Wicsa7:LocalArrangementsInfo:VancouverBC

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Welcome to WICSA 2008 and welcome to Vancouver, British Columbia!

We hope to offer you information about Vancouver and B.C. which will add to your WICSA experience, if you wish to take advantage of all that Vancouver has to offer.

You might decide to arrive here in Vancouver several days prior to WICSA, or you might wish to extend your stay after WICSA 2008. You might wish to bring others with you to enjoy Vancouver while you attend WICSA 2008. Or, you might find that you wish to return for another visit to Vancouver in the future!

If you have specific questions or specific needs regarding Vancouver or BC Tourism which are not addressed below, please let us know, try posting on this wiki or e-mail (WICSA Local Arrangements Chair e-mail: p.botman (at) ieee.org), and we will try to help.

If you have some info or recommendations to share about Vancouver, please contribute to this wiki!

Also, please keep in mind that WICSA 2008 will offer a flexible approach for our attendees, both within the conference proper and outside the conference! We hope to provide posters, wikis or other tools during the conference where attendees can discuss “non technical” activities, and can arrange group activities.

In fact, this wiki can also be used to gather a group of like minded people for a specific activity, so if you want to get a group together to go skiing, to dine, or to enjoy the city’s attractions, post an entry on this wiki!


DISCLAIMER The WICSA organizers offer only some limited suggestions and links to Vancouver tourism – related information, services and facilities provided by others. WICSA organizers provide these suggestions and links on an informal basis, only for the benefit of WICSA attendees, and not for commercial gain. Please remember that the WICSA organizers can take no responsibility for information, services and facilities mentioned below.

GENERAL VANCOUVER INFORMATION

Your primary source for standard Vancouver tourism information is Tourism B.C. or Tourism Vancouver. They also offer lots of information about other regions of B.C. such as Victoria, Whistler, the interior (Cariboo and Chilcotin regions), the Okanagan, and the Kootenays / Rockies regions in the east of the province.

Here is a New York Times article about 36 Hours in Vancouver. It covers a lot of ground, everything from restaurants and nightlife to parks and recreation.

The New York Times also has a general travel guide section for Vancouver.

The Vancouver Sun has a guide with some attractions, things to do, and event listings.

PLAZA 500 HOTEL & CONVENTION CENTRE

The Plaza 500 is the venue for WICSA 2008. It is located at the corner of Cambie St. and 12th Ave, just south of downtown Vancouver. See the Plaza 500 web site for details concerning parking, and hotel amenities. The Plaza 500 staff are friendly and the hotel concierge will be able to answer your general questions about tourism and Vancouver attractions.

CITY SQUARE MALL

This mall is directly across 12th Ave. from the Plaza 500 hotel. It has an assortment of stores, including food / groceries, drug store, Starbucks, an assortment of restaurants, a food court, and a fitness club (Fitness World).

Note that Plaza 500 guests will obtain a free pass to Fitness World. WICSA 2008 attendees not staying at the Plaza 500 will enjoy a reduced rate at Fitness World.

TRANSPORTATION

In general Vancouver streets are laid out in a grid, with only a handful of highways coming in to the city.

The following map shows the location of the WICSA venue, the Plaza 500 Hotel at the intersection of 12th Ave. and Cambie Street.

From this base map page, click “get directions” to obtain specific instructions for driving between the Plaza 500 and the airport (YVR); Whistler; Victoria; Seattle; or eastern Canada.

For those traveling by car from the east in Canada, you will likely be arriving via Route 1 – the Trans Canada Highway. You may take the Grandview Highway exit and proceed west on Grandview Highway, until Grandview Highway turns into 12th Ave. Simply remain on 12th Ave until you reach the intersection of 12th Ave and Cambie Street, the location of the Plaza 500.

For those obtaining a rental car at the Vancouver airport, you will likely be entering the city via the Arthur Lang bridge. Heading north on the bridge toward the city, take the “Marine Drive exit, and proceed east on Marine Drive until you reach Cambie Street. Turn left onto Cambie St. and proceed north on Cambie until you reach the intersection of Cambie and 12th Ave, the location of the Plaza 500.

