Vancouver

To check your visa requirements when travelling in to Canada please click here and follow the prompts.

The event is registered with Immigration Canada and you can quote event code 23WCPP on your visa application.

A list of visa-exempt countries that qualify for an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) is available here.

And a list of countries requiring visas is available here. We encourage you to commence your visa application as soon as possible due to reported delays in processing times and interview availability.

Taxis

Taxi Services operate To and From the airport and all across Vancouver. For a list of taxi services in the area, visit the Destination Vancouver website.

Bus/Coach

Vancouver’s busiest bus routes run from 5am to 1am with a more limited NightBus service filling that gap in the early hours of the morning. To plan your route click here.

Travelling via coach with Cantrail will be in class, comfort, and safety. Their scheduled service offers an enjoyable journey between Vancouver and Seattle with many departure times and fair, competitive rates. For their full range of service options click here.

Planes

Flying to Vancouver is easy as Vancouver International Airport welcomes over 900 international flights from around the globe, every week. Air Canada is Canada’s largest domestic and international airline serving more than 200 airports on six continents.

The Congress has secured a discount code for delegates when booking flights directly through Air Canada. Access aircanada.com and enter your promotion code in the Promotion Code Box.Discount code: GWCY93N1

Discount: Applicable Rules

· The booking is to be made to the following city: Vancouver, YVR (BC)

· The travel period begins Thursday, July 13, 2023 and ends Sunday, July 30, 2023.

· Travel is valid Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday.

· For North America' 5% applies on standard fares, 10% on flex fares & higher. For International Travel' 10% on standard fares & higher.

· However, all bookings made using the promotion code will count toward the minimum 10 passenger requirement for Meetings and Conventions events.

SkyTrain

Vancouver’s SkyTrain is a completely automated light rapid transit system, offering fast, efficient service between downtown and Metro Vancouver’s suburbs running on three lines. SkyTrain stations are wheelchair accessible and closely linked with the bus service at almost all stations. SkyTrain lines operate daily, please see the TransLink website for more information.

Ferries

Vancouver offers many different ferry services such as the SeaBus which is a passenger-only, wheelchair accessible service that connects downtown Vancouver’s Waterfront Station to Lonsdale Quay on the North Shore. There is also Aquabus and False Creek Ferries which operate small ferries on a regular service up and down the inlet. To check the schedules and fare click here.

Public Transport

Whether bus, train or ferry is your preference, Vancouver has you catered in terms of public transport. The most common way to pay is via either a single use Compass Ticket or a Refillable Compass Ticket which can be purchased from SeaBus and SkyTrain stations. Contactless payment is also accepted on card readers.

Currency

Canada’s national currency is the Canadian Dollar with notes coming in $5, $10, $20, $50, and $100. Please note American coins can be used in Canada but you will not be able to exchange them.

ATM

ATMs are located everywhere in the city and can be accessed 24-hours per day; however, beware of high service charges for using ATMs that are not affiliated with your bank.

Credit Cards

The credit cards that are widely accepted include Visa, MasterCard, and American Express. It is recommended to always have a little cash on you in case a vendor has limited payment options.

Tipping

Plan to tip around 10-15% in Vancouver restaurants, hotels and taxis. The exact amount when eating out depends on the place, occasion and order size and all tipping is ultimately at your discretion.

Taxes

Most goods and services in British Columbia are subject to a sales tax totalling 12% of the purchase price (7% PST + 5% GST). For more information please click here.

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.

Average Temperatures in July

High: 22C (72F) Low: 12C (54F)

Precipitation: 35.6 mm

Banks

Most banks in Vancouver open around 9 or 10 am and close sometime between 4 and 5 pm, Monday through Friday. There are, of course, a few branches here and there open beyond the typical opening hours, and some are also open on Saturdays. Nearly all banks are closed on Sundays and holidays.

Post Offices

Canada Post Offices open from 9.00am to 5.00pm weekdays and are closed on weekends.

Supermarkets

Most of Vancouver’s supermarkets open from 8am to 10pm daily.

Internet

Paid or free internet access can be found in Internet cafes, accommodation, and public libraries across Vancouver. WiFi access is also available (both paid and free) in a growing number of public spaces, restaurants, and cafes.

Phone

Canada’s country code is +1

The area code for most of Vancouver is 604

Throughout other areas in BC 778 and 236 are also used.

If you're calling long-distance from within Canada and the United States, direct dialling is: 1+ (area code) + (phone number).

If you're calling from outside North America, you can dial directly to B.C. numbers. Simply use the international access code 00 if you're calling from most countries in Europe and 0011 if you're calling from Australia. Then dial our country code 1, the area code and the number.

The electrical current in Canada is 120 volts, 60Hz. The Canadian two-pin power outlet is the same in all North America but differs from other countries so an adaptor may be required.

Hospitals

For health emergencies call 911 or, if you have a health concern but it is not an emergency phone 811, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Travellers be mindful that charges may apply which is why travel insurance is always recommended.

In Case of Emergency

The emergency number for Police, Fire Brigade and Ambulance in Canada is 911.

Insurance

Travel insurance is always recommended as it may cover medical expenses (including hospitalisation), cancellation charges, luggage, personal effects, travel documents, money, cash in hospital, hijacking, death, disability, loss of income, personal liability and some additional expenses.

Drinking Water

The tap water throughout Vancouver is suitable for drinking.

Alcohol

Alcohol can only be consumed in select public parks and plazas during the hours of 11am – 9pm. To view the select parks visit here. Remember to bring your ID if you plan a night out.

Smoking Restrictions

Smoking in Canada is banned in indoor public spaces, public transit facilities and workplaces (including restaurants, bars, and casinos), by all territories and provinces, and by the federal government.

For the latest information on COVID-19 travel restrictions in Vancouver, click here.