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Location
Located on Canada's west coast, nestled between rugged Coast Mountain Range and the Pacific Ocean, Vancouver offers an exciting blend of cosmopolitan amenities, natural beauty and cultural attractions. As the largest city in the province of British Columbia, the Metro Vancouver region is home to more than two million people in 21 municipalities, making it the third largest metropolitan area in Canada.
Vancouver is consistently rated among the most beautiful cities in the world, and has recently been appointed co-host of the 2010 Winter Olympics. With a spectacular natural setting, bordered by mountains, ocean and Stanley Park – 100 acres of majestic cedar, hemlock and fir trees – Vancouver is clean, green, safe, and friendly. It also boasts one of the mildest climates in Canada. This is one of the only cities in the world where you can ski, golf and kayak all in the same day.
A food-lovers dream with more restaurants, a wider selection of ethnic cuisine, and better prices than any comparably sized city in the world, Vancouver also offers world class shopping, attractions, arts and entertainment.
History of Vancouver
The region has been inhabited for thousands of years by Aboriginal peoples, including the Bella Coola, Haida, Kwakiutl, Nootka, Salish and Tsimshian. The west coast was first explored by Europeans in the 1770s and 1780s. Captain George Vancouver, an English explorer, sailed into Burrard Inlet in 1792 while searching for the legendary Northwest Passage. Fur traders followed, and in 1858 prospectors came in search of gold on the tributaries of the Fraser River. Rapid settlement ensued and the City of Vancouver was incorporated in 1886.
Local Attractions
Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden
Gastown
Granville Island
Grouse Mountain
Historic Chinatown
Museum of Anthropology
Okanagan Valley
Robson Street
The Rocky Mountaineer Train
Stanley Park
Vancouver Art Gallery
VanDusen Botanical Gardens
Victoria Day Trip
Yaletown
Travel Tips
Customs / Entry
Vancouver by Air
Airport Transfers
Currency
Food & Beverage
Tipping
Taxes
Medical Insurance
Smoking
Language
Special Needs Travellers
Electricity
Weather
Time Zone
Telephone Service
Tours
Vancouver City Tour
Vancouver & Capilano Suspension Bridge
Grouse Mountain & Capilano Suspension Bridge
Victoria & Butchart Gardens Tour
Whistler & Shannon Falls
Gastown & Chinatown
Granville Island & Downtown Core
Vancouver Encompassed
Vancouver By Bike
Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden
 The Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Garden Society, incorporated in 1981, is a self-sustaining, not-for-profit organization with the mandate to maintain and enhance the bridge of understanding between Chinese and Western cultures, promote Chinese culture generally and be an integral part of the local community.
Funding for the Garden came from all levels of Canadian government, private individuals, corporations and the Chinese government. Vancouver’s Chinese Garden was built in 1985-1986 using the time honored principles and techniques of the original Ming dynasty garden.
Fifty-two master craftsmen from Suzhou China, working with Canadian counterparts, completed this landscape masterpiece within a year. The intricate halls and walkways are constructed with precise joinery and without the use of nails, screws or glue.
The Garden opened on April 24, 1986.
Based on the principle of collaborative design, the Garden compliments the adjacent public park; enhancing the view in both places.
For the architect, the botanist, the student of history, the lover of beauty, the Garden provides insights into the subtle wonders to be found within the walls of this living treasure.
For more information, visit: http://www.vancouverchinesegarden.com/.
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Gastown
 The Gastown area of Vsancouver was named for a talkative Yorkshire-born saloon owner, John Deighton, nicknamed Gassy Jack. Gassy Jack showed up in 1867 with a barrel of whisky on the south shore of Burrard Inlet, and told the mill workers there they could have all the whisky they could drink if they helped him build his saloon‚ which they did. It only took 24 hours.
During the Great Fire of 1886, almost all of the buildings in Gastown were destroyed, except the Regina Hotel. Gastown was rebuilt, and declared a heritage zone in 1971. Today's Gastown offers historic buildings, shopping, coffee bars, and eclectic dining. You can also hear the Gastown Steam Clock whistle every hour on the hour. It is the only one of its kind in the world.
