[CHI 96][AP][Travel/Housing]

Fun Things to do in Vancouver during CHI 96

Vancouver is one of the world's most beautiful cities, and we want you to enjoy your stay when you are there. Here is some information that might be useful to you before, during, and after your CHI time.

In addition to this information, make sure that you pick up a free copy of the "The Georgia Straight," a Vancouver news and entertainment weekly paper. It has the latest and greatest current details about plays, movies, music, clubs, etc. Copies will be available at registration and at the information booth. You should also find in your registration bag a brochure detailing our personal recommendations of places to eat, drink, or meet for a cappuccino after the days' events.

If any of your questions are not answered by what you see below, feel free to ask us! We can be reached at chi96-local@acm.org. 

Mark Leonard and Rhona Charron
CHI 96 Local Arrangements

Overview

What to do in Vancouver?

 Here are some links to information about the City of Vancouver:

Universities

Museums and Theatre
Vancouver Art Museum
Located on Georgia St., one block south and 1/2 block west of the Hyatt Hotel.
Theatre
There are three civic theatres.
Vancouver Opera
On April 14th is Anne Sofie Van Otter. The prices range from $54 down to $21. The recital will be held at the Orpheum.
Musicals
Show Boat is playing until June 30 (approx) at the Ford Centre for the Performing Arts. Showtimes: Tues. to Sat. 8:00 PM, Wed and Sat. Matinees 2:00 PM, Sun Matinee 3:00 PM. Tickets - prices range form $46.00 to $92.50. Call Ticketmaster 280-2222.

Bookstores

Shopping Areas
Granville Island
Next to the scenic North Shore Mountains and Chinatown, Granville Island is one of Vancouver's most recognizable landmarks. Located on False Creek, Granville Island is home to a vibrant Artisan colony, the Granville Island Market, Emily Carr School of Art & Design, the Granville Island Brewing Company and boat/sea kayak rentals. You can get to Granville Island either by car, bus, cab, or walk down to the end of Thurlow St where you will find the Foot Ferry (about $1.50 one way) right behind the Aqua Centre.
Downtown core
Check out Robson Street, Granville Street, Gastown area, Pacific Center (mall), etc.

Some Athletic Activities
Trails in Stanley Park
Stanley Park is a 405 hectare park that offers the Sea Wall (10K round trip) and many trails for walkers, joggers, cyclists, and rollerbladers. So grab a friend, partner, or group and partake in the old growth trees, gorgeous ocean views, totem poles, aquarium, and the variety of flowers.
English Bay Beach
If you want to take a break from the conference and get some fresh air then stroll along English Bay Beach area.
Bike Rental
Located on Denman, between Robson and Georgia St.
Golf
There are many places to go golfing.
Skiing
Cypress, Grouse and Mount Seymour are located in North Vancouver (approx. 1/2 hour drive from downtown Vancouver). Depending on weather and snow conditions, this could be an ideal place to ski for a few hours. Call 604-879-3999 for snow report. Other information 604-986-2261.
Tennis
There are many places to play tennis. The closest to the conference site would be Stanley Park which has 21 courts - they can be reserved for a small fee by calling 688-8786.
Soaring
Contact the Vancouver Soaring Association.
Kayaking
Try Gord's Kayaking in Victoria.

Sporting Events
Basketball
Vancouver Grizzlies at GM Place. Ticket prices vary from $16.75 to $93.75. Call 604-288-4400 for tickets. Games during CHI:
Hockey
The Vancouver Canucks are playing their last game of the regular season, Saturday April 13, versus Calgary, 19:30. Tickets are $23.00, call 604-899-GOAL (4625).
Baseball
The Vancouver Canadians home opener will be April 9th at 19:05 at the Nat Bailey Stadium (Cambie & Main on 33rd Ave). The team plays at home April 9-12 and April 18-21. Ticket prices per game are extremely reasonable. To reserve tickets, call 604-280-4400. This is the California Angels' AAA farm team.

Local Brew Pubs
SteamWorks
Located one block south of the Convention Centre. Great food and atmosphere.
Yaletown Brewing Company
If you are going to try one place in Vancouver, this is it! Super food, great beer, and a chance to see Vancouver chic at its finest.
Milestones
They have a great Milestones Palimino Pale Ale and the burgers are worth a try.

Trips in a Day
Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains
Whistler Mountain and Blackcomb Mountain provide skiing, hiking, super scenery and people watching. The Whistler/Blackcomb Ski Bus - $76.00 (includes G.S.T.) provides you with return transportation and a Whistler/Blackcomb Dual Mountain lift ticket. Call 604-662-8051. For example the bus departs Pan Pacific/Waterfront hotel at 6:15 AM and arrives at Whistler at 8:30 AM and Blackcomb at 8:35 AM. The departure from Blackcomb/Whistler is either 3:45 or 4:15 PM and arrives in Vancouver approx. 6:15 PM.
Royal Hudson
Ride the only steam locomotives in scheduled mainline service on a North American railroad.
Whale Watching
If you want to see giant gray whales up close, from a heated 43' cabin cruiser then call Maureen at 1-800-663-7090 for more specific information about the 2 day 1 night Whale Watching Excursion.
Victoria
You could do this in one day but two days will allow you a more relaxing time. Ways to get there: take the BC ferry, a plane, or a helicopter (Helijet Airways, outside BC call toll-free: 1-800-665-4354, Vancouver 604-273-1414, Victoria 604-382-6222). Enjoy High Tea at the Empress Hotel, see the picturesque Inner Harbour, tour the Parliament Building, Royal B.C. Museum, Royal and London Wax Museum, walk along or take a Horse and Carriage Ride down Government Street, and visit the quaint little gift shops that carry china, lace, and woolen goods. Lunds Auction House is supposed to be a terrific experience when you are in Victoria.
Gulf Islands
This trip is worth it but again more than one day is recommnded. The Gulf Islands which are located in the protected waters between Vancouver Island and the B.C. mainland. Because of where they are situated these islands have a unique microclimate which offers more sun, less wind and rain than other parts of the Northwest coastline. This area is a haven for paddling, kayaking, etc. How to get there: take BC Ferry to one or more of the Gulf Islands, Saturna, Galiano, SaltSpring.

chi96-webmaster@acm.org / 96-02-22