About Vancouver
» Route MapLocated along the western coast of North America within the Pacific Northwest Region, Vancouver is a cosmopolitan city perched on nature’s edge. A city of unparalleled beauty, from the 400 hectare lush jewel known as Stanley Park, the largest city park in North America, the hustle and bustle of fashionable Robson Street to the glamour and glitz of trendy Yaletown, Vancouver has it all and is considered one of the best cities in the world for quality of living.
Vancouver has never hosted the ITA-AITES World Tunnel Congress and looks forward to continuing the spirit of celebration of international exchanges in May 2010 following the 2010 Winter Olympics and Paralympics. Vancouver is currently experiencing a wealth of tunnelling unseen in over 20 years and looks forward to continued underground construction activity in Vancouver and rest of Canada with our theme “Tunnel Vision Towards 2020”.
Video
Tourist Attractions
Popular attractions include the Vancouver Aquarium Marine Science Center where you can experience the BC Coast in wonderful detail. Walk across the famed Capilano Suspension Bridge or take the Skyride to the top of Grouse Mountain. Top off the excitement with a visit to Science World and its interactive exhibits or ride the glass walled elevator to see the spectacular 360-degree view from the Lookout at Harbour Centre.
STANLEY PARK
Stanley Park is the largest city park in North America with over 400 hectares of an evergreen oasis. The park is surrounded by a paved seawall where you can walk, run or even roller blade - all 10 kilometers. Eco-discovery walks are offered on weekends. Famous landmarks in the park include Lost Lagoon, Siwash Rock, Prospect Point, Beaver Lake, totem poles, the Nine O'Clock Gun, and various monuments and sculptures.
AQUARIUM
The Vancouver Aquarium is located within Stanley Park. In 2006 the Aquarium celebrated "50 amazing years" as one of North America's premier marine life centres. Visitors can see beluga whales, dolphins, sea otters, and thousands of other fascinating creatures, from the Arctic to the Amazon.
CAPILANO SUSPENSION BRIDGE AND PARK
Just across the Lion’s Gate Bridge in North Vancouver, the fun begins on the swaying planks of Capilano Suspension Bridge and continues among majestic evergreens. Experience endless walking trails through the wilderness of Vancouver and only 10 minutes from city center.
GROUSE MOUNTAIN SKYRIDE
Vancouver's premium four-season attraction, just 15 minutes from downtown. Experience everything unique to British Columbia, including breathtaking panoramic views, the Refuge for Endangered Wildlife, the Theater in the Sky, a variety of seasonal activities and an array of dining and opportunities, all at 1200 meters.
MUSEUM OF ANTHROPOLOGY AT UBC
The Museum of Anthropology is located at the University of British Columbia and provides tours and offers a variety of information specifically about subjects related to First Nations and other cultures.
VANCOUVER ART GALLERY
The Vancouver Art Gallery is located in an historic turn of the century building that was originally constructed as a provincial courthouse. It is designed in a neo-classical style and composed of simple geometric forms with ionic columns and traditional decorative treatments. The building’s interior is equally impressive with the use of marble for the walls, columns and steps.
GASTOWN
Gastown is the oldest historical area of Vancouver. Established the same year that Canada became a nation, Gastown grew into Canada’s third largest city and one of its most cosmopolitan. But the Gastown district today retains its historic charm, independent spirit and distinctiveness. If you go to Gastown, you must take a closer look at world's only steam powered clock. It will puff clouds as it sounds the Westminister Chimes when it hits every hour. The clock is unique as it was designed in 1875 but was actually created in 1977 by a local chorologist.
Entry Formalities
U.S. born citizens should have a passport or a birth certificate plus photo I.D.; citizens require naturalization certificates with photo I.D.; permanent residents (who are not citizens) need the alien registration card (green card).
Visitors from countries other than the U.S. must have a valid passport, and a visa may be required. For additional information regarding visas, please visit the website for Citizenship and Immigration Canada at www.cic.gc.ca. You can also consult the nearest Canadian embassy, high commission, consulate, customs agent, or your travel agent.
You should allow a minimum of 30 days for visa delivery.
Visiting Canada
Those wishing to plan excursions in Canada before or after the Congress can obtain maps, accommodation lists and descriptions of sites of interest from the tourism services of each Canadian province:
Province |
North America ONLY |
Website Address |
British Columbia |
1-800-663-6000 |
|
Alberta |
1-800-661-8888 |
|
Manitoba |
1-800-665-0040 |
|
New Brunswick |
1-800-561-0123 |
|
Newfoundland & Labrador |
1-800-563-6353 |
|
Nova Scotia |
1-800-565-0000 |
|
Ontario |
1-800-363-7777 |
|
Prince Edward Island |
1-800-463-4734 |
|
Saskatchewan |
1-877-237-2273 |
|
Québec |
1-800-668-2746 |
Please check the website at: www.travelcanada.ca for more information.
Currency and Banking
Canadian currency is the dollar, which is divided into 100 cents. There are 5, 10, 20, 50, 100 and 1,000 dollar bills. One and two dollar bills have been replaced by coins often referred to as "loonies" (the bird on the $1 coin is a loon) and "twonies $2. The dollar is subject to daily fluctuations and is trading to approx. 1.2165 (as of October 31, 2008).
Travelers' cheques can be cashed at numerous banks and stores (with purchases). There are numerous ATM Bank Machines in downtown Vancouver. Banks are generally closed on Sundays in Canada. There is a foreign exchange booth at the Vancouver City airport.
Health Insurance
Visitors are NOT covered by the Canadian Health Insurance Plan. It is therefore recommended that participants arrange their own health and accident coverage. This can be done before leaving home through a local travel agent or medical association.
Liability
The Congress fees DO NOT include provisions for the insurance of participants against personal injuries, sickness, and theft or property damage. This also applies to any event held during the Congress period. Participants and accompanying persons are advised to arrange for insurance they consider necessary. Neither the National Organizing Committee, nor its sponsors or committee members assume any responsibility for loss, injury or damage to persons or belongings, whatever the cause may be.
Electrical Supply
The electrical voltage in Canada is 110 volts (60 cycles) which is the same current as in the United States. If you are traveling from Europe or elsewhere, you will need an adapter to use small appliances. Adapters can be found at most department and electrical stores near downtown hotels.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
SPONSORS |
|
|
|
|
|