For more information, visit www.virtualvancouver.com/gastown.html.
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Granville Island
 Granville Island is the place to spend a leisurely afternoon. Part farmers market, part artist studio and part magnet for the creative and flamboyant ‚ it's one of the busiest spots in Vancouver. Stroll through the narrow streets and explore art-in-the-making, or relax on a patio and enjoy any variety of great food. Run through the cool spray at the children's Water Park, or take in a lively theatrical show. Breathe in the aroma of fresh food, shop 'til you drop, or just sit back and enjoy the view. Experience the intertwined wonders of culture, food, history and fun, all smack dab in the middle of the city. This is Granville Island.
For more information, visit www.granville-island.net.
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Grouse Mountain
 Visitors flock to Grouse Mountain on Vancouver’s North Shore throughout the year; they ski in the winter, hike in the summer and sightsee year-round. This was the area’s first ski mountain and its ski runs overlook the metropolis.
Skating rinks and sleigh rides are also available. In the summer, hikers have a variety of trails to choose from; the one most boast about is the Grouse Grind, a 1.8 mile hike straight up the 3700 peak…thus the ‘grind’! Cyclists can enjoy the bike trails on the backside of the mountain. You’ll get an incredible view and more entertainment via the Skyride gondola, an easy 8-miute ride to the top.
A high-definition aerial film called Theater in the Sky can be viewed; several restaurants with a panoramic view are open throughout the year, making it an obvious choice for a special night out with those you most enjoy.
For more information, visit: http://www.grousemountain.com/Summer/.
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Historic Chinatown
 Vancouver's Historic Chinatown tops the list as one of North America's cleanest modern day Chinatowns. Universally appealing to visitors, artists and people of all nationalities, where one can sample world-renowned Chinese delicacies and savor the rich ethnicity of a culture that has surpassed generations. Chinatown fascinates with its' striking collection of designated heritage buildings and tales that unfold the drama and link to the life of early Chinese pioneers.
While there, check out the world's thinnest office building on the corner of Pender and Carrall streets. Built in 1913 and currently occupied by a regular operating business, the Sam Kee Building is only 1.8 meters (six feet) wide. Needless to say, they can't have too many employees working at the same time!
For more information, visit www.vancouver-chinatown.com.
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Museum of Anthropology
 Located on the campus of the University of British Columbia and housed in a spectacular building overlooking mountains and sea, the Museum enjoys an international reputation for excellence in research, teaching, collections management, exhibitions, and programming. The Museum of Anthropology houses ethnographic materials and the UBC Laboratory of Archaeology's archaeological materials. There are some 30,000 ethnographic objects and 200,000 archaeological objects in these collections. The ethnographic objects derive from many parts of the world, including the South Pacific, Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Americas. Permanent exhibits emphasize the First Nations of coastal B.C., from whom almost half of the collections originate.
For more information, visit www.moa.ubc.ca.
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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 whitewater rafting, golfing and sailing to skiing and snowboarding, the Okanagan Valley has it all.
For more information, visit www.okanagan.com/.
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Robson Street
 This unique street was named after John Robson, Premier of British Columbia from 1889-1892. Its commercial traditions date from 1895 when train tracks were laid along it, and a wide variety of small shops sprang up to serve Vancouver's rapidly growing population. In the post World War II era, Robson Street evolved into 'Robsonstrasse', a reflection of the European shopkeepers who operated the many small delicatessens, patisseries, and chic boutiques that populated the street.
In modern times, as its popularity has soared, the character of Robson Street has continued to evolve. 'Robsonstrasse' has passed into history, but the eclectic mix of shops and restaurants has become even stronger and more appealing. Today, one finds along Robson fine dining, premier fashion stores and services, and an opportunity to 'people watch' as the world shops the street.
For more information, visit www.robsonstreet.ca.
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The Rocky Mountaineer Train
 Traveling onboard the Rocky Mountaineer is an unforgettable experience, considered by many to be, a trip of a lifetime. The rail journey recaptures the romance of rail travel as it follows the historic train route constructed over 100 years ago through Canada’s West and the Canadian Rockies, uniting the country. The entire train ride takes place during daylight hours to ensure you enjoy every minute of the breathtaking scenery of glacier-fed lakes, majestic mountains ranges and ferocious rivers.