For those arriving from Seattle or the U.S. via automobile, Interstate 5 will bring you to the Canadian border. Once on the Canadian side I-5 becomes Highway 99. Proceed north on Highway 99, traveling through the Massey Tunnel, through the suburb of Richmond, and over the Oak Street bridge into the city of Vancouver. Once across the bridge you will be on Oak Street, proceed north on Oak St. to 12th Avenue. At the intersection of Oak and 12th, turn right, proceeding east approximately 5 blocks until you reach the Plaza 500 at the intersection of 12th and Cambie.

Airport (YVR) to WICSA Venue – Plaza 500 Hotel

From the Vancouver International Airport, there are several options for those not renting a car.

Private taxis are available at both the domestic terminal and the international terminal, and will take you directly from the airport to the Plaza 500 (fare should be metered, and will likely be in the $25 range before tip).

For those staying at some hotel other than the Plaza 500, there is an airport hotel shuttle bus service (the Airporter) which stops at both domestic and international terminals, and goes to most major hotels in Vancouver. The Airporter runs throughout the day, and the fare may be paid on-board. Be sure to tell the driver that you wish to go to the Plaza 500. Note once again, the Airporter does not service the Plaza 500 directly!

While the Translink city buses are inexpensive, a trip between the airport and the Plaza 500 would involve one or more transfers and a walk of several blocks. For this reason, city buses are not recommended for travel to the airport. See the section below for a link to the Translink website for further details regarding Translink bus routes.

City Transit

Translink is the city transit provider, providing service throughout most of the Greater Vancouver Regional District. Services include buses, express buses (the “B-Line”), light rapid transit (“SkyTrain”), commuter rail (West Coast Express), and a rapid ferry (“SeaBus”) between Vancouver and North Vancouver across the inner harbour.

In general, the location of the Plaza 500 close to downtown Vancouver makes transit a reasonable alternative to taxis. To go downtown from the Plaza 500, take the 015 bus on Cambie St., which travels directly north on Cambie into downtown. To go east or west within Vancouver, proceed 3 blocks north to Broadway, and catch the “B-Line” express buses there. [NOTE: Construction is taking place on Cambie St., please call Translink at the telephone number below to confirm the status of the 015 bus.]

At the time of writing, the adult fare for a one-way trip within the Vancouver fare zone is $2.50. A book of 10 tickets currently costs $19.00 and an unlimited single day pass is $9.00. These prices apply for all modes of transport, being express bus (B-Line), regular bus, SkyTrain, and SeaBus. However note that fare prices for trips to/from outer zones (multi-zone fares) are higher.

For general information about transit lines, services and fares refer to the Translink website.

Note also that for transit queries related to specific trips or itineraries, Translink offers a trip planner. Information can also be obtained via telephone at (604) 953-3333. Just call, tell them your destination, and they will give you transit directions.

VANCOUVER RESTAURANTS

We could not possibly do justice to the wide variety of restaurants in Vancouver. Vancouver enjoys so many ethnic foods, and the competition among restaurants is fierce. Suffice it to say that our finest restaurants are world class and even our mid-priced restaurants are worth trying.

Some reviews, restaurant guides and opinions of others:

It would be nice to offer specific recommendations for the top restaurants in each category, but… in Vancouver, we have too many categories! We have most every kind of ethnic restaurant, from Afghani to Vietnamese, and food based from Salmon to southern (BBQ)!

Here is just a sampling: please add your own opinions and recommendations! We’re counting on everyone to contribute to this list!

