Travel Information

General Travel Information
Public Transportation
Airport Transportation

Entry Requirements/VISA Information

Every year, thousands of international business people come to Canada to do business with Canadian companies. There are requirements you must meet to be allowed into Canada. This information will help you avoid problems that can affect your business plans. For further information, please click here.

Personal Insurance

Individual travelers are advised to obtain their own personal health, luggage or other travel insurance as desired; however, regardless of financial status or health care coverage, British Columbia hospitals will not refuse treatment to those who require it.

Emergency Phone Number

In case of emergency, dial 911.

Time Zone

Vancouver is in the Pacific Time Zone. Daylight savings time is in effect from the second Sunday in March until the first Sunday in November.

Weather

Average Daily High Temperatures in April average 14 degrees Celsius or 58 degrees Fahrenheit.

Currency

It is recommended to use Canadian currency when traveling within Canada. Currency exchange services are available at points of entry throughout the city at financial institutions.
Most Greater Vancouver establishments also accept US dollars and Japanese yen at predefined exchange rate. The Canadian dollar against most other currencies is quite strong.

Visit www.oanda.com for up-to-date rates.

Banking

Regular banking hours in Canada are 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday, with extended hours including weekends at some locations. Visitors who wish to cash checks or require other banking services are advised to check times of operation with the institutions. Main branches of Canadian chartered banks, particularly in major centers, are equipped to exchange foreign currency as well. Several major European and foreign banks have offices in Vancouver, and will handle some foreign currencies directly.

Traveler's Checks

Traveler's checks in Canadian dollars are the safest and most convenient way to carry money. They are widely accepted and can be cashed at banks or foreign exchange brokers. Identification may be required when cashing traveler’s checks.

Metric Measurements

Canada follows the International Metric System. Temperatures, rainfall measures, distance, weights, velocity are expressed in metric units. Distance is measured in kilometers.

Electricity

Outlets and voltage (110 volts) are the same as in the United States. Small appliances such as hair dryers, irons, razors, etc. can be used in Canada. For those from other countries, adapters are required for electrical appliances. The frequency of electrical current in Canada is 60 Hz.

Taxes

There are three levels of taxation that affect visitors to Vancouver. There is a 10% tax charged on accommodation and liquor. For just about all other goods and services, there is a 7% provincial sales tax (PST) as well as the 5% federal goods and services tax (GST.) There are a number of exemptions and complexities to the way those taxes are applied, particularly where food is involved. PST, for instance, is not applied to, among other things, food and children's clothing. The taxes in Vancouver may change prior to WCN 2011. Updated information will be posted as it becomes available.

Public Transit

The Vancouver transit system, TransLink, is made up of a network of buses and unique services such as the SeaBus and SkyTrain. TransLink provides transit services covering over 1800 square kilometers of the Greater Mainland of Vancouver - getting around the city is convenient, easily accessible and often provides beautiful views of the city!

To contact TransLink, call 604.953.3333 or visit their website at www.translink.bc.ca.

Indicative Fares for Public Transit

Greater Vancouver is divided into three fare zones for all transit services (with the exception of West Coast Express). Zones are in effect each morning until 6:30 PM Monday to Friday.

One Zone: $ 2.50 Adults / $ 1.75 Concession
Two Zone: $ 3.75 Adults $ / 2.50 Concession
Three Zone: $ 5.00 Adults $ / 3.50 Concession
Off Peak (No Zones) $ 2.50 Adults / $ 1.75 Concession

Concession Fare Eligibility:

Children 5-13 years of age (4 and under ride FREE)
Students 14-19 years of age with valid TransLink GoCard
Seniors 65+ years with proof of age
Day passes available at Vancouver Touristinfo Centre or at fare dealers throughout the city.
NOTE: Public buses do not give change. Please carry exact amount.

