Welcome to Vancouver, Canada!
For a fun glossary of Canadian English, click here!
Bordered by the Coast Mountain Range and the Pacific Ocean, Vancouver is recognized as one of the world's most livable cities Globe with one of the smallest carbon footprints of any major city in North America.
The City of Vancouver is renowned for its innovative programs in the areas of sustainability, accessibility and inclusivity. In February 2009, Mayor Gregor Robertson launched the Greenest City initiative with a goal to map out how we can earn the title of becoming the greenest city by 2020.
Some areas of interest include:
False Creek
False Creek is the inner waterway passing under the Burrard and Granville bridges and extending east as far as the Science World Centre on Main Street. A lot of boating activity, Granville Island Public Market, Science World, bike paths, parks and a sea wall all the way around. This area is a favourite for Vancouverites looking to relax and watch the world go by.
Gastown
This area, where Vancouver began, has cobbled streets, interesting lighting, a steam clock, shops and restaurants. Maple Tree Square is the original point for all Vancouver street addresses. The Gastown area was designated a Provincial heritage site in 1971. Gastown is located in the north-east area of the downtown core.
Granville Island Public Market
This popular market is located under the south end of the Granville Street Bridge. Dining on the wharf, playhouses, fine dining, multitudes of shops of every description.
Robson Square
Architect Arthur Erickson designed this innovative "people-oriented" Provincial Government project containing office and public space. Surrounding a lower level public open square are conference rooms, 2 theatres, exhibition space, dining, an ice-skating rink in winter which converts to an outdoor dance floor and entertainment centre in the summer.
Robson Street
One of Vancouver's more popular, and famous Streets. Also known as "the Street of the Stars," Robson Street has many popular shops, known to be frequented by many movie stars. The street still has a very diverse ethnic flavour and has developed into a very heavy pedestrian traffic area.
Yaletown
Yaletown is Vancouver's newest, trendiest area. Formerly an area of warehouses, which have now been converted to condominiums, restaurants, pubs, shops.....you name it. Yaletown is situated east of Richards Street in downtown Vancouver.
For Tourist Information and a list of great city attractions, visit the Tourism Vancouver Website
Things to Know Before You Arrive
Customs/Entry/Visa Requirements
Under the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative, as of January 31, 2008 all United States citizens traveling into Canada by air, land or sea MUST present a valid passport for entry into Canada.
International visitors from countries other than the United States must have a valid passport for entry into Canada. Please visit the Citizenship and Immigration Canada website, to view the countries that require a temporary visitor’s Visa for entry into Canada.
Please be sure to check with your nearest Canadian Embassy or Consulate well in advance of travel to obtain the appropriate documentation. If you require a Letter of Invitation, please contact the WCH Congress Office (
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) as soon as possible. A letter of invitation is issued solely for the purpose of assisting participants with visa applications and/or to obtain funding for their attendance at the conference. Such a letter does not imply any financial obligation on the part of the conference organizers.
Personal & Medical Insurance
Individual travelers are strongly advised to obtain their own personal health, luggage or other travel insurance as desired. Liability insurance is the responsibility of each individual delegate. The Canadian Medical Health Insurance Plan does not cover visitors to Canada and delegates should therefore have their own medical coverage.
Currency/Money Matters
It is recommended that all visitors use Canadian currency when traveling within Canada. Visitors can exchange currency at Canadian chartered banks, trust companies, credit unions, or at offices of foreign exchange brokers, but it is advised to have local currency on hand prior to arriving.
There are various banks on the UBC Campus. The Bank of Montreal (MasterCard), Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (VISA) and Scotiabank are located within walking distance of accommodation and conference venues. Both have 24-hour automated teller machines (ATMs). Some banks in the City of Vancouver are open on the weekends with reduced hours. ATMs are also available in the lobby of Walter Gage Residence, in the Student Union Building (SUB), and at the University Pharmacy in the University Village.
Taxes
HST (Harmonized Sales Tax): 12% HST is charged on all goods and services, such as food and accommodation in the province of British Columbia.
Climate/Clothing
Vancouver enjoys warm, comfortable summers. August daytime temperatures are usually in the mid-20º Celsius, mid-70º Fahrenheit. Evenings can be cool, so it's best to pack a light jacket and/or sweater.
