Getting Here

As a port city, and as one of the largest cities in Canada, Vancouver is accessible by land, air, sea, and rail. The Vancouver International Airport (YVR) is ranked as one of the top airports in the world, and is located approximately 14km away from the Vancouver Convention Centre (about 30 minutes drive).

In addition, Via Rail’s western transcontinental train follows Highway 1 from Vancouver to Kamloops. Amtrak’s Pacific Northwest route travels daily between Seattle and Vancouver.

There are many ways to get around Vancouver on the water, including the SeaBus which connects downtown to the mountainous North Shore. You can also take the ferry from Victoria and Nanaimo on Vancouver Island.

Directions

TransLink provides city transit for tourists and residents seven days a week via buses through its rapid transit system, SkyTrain. With the opening of the Canada Line, the Skytrain’s newest line, travel between the Waterfront Station (2min from Vancouver Convention Centre) and Vancouver International Airport has been significantly reduced to 26 minutes per one-way trip. This allows for a more convenient trip for international travellers to and from downtown Vancouver.

By public transit (from YVR)

1. Follow the Skytrain signs.
2. Board Train – 980 – Canada Line Skytrain at the platform sign “CANADA LINE TO WATERFRONT”. The trip is approximately 30 mins and the cost is $8.75 CAD.
3. Disembark at Waterfront Station Northbound.
4. Head northwest on W Cordova St toward Howe St.
5. Turn right at Howe St.
6. The Vancouver Convention Centre is straight ahead at 999 Canada Place.

By car (from YVR)

1. Head west on Grant McConachie Way.
2. Make a slight right at SW Marine Dr and continue on Granville St.
3. Once you come into the city over the Granville Street Bridge, take the Seymour Street exit off the bridge.
4. Follow Seymour Street and you will come to W Cordova Street.
5. Turn left on W Cordova St, then turn right at Howe St.
6. The Vancouver Convention Centre is straight ahead at 999 Canada Place.

By car (from Highway 1)

1. Head northwest on HWY-1 W toward Exit 73.
2. Take exit 27 for First Ave.
3. Turn left at E 1st Ave, and stay on it until you get to Nanaimo St, then turn right.
4. Stay on Nanaimo St. until you reach E Hastings then turn left.
5. Stay on E Hastings until you reach Seymour St then turn right.
6. Stay on Seymour St until you reach W Cordova St.
7. Turn left on W Cordova St, then turn right at Howe St.
8. The Vancouver Convention Centre is straight ahead at 999 Canada Place.

Visa Information

Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA)

Canada has introduced a new entry requirement, known as an eTA, for visa-exempt foreign nationals travelling to Canada by air. Exceptions include U.S. citizens and travellers with a valid visa. Entry requirements for other methods of travel (land, sea) have not changed.

Starting August 1, 2015, eligible travellers can apply online for an eTA. On March 15, 2016, this entry requirement will become mandatory and travellers will need an eTA before they can board a flight to Canada.

Find out more about Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA). (https://www.cic.gc.ca/english/visit/eta.asp)

Countries that are not eligible under eTA may need to apply for a Visitors Visa. To check online – go to https://www.cic.gc.ca/english/index.asp and click “Visit” from the menu.

Attendees from the USA may check entry / exit requirements to Canada outlined in the U.S. Department of State Consular Information website. Proof of citizenship must be provided.

An official Letter of Invitation to obtain a Visa and authorization to attend the 16th IUBMB Conference will be issued ONLY after registration has been completed and full payment received by the Conference Secretariat.