Conference Information > Local Information

*** New Requirements for Travelers from the United States ***
Since January 1, 2007, EVERYONE traveling by AIR between the United States and Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean and Bermuda have been required to present a valid passport, air NEXUS card, or U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Document due to regulations set forth by the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative.

As of 1 June 2009, EVERYONE traveling between the United States and Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Bermuda by LAND, SEA (including cruises and ferries) or AIR will be required to present a valid passport or other documents as determined by the Department of Homeland Security to cross the border.

U.S. residents can access the following websites for passport and Visa information:

Passport: http://travel.state.gov/passport/passport_1738.html
Visa - http://travel.state.gov/visa/visa_1750.html

Customs & Duty Free
All persons entering Canada must fill out a declaration for Canada Customs. Each visitor over the age of 19 may import, duty free, a maximum of 40 ounces (1.1 litres) liquor or wine, or 288 ounces (8.5 litres) of beer or ale, up to 50 cigars, 200 cigarettes and 8 ounces (200 grams) of tobacco. Revolvers, pistols, and fully automatic firearms are prohibited entry into Canada. Non-restricted firearms (which must be declared) are a regular sporting rifle or a shotgun with a barrel over 470 mm (18.5 in.) with a maximum overall length of 660 mm (26 in.).

For more information see:
Canada Border Services Agency
www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/travel/menu-e.html
1.800.461.9999 - North America or 001.204.983.3500 - International

Currency Exchange
In all cities and towns, it is possible to convert between Canadian dollars and most major currencies at many banks. In addition, most retailers in Canada will accept US currency either at par or at slightly reduced value. All Canadian banks provide currency exchange at the daily market value. In some areas, private exchange bureaus will give better exchange rates and lower fees than banks, so if you have time during your travels to look one up. It might save you some money on the exchange both when you arrive and before you leave, because Canadian dollars may not be worth as much in your home country, particularly the coin.

Many businesses across Canada accept US Currency based on their own exchange rate for general purchases. Bills are taken with the exchange rate but coins are taken one to one (that means, CAN 1.00 = USD 1.00 in pennies, nickels, dimes, quarters, loonies and toonies only), almost all automatic vending machines will reject US coins. Check here for the current US/Canadian exchange rate: http://www.xe.com/ucc/

Language
English and French are the only two official languages in Canada. All communications and services provided from the federal government are available in both languages. Many Canadians are functionally monolingual, although some parts of the country have both English and French speakers. Over a quarter of Canadians are bilingual or multilingual. Vancouver, Toronto and Montreal are home to large Chinese migrant populations, and Cantonese is commonly spoken in the Chinatowns in these cities.

August Weather
Warmed by Pacific Ocean currents and protected by a range of mountains, Vancouver's weather is mild year-round. From high 70's Fahrenheit (low 20's Celsius) in summer to a mild mid 40's Fahrenheit (0º to 5º Celsius) in winter, the climate is always hospitable.

Attire
Dress in lightweight business or casual clothes and comfortable shoes when walking around the city. The convention center and hotels are air-conditioned, so be prepared with a lightweight jacket or sweater when attending sessions and meetings.

Time Zone
Vancouver, BC, is in the Pacific Standard Time (PST) Zone.

Airports and Airlines
If you're arriving by air, you'll most likely be flying into Vancouver International Airport (YVR). Located just 25 minutes from downtown, YVR is consistently rated one of the best airports in North America. There are more than a dozen international flights in and out of YVR every day, with 22 bound for the United States. For an estimate of how long it might take to fly to Vancouver, see the international flying times map here: map section.

Taxi Cab Fares to/from YVR Airport
Taxis charge a metered rate based on time and distance travelled, the approximate fare to downtown Vancouver is $23-$26 (inclusive of all taxes) under normal conditions. Standard 4-door sedan taxis can accommodate up to four or five passengers with baggage.

Pre-bookings of 4-door sedans, mini-vans or Wheelchair Accessible Taxis are not required; simply inform one of the BC Corps Commissionaires (stationed at the taxi queue area on the curb and roadway).

Taxis are readily available outside both the Domestic and International terminals. The following cab companies service the airport 24 hours a day, 7 days a week:

• Black Top Cabs
• Bonny's Taxi
• Coquitlam Taxi
• Delta Sunshine Taxi
• Guildford Cab 1993 Ltd.
• Kimber Cabs
• MacLures Cabs
• Newton-Whalley Taxi
• North Shore Taxi
• Richmond Cabs
• Royal City Taxi
• Sunshine Cabs
• Surdell-Kennedy Taxi
• Vancouver Taxi
• White Rock/South Surrey Taxi
• Yellow Cabs

Public Transportation
Vancouver's public transit is run by the regional transportation authority, TransLink as an integrated system of buses, rapid transit (SkyTrain) and passenger ferry (SeaBus) . The transit system connects Vancouver with its neighboring municipalities, stretching as far north as Lions Bay, south to the U.S. border and east to Langley and Maple Ridge.

Adult fares for travel within the city of Vancouver cost $2.50. Travel from Vancouver to nearby places like North Vancouver, Burnaby and Richmond costs a little bit more -- $3.75 to $5.00 -- depending on the time of day and number of transit zones you cross. Travel on weekends and weekdays after 6:30PM is always $2.50 regardless of the destination. The ticket you receive is valid for 1.5 hours from the time of purchase and can be used to transfer to any bus, SkyTrain or the SeaBus during that time. TransLink's website and customer information line (604-953-3333) both offer complete trip planning. A regional system map is widely available at convenience stores and on TransLink's website. http://www.translink.ca/

A more convenient option for the traveller may be the Daypass, which offers unlimited travel for a single day at the cost of $9.00. It is available from fare machines at SkyTrain stations. Books of 10 prepaid tickets (FareSaver tickets) are available at a discount from many convenience stores. Concession fares are available for Vancouver grade-school students and BC seniors and cost between $1.75 and $3.50. If you're a student or a senior you must be carrying a TransLink GoCard or BC Gold CareCard to receive the reduced concession fare. Monthly passes are also available, which can cost $73-$136, depending on how many zones they cover.

The bus service covers the widest area and travels along most major streets in the city. Passengers must either buy a ticket or present their ticket immediately upon entering a TransLink bus. Buses accept coins only and will not give change. Tickets can also be purchased from vending machines in SkyTrain stations that accept coins, bills, debit and credit cards. In addition, several bus rapid transit lines named B Lines crisscross the city.