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Travel and Transportation
There are a multitude of transportation choices for getting to and around Vancouver . The Vancouver International Airport (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 only a 25 minute drive from either downtown Vancouver or the UBC campus. Delegates may also opt to fly into Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA), a scenic 2.5-3 hour drive from Vancouver .
To get to UBC from the airport, delegates may opt to take a taxi, a transportation bus or to rent a car. Taxis will be queued outside of the domestic and international arrival gates. There are a number of car rental agencies situated at the airport, and arrangements can be made prior to arrival via the web. Via bus, take bus #424 to Airport Station, transfer to bus #98 B-Line, get off at Granville St. at Broadway, and transfer to either the #17 UBC or #99 UBC buses.
For our delegates choosing to stay in downtown hotels, there is an airport shuttle available – the web information is available at www.yvrairporter.com . Delegates are responsible for making their own arrangements to and from the airport. Currently no such service exists for UBC.
Driving directions to the West Coast Suites and Marine Drive Tower Residences are available; updates for ongoing construction projects are also available on this page. If you do plan on driving on campus, it is recommended to view the plans.
The UBC campus is easily accessible from downtown Vancouver , with multiple public transportation buses traveling between the campus and downtown in under half an hour. The campus bus loop is conveniently located directly beside the Student Recreation Centre, and within walking distance of the conference academic facilities. Bus schedules are available in the Student Union Building. Please visit the Venue page for a campus map.
Further information on public transportation can be found on the South Coast British Columbia Transportation Authority, TransLink , website. Be sure to utilize the trip planning feature on the Translink website.
While staying at UBC, and for your departure, taxis are readily available in front of the West Coast Suites and Gage Towers (near the Student Union Building). There is a direct taxi telephone in the Gage Towers Lobby. For your reference, we recommend Black Top Cabs at +1 (604) 731-1111 and Yellow Cabs at +1 (604) 681-1111. For more information on directions and transportation, we invite you to visit the Directions, Maps and Tours page on the UBC website.
Parking
Accommodation parking is available at the West Coast Suites. There is a parkade across from the Marine Drive Towers for $12.00 per day plus 5% GST.
For daily commuting visitors, parking is available at various parkades around the campus; please visit the Visitor Parking page on the UBC website.
Eating on Campus
For those IEDTA delegates staying on-campus and off-campus, the conference has arranged for a caterer to provide lunch on Friday, July 17 to Sunday, July 19. Meal vouchers must be paid with registration.
Delegates who have arranged accommodations on campus, breakfast is included with your accommodations fees.
Morning and afternoon coffee breaks will be provided Friday, July 17 to Sunday, July 19.
For those who wish to eat independent of the catered events, numerous restaurants and cafes are conveniently located all over the campus and in the nearby University Village and Marketplace. Please download a convenient reference of the food outlets available on campus, including a map. Summer dining hours are also available, including a map.
Eating in Vancouver
Dining options off campus range from casual to gourmet and feature cuisines from around the world that will suit every budget and palate. Vancouver 's dining scene is truly an attraction in itself. The city's diverse cultural background makes dining in Vancouver a delightful and delicious experience. Please download an extensive list of Vancouver 's finest, noted by location and price.
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 at the West Coast Suites and Marine Drive Tower Residences and is non-refundable.
PST (Provincial Sales Tax): 7% PST is charged on all goods except for food and beverage purchases, including restaurant meals and is non-refundable.
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 view the online application for Temporary Visitor Visas (if required).
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 IEDTA Secretariat 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.
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 two banks on the UBC Campus. The Bank of Montreal (MasterCard) and the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (VISA) are located at the University Village (please see the ‘Venue' page for a campus map). Both 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.
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. We welcome you to check out Vancouver weather online , and plan ahead!
Campus Activities
Please download a document detailing the basic recreational activities on campus.
Childcare
For childcare services for the IEDTA conference, we are recommending the following option, as we are not offering childcare services on-site for the conference:
The service, which is often utilized by visitors to UBC campus, is called Nannies on Call. Please select the following link to see further details and contact information for this reputable and fully licensed child care provider www.nanniesoncall.com . |