Sample of Rail Tours:
Banff, Alberta
Classic Rail Vacation
3 Nights / 4 Days
The perfect mini-break. A spectacular two-day, all-daylight journey onboard the Rocky Mountaineer with an additional night's accommodation in Vancouver and Banff. This tour is available in your choice of RedLeaf or GoldLeaf.
• Three nights' hotel accommodation and rail station transfers at each end of your rail route
• National Parks Pass
Jasper, Alberta
Classic Rail Vacation
3 Nights / 4 Days
A spectacular two-day, all-daylight journey onboard the Rocky Mountaineer with an additional night’s accommodation in Vancouver and Jasper. This tour is available in your choice of RedLeaf or GoldLeaf Service.
• Three nights' hotel accommodation and rail station transfers at each end of your rail route
• Exclusive Attractions Pass
• National Parks Pass
Canadian Rockies Highlights
5 Nights / 6 Days
Take this Canadian Rockies train tour vacation and create memories to last a lifetime. For many of the guests on our Rocky Mountaineer train, Lake Louise is the highlight of their stay and it is included in this six-day journey through Canada's West along with a glacier helicopter tour and ranch lunch. This tour is available in your choice of RedLeaf or GoldLeaf Service.
• Banff to Lake Louise Tour, including Glacier Helicopter Tour and ranch lunch
• Lake Louise to Calgary Tour, including ranch lunch
• Rail station transfers in Vancouver, Kamloops and Banff
• National Parks Pass
• FREE Exclusive Attractions Pass
• FREE Summit Helicopter Flightseeing
For more information, visit: http://www.rockymountaineer.com/.
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Stanley Park
 Take a stroll through Vancouver's beautiful Stanley Park, the largest city park in Canada, located on the northwest tip of downtown Vancouver. Stanley Park offers hundreds of acres of lush green forest, pristine lakes and grassy meadows. Described by one local writer as a "thousand-acre therapeutic couch", it began as a military reserve established in the mid-1800s to guard the entrance to Vancouver Harbor. Today, take a walk around the Sea Wall, or visit the Vancouver Aquarium. Stanley Park also offers some of the best beaches in the Vancouver area, perfect for lounging in the sand, or taking a cold dip in the Pacific Ocean.
At nine o'clock every evening, if you stop and listen, you may be able to hear the Nine O' Clock Gun being fired in Stanley Park. This gun, a loud old English sea cannon, was placed in the park just over 100 years ago. Originally, it was fired off to remind local fisherman of fishing time limits. Now, it's used as a time signal and has become a Vancouver tradition.
For more information, visit www.city.vancouver.bc.ca/parks/parks/stanley.
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Vancouver Art Gallery
 The Vancouver Art Gallery, the largest art gallery in western Canada, presents national and international exhibitions of works by a range of artists, groundbreaking contemporary visionaries to historical masters. Founded in 1931, the Gallery has more than 7,900 works in its collection, valued at over $100 million. The Gallery is internationally known for one of its most important holdings: more than 200 major works by the British Columbia artist Emily Carr, the world’s most significant collection of Carr’s work.
For more information, visit www.vanartgallery.bc.ca.
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VanDusen Botanical Gardens
 This spectacular 22-hectare (55-acre) garden in the heart of Vancouver has matured into a botanical garden of international stature since opening to the public in 1975. The mild Vancouver climate allows the cultivation of an outstanding plant collection which is a delight any time of the year.
VanDusen boasts over 255,000 plants representing more than 7,300 taxa from around the world. Our plant collections represent ecosystems that range from tropical South Africa, to the Himalayas, to the Canadian Arctic, as well as plants native to our own Pacific Northwest.
The garden design features displays of plants in picturesque landscape settings. Specific garden areas are planted to illustrate botanical relationships, such as the Rhododendron Walk, or geographical origins, as in Sino Himalayan Garden. These areas are set amidst rolling lawns, tranquil lakes and dramatic rockwork with vistas of the mountains and Vancouver cityscape.
