Visitor Information
About Vancouver
Vancouver was voted the “Best City in the Americas” for 2004 by Condé Nast Traveler magazine. We have a dynamic, multicultural city set in a spectacular natural environment. No matter what time of year you visit, there are outdoor and indoor activities that are sure to please all tastes.
Disclaimer
The program planning committee and Simon Fraser University will accept
no liability for personal injuries sustained or for loss or damage
to property belonging to delegates either during or as a result of
the meeting.
Health Insurance
Be wise and plan ahead: Visitors to Canada
should have medical protection coverage. Canadian government health
plans do not cover non-residents visiting Canada. Purchase health insurance
before your visit.
Our late fall and winters are mild — it rarely snows in this part of Canada except, of course, on our ski hills. From late October to February, temperatures average from 5-10 Celsius (around 48° Fahrenheit). To stay dry, you'll need layered clothing, a raincoat and an umbrella. Waterproof footwear is always a good idea.
Commercial Information
Canadian Currency
The facts about our money: The monetary system in Canada is based
on dollars and cents. All prices quoted on this website are in Canadian
dollars.
International currencies (American dollars, pounds Sterling, etc.) can be exchanged at any bank, or at the International Currency Exchange at the Vancouver International Airport.
Major credit and charge cards are readily accepted in Canada including American Express, MasterCard and VISA. ATM machines (automated teller machines) are also widely available in banks and retail areas.
Conference participants are advised to use a credit card wherever possible to take advantage of the best exchange rates. When changing funds into Canadian dollars do so at a bank or foreign currency exchange outlet where you will receive the prevailing rate of exchange. Many places will accept US dollars but they set their own exchange rate or accept US dollars at par.
Taxes
There are three levels of taxation that affect visitors
to Vancouver: a 10% tax charged on accommodation and liquor, a 7% provincial
sales tax (PST) charged on most goods, and the 6% federal goods and
services tax (GST.)
Customs Information
Entry into Canada
The following information is provided to assist visitors in crossing
Canadian borders with ease and minimal delays.
All visitors should carry a valid passport. In addition to a passport, there are a number of countries whose citizens also require a visa to enter Canada. Because visa requirements for countries change, we suggest that you visit the Canada Customs website or call the Canadian Consulate or Embassy in your country at least a couple of months before your visit to check on document requirements.
Have your papers ready when you arrive in Canada. All visitors and residents who arrive by air have to complete a Customs Declaration form that is handed in to an Immigration Officer when you go through Canada Customs and Immigration. You can help make the immigration interview as short as possible by answering all questions simply and honestly. You should have your passport and other documents ready and with you rather than in your luggage.
Departure from Canada
Visitors departing Vancouver International Airport for US destinations
should note that they clear US Immigration and Customs at Vancouver
Airport. Please make sure that you leave enough time to clear customs
before your flight departs. It is recommended that you allow no less
than half an hour after you check in for your flight to clear US
customs and proceed to your departure gate.
Tourism Links and Information
Tourism
Vancouver
Tourism
BC
BC
Passport
Travel
BC
BC
Ferries
Vancouver
Public Transit
Washington
State Ferries
Customs and Revenue Information
Canada Customs Visitor
Information
Currency
Conversion
Vancouver Attractions
Granville
Island
Telus
World of Science
Vancouver
Aquarium and Marine Science Centre
Vancouver
Museum
Vancouver
Art Gallery
Vancouver
Space Centre
Vancouver
Parks Board
Weather
Local Vancouver Weather Forecast
from Environment Canada
Local
Vancouver Weather Forecast from the Weather Network