Vancouver International Airport
The Vancouver International Airport (YVR) is operated by the Vancouver Airport Authority. YVR is the second busiest airport in Canada, with daily non-stop flights to Asia, Europe, the United States, Mexico, the Caribbean and other airports within Canada. YVR is a world leader in international air travel and is consistently recognized as one of the best airports in North America. The airport is approximately a 25 minute drive from either downtown Vancouver or the UBC campus. For information on flights and airport services, please visit the airport's website at www.yvr.ca.
Transportation
There are a number of transportation options accessible to delegates arriving and departing Vancouver. The following is a short list of what is available:
To and from the Airport - Taxis:
The airport is serviced by 400 licenced taxis 24 hours per day, 7 days a week for YVR customers. Taxis can be found just outside of the Domestic and International Terminals. Taxes charge a metered rate based on time and distance travelled. The approximate fare for travel to downtown Vancouver or to UBC from the airport is C$ 30.00, including taxes.
Black Top and Yellow Cab are recommended taxi companies for transportation to and from the airport.
Black Top Cabs, Phone: +1-604-731-1111
Yellow Cab Co. Ltd., Phone: +1-604-681-1111
To and from the Airport - Limousines:
Limojet Gold Express provides exclusive services from the airport 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The limousines can be picked up directly outside the Domestic and International arrivals area. Flat rates starting at C$ 39.00 are charged for a YVR-to-downtown Vancouver trip, depending on your choice of limousine type.
Limojet Gold Limousine Service, Phone: +1-604-273-1331 or +1-800-278-8742
Website:
To and from the Airport - Scheduled Buses:
The Airporter provides a bus service to a number of hotel destinations in downtown Vancouver for C$ 13.50 per adult. The bus can be caught on the Domestic and International arrivals level. Please check the website for additional rates and for schedules.
Airporter, Phone: +1-604-946-8866 or +1-800-668-3141
Website:
To and from the Airport - Car Rental:
There are a number of car rental companies that are located steps away from the ground terminal in the YVR airport and in downtown Vancouver. Most companies offer free shuttle service from hotels to their pick-up and drop-off locations. The follow are a few of the car rental companies located in Metropolitan Vancouver:
Alamo Rent-a-Car, Phone: +1-800-GO-ALAMO(5266)
Website:
Avis Rent-a-Car, Phone: +1-800-879-2847
Website:
Budget Car Rental, Phone: +1-604-668-7000
Website:
Enterprise Rent-a-Car, Phone: +1-800-261-7331
Website:
Taxis on Campus
Taxis are readily available in front of the Walter Gage Residence. There is a direct taxi telephone in the Gage Towers Lobby. Taxis will also pick up passengers at essentially any location on campus. Please contact either Black Top Cabs at +1-604-731-111 or Yellow Cabs at +1-604-681-1111.
Parking
Guest parking is available for C$ 7.00 per day plus applicable taxes. Non-guest parking is available at various parkades around UBC.
Please select here for further information about non-guest parking on campus.
Public Transportation
Buses to all parts of Vancouver depart and arrive regularly at the UBC Bus Loop located opposite the Walter Gage Residence. Bus schedules and packs of 10 bus passes are available in the Student Union Building. More information can be found on the Translink website.
Taxes
GST (Goods and Service Tax): Non-Canadian residents may claim a refund of the 5% GST paid on all eligible goods and accommodation while visiting Canada. Save your receipts, and pick up a claim form at the Vancouver International Airport.
PHT (Provincial Hotel Tax): 8% PHT is charged on accommodation in all UBC residences. All other accommodations in British Columbia charge 10% PHT.
PST (Provincial Sales Tax): 7% PST is charged on all goods except food and restaurant meals.
Climate/Clothing
Vancouver enjoys warm, comfortable summers. July 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.
Click Here for a direct link to Vancouver's forecast.
Know Before You Go
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. A driver's license or birth certificate will no longer be accepted as proof of citizenship. International visitors from countries other than the United States must have a valid passport for entry into Canada.
Please Click Here to view the countries that will require a temporary visitor's Visa for entry into Canada.
Online application for a temporary visitor visa: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/applications/visa.asp
Please be sure to check with your nearest Canadian Embassy or Consulate well in advance of travel to obtain the appropriate documentation.
Applications completed in person are normally processed in 5 to 15 business days; if mailing your application it is recommended to send 2 to 3 months prior to your departure date.
Please note that all applications are considered on their own merits - if further documentation or information are required, processing times may take longer - and even several weeks - depending on the circumstances.
Letter of Invitation
ASV 2009 will only issue a letter of invitation to paid registrants. 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.
Currency/Money Matters
It is recommended that all visitors use Canadian currency when travelling 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 three banks on the UBC Campus; the Bank of Montreal (MasterCard), the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (VISA) and the Royal Bank of Canada (VISA. All three have 24-hour automated teller machines (ATMs). Some banks in the City of Vancouver are open on Saturdays, but all banks are closed on Sundays. ATMs are also available in the lobby of The Gage Towers at Walter Gage Residence, in the Student Union Building (SUB), and at the University Pharmacy in the University Village.
Insurance
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.
