Download this information as a pdf file minus the maps).
You are responsible for booking your accommodation at the hotels listed below, The Delta Vancouver Suites and the Ramada Vancouver Downtown. To secure accommodation, either email, phone or fax the hotels and ask for the Artificial Intelligence Conference/ICCBR2001 room rate before Thursday, June 28, 2001.
Map of the two hotels in relation to the SFU Harbour Centre can be found here: PNG 16k or GIF 23k
Reservations made after this date will be on a space available basis. The hotels require a deposit to cover the first night or credit card guarantee to hold the room(s) beyond 4 pm on your arrival date.
Please do not include hotel deposits with registration fees.
Delta Vancouver Suites550 West Hastings Vancouver, BC V6B 1L6 Central Reservations (Toronto) toll-free: 1-800-268-1133 Call the hotel direct at toll free 1-888-663-8811 or 604-689-8188; Reservations Fax: 604-605-8881 Email: vancouversuite@deltahotels.com Website: http://www.deltahotels.com Special Room Rate Standard Suite Cdn $185 (1-2 persons) Executive 1 Bedroom Suite Cdn $195 (1-2 persons) Additional Person Cdn $20 Tax (10% hotel tax, 7% GST) 17%
Across the street from SFU's Harbour Centre campus, The Delta Vancouver Suites, is a luxury property located just minutes from Vancouver's Inner Harbour and Gastown.
Health and Fitness club facilities include indoor lap pool, sauna and fitness room. The hotel has data ports in their rooms, one restaurant, Spencer's Bar and a 24 hour Concierge Service.
Ramada Limited Downtown Vancouver435 West Pender Street Vancouver, B.C. Canada V6B 1V2 Reservations toll-free: 1-888-389-5888 Direct: 604-488-1088; Fax: 604-488-1090 Email: ramadalimiteddowntown@telus.net Hotel Website: http://www.ramadalimited.org Special Room Rate Standard Room Cdn $125 Cdn (1-2 persons) Tax (10% hotel tax, 7% GST) 17%
Located one and a half blocks from Simon Fraser University at Harbour Centre, the Ramada Downtown Vancouver is a small European-style hotel. The hotel (data ports in rooms) offers complimentary breakfast served from 6:30-9:30 a.m. The Ramada requires a deposit to cover the first night or credit card guarantee to hold the room(s) beyond 4 pm on your arrival date.
Other Accommodation Options YWCA HotelWeb site: http://www.ywcahotel.com
The YWCA offers air-conditioned single accommodation with your choice of hall, shared or private bathrooms with rates from as low as $56/night. This modern facility is located in the heart of Vancouver's theatre district and just steps away from the new Vancouver Public Library.
The YWCA is a twenty minute walk from Simon Fraser University at Harbour Centre.
University AccommodationDelegates or students on a budget may wish to stay at either the Simon Fraser University, Burnaby Mountain campus or at the University of British Columbia. Delegates with families may also wish to consider pre or post-conference stays at either university.
Please note that neither campus is close to the downtown Simon Fraser University, Harbour Centre campus at 515 West Hastings Street, Vancouver. For instance, the travel time between SFU Burnaby Mountain and Harbour Centre is approximately fifty minutes by B.C. Transit (bus) or about thirty minutes by car.
Simon Fraser UniversityConference and Guest Accommodations Web site: http://www.sfu.ca/conference-accommodationUniversity of British Columbia
Reservations Office, UBC Conference Centre Web site: http://www.conferences.ubc.ca
From rain forests and mile-long beaches on Vancouver Island to the Cariboo Chilcotin’s cowboy country; from the majestic Rocky Mountains to the Okanagan wine country, this province offers something for everyone.
Cosmopolitan Vancouver with its international shops, five-star restaurants and parks. Victoria, the picturesque, capital city, home to the provincial government, with magnificent gardens and “British” manners. Whistler, an alpine resort village, (75 miles inland from Vancouver) with its great selection of outdoor activities — mountain biking, hiking, fishing, sailing, golf, etc. — during the summer months.
Come early, stay late, but do plan on extending your vacation in B.C. to experience some of our wonders. Visit Tourism British Columbia's website at www.hellobc.com.
