Travel Information
Ontario Power Generation generously donated carbon dioxide emission reduction credits to make participant travel to and from GLOBE 2008 "carbon neutral". Carbon neutral means that the greenhouse gas emissions associated with travel was offset by OPG's investments in greenhouse gas emission reduction projects.
GLOBE participants were encouraged to make their participation in GLOBE 2008 as environmentally sustainable as possible. Below are tips and ideas for reducing the environmental footprint of your next participation to a GLOBE event.
Travel to and from the event:
- Book your travel via the most direct route possible as multiple take-offs and landings cause substantial increases in emissions
- Utilize public transit or shuttle services from the airport to your accommodations to reduce GHG emissions
- Offset green house gas (GHG) emissions associated with your travel
Public transit Information:
- TransLink, the Greater Vancouver Transportation Authority, covers all public transit services available in Vancouver. Visit their website to find information on the following services:
- Coast Mountain Buses serve the City of Vancouver. A number of buses stop near the Vancouver Convention and Exhibition Centre.
- SkyTrain is Vancouver's light rapid transit system, which connects the Lower Mainland of BC. The Vancouver Convention and Exhibition Centre is near Waterfront Station.
- SeaBus is Vancouver's passenger ferry service connecting downtown Vancouver to the North Shore. The Vancouver Convention and Exhibition Centre is located near the Waterfront Terminal.
- West Coast Express is a commuter rail service linking Mission, Port Haney, Maple Ridge, Pitt Meadows, Port Coquitlam, Coquitlam and Port Moody with downtown Vancouver. The Vancouver Convention and Exhibition Centre is near Waterfront Station.
Getting around downtown:
- Walking: The Vancouver Convention and Exhibition Centre is within walking distance of most downtown locations. Plan your trip by foot (Note: the Convention Centre is L5 on this map)
- Biking: There are numerous bike racks available outside of the Vancouver Convention and Exhibition Centre, as well as on the first level of the parking lot. This map shows Vancouver's bike routes, and includes information on taking bicycles on public transit.
Plan your trip by bicycle
Exploring the city:
- Consider participating in ecotourism activities during your stay. Visit the Tourism Vancouver website for a list of companies offering ecotourism activities
- See the city on foot by taking a walking tour, or hiking a local trail
If you are staying at a hotel:
- Turn off any lights, TV, air conditioner or heaters when you leave your hotel room for the day to decrease energy consumption
- If your accommodation offers this service, take the option of not having sheets and towels changed every day to reduce consumption of energy, water and soap
Language
While Canada has two official languages - French and English - English is the predominant language in the west. Multilingual staff are commonly found in major tourism and business facilities.
Currency
Canada's currency system based on dollars and cents, with a dollar equating to 100 cents. Currency exchange services are available throughout the city; as well, US currency is accepted at most places in Vancouver.
Electricity
Electricity in Canada is 110 volt AC (alternating current), as in the United States.
Taxes
A Provincial sales tax of 7% is applicable to most purchases; however, goods purchased by a visitor and shipped directly to their home outside of the province are exempt. An additional 5% Goods and Services Tax (GST) is also applied to most goods and services. Accommodation in the Vancouver area is taxed at 15%.
Customs Entry Requirements
US citizens and permanent residents require a birth or baptismal certificate together with picture identification, a resident alien card, a green card or passport to enter Canada. All other international travelers require valid passports and some will require visas.
