Nestled between the Pacific Ocean and the Coast Mountains, Vancouver, British Columbia is a friendly cosmopolitan city perched on nature’s edge. Ranked as one of the world's most livable cities, Vancouver is home to two million inhabitants who enjoy a mild climate, breathtaking scenery, and a wealth of recreational activities. This urban rain forest is both a sophisticated metropolis and a boundless outdoor playground with an adventure for any appetite.
Vancouver’s flourishing multi-cultural restaurant scene is attracting global attention for innovation, quality and incredible value, not to mention the burgeoning success of BC wines. Vancouver’s culinary reputation ranks among gastronomic giants like New York, London and Tokyo, with good reason. International tastes are close to home without the price, or the attitude - a necktie is rarely compulsory. Asian diversity remains the city’s biggest strength, but the Pacific Rim influence is seen in all styles of cooking including French, Continental, Italian and Indian menus.
The adage of being able to golf, sail and ski in the same day is true; it can and has been done. Due to the unique mixture of ocean, mountains, rivers and plains combined with one of the mildest climates in Canada, the recreation possibilities are virtually endless: from glacier picnics to flying into remote lakes for freshwater fishing!
For more information on Vancouver, we invite you to visit Tourism Vancouver website Link to Tourism Vancouver (http://www.tourismvancouver.com/visitors/)
Getting There: Air, Train, Car
Sheraton Vancouver Wall Center
1088 Burrard Street
Vancouver BC
The Sheraton Wall Centre is located approximately 25 minutes from Vancouver International Airport (YVR). The Sheraton Wall Centre can be reached from YVR by car, taxi or public transportation.
Ground Transportation
The airport is 15 kilometers (9 miles) from The Sheraton Wall Centre and the journey time is approximately 25-30 minutes.
By Public Transportation:
Translink
The fare is $8.75 CAD and tickets can be purchased at automated ticketing machines at the Canada Line station. Payment is accepted in coins, bills. Debit and credit cards are accepted by most machines.
Take the Canada Line (departure just outside the International Terminal) to
WATERFRONT STATION Northbound.
Arrive at YALETOWN ROUNDHOUSE STATION.
Walk westbound on Davie to Burrard Street. Turn Right, walk 1 block, hotel is on east side of street.
Trip time: approximately 40 minutes (including a 13 minute walk from train station).
Car:
From East
From TransCanada Highway 1, take the Hastings Westbound Exit into downtown.
Turn left onto Burrard Street, proceed 6 blocks, and turn left into the hotel.
From Vancouver International Airport:
Follow the signs to Vancouver, over the Arthur Laing Bridge
Take the Granville Street exit off the Arthur Laing Bridge and follow Granville Street for approximately 10 miles.
Cross the Granville Street Bridge into the downtown core and take the Seymour Street exit. Seymour is a one way street heading north. Follow Seymour Street to Helmcken.
Turn left on Helmcken and continue to the end of the street (three blocks). The Wall Centre complex comprises of two tall blue glass buildings located on the right hand corner of Helmcken and Burrard, directly across the street from St. Paul’s Hospital.
Taxis
Web Link
Most Vancouver taxi companies operate with Priuses as part of their fleet. Hybrid taxis are readily available outside the terminal. The approximate fare from YVR to Sheraton Wall Centre is $30.00 - $35.00 CAD.
Taxes
The Province of British Columbia recently introduced a Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) of 12%, effective July 1, 2010, which will replace the Goods and Services Tax (GST) and Provincial Sales Tax (PST). The HST will be charged on all items purchased in British Columbia with few exceptions.
Temperature and Clothing
Warmed by Pacific Ocean currents and protected by a range of mountains, Vancouver enjoys mild temperatures year-round. From low 20's Celsius (high 70's Fahrenheit) in summer to 0º to 5º Celsius (mild mid 40's Fahrenheit) in winter, the climate is always hospitable. Our winters are wet, but it rarely snows, except on our local ski hills. The average temperatures in September are 15º to 22º Celsius (59º to 72º Fahrenheit). It is a rainy month; do not forget your umbrellas and raincoats!
Visas
All international participants must have a valid passport and/or an appropriate travel document to enter Canada. Some participants may also require a visa. (See list of countries here) Visas are the responsibility of individual delegates, and must be obtained before coming to arrival in Canada. If you are travelling through the USA, you may also require an American visa. Please verify with your travel agent.
If you require a visa, it is strongly recommended that, you apply at least three months in advance to ensure you receive your visa in time for travel. To obtain a visa application form, visit the nearest Canadian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate or get the application form online from Citizenship and Immigration Canada. A listing of all Canadian visa offices is available here.
Please note that the Conference does not have the authority to act on behalf on individuals in obtaining visas.