Things to Do in VancouverNo Vancouver visit is complete without:
Vancouver is located on the West Coast of Canada and is the largest city in British Columbia. There are direct flights to Vancouver International Airport from most major US and European cities, depending on the Airline. We suggest that you call your travel agent immediately and ask them to negotiate the best airfare for your trip. Note that July/August is high season in Vancouver and flights (particularly from Europe) fill up quickly. Vancouver International Airport has a departure tax called the Airport Improvement Fee. See the Visitor Information Section of this website for details.
American and overseas participants may find it less costly to fly first to Seattle in Washington State and then travel north by air, bus or car.
Travel by bus or car from Seattle (Washington State, USA)If you are planning on flying into or out of Seattle (Sea Tac Airport), you may wish to check out the Quick Shuttle Express Bus Service. This service operates between Sea Tac Airport and downtown Vancouver with stops in downtown Seattle, Bellingham and at Vancouver Airport. The trip takes approximately 4.5 hours from Sea Tac Airport to downtown Vancouver.
The nearest drop point to the Delta Vancouver Suites or the Ramada Downtown (recommended conference hotels) is the stop at Canada Place (cruise dock) which is situated approximately three (3) blocks from the Delta Vancouver Suites. Reserved seats are advised during the busy summer months. The rate from Sea Tac to downtown Vancouver (Canada Place) one way is Cdn $44/US $39; student rate (with valid Student ID card) is Cdn $34/US $27. Check out their web-site for time table information at www.quickcoach.com or call 1.800.665.2122.
British Columbia has fifteen border crossings on its southern boundary with the United States. From Seattle, you can drive up Highway 1-5 to the border, then Highway 99 directly into the heart of Vancouver. Driving time is approximately 3.5 hours.
Airport Bus Service and Taxis from Vancouver Airport to downtown VancouverDelegates staying at the YWCA may wish to take the Airporter Bus from and to Vancouver International Airport. This service is not available to the Delta Vancouver Suites or the Ramada Downtown. However, delegates can walk from the Waterfront Centre Hotel (opposite the Canada Place cruise dock) to the Delta Vancouver Suites or the Ramada Downtown. It is a 3-4 block walk.
Buses depart from the pick-up area outside level 2 at the Vancouver International Airport every 30 minutes. Tickets can be purchased from the driver.
These buses follow two routes. Check with the customer sales representative before you board the bus to ensure that you are on the correct bus for your stop.
The cost is Cdn $12 one way or Cdn $18 return (good any time). Buses operate between 6:30 am and 10:30 pm.
Taxi service is also available and the current cost from Vancouver Airport to downtown is approximately Cdn $24. Travel time from the airport to downtown Vancouver is 35-40 minutes.
By Ferry from Vancouver to Vancouver IslandVancouver Island (which is larger than Belgium) has many wonderful attractions: long sandy beaches, whale watching, hectares of parkland, and the capital of British Columbia, Victoria. Victoria is a pretty city with a natural blue harbour and three big industries — government, tourism and retirement. People here are friendly, love gardening, walks by the ocean and heritage architecture. Not to miss attractions in Victoria are Butchart Gardens (50 acres of landscaped gardens), afternoon tea at the Empress Hotel and specialty shopping.
BC Ferries run from the Tsawassen terminal (about 50 minutes drive from Vancouver) on the Mainland, to Swartz Bay terminal on Vancouver Island (about 35 to 40 minutes' drive from downtown Victoria). The drive from the Swartz Bay ferry terminal to downtown Victoria takes approximately 40 minutes.
If you wish to explore Southern Vancouver Island, you can take the ferry from Horseshoe Bay (near Vancouver) to Nanaimo, which is about an hour and a half drive to Victoria. Ferry crossings take about an hour and forty minutes.
Pacific Coach Lines operates a bus and ferry service between downtown Vancouver and downtown Victoria. Call (604) 662-8074 in Vancouver or (250) 385-4411 in Victoria.
Ferries leave on the hour most hours during the summer. Check the BC Ferries Web site for schedules and fares www.bcferries.bc.ca
By Ferry from Washington State to Vancouver IslandThe Sidney-Anacortes Ferry cruises through the San Juan Islands with two sailings daily in summer. Call Washington State Ferries at (250) 656-1531. Visit their website at www.wsdot.wa.gov/ferries. This site also provides information on the other Ferry Services listed below.
