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Your Trip
A
major North American travel destination and a metropolis with the
population of 2.1 million, Vancouver offers a variety of travel
options, including travel by air, land, even water. The following
is a partial list of the available options and things to consider
before travelling.
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Important: Conference guests
are hereby advised that the conference fees do not include
provisions for the insurance of participants against
personal injuries, sickness, theft or property damage.
This also applies to any event held in conjunction with
the official conference program. Participants and accompanying
persons are advised to arrange for insurance they consider
necessary. NAPCN, conference planners or their agents
assume no responsibility for loss, injury or damage
to persons or belongings, whatever the cause.
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Our U.S. and international guests are reminded to arrange for appropriate
health and accident insurance before leaving for Canada.
Arrangements for out-of-country insurance can be made through most
travel and insurance agents.
Arriving
by Air
We Vancouverites are proud of our Vancouver
International Airport (YVR), rated number one airport
in North America. We challenge you to fly in and see for yourself.
YVR is served by Air Canada, AirBC, Alaska Airlines, America West
Airlines, American Airlines, Continental Airlines, Horizon Air,
Northwest Airlines, Royal Airlines, TWA, United Airlines and several
other
airlines.
Airport Taxis are available 24 hours a day just outside the
airport's Arrivals Level. A taxi ride to the conference venue will
cost about $25.
Renting a vehicle can be a great option for those visitors
wishing to explore Greater Vancouver and B.C. beyond the boundaries
of UBC's campus and the constraints of public transit. Car rental
companies serving Vancouver International Airport include Alamo,
Avis, Budget, Hertz, National, and Thrifty.
A
good alternative airport (especially for those arriving from
the U.S.) might be Seattle-Tacoma
International Airport (SEA-TAC) from which Vancouver is
located about a three-hour drive up North. It is served by Air Canada,
AirBC, Alaska Airlines, America West, American Airlines, American
Trans Air, Continental Airlines, Delta Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines,
Horizon Air, Northwest Airlines, Southwest Airlines, TWA, United
Airlines, US Airways and several other
airlines.
Quick
Shuttle provides frequent bus service departing SEA-TAC for
downtown Vancouver five times daily. The cost is US$36 (students
US$27) one way, US$65 (students US$49) return. Call 1.800.665.2122
or e-mail rez@quickcoach.com to make a reservation.
Car
rental companies serving SEA-TAC include Alamo, Avis, Budget,
Hertz, and National. Please advise the reservation agent that you
intend to drive the rental vehicle into Canada.
Arriving
by Bus
Vancouver is served by Greyhound
Canada (with specials like a half-price companion fare,
or a 25% discount for students with a valid ISIC card). Their buses
connect downtown Vancouver with most Canadian cities and selected
cities in the U.S. From farther places in the U.S., you may first
need to purchase a ticket from Greyhound USA and then continue
on a Greyhound Canada bus from a U.S. city served by Greyhound Canada.
A one-way Greyhound USA ticket from Seattle to Vancouver costs US$26.00
(subject to change).
Arriving
by Train
Those who prefer travel by train can use services of Canada's VIA
Rail, or the U.S. Amtrak, with a one-way ticket from
Seattle to Vancouver selling at only US$22.00 (subject to change).
Arriving
by Car
Arriving by car is probably the best option for those who can
allow some extra time, whether before or after the conference,
to explore Greater Vancouver and British Columbia. B.C. roads
are of very good quality and they are toll free (with only one exception).
Canada
Immigration & Customs
Delegates from other countries should be prepared to undergo a thorough
inspection by federal authorities upon arrival at the Canadian
port of entry. This inspection will likely include immigration,
customs, as well as security checks. Proper travel documentation
is required for entry into Canada.
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U.S. nationals: Passport or proof of U.S. citizenship
and proof of identity are required. Proof of U.S.
citizenship includes an expired U.S. passport, a
certified (original) birth certificate, Certificate
of Naturalization, Certificate of Citizenship, or Report
of Birth Abroad of a Citizen of the United States. To
prove identity, a valid driver's license or government
identification card are acceptable provided they identify
you by physical description or photograph. However,
for travel overseas and to facilitate reentry into the
U.S., a valid U.S. passport is the best documentation
available and unquestionably proves your U.S. citizenship.
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Minors
(under 16) traveling in someone else's custody must present written
authorization, signed before a notary, from the parent(s) or guardian.
U.S. citizens do not require visas to enter Canada for up to 180
days. Anyone with a criminal record (including a DWI charge) should
contact the Canadian Embassy or nearest Consulate General before
travel. U.S. citizens entering Canada from a third country must
have a valid passport. For further information, visit the U.S. Department
of State or Citizenship and Immigration Canada websites.
Nationals of some other countries may also require a visitor
visa. Please check with your nearest Canadian Embassy, High Commission
or Consulate well in advance.
Canadian
Currency and Taxes
The official currency of Canada is Canadian dollar (CAD).
As Canada recently started introducing new bills, do not be surprised
to see two different kinds of $10 bills, for example. The bills
are nice and colourful. A variety of different coin designs are
in circulation as well, including a few dozen different quarter
dollar coins. The $1 coin is often referred to as a "loonie";
the two-colour $2 coin is a "toonie".
Although U.S. dollar is widely accepted, U.S. and international
visitors will probably receive the best exchange rates by making
ATM withdrawals in Canadian funds using their banking cards. All
major credit cards are also widely accepted.
For roughcalculations, you may find it easy to remember that $1.00
Canadian equals approximately $0.60 U.S.
The federal Goods and Services Tax (GST) of 7% as well as
Provincial Sales Tax (PST) of 7% are added to most purchases.
However, essential products such as basic groceries are exempted
from both taxes; books are exempted from PST, etc.
Foreign visitors can claim a GST (7%) rebate on eligible
purchases (including accommodation) over $50 if the total of such
purchases exceeds $200 during their stay. Please consult the Canada
Customs and Revenue Agency Website for details.
Climate
& Weather
Long summers with lots of sunshine and minimum precipitation
are typical for Vancouver. Average daily highs for July are around
23°C or 74°F, with temperatures dropping slightly
at night.
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