Vancouver, British Columbia recently hosted the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Games and is one of the world’s top travel destinations and is frequently listed as one of Canada’s most beautiful cities!
The following sites provide information about various attractions, restaurants, & activities in Vancouver. Since this list is not comprehensive, please use the General Tourism Sites to search for specific interests.
Tourism Vancouver: http://www.tourismvancouver.com
Tourism British Columbia: http://www.hellobc.com
Climate
Vancouver's climate is one of the mildest in Canada, and is generally an area of heavy winter precipitation. Apart from being rather wet, winters are fairly mild but often tempered by days of brilliant blue skies and warm clear evenings. The city of Vancouver receives only a few snowfalls in the average winter, but the nearby mountains have snowy peaks from November to May. Relatively cool summers are the rule. Temperatures range from an average of 2 degrees C (36F) in the winter and 26 degrees C (90F) in the summer, and most rainfall occurs between October and March. For more information on Vancouver weather, please go to weatheroffice.ec.gc.ca.
Credit Cards/Currency
Most American credit cards are honored in Canada. Most U.S. ATM (banking machine) cards can be used in Canada. Money will be disbursed in Canadian funds and converted to U.S. dollars on your bank statement. Please check the current exchange rate before traveling. Banks are generally closed on Sundays and Mondays. See www.travelex.com for current rates of exchange.
Entry Into Canada/Visas
Effective January 23, 2007, all US citizens will be required to present a valid passport when re-entering the United States by air. We strongly recommend that delegates who do not hold valid passports apply for new passports well in advance of travel plans. All international visitors may also require a visa or other documentation; please see the Government of Canada website at www.cic.gc.ca for documentation requirements. Be sure to consult the nearest Canadian consulate or embassy well in advance of your departure to ensure that you have the appropriate documentation.
Insurance
Participants are strongly urged to take out personal, medical and travel insurance prior to travelling.
Language
English is the dominant language used in Vancouver. There will be no simultaneous translation.
No-Smoking Policy
Smoking is prohibited in all conference meeting rooms.
Time Zones
Vancouver is on Pacific Time (8 hours behind Greenwich Mean Time).
Canada has six time zones:
» Newfoundland (3.5 hours behind Greenwich Mean Time)
» Atlantic (4 hours behind Greenwich Mean Time)
» Eastern (5 hours behind Greenwich Mean Time)
» Central (6 hours behind Greenwich Mean Time)
» Mountain (7 hours behind Greenwich Mean Time)
» Pacific (8 hours behind Greenwich Mean Time)
Tipping
Tips or service charges are not usually added to a bill in Canada. In general, a tip of up to 15% of the sub-total (before taxes) is given. This applies to waiters, waitresses, barbers and hairdressers, taxi drivers, etc.
Water
Canadian tap water is among the cleanest in the world and is very safe to drink.