There is always something interesting to see, no matter what the season!
VanDusen Botanical Garden provides an inspiring and enjoyable environment for visitors of all ages and interests. With its excellent collections and the beauty of their display, the Garden promotes knowledge and understanding of the world of plants and their fundamental importance to life.
For more information, visit: http://vancouver.ca/PARKS/parks/vandusen/website/.
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Victoria Day Trip
 Distinctive old world charm and stunning scenery are just a few of the reasons why Victoria is rated one of the top 10 places to visit in the world by Conde Nast’s Traveler Magazine.
Your day begins with a short drive (30 minutes) to the Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal where you will embark on a scenic 90-minute ferry ride through the spectacular Gulf Islands to Vancouver Island (you can have breakfast on board if you wish) watch out for wildlife as you can sometimes see such as whales, seals and seabirds in the Straight of Georgia.
Upon arrival in Swartz Bay, you will continue on to the world famous Butchart Gardens, which offers 50 acres of flowers and formal gardens. Stroll through the Sunken Garden featuring the magnificent Ross Fountain, pause to absorb the fragrance and beauty of the charming English Rose Garden, and then move on through the Japanese Garden, the Italian Garden and the Show Greenhouse. Admission is included.
After time for lunch on your own, continue to downtown Victoria, home to the Royal B.C. Museum, the Empress Hotel, the Parliament and Chinatown. Enjoy a scenic driving tour along scenic Marine Drive past an authentic Tudor seaside hotel, Victoria’s premier golf course and Beacon Hill Park, and see the posh neighbourhoods of Uplands and Oak. Relax on the bus and ferry ride back to Vancouver.
For more information, visit: http://www.tourismvictoria.com/.
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Yaletown
 Vancouver's Yaletown has a rich history‚ first as CPR rail yards and repair facilities in the 19th century, then as Vancouver's warehouse district in the early 20th century. Today, Yaletown is developing into a trendy, fashionable area to shop, dine or explore. The four blocks that make up Yaletown are home to a myriad of services, including architectural, accounting, and consulting firms, law offices, high tech companies, galleries, hair salons, home furnishing stores, cafes, fashionable boutiques and high end restaurants. Yaletown is a rich neighborhood coming into its own in the 21st century.
For more information, visit www.yaletowninfo.com.
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Customs/Entry
All overseas visitors require a valid passport and may require other documentation such as an entry visa (ask your travel agent) to enter Canada.
United States citizens traveling by air between the United States, Canada, Mexico, Bermuda and the Caribbean are required to present a valid passport to enter or re-enter the United States. As early as 1 January 2008 and no later than 1 June 2009, everyone traveling between the United States and Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Bermuda by land or sea (including cruises and ferries) may be required to present a valid passport or other documents as determined from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Please visit www.dhs.gov for more information.
Visas
Delegate’s are responsible for all costs of attending the Congress and must obtain a visitor’s visa should one be necessary. It is the delegate's responsibility to provide all of the required documentation to the Embassy.
For information on new Visa requirements for delegates from the Czech Republic, please review this PDF document.
For information on new Visa requirements for delegates from Mexico, please review this PDF document.
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Vancouver By Air
Vancouver International Airport (YVR)
Each year over 80 carriers transport some 17 million passengers via Vancouver International Airport; there are direct flights to and from over 150 destinations worldwide. Because YVR offers the shortest flying times between much of North America and Asia, as well as being a gateway to Europe, Vancouver is a major hub for travel. Please visit www.yvr.com for more information.
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Airport Transfers
Vancouver is served by the Vancouver International Airport, located approximately 15 km (11 miles) from the centre of the city. The airport is a major hub for international travel, with good connections to all major North American and international centers by a host of airlines. Taxi fare from Vancouver International Airport to the city center is approximately $25-30 CAD. Limousine and Airport shuttle bus services are also available at reasonable rates. All of these services accept major credit cards. Vancouver International Airport has consistently been rated one of North America’s top airports. By 2009 there will be a direct “Sky Train” link from the Airport directly into the heart of downtown Vancouver.
