Getting to Vancouver

Most major airlines fly to Vancouver, including Air Canada and WestJet. There are several options for traveling between the Vancouver International Airport and downtown Vancouver:

Taxi: Taxis are available at taxi stands located on Level 2 of the Domestic and International Arrivals Area. Wheelchair-accessible vehicles are available. All taxis that pick up passengers from the airport are fully licensed and all drivers must complete a training course in safe driving, customer service and helping people with special needs. The approximate fare to downtown Vancouver is between $34 – $36 (taxes included).

Canada Line: The Canada Line is Vancouver’s new rapid transit rail link connecting YVR to downtown Vancouver in 26 minutes and to downtown Richmond in 18 minutes. It’s a fast and easy way to get to the city centres. You can conveniently access trains from both the International and Domestic Terminals. To locate the Canada Line, go to Level 3, walk toward the Link Building (located in between the International and Domestic Terminals) and follow the signage. Alternatively, you can ask one of the Green Coat Volunteers located throughout the terminals for assistance.

As of January 18, 2010 all transit users travelling on the Canada Line leaving Vancouver International Airport will be subject to a $5 Canada Line YVR AddFare in addition to the regular zone fare. Anyone using prepaid fares, such as DayPasses, FareCards, FaresSaver Tickets, U-Passes, Employer Passes and the BC Government Bus Pass Program will be exempt from the Canada Line YVR AddFare.

For information, visit www.translink.bc.ca.

Simon Fraser University’s Harbour Centre Campus (515 West Hastings Street) is located in downtown Vancouver just a short walk from the Waterfront SkyTrain Station. Harbour Centre is within walking distance if staying in the downtown area, or by public transit if staying in other parts of the city. Use Google Maps or the interactive Translink Trip Planner to plan your transit travel.

For room locations, consult the Program page.

Capilano Suspension Bridge Park: One of Vancouver’s most iconic sites, Capilano Suspension Bridge Park, is more exciting than ever! The new Cliffwalk hangs for a heart-stopping 213m (700ft) and reaches up to 91m (300ft) high. This stunning walkway, made partly of glass, hugs the granite cliffside as it offers a panoramic view of the rainforest and canyon far below.

Harbour Cruises: Harbour Cruises, Vancouver’s leading boat sightseeing company, provides unparalleled views of Vancouver and offers a unique and delightful way to experience the city. Harbour Cruises is the only boat sightseeing company in Vancouver to offer regularly scheduled daily and nightly public cruises.

Science World at Telus World of Science: Ignite your mind and discover the wonders of science at Science World at TELUS World of Science. Immerse yourself in interactive indoor and outdoor displays, inspirational feature exhibitions, jaw-dropping live science demonstrations, and larger-than-life OMNIMAX® films. There’s even a gallery designed just for kids from 2 to 6!

Stanley Park Horse-Drawn Tours: Step aboard one of our old-fashioned horse-drawn vehicles and meander in comfort through the natural beauty of Stanley Park, Vancouver’s #1 attraction. Relax to the gentle clip clop of the horses’ hooves and take in the fresh scent of cedar and the sea as a professional guide fully narrates your one-hour tour featuring Deadman’s Island, Vancouver’s harbour, the Lions Gate Bridge, a coastal Red-Cedar forest and the Rose Garden, with stops at the famous Totem Poles, Girl in a Wet Suit Statue, and S.S. Empress of Japan Figurehead.

Vancouver Art Gallery: Immerse yourself and discover historic masterworks and groundbreaking contemporary exhibitions at the Vancouver Art Gallery. Enhance your experience by visiting the Gallery Store for unique gifts, and have a meal or a glass of wine on the Gallery Cafe’s rooftop patio overlooking Robson Square.

For more things to do, check out Vancouver Attractions. For a listing of major events in Vancouver that are going on while you’re here, check out the Tourism Vancouver event calendar.