Travelling to Vancouver, Canada for ISH 2010
Vancouver is welcoming to all - everything is within reach!Travel
Air
The Vancouver International Airport has consistently been rated as a top North American airport providing easy access from all over the world. The Vancouver International Airport is approximately 11 miles (17.7 kms) from downtown (about a 25 minute drive). Transfer service is readily available by the Airporter bus, taxi, limousine or car rental companies. An efficient airport transfer service, the Airporter, transports delegates from the airport to all the downtown hotels at a cost of approximately $12.00 each way or $18.00 return. Taxi fares are roughly $27.00 and private limousine service is $34.00 one way plus gratuity. All of these services accept credit cards. (All fees are approximate and are 2008 prices).
Car
Vancouver is easily accessible by car from other parts of Canada via the Trans-Canada Highway and from the United States via the I-5 Freeway which connects Vancouver with the entire West Coast of the United States. In fact, many American visitors make the easy drive to Vancouver just to spend the day (Vancouver is only a 3 hour drive from Seattle)!
Visit the Canada Border Services Agency for official border information. A handy website describing border crossing information is borderlineups.com.
Rail
Vancouver is served by two main railways – VIA Rail Canada, which provides passenger service to other Canadian cities, and Amtrak which accesses the US market. Located downtown, the Pacific Central Station is served by taxis and Translink, operator of local city buses, the Skytrain (a mono rail that makes convenient downtown stops, and the Seabus (linking Vancouver to North and West Vancouver).
Passports & Visas
International delegates require a valid passport while a tourist visa is necessary for delegates from certain countries. Where possible, it is advised that international delegates arrange connecting flights through Canada rather than the United States to avoid immigration delays. Delegates who wish to enter the United States from Canada should make proper arrangements before leaving their home country.
For those delegates requiring a visa, a letter of invitation will become available on the registration page of this website. The process of applying for a visa should be started as early as possible to allow time for administration. For more information, visit www.cic.gc.ca.
American delegates travelling by air are required to present a valid passport while those travelling by land or sea may be required to present a valid passport or other proof of US citizenship such as an original or certified birth certificate together with photo identification, as determined by the Department of Homeland Security. Refer to "Know Before You Go" for more information. Another useful resource is the US Consular Services website.