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Currency
All costs in Canada are set in Canadian funds (CAD). Foreign currencies are readily exchanged at airports and banks. Bank debit or credit cards are the most convenient means of getting cash at the many 24-hour-access automated banking machines. As in the U.S. and Europe these machines accept cards with Plus, Interac and Cirrus symbols and are easily found in Vancouver. Most Canadian businesses accept U.S. currency and traveler cheques, as well as major credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express).
For up to date information go to The Universal Currency Converter at www.xe.com/ucc
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Food & Beverage
An extensive variety of cuisine is available representing the multicultural flavor of Vancouver. Fine dining, casual or family friendly restaurants are easily accessible throughout Metro Vancouver.
Minors are not admitted into bars or lounges. In British Columbia, minors are defined as anyone under 19 years of age.
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Tipping
In Canada, tips and gratuities are not typically included in a bill. In general, a gratuity of 15% of the total amount before taxes is considered to be a suitable gratuity. This applies to waiters, waitresses and taxi drivers. At hotels and airports, doorman and porters are generally offered $2.00 CAD per item of luggage.
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Taxes
There is a 5% Goods and Services Tax (GST) in effect in Canada. There is also a non-refundable Provincial Sales Tax (PST), currently at 7% in British Columbia.
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Medical Insurance
Visitors are not covered by Canadian health insurance plans. Check with your personal medical plan before leaving your home country to ensure you have adequate traveling insurance. Delegates are urged to take out insurance to cover loss incurred in the case of cancellation, medical expenses and damage to or loss of personal effects whenever traveling outside of their own country.
Dial 911 for emergency services (ambulance, police, fire & rescue).
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Smoking
Smoking is not permitted in any indoor public place within the city boundaries of Vancouver. Smoking is also prohibited within customer services areas of food and/or liquor establishments (indoor or open patios), and within 6 metres of any entryway, open windows or customer service area. A limited number of hotels may provide guestrooms that do permit smoking – please confirm with your hotel directly.
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Language
English and French are Canada’s two official languages. English is the main language spoken in Vancouver. You will find that many banks, hotels, airline offices, shops, and key visitor attractions have multilingual staff speaking languages such as Cantonese, Mandarin, Punjabi, Spanish, French, Japanese and Vietnamese.
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Special Needs Travelers
Vancouver enjoys a reputation as being one of the most accessible cities in the world among travelers with special needs. Whether using wheelchairs, white canes, assistance-dogs or hearing aids, Vancouver leads the way in making the area a more livable place for people with disabilities through its progressive transportation systems, innovative housing and recreational opportunities.
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Electricity
The electrical current is the same in Canada as in the United States: 110 volts AC at 60Hz. Adapters are required for appliances from other countries.
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Weather
Warmed by Pacific Ocean currents and protected by a range of mountains, Vancouver enjoys mild temperatures year-round. From low 20s Celsius (high 70s Fahrenheit) in summer to a mild 0º to 5º Celsius (40s Fahrenheit in winter, the climate is always hospitable. Average daily temperatures in June are 21 Celsius (69 Fahrenheit). For current weather conditions check the following website: www.theweathernetwork.com/weather/cabc0308
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Time Zone
Vancouver is in the Pacific Standard Time Zone (-0800 GMT). Daylight Savings Time is in effect from 2:00 a.m. on the first Sunday in April until 2:00 a.m. on the last Sunday in October.
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Telephone Service
Vancouver now employs two separate area codes: 604 and 778. Calls within the greater Vancouver area are local regardless whether they use a 604 or 778 area code, however, you will need to dial all ten digits of the phone number in order to be connected (e.g. 604-555-1234). Cellular phones may be used in all areas of the Lower Mainland, but may not get reception inside certain buildings or elevators. Check with your cellular service provider to ensure your plan offers roaming/long distance service in Vancouver.
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Vancouver City Tour
Experience the best of Vancouver. We’ll see Canada Place, Robson Street, Public Library, Sports Venues, Theatres, Chinatown
and Gastown. Soak in the natural splendour of Stanley Park’s Totem Poles and sightsee from Prospect Point. Pass the West End
high-rises and the beaches of English Bay. Visit the vibrant Granville Island with its public market, unique shops, restaurants
and galleries along the water. Visit The Lookout to take the glass elevator to the 360° views. Breathe deeply and enjoy!