Wheelchair & Bike Accessible

Many public transit vehicles in the Vancouver region are wheelchair accessible. Accessible buses and bus stops are identified by the international wheelchair symbol, while the letter "L" identifies the service in public timetables.
Many vehicles are also equipped with bicycle racks. The letter "B" identifies these services in the public timetables.

Taxi

In addition to providing you with a safe and reliable ride, Vancouver taxi companies ensure all drivers receive extensive training through award-winning TaxiHost training program. Developed in 1996, TaxiHost includes eight modules ranging from driving with finesse to advanced customer service and transporting people with disabilities.

Vancouver Airport

WELCOME ISN WORLD CONGRESS – DISCOUNTED GROUND TRANSPORTATION TO AND FROM YVR (VALID FOR AEROCAR AND AEROSHUTTLE)

All ISN conference attendees are eligible for this special offer: 10 % all transportation services in Vancouver.

AEROCAR SERVICE – Aerocar is the Exclusive Sedan and Limousine Service of the Vancouver International Airport (YVR). Aerocar offers both Curbside Service and Meet and Greet Service at YVR.

Curbside Service: Our cars are available curbside at the airport 24 hours a days with no reservation required, simply follow the ground transportation signs to our curbside location outside the Domestic and International Terminal of the airport and tell our staff the promo code (ISNVIP2011) or present the downloadable coupon. Return reservation must be booked by calling 604-298-1000 with promo code. More information can be found at www.aerocar.ca. The exclusive curbside rates for ISN are:

Sedan (1-3 passengers): $38.70 + tax and gratuity
6 Pax Limousine (1-6 passengers): $45 + tax and gratuity
8 Pax Limousine (1-8 passengers): $70 + tax and gratuity

Rates quoted include discount (10%) but are subject to tax and gratuity.

Meet and Greet Service: A chauffeur will meet you inside the terminal building with a sign with your parties name on it and escort you to a reserved vehicle. Reservations must be made in advance for this level of service. The exclusive meet and greet rates for ISN are:

Sedan (1-3 passengers): $83.70 + tax and gratuity
6 Pax Limousine (1-6 passengers): $90.00 + tax and gratuity
8 Pax Limousine (1-8 passengers): $114.00 + tax and gratuity

Rates quoted include discount (10%) but are subject to tax and gratuity.

PLEASE PRINT THIS COUPON TO PRESENT FOR YOUR DISCOUNTED TRANSPORTATION UPON ARRIVAL IN VANCOUVER

AEROSHUTTLE SERVICE – Aeroshuttle is the Exclusive Shuttle Service of the Vancouver International Airport. Aeroshuttle offers a shuttle service between the Vancouver Airport (YVR) and hotels in Downtown Vancouver. No reservations are required from the airport. Reservations are required 12 hours in advance for all service from hotels in Downtown Vancouver. A schedule can be found at http://aeroshuttleyvr.ca/yvr-shuttle-schedule. The exclusive rates for ISN are:

Adult/Senior One Way: $11.25 + tax and gratuity
Adult/Senior Round Trip: $19.80 + tax and gratuity

Rates quoted include discount (10%) but are subject to tax and gratuity

PLEASE PRINT THIS COUPON TO PRESENT FOR YOUR DISCOUNTED TRANSPORTATION UPON ARRIVAL IN VANCOUVER

Rail

The Canada Line is Vancouver’s new rapid transit rail link connecting YVR to downtown Vancouver in 26 minutes and to downtown Richmond in 18 minutes. It’s a fast and easy way to get to the city centres. You can conveniently access trains from both the International and Domestic Terminals.

Taxi

Taxis are a quick and easy way to get to and from Vancouver International Airport. Taxis are available 24-hours a day, seven days a week. Taxis charge a metered rate based on time and distance. The approximate fare to downtown Vancouver is between $28—$32 CAD (taxes included). No reservations are required for mini-vans or wheelchair accessible taxis. Let YVR’s curbside staff know your needs and they’ll get the right vehicle.