Last updated 30-APR-1997
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Tourism

Click here for a useful collection of information for visitors to Vancouver.

ABOUT VANCOUVER

Although the harbour was discovered by Captains Vancouver, Galiano and Valdes in 1792, European settlers did not arrive until the 1860s, and the city was not incorporated and named Vancouver until 1886. In spite of this late start, it is now the largest port and commercial centre on Canada's west coast, and also a major centre for tourism. Set around a magnificent natural harbour and dominated by the North Shore Mountains, Vancouver offers many local recreational and cultural attractions, and is also a convenient stepping-off point for exploring British Columbia.

Local attractions, moving outwards from downtown, include:

Longer excursions could include:

Useful Resources

WEATHER

Vancouver enjoys a temperate climate. During May the mean daily maximum temperature is 17° C (62° F) and the mean daily minimum 8° C (46° F). On average 8 days in May are clear and sunny and 10 rainy - so you will probably need rainwear at some time.

Useful Resources

COMPANIONS' PROGRAM

Welcome! Companions are invited to get acquainted in the Vancouver Island Room of the Hotel Vancouver over coffee and cookies on Monday morning between 9.00 and 10.00 a.m. This will be followed by a short (and optional!) guided walking tour of the downtown area.

Room 235 in the Hotel Vancouver will be the Companions' Suite, with refreshments and tourist information available throughout the week.

A program of Companions' Tours, by bus and other transport, is being arranged, and short descriptions are given below. A minimum of 30 people is required for each tour, so you are urged to sign up early, preferably before the advance registration deadline, April 21, 1997. If a tour has to be cancelled for lack of support, advance payments will be refunded in full. Prices are detailed on the conference registration form. For further information contact the Conference Coordinator, Elly Driessen (604 222-7352, pac97@triumf.ca).

City Orientation Tour (Monday afternoon, May 12 - 3.5 hours)

The major sights of Vancouver: the lakes, gardens, forest and totem poles of Stanley Park, the English Bay beaches, the shopping and financial areas, Gastown and Chinatown, the mansions of Shaughnessy, and Queen Elizabeth Park.

North Shore Tour (Tuesday afternoon, May 13 - 4 hours)

Through Stanley Park and across the Lions Gate Bridge to take the Skyride to the top of Grouse Mountain for spectacular views. Back down in Capilano Canyon, cross the Suspension Footbridge and visit the Fish Hatchery. Explore Lonsdale Quay and Market and return across Vancouver Harbour on the Seabus.

Victoria Excursion (Thursday, May 15 - 12 hours)

By ferry through the Gulf Islands to Vancouver Island and the beauty of Butchart Gardens. Then down the Saanich peninsula to enjoy the scenery and impressive views from Oak Bay and Marine Drive across to the Olympic Mountains. Two hours of free time in Victoria enable you to explore the Provincial Museum, the Parliament Buildings, the Empress Hotel, and the shops and other attractions.

UBC Museum of Anthropology and Gardens (Friday morning, May 16 - 3.5 hours)

Scenic drive along the Kitsilano, Locarno and Spanish Banks beaches to the University of British Columbia. Tour the spectacular galleries of Northwest Native art in the Museum of Anthropology and enjoy the University Botanical and Nitobe Japanese Gardens.

Whistler Excursion (Saturday, May 17 - 10 hours)

By bus along the mountainous shoreline of Howe Sound to Shannon Falls, and through Cheakamus Canyon with magnificent views of the glaciers of the Coast Range. Free time at Whistler skiing and summer resort to ride to the top and hike in the snow, or stay in the valley and explore either the forest trails or the worldly delights of Whistler Village.

PRE- AND POST-CONFERENCE TOUR SUGGESTIONS

To book one of the tours listed below, or for more information, please send the Advance Group registration form directly to PAC'97 travel agent:
Advance Group
Attention: PAC'97 Conference
Suite 1800, 1140 West Pender Street
Vancouver, B.C., Canada V6E 4G1
Phone: 1-800-555-1099 or (604) 688-9655
Fax: (604) 685-3521
E-mail: kathys@advance-group.com

ALASKA CRUISE
Regal Princess - 7 Night Cruise - Princess Cruise Line

Prepare yourself for the cruise of a lifetime. Sail to Alaska aboard the Regal Princess to the great land where spirits are free, the folks are friendly, the air is fresh, and you can learn about wild creatures, forests, glaciers and native peoples. Soon after sailing from Vancouver, you'll enter the fabled Inside Passage where eagles fly overhead and graceful waterfalls spill into the sea. Your cruise includes all gourmet meals, room service, on-board Broadway shows and entertainment.

ITINERARY INCLUDES: 

Cruising the Inside Passage with visits to Juneau, Skagway, 
Glacier Bay and Sitka. Brochure detailing all information 
available upon request and booking. 

CRUISE COST:            Inside: $1029.00 USD per person
                        Outside:$1309.00 USD per person
PORT TAXES:             $131.50 USD per person

AIR/SEA:

Considerable savings for air/sea rates from most departure 
cities are available within North America. Please call, write 
or fax for more information!

SAILING DATE:           May 18, 1997

BOOKING DEADLINE:       April 15, 1997, with full payment

MAJESTIC CANADIAN ROCKIES TOUR
Rocky Mountaineer - 3 Days & 2 Nights

A spectacular journey through the Canadian Rocky Mountains aboard a spectacular train. Sit back, relax and enjoy the ever-changing scenery as you embark on this two-day all daylight rail tour that you won't soon forget!

PACKAGE PRICE INCLUDES:

1997 LAND COST:         $950.00 CDN per person
                        Based on two sharing a room

SINGLE RATE:            $1050.00 CDN per person

1997 AIR COST:          Prices start from:
                        $110.00 CDN per person
                        Calgary - Vancouver (one way fare)

DEPARTURE DATES:        May 15 or May 20, 1997

BOOKING DEADLINE:       April 15, 1997, with full payment

WHISTLER, BC
A Spectacular Mountain Village

Spectacular snow-capped mountain ranges surround the picturesque Whistler Valley. Whistler is a world-renowned resort ideal for a day or week getaway. Visit Whistler and experience some of the most breathtaking mountains and inviting lakes. This Alpine Village offers a limitless array of recreational activities. Ride a gondola to the mountain top for an Alpine hike or sightseeing, take a leisurely bike ride, canoeing, wind surfing, horseback riding, tennis or play a round of golf. Stroll through the emerald forests or the enchanting Alpine village with cobbled pathways, charming boutiques, sidewalk cafes and fine restaurants are all yours to discover. Or just put your feet up and relax!

DATES:                  As requested by individual
RATE:                   $150.00 CDN per room - per night

VICTORIA, BC
Heritage city by the sea

Imagine a place so green that the lamp posts bloom. Where a colourful history is remembered in the lovingly-preserved heritage architecture and afternoon tea is still a tradition. Imagine 19th-century shop windows full of vivid tartans, fine bone china, handmade chocolates and striking Native art. Imagine a seacoast city alive with the romance of an era when tall ships moored alongside the wharf. Where the wild beauty of the Pacific coast and the adventure of great outdoors are within the city limits. Where whale watching and golf are year-round pastimes. 
DATES:                  As requested by individual
RATE:                   $175.00 CDN per room - per night
A wide variety of sightseeing tours and activities are available in the Victoria and Whistler areas. If you would like more information, and for full details of:

please contact the Advance Group at 1-800-555-1099.

| PAC'97 Home | program | manuscripts | travel | tourism | registration | accommodation | contact info |
Last updated 30-APR-1997