  • Steve's Culinary Recommendations
  • Sushi: Koji, Tojo’s
  • Italian: Tony Roma’s, Il Giardino, Caffe de Medici
  • New Cuisine / West Coast Fusion: Rain City Grill
  • Chinese fusion: Wild Rice
  • Chinese Szechuan: Sun Sui Wah Seafood Restaurant, many others!
  • Chinese dimsum: Pink Pearl
  • Pizza: Bella Pizza
  • Vietnamese: Pho Hoang Vietnamese, Saigon
  • Thai: Thai House
  • Steak: Hy’s Encore, Morton’s
  • Greek: Maria’s Taverna, Athene’s
  • Japanese / Korean: Shabusen Yakiniku House, Seoul House
  • European: C, Bishop’s, Lumiere, Provence
  • Fish / Salmon Houses: The Cannery, Salmon House on the Hill, Kettle of Fish, Fish House
  • Barbeque: Memphis Blues Barbeque House
  • Vegetarian: the Naam
  • Coffee! Caffe Artigiano

NOTE: Most of these restaurants are present on the web or in Yellow Pages listings. Please call ahead to determine whether they are open and whether reservations are required!

VANCOUVER ATTRACTIONS

Vancouver prides itself on being a world class city, with many attractions enhanced by a spectacular natural backdrop of the Coastal Mountains and the many inlets off the Pacific Ocean.

  • UBC has many facilities and attractions. UBC has concerts, lectures and live events.
  • UBC’s Museum of Anthropology
  • Vancouver Aquarium is located in Stanley Park.
  • Granville Island: Public market, artists galleries, boats, pubs, restaurants, brewery, small theatre. Check for special events and performances Feb. 21-24, called “Winterruption”.
  • Yaletown: New and trendy urban nightclubs and restaurants, pubs and microbreweries! Downtown young professionals live, work and play in the modern high- rise condos here, and there are some hot technology companies located here, (web design studios like Blast Radius and various video game companies). Yoga studios, pet and baby boutiques, microbreweries, and trendy restaurants abound. Yaletown is a great place to get dinner or do a bit of shopping.
  • Chinatown.
  • Gastown: Heritage architecture, cobblestone streets. Some fine restaurants and cafes, irish pubs, and more than a few souvenir shops catering to tourists!
  • Richmond: large Asian community, many Asian restaurants, clubs and shops
  • Stanley Park: Topping most out-of-towner’s lists, and for good reason, Stanley Park is 1000 acres of natural forest within walking distance of the downtown city core. Explore the cedars and ferns along rugged trails in a lush west coast rainforest. Wildlife abounds, especially around Lost Lagoon, and the well-known Vancouver Aquarium is situated in the middle of the park. Make sure not to miss the totem poles to the southeast of the park, or the seawall walk which surrounds the entire park (although the latter is about 12km [8mi], so you might wish to avoid attempting the entire thing).
  • Commercial Drive: Commercial Drive has a large number of ethnic restaurants, stores and community groups, Edwardian-style heritage buildings, European-style cafes, bars, and alternative shops and entertainment venues. The Drive is a popular place for Vancouverites who want to experience a safe version of North American counter-culture. It’s a little distance outside of the downtown core, but definitely worth a look.
  • Robson Street: Vancouver’s main shopping drag. All the designer brands have set up shop along Robson St. Be sure to see the corner of Robson and Thurlow, and its pair of opposing Starbucks.
  • Kitsilano: Just across the bridge to the south is one of Vancouver’s most cherished neighbourhoods. An informal “beach” community, traces still remain of its hippy roots, although these days it’s slowly being claimed by the yuppie crowd. Wander along 4th Ave. or West Broadway for all sorts of eclectic boutiques and cheap organic eats.
  • Main Street (King Edward to 29th Ave): This section of Main Street is eclectic and in the midst of a revival. Enjoy several ethnic restaurants and cafes, interesting clubs and low-rent stores of all types.
  • Capilano / Lynn Valley Suspension Bridges: There are two suspension bridges in North Vancouver, both situated in parks amongst scenic canyons and incredible natural forest trails. Capilano is the tourist trap and the larger bridge of the two, but Lynn Valley is the local’s secret. It’s completely free, just a bit further out. (We’d suggest skipping them if the week is particularly rainy however, as the trails are best when dry.)
  • Commercial Tours – Vancouver, Whistler, Victoria
  • Trolley tour around Vancouver, with hop-on, hop-off feature
  • Casinos - The larger casinos include:
    • Edgewater Casino (downtown Vancouver)
    • Starlight Casino (New Westminster)
    • River Rock Casino (Richmond)
    • And there are others including one (fairly close to the Plaza 500) in the Holiday Inn on Broadway (709 W. Broadway)
  • Comedy - Various options - check websites for performance times
  • Galleries

