Visiting Vancouver

We have other information on fun things that you can do while in Vancouver.

Vancouver is home to some of the most breathtaking natural scenery in the world. Towering snowcapped mountains rise above the city, and spreading inland from the coast is a sophisticated, cosmopolitan city as clean and beautiful as if it grew there as part of mother nature's master plan.

Below are some of the things you can do while in the area, within walking distance from the conference hotels, using the public transportation system, or using a car. For more info on Vancouver, call Tourism Vancouver at +1 604 683 2000, or check General Information on Vancouver on the Vancouver Home Page.

Within walking distance from the conference hotels

Robson Street: The shopping district downtown, featuring international fashions, specialty shops, and many fine restaurants.
The Lookout! At Harbourview Centre: Ride a glass elevator up over 500 ft (165 m) for 360 degree views of the city, mountains and ocean.
CN IMAX Theatre: Located right above the convention center, specially-made IMAX films are shown on a five-story-high screen.
Gastown - Steam clock & restaurants: Original site of old Vancouver, this historic area has restaurants and shops in restored heritage buildings, and the world's first steam powered clock, which still pipes up every quarter hour.

By public transport or car

BC Transit: Offers public transportation on city buses, SkyTrain (an elevated light rail system), and SeaBus (a ferry connecting Vancouver to the North Shore with a 12-minute harbour crossing). Fares are very reasonable. Besides the scenic rides on SkyTrain and Seabus, some of the most popular bus routes include #1 Gastown/Beach, #250 Horseshoe Bay, #51 Granville Island, and #246 North Vancouver.
Stanley Park: The largest city park in Canada, with many trails, beaches, an aquarium, playgrounds and a water park for kids to play in.
Science World: A unique museum of technology featuring interactive exhibits. Tel: +1 604 687 7832
Playland Park: An amusement park east of downtown, with over 35 rides, a petting zoo, and other attractions. Tel: +1 604 255 5161
Capilano Bridge: This suspension footbridge is the longest in the world, 25 stories above the Capilano Canyon. Linked with a native Indian carving centre, restaurant and other attractions.
Granville Island: A lively area under the south end of the Granville bridge, offering shops, restaurants, and boat rentals.
Queen Elizabeth Park: Located on Little Mountain (between the Convention Centre and Vancouver International Airport), this park is the highest point in the city, featuring spectacular views of Vancouver, a sunken Japanese garden and an arboretum with exotic birds and plant life.

With a car

Outside of Vancouver, British Columbia has many other wonderful areas to visit. Popular excursions include Vancouver Island (with Victoria, Butchart Gardens, Royal British Columbia Museum, and even The Bungy Zone), and Whistler Village, (a premier ski resort with many spring-time activities). Seattle, Washington is also only a 3-hour drive away.

Climate

Vancouver enjoys mild temperatures year-round. Average daily temperatures in Vancouver during April range from 3 degrees to 13 degrees C (42 degrees to 56 degrees F). Rain is likely in April, so you are encouraged to bring an umbrella.

For more information

For more information about activities in and around Vancouver, please call the Vancouver Travel InfoCentre at +1 604 283 2000.

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