Explore Vancouver

VISITOR INFORMATION

Located on Canada's west coast, nestled between rugged Coast Mountain Range and the Pacific Ocean, Vancouver offers an exciting blend of cosmopolitan amenities, natural beauty and cultural attractions. Consistently rated among the most beautiful cities in the world, Vancouver is the largest city in the province of British Columbia, and is home to more than two million people in 21 municipalities, making it the third largest metropolitan area in Canada.

The city enjoys a rich cultural and ethnic diversity that permeates everything from cuisine and entertainment, to neighborhoods and traditions. World renowned for its setting and scenery, you can immerse yourself in the energy of the city, yet minutes later enjoy the tranquility of a mountaintop lake. Vancouver is one of the only cities in the world where you can ski, golf and kayak all in the same day.

Vancouver is green year-round, with the mildest climate in Canada. You'll never run out of activities no matter which season you come for a visit.

Vancouver's location on the West Coast of Canada offers easy access from most of the Asia-Pacific region. Vancouver International Airport (YVR) has consistently been ranked one of the world's best, served by 67 airlines and connected to 119 destinations. Downtown and conference hotels are easily accessed by either the Canada Line train direct from the airport to the Vancouver Convention Centre or by a 20 minute taxi ride.

AIR

If you are arriving by air, you will be flying into Vancouver International Airport (YVR) located just 25 minutes from downtown.

GETTING DOWNTOWN

The Vancouver International Airport (YVR) is located approximately 15km (11 miles) or 25 minutes from downtown Vancouver. The Canada Line Skytrain drops you off across the street from the Vancouver Convention Centre, venue for SRI 2024. Take the Vancouver - Waterfront Station exit, and enjoy the breathtaking views of Vancouver. 

Lyft, Uber and KABU are authorized providers of Ride App services from the airport. There are 3 pick up areas at YVR:

Please follow the Ride App symbol and directional signage in the airport.

Taxi fare from the airport to the city center is approximately $40CAD. All of these services accept major credit cards. Taxi Zone Fare Map is Available Here!

TIME ZONE

Vancouver is in the Pacific Time Zone (-0800 GMT).

ELECTRICITY

The electrical current is the same in Canada as in the United States: 110 volts AC at 60 Hz. Adapters are required for appliances from other countries.

LANGUAGE

English and French are Canada's two official languages. English is the predominant language in Vancouver, however, you will find that many banks, hotels, airline offices, shops and key visitor attractions have multilingual staff who speak various Asian, European and other languages.

SMOKING LAWS

By law, smoking is not permitted in public buildings, on public transit, in shopping malls, and in most restaurants, pubs, nightclubs and casinos. Many restaurants and other establishments have designated smoking areas such as patios or outside heated seating areas. Please smoke in designated areas only.

SPECIAL NEEDS TRAVELERS

Vancouver enjoys a reputation as being one of the most accessible cities in the world among travelers with special needs. Whether using wheelchairs, white canes, seeing-eye dogs or hearing aids, Vancouver leads the way in making the area a more livable place for people with disabilities through its progressive transportation systems, innovative housing and recreational opportunities