VANCOUVER 2010 OLYMPICS

Vancouver will play host to the world in just two short years! Most of the 2010 competition venues are completed, or nearing completion.

The official Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympic Games site.

You can visit all of the venues, and purchase branded clothing, or other merchandise, such as the likenesses of the official 2010 Olympic mascots (Sumi, Quatchi and Miga).

VANCOUVER CANUCKS NHL HOCKEY

The Vancouver Canucks play at GM Place in downtown Vancouver. They will be playing shortly before and after the WICSA conference. Sat Feb 16, 2008 Edmonton Oilers vs Vancouver Canucks Sat Feb 23, 2008 Detroit Red Wings vs Vancouver Canucks

For info and tickets.

The Canucks usually sell out GM Place, so it could be that tickets will be unavailable through official channels. You might consider going down to GM Place shortly before the game(s), however, to see what is available “informally”. See also Craigslist ticket sellers and other online sellers, but be sure to read the warnings!

Other sporting events:

The Vancouver Giants play hockey in the Western Hockey League, the venue is the Pacific Coliseum east of downtown. The Giants are reigning Memorial Cup champions. Games are scheduled on Feb. 17th, 20th and 22nd.

OTHER EVENTS, EVENT LISTINGS

Associated with the Vancouver 2010 Olympics, the 2008 Cultural Olympiad will be running during February, and consists of over 300 artistic and cultural performances and demonstrations.

RECREATION - SKIING

February is a great time for skiing, and we have plenty of mountains from which to choose!

Local Mountains

Vancouver boasts three fine “local” mountains, sometimes called the “north shore mountains”, just minutes from downtown. They offer very nice skiing, and even skiing at night, on well-lit slopes, after a day of work. These mountains are convenient, and offer a range of activities from skiing to snowboarding to cross-country. Some of these mountains are directly reachable via the Translink (see Transportation) transit system, and some offer convenient shuttle buses if you don’t have a car. Ski, snowboard and snowshoe rentals and instruction are available in some cases, please check the details for each specific mountain.

Whistler

Whistler / Blackcomb is a world famous ski resort, located 90 minutes north of Vancouver by car (public bus transportation is also available). Two mountains of outstanding skiing.

Whistler & Ski, Snowboard Rentals

All the mountains have rental skis and snowboards, check out their respective websites for more info. Renting equipment at the ski hill saves some transportation hassle. Where do you rent ski (or snow board) gear for Whistler (or for the local mountains)? The easiest answer is to book online directly through Whistler’s rental shop and pick up your gear when you arrive. It’s the least hassle, and simple to arrange in advance. If you’re looking for a bargain however, you might want to check out some of the shops in town before you head up to the hill; a short taxi ride over the bridge to the 1700 block of West 4th Ave. gets you to the nexus of snow and surf shops in town (6 within spitting distance of each other), some of them handle rentals. And a little further east there’s Sports Junkies who have some of the best rates you’ll find. The only catch with renting in town will be arranging your own pickup the day before and drop-off the day after.

Whistler & Ski Transportation

There are several ways of getting to Whistler, including bus, airplane (?!) and private automobile. This is not necessarily a complete list, please check the respective ski resort websites to see what they refer to. See the whistler tourism page on transportation.

Other Ski Resorts / Areas in BC

There are many more fine ski resorts and facilities across the province in every region, and we can’t possibly describe them in this space. If you are interested in the complete ski story.

