AFCC Conferences
Vancouver Traveling Tips
About Vancouver
Vancouver is the largest city in the province of British Columbia. It's surrounded by water on three sides and is nestled alongside the Coast Mountain Range. Vancouver was voted the "Best City in the Americas" for 2004 and 2005, based on the categories of ambience, friendliness, culture and sites, restaurants, lodging, and shopping. Come early, stay late, and plan on extending your stay in Vancouver!
Things to Do
DON'T FORGET YOUR PASSPORT!
All persons traveling by air between the United States and Canada are now required to have a valid passport to enter or re-enter the United States.
Air Travel
All U.S. citizens including children must present a passport or secure travel document to enter or re-enter the United States by air. Information on applying for or renewing passports can be found at the U.S. Department of State Web site at http://travel.state.gov/passport/.
Land/Sea Travel
U.S. citizens ages 19 and older must present documentation that proves both identity and citizenship. Identification documents must include a photo, name and date of birth such as a driver’s license. Children ages 18 and under will only be required to present proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate. For more information please view the
Department of Homeland Security’s Web site at
www.dhs.gov/xtrvlsec/crossingborders/index.shtm.
Vancouver International Airport
The Vancouver International Airport (YVR) is located 22 KM / 12 Miles South of Downtown Vancouver. There are more than a dozen international flights in and out of YVR ever day, with 22 bound for the United States. Burkhalter Travel, AFCC’s preferred travel agency, is available to assist you with the best rates for your airline and rental car needs. Contact Burkhalter Travel at (800) 688-0156 or (608) 255-2774 and ask for Dan or Barbara. Parking is available at The Westin Bayshore at a cost of $23 CAD per day.
www.yvr.ca
ALTERNATIVE TRANSPORTATION TO VANCOUVER
Fly to Seattle and Save
Getting to Vancouver can be more affordable than you think. Conference participants may save up to 40% flying to Seattle, Washington and taking any of several options (car, bus, train or ferry) to Vancouver. Seattle airport (SEA) information can be found at:
www.portseattle.org
Another cost effective option may be flying to Bellingham International Airport (BLI). BLI is a full-service commercial airport located just south of the U.S.-Canada border and 90 miles north of Seattle. Bellingham airport (BLI) information can be found at:
www.portofbellingham.com
Car
Vancouver is only a three hour drive (145 miles) north of Seattle and one hour drive (50 miles) north of Bellingham. From Seattle, you can drive up Highway 1-5 to the border, then Highway 99 directly into the heart of Vancouver.
Bus
Quick Shuttle provides reliable transportation from Seattle Airport, Downtown Seattle, Bellingham Airport to Vancouver Airport and Downtown Vancouver. Quick Shuttle provides complimentary doorstep service to all major hotels including the Westin Bayshore Resort. Save 5% by making your reservation online. Below is the estimated price and time from Seattle to Vancouver.
Price: $55 one-way / $98 roundtrip
Time: 4 ½ hours
Phone: (800) 665-2122
www.quickcoach.com
Train
Amtrak Cascades offers an affordable and luxurious option for travelers from Seattle and other locations throughout Washington State and Oregon. Onboard these sleek, European-style trains, you'll enjoy wide, reclining seats and laptop outlets. Relax in the Bistro Car, which features fresh, regional cuisine, wine and microbrews. Stations include Eugene, Portland, Seattle, Bellingham, Vancouver and more. Below is the estimated price and time from Seattle to Vancouver.
Price: $28 one-way / $60 roundtrip
Time: 3 ½ - 4 hours
Phone: (800) 872-7245
www.amtrakcascades.com
Ferry
Explore the Pacific by taking a ferry through the Seattle-Victoria-Vancouver Triangle. The Victoria Clipper provides first class cruise service between Seattle and Victoria. Once in Victoria, take the BC Ferry to Vancouver. Amenities for both ferries include a variety of food and beverage options, gift shops and lounges.
Victoria Clipper (Seattle to Victoria)
Phone: (800) 888-2535
www.clippervacations.com
BC Ferries (Victoria to Vancouver)
Phone: (888) 223-3779
www.bcferries.bc.ca
Additional Travel Links
www.tourismvancouver.com/visitors/transportation/getting_here
www.bellingham.org/index.php/visitors/getting_around
www.hellobc.com/en-CA/TransportationMaps/BritishColumbia.htm
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