Click HERE
to book!
Vancouver & Capilano Suspension Bridge
This tour has it all! See Canada Place, Robson Street, Sports Venues, the Library, Chinatown and historic Gastown!
We make stops in gorgeous Stanley Park on our way to Cleveland Dam and the Capilano Suspension Bridge in the North Shore
rainforest. Cross the 450-ft-long bridge over a spectacular canyon to the Treetops Adventure Shop and snack under the evergreens.
A highlight of this tour is to browse Granville Island with it’s public market, shops, eateries and galleries along the water.
What a day of sightseeing!
Click HERE
to book!
Grouse Mountain & Capilano Suspension Bridge
Cross Lion’s Gate Bridge to visit a Salmon Hatchery. You will really enjoy the spectacular Capilano Suspension Bridge,
where you can’t miss the the totems, Story Centre, grand gift shop and unique Treetops Adventure. Take the mile-long Skyride
to the top of Grouse Mountain. Enjoy free time to wander the trails, take in the panorama and view the chainsaw carvings.
Check out the Theatre In The Sky presentation and the grizzly bears in the Refuge for Endangered Wildlife!
Savour the views on the way down the mountain and back to Vancouver.
Click HERE
to book!
Victoria & Butchart Gardens Tour
Enjoy a ferry cruise through beautiful Active Pass in the Gulf Islands to B.C.’s quaint capital. Marvel at the awesome,
ever-changing Butchart Gardens. We’ll drive the scenic route into Victoria and the Inner Harbour.
Take your free time to explore this unique city: Government Street shopping & dining, Empress Hotel, Legislative Buildings,
Royal B.C. Museum and more. Take a leisurely walk along the beautiful waterfront. Relax on the bus and ferry ride back to your hotel.
A day well spent!
Click HERE
to book!
Whistler & Shannon Falls
Join us in our mountain paradise. Enjoy the breathtaking views and scenic stops along the thrilling Sea-To-Sky Highway.
Feel the mist of the spectacular 335-meter Shannon Falls as you walk to the viewing deck.
Once in Whistler, there is ample time to dine, shop, ride a bike or stroll the trails. Seasonally, opt to experience the
new Peak 2 Peak Gondola between Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains. Savour the beautiful views you will experience overlooking
Howe Sound on our leisurely ride home. Ask us about returning with us another day.
Click HERE
to book!
Gastown & Chinatown
Explore and experience the heart of Vancouver, Historic Gastown: an old town marvel, holding the roots to the city's origin.
Guests will be guided through Native art galleries, unique boutiques and old town alleys. Moving into the culture of Chinatown,
guests will explore lively Chinese markets, gardens, herbal medicine stores and more. Frequent pit stops will allow guest to taste
various Vancouver flavours.
Click HERE
to book! Enter promo code "lupus2010" when booking.
Granville Island & Downtown Core
Take the water taxi to visit the public market and hidden gems of Granville Island. Here guest will taste signature Vancouver
products (Canadian maple syrup, all organic chocolate, and more). Experience the heart of the city - Robson Street,
Vancouver’s shopping district, Granville street; the heart of Vancouver’s nightlife, and the trendy, vibrant Yaletown.
Click HERE
to book! Enter promo code "lupus2010" when booking.
Vancouver Encompassed
Enjoy Vancouver’s shopping district, nightlife capital, historic Yaletown and the hidden gems of Granville Island.
Explore the stunning Waterfront and Waterfront Station. Visit historic Gastown and its Steam-clock. And finish your adventure
through Chinatown’s cultural enlightenment and interesting tastes.
Click HERE
to book! Enter promo code "lupus2010" when booking.
Vancouver by Bike
An easy ride passing by Vancouver’s best beaches and local hot spots .The tour takes adventurers through the beautiful
Stanley Park along the sea wall. We then explore trendy Yaletown, take a water taxi to Granville Island Market and view
the 2010 Olympic village, Science World, Chinatown and the brand new Convention Center.
Click HERE
to book! Enter promo code "lupus2010" when booking.
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