Cross Country Skiing

There are many fine cross country ski areas in B.C., however close to Vancouver the choice is more limited. Close to the city, Cypress Mountain operates a cross country area called Hollyburn.

A bit further from the city, Whistler, Callaghan Valley and Manning Provincial Park offer cross country trails within 2 hours of the city. Excellent places for cross country in B.C.’s interior are several hours away from the city, but offer some of the best trails, resorts and facilities for cross country. Some well known resorts or areas for cross country include:

  • Lac LeJeune / Stake Lake
  • 100 Mile House and 108 Mile House
  • Vernon / Silverstar / Sovereign Lake
  • Salmon Arm

The Vancouver Skiers Cross Country Club offers organized cross country trips. Sigge’s is a well known cross country ski shop offering XC ski rentals, organized ski trips, and lots of great advice for cross country skiers.

RECREATION - OTHER

There might be snow on the mountains in February, but down at sea level, there are still many options – both outdoor and indoor.

In Vancouver we have Stanley Park, with its totem poles, long seawall path next to the water, an aquarium, and many tall cedar trees. Feel free to walk, jog, or run around and enjoy the scenery. If it’s nice and sunny, you might wish to rent a bicycle or roller blades!

The “seawall” is the general term used for a pleasant walking path right along the shore, going all the way around the edge of Stanley park. The seawall is an enjoyable walk, but portions of the seawall are also available for bicycling and roller blading! See the Stanley Park Map or see additional general information on the Stanley Park web page, and please, follow the rules.

By the way, the seawall extends beyond Stanley Park! From the Beach Avenue exit to Stanley Park, the seawall continues along the shore of English Bay, into False Creek, running along the north shore of False Creek all the way to Science World. The same seawall continues on the south shore of False Creek, running from Science World all the way to Granville Island (and beyond, to Kits Point and Kits Beach). The seawall is a great way to see Vancouver. To get a general idea of the seawall outside of Stanley Park, look for the “Seaside” route in this bicycling map.

Bicycle rentals are available at several places convenient to the seawall or to Stanley Park. Little aqua bus boats will ferry pedestrians across False Creek at various points, including Granville Island, so you can always wander and cross back over the water.

The City of Vancouver has many other parks, beaches, and recreation facilities, including an aquatic centre, ice skating rinks, and community centres with the usual recreational facilities.

UBC Recreation

The University of BC, located on the west side of the city, offers many recreational and other attractions, including indoor swimming and tennis facilities, an authentic Japanese garden, and a large regional park with many walking trails. Please view the information about the various UBC facilities to confirm hours of operation.

Indoor Swimming Pools

The two largest facilities are the City of Vancouver’s Aquatic Centre, close to downtown, and UBC’s aquatic centre (see UBC note above).

Hockey rinks and ice skating

The City of Vancouver has several indoor hockey rinks with public skating hours.

Curling

The City of Vancouver’s major curling facility, is being rebuilt for the 2010 Olympics (see separate note about 2010 Olympic Venues). However there are a few other places to try curling:

Tennis, Raquet Sports

UBC has indoor tennis, and there are plenty of courts available in community centres and tennis clubs.

OTHER REGIONS OF BRITISH COLUMBIA

You might want to consider exploring some of the other regions in British Columbia while you are in the area.

  • Whistler: Home of the world famous Whistler-Blackcomb ski resort, Whistler offers recreation in a luxury setting throughout the year. For more information about Whistler in general.
  • Vancouver Island: The provincial capitol in Victoria, the wild west coast, parks, mountains, fishing resorts, and skiing!
  • Gulf Islands: situated in the Straight of Georgia between Vancouver Island and the mainland, quiet, scenic and natural!
  • Okanagan: wine and agriculture in the middle of the province, clustered around Lake Okanagan, with many family oriented ski resorts!
  • Kootenay and Rocky mountains: in the far east of the province, containing our biggest mountains and amazing national parks, bordering on Alberta and the famous Banff and Jasper national parks!

For more information on BC tourism and all the regions.

General information about BC Parks and tourist regions.

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