galleries and popular bistros.
Beautiful Beaches And Gardens
With miles of protected coastline, Vancouver offers an incredible variety of beaches, from right downtown at English Bay to Crescent Beach in White Rock. The city boasts an equally diverse selection of botanical gardens and parks, including Vancouver's treasured 1,000 acre/400 hectare Stanley Park.
Outdoor Adventure
Vancouver's year-round mild climate makes it easy to discover the great outdoors. You can ski the local mountains, dine on a glacier, cycle the seawall or stroll through a rainforest. Discover ancient natural forests or explore the beauty of the region by sea kayak. Vancouver also offers some of the most spectacular and challenging golf courses in Canada.
Sports
With the National Hockey League's Vancouver Canucks, the Canadian Football League's BC Lions, the Whitecaps Men’s and Women’s soccer teams, the Vancouver Canadian Single A Baseball Team, and the Vancouver Giants in the Western Hockey League, the sports action in Vancouver is non-stop.
Shopping
If designer brands are your thing, you'll love the endless rows of fashion boutiques found on Robson Street. The sidewalk cafes, specialty stores and coffee shops attract visitors and locals alike. Yaletown has converted its old industrial warehouses into trendy places to shop, eat and be seen. Besides the fabulously fresh food at the public market on Granville Island, this heritage area is home to many artisans who blow glass, weave intricate tapestries and throw clay. Gastown is a great place for those looking for First Nations craftworks. Thanks to Vancouver's ethnic diversity, you can find authentic goods from just about anywhere in the world as well as the traditional shopping delights of designer shops and malls.
Dining
Vancouver's multicultural population is reflected in its incredible variety and quality of cuisine, from West Coast traditional to Dim Sum. If you crave it, Vancouver's got it. Home to exquisite dining experiences, especially if you're into fresh seafood, fine French, Italian, Asian or Pacific Northwest. From very chic eateries to sunny patios, Vancouver has it all! For more information on Vancouver Restaurants, please see: www.dinehere.ca
Travel & Transportation
Travel Reminder: Due to the constantly changing nature of travel, we urge conference attendees to research their own travel requirements. Ensure Passports are up to date and visa requirements have been met. Please allow sufficient time in advance of the conference for processing of all documentation.
For further information on visa regulations and requirements, please see http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/applications/visa.asp
Airport Transportation
Taxi stands are located just outside the Vancouver Airport (YVR) exit doors in both the domestic and international terminal buildings. Watch for the green signs indicating taxi pick up location.
The average taxi cost from the airport to downtown Vancouver is about $25 to $30. Travel time is approximately 30 minutes. If you arrive at YVR between the rush-hour times of 7AM to 9AM or between 3PM to 6PM, the rate and travel times will be slightly higher (45 minutes, and approx $30 to $40).
The Canada Line Skytrain (public transit) departs every 12 minutes from the airport to downtown Vancouver. The current fare is $4-9 CAD per person and will take you to Vancouver City Centre Station, a few short blocks from the hotel. Depart the 'Georgia Street Exit' and head 2 blocks West. The trip takes 30 minutes and is recommended for guests with light luggage. Visit http://www.canadaline.ca for more information.
Pre & Post Travel
Conference attendees will have the opportunity to enhance their event experience by taking advantage of the incredible pre and post opportunities that British Columbia has to offer:
Whistler
Whistler, North America's #1 ski resort and co-host of the 2010 Winter Olympics, is a scenic 90-minute drive from Vancouver along the stunning Sea to Sky Highway. Along the way, there are excellent photo and hiking opportunities, including spectacular Shannon Falls and the stunning Squamish Chief rock face.
Once in Whistler, stroll through the European-style ski resort village with its cobblestone streets, enjoy a wide selection of restaurants and outdoor cafés, or take in year-round special events and street performers. Winter recreational activities include world famous skiing, snowboarding, snowmobiling and snowshoeing on Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains.
Victoria & Vancouver Island
Victoria, British Columbia’s capital city, is accessible from Vancouver by passenger/vehicle ferry, floatplane or helicopter. Spot Orca whales and sea lions en route as the ferry makes its way through the scenic Gulf Islands. In Victoria, experience the old English charm with a double-decker bus ride or traditional afternoon tea at The Fairmont Empress hotel. Other attractions include the Parliament Buildings and Butchart Gardens.
Just north of Victoria, there are wineries in Cowichan Valley, native totems in Duncan and art galleries in Chemainus. Continue to the West Coast of the island to Long Beach and the quaint fishing villages of Tofino and Ucluelet.
Alaska Cruise
Vancouver serves as the home port for the renowned thousand-mile Inside Passage cruise, offering some of the world’s most spectacular scenery. Passengers will be enthralled with the wondrous maze of forested islands, glacier-carved fjords and Southeast Alaska’s most popular, frontier friendly ports.
Okanagan Valley
Situated in central British Columbia, the Thompson-Okanagan region is one of the province’s most beautiful and best-kept secrets. With its green valleys, bountiful orchards, crystal clear lakes and mountain resorts, the area abounds with things to do and see year-round. From wine tasting tours to white-water rafting, golfing and sailing to skiing and snowboarding, the Okanagan Valley has it all.
Rocky Mountains
Whether you are looking for peace and solitude or outdoor adventure, head to the BC Rockies. Here, the landscape is as diverse as the views are spectacular. You’ll discover cool glaciers and natural hot springs, dense forests and wide open meadows. And there is plenty to do, everything from hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding to canoeing, kayaking and fishing.
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