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Vancouver, British Columbia
 The largest
city in the province of British Columbia and the third
largest city in Canada. It's surrounded by water on three
sides and is nestled alongside the Coast Mountain Range.
Vancouver is a dynamic, multicultural city set in a
spectacular natural environment. No matter what time of the
year you visit, there are indoor and outdoor activities to
please adults, families, couples and friends to no end. As
the proud host of the 2010 Olympic & Paralympic Winter
Games, Vancouver looks ahead to ongoing growth and great
success in tourism, hospitality and business services each
year
The City of
Vancouver supports a wide range of destination sites — from
more than 190 parks to three different civic theatres — that
are interesting places to visit for tourists and residents
alike. Vancouver is also home to many other sights and is
networked by a comprehensive transportation system.
Vancouver is at an
international crossroads, equidistant from Europe and Asia
and connected throughout North America via convenient,
direct service by major air carriers. And on landing at
Vancouver International Airport, you’ll be treated to what
is regularly described as the best arrival experience in North America!
Click here for a complete area map of Vancouver (Mapquest)
the "+" and "-" bar on the left hand side will allow you to zoom in and out.
Cosmopolitan shops, superb dining and many entertainment
options. There is also an extensive selection of galleries
for art lovers as well as museums for history and cultural
buffs.
With a population
of approximately 550,000, Vancouver lies in a region
of more than 2 million people. It is the largest city in the
province (third largest in Canada), and is located in
the southwest corner of the province covering an area of
113 sq. km that is surrounded by water on three sides
and by the Coast Range Mountains.
Vancouver has not
only been voted the most beautiful city in Canada, it has
also been voted the number one city in the world to live.
Climate - The
areas climate is one of the mildest in Canada with
temperatures averaging 3 C in January and 18 C in July. The
average annual precipitation is 1,219 mm, with most
rainfall occurring in winter.
TRANSPORTATION TO VANCOUVER
- Vancouver
International Airport accommodates over 22,000 international
flights each month, with many domestic flights available as
well.
AIRPORT SHUTTLE SERVICE -
$12.00 per
person one-way or $18.00 per person round trip. Just look
for the Airporter Bus signs on the arrival level at the
Airport.
TAXI -
Approximately $30.00 one-way
PASSPORT, VISA AND BORDER-CROSSING
INFORMATION -
At the time of writing, to enter Canada, a
valid passport is required for citizens of all countries. Visas are required for residents
of certain countries; please contact your local Canadian
Embassy, Consulate or High Commission office for the
specific requirements for your country of origin.
Note:
As of Jan 26, 2007, the US will not allow you to re-enter the USA without a passport, even if you are a U.S. citizen. Apply for your pasport now.
For delegates visiting the U.S. before or
after attending the Symposium should ensure that they obtain
the proper visa, if required.
For more information, please refer to:
http://www.unitedstatesvisas.gov
http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/visit/visas.html
Resources if Traveling here from another Country
BC Ministry of Education/Special Education website: www.bced.gov.bc.ca/specialed/
There is a wealth of information on the site, plus Ministry contact information.
Also, here’s the link to the Vancouver Chapter of the Learning Disabilities Association of BC, another good resource to contact: www.ldav.ca/advocacy.html
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LETTER OF INVITATION FOR VISA POLICY -
An official Letter of
Invitation to obtain a Visa and authorization to attend the
Autism Today’s Biannual Congress on the Autism Spectrum
Disorder will be issued ONLY after the Registration Form and
full payment have been received.
ELECTRICITY -
Canada operates on 110V, 60
cycle electric power, which is the same as in the United
States. Non-North American visitors should bring a plug
adaptor if they wish to use their own small appliances from
home (razors, hair dryers, etc.).
GOODS AND SERVICES TAX -
A provincial
tax of 7% is charged on the majority of items purchase in
British Columbia. An additional Goods and Services Tax (GST)
of 6% is charge don most items and services, (10% on
alcoholic beverages); accommodation tax is 10%. Visitors to
Canada are eligible to participate in the Canada Tax Back
Program which allows you to claim 6% GST (Good and Services
Tax). You may claim the rebate on most of your purchases
after your visit to Canada.
SMOKING
- Smoking is
not permitted at the Symposium facilities. The City of
Vancouver has public health regulations that prevent smoking
in public buildings, on public transportations and in ALL
restaurants. Certain bars have designated smoking areas.
LIQUOR LAWS
- In British
Columbia, the legal drinking age is 19; bars and restaurants
are open from 11:00 to 04:00. In British Columbia there are
stiff penalties for drinking and driving.
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