The Black Ball ferry's MV Coho provides daily service between Victoria and Port Angeles, WA.
Victoria Clippers provides year round daily passenger service from downtown Seattle to downtown Victoria.
Everyone flying out of Vancouver International Airport has to pay the Airport Improvement Fee (AIF). The cost is Cdn $10 for domestic flights (including the US and Mexico); Cdn $15 for international flights. You can purchase your ticket from the automatic ticket machines or at the AIF collection booth.
Climate and clothingWhat to wear: Warmed by off-shore currents and protected by the Coast Mountains, Vancouver's temperature averages in the high-20's (Celsius scale) or low-80's (Fahrenheit scale) during the summer months. Bring a raincoat or light windbreaker as well as a light sweater for evening activities. Casual attire is appropriate for all conference sessions and is also appropriate for evening events. A light sweater, slacks and windbreaker are definitely recommended for the evening cruise.
The facts about our money: The monetary system in Canada is based on dollars and cents. All prices quoted on this web site are in Canadian dollars, except the registration fees, which are listed in both Canadian and U.S. dollars.
International currencies (American dollars, pounds Sterling, French and Swiss francs, etc.) can be exchanged at your hotel, at any bank, or at the International Currency Exchange at the Vancouver International Airport.
BanksBanking hours vary between branches and banks.
The two closest banks to the SFU Harbour Centre campus are:
Bank of Nova Scotia 602 West Hastings Monday-Thursday: 9:30 am - 4:00 pm; Friday: 9:30 am - 5:00 pm Royal Bank, 658 West Hastings Street Monday-Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm.
Both banks are closed on Saturday and Sunday.
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 exchange funds into Canadian dollars 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. Participants who arrive in Seattle from overseas will need some American currency for incidentals.
Business/Shopping HoursMost business hours are 8:30 am - 4:30 pm or 9:00 am - 5:00 pm. Most shops are open 9:00 am - 6:00 pm or 10:00 am - 6:00 pm, Monday through Wednesday and Saturdays, with many staying open until 9:00 am on Thursday and Friday evenings. Many shops are open on Sundays, generally from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm.
TaxesAs a non-resident visitor, you can claim a refund for goods and services tax (GST), currently 7%, paid on eligible goods and/or short-term accommodation while visiting Canada.
A non-resident visitor qualifies for a tax refund if the following conditions are met:
Visit Canada Customs and Revenue's Web site at www.ccra-adrc.gc.ca/tax/nonresidents/visitors/tax-e.html
Hotels charge a 10% hotel tax that is not refundable.
Provincial sales tax is 8%. There is no sales tax on food or restaurant meals. If a visitor purchases goods and has them shipped by the vendor directly to his or her home location outside of Canada, no taxes are charged. (This is subject to availability and dependant on whether the vendor offers this option).
The following information is provided to assist visitors in crossing Canadian borders with ease and minimal delays. For more detailed information, you may wish to visit Canada Customs website at: www.cic.gc.ca/english/visit/viscan_e.html
Visitors from the United States: United States citizens or permanent residents can generally cross the Canadian - US border without delay or difficulty. No passport or visa is required. However native-born United States citizens should carry identity papers (an original or notified birth certificate or voter's certificate) that establish their identity. Naturalized citizens should carry documentary evidence of citizenship (e.g. a green card). Permanent alien residents of the United States are advised to carry their alien card. Photo ID is also required.
Visitors from Other Countries: All persons visiting Canada from countries other than the United States should carry a valid passport. Certain citizens require a visa for entry. Because visa requirements for countries change, we suggest that you call the Canadian Consulate or Embassy at least a couple of months before your visit to Canada to check on document requirements.
Departure from CanadaVisitors departing Vancouver International Airport for US destinations should note that they clear US Immigration and Customs at Vancouver Airport. All documents mentioned in the "Entry to Canada" sections (see above) are required. Please make sure that you leave enough time to clear customs before your flight departs. During the busy summer months, it is recommended that you allow no less than 1.5 hours after you check in to clear US customs and proceed to your departure date.
In emergency situations, you can contact the local police, ambulance service, fire department and other emergency services by calling 911, where available, or by dialing the numbers for local police and ambulance services listed in the front of all local telephone directories.
Health InsuranceBe 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.