by Jennifer Lau
NALP Bulletin+
April 2023
Spring has sprung in Vancouver! NALP is ready to welcome over 1200 attendees to the Annual Education Conference at the Vancouver Convention Centre April 25 to 28, 2023. Vancouverites have emerged from hibernation and are flooding the streets on bicycles, inline skates, and running shoes. In the spring in Vancouver, you really can ski, kayak, and golf on the same day. Here are our final tips for getting you to the AEC and making the most out of your time in Vancouver.
Getting to Downtown Vancouver From the Airport
Heading straight from Vancouver International Airport (YVR) to the Vancouver Convention Centre or any of the 5 conference hotels? Take the Skytrain, taxi, or ride-share.
The most cost-effective and often fastest method of transportation from the airport to downtown Vancouver is the SkyTrain (Vancouver’s automated light rapid transit system). The SkyTrain’s Canada Line provides rapid rail service linking YVR to downtown Vancouver, in 26 minutes for $9.25 CAD. The airport station is accessible from the Departures Level, with trains leaving every 7 minutes during most times of the day. After deplaning, follow the signs after Baggage Claim for “Trains to City”. There are 16 stops along the line. Heading to the Hyatt Regency? Get off at Vancouver City Centre Station. Heading to the Convention Centre, Fairmont Pacific Rim, Fairmont Waterfront, Pan Pacific, and the Pinnacle? Get off at Waterfront Station (the terminus station). After leaving the Skytrain, you’ll have a short walk (1 to 3 blocks) to your hotel or the convention centre.
Taxis and Ride-Hailing (Lyft and Uber) are also available from YVR to downtown Vancouver. If you’re taking a taxi from the airport to your hotel after arriving at YVR, use one of the taxi stands located on Level 2. Taxis operating from the airport are licensed and will use a zoned fare rate that will depend on your destination. The zoned fare rate from YVR to downtown Vancouver is $34 CAD (including tax, but not tip). Lyft and Uber rates vary in price but will be similar or higher than the taxi rate.
Masks
Masks are no longer mandatory in British Columbia, or in federally regulated spaces such as airports or planes. Masks are not required at the Vancouver Convention Centre. However, individual businesses may still require masks for entry, and most businesses and public spaces will welcome masks if worn. While most businesses that require masks will offer them for free to visitors, it’s best to carry a mask with you just in case.
Weather and What to Wear
Vancouver is a casual town with mild weather year-round. Average daily high temperatures in April are 14°C or 58°F. In April, mornings and evenings can still be chilly, and there are still showers at this time of year, so pack light clothing that you can layer, along with a sweater or two, and a raincoat. Standard North American business attire is appropriate in most Vancouver office settings. Outside of the office (and sometimes even in the office), yoga pants and rain jackets are standard Vancouverite attire.
Accessibility
Consistently listed among the top 10 most livable cities in the world, Vancouver enjoys a reputation as one of the world's most accessible places to visit. Thanks to its progressive transportation systems, innovative housing, and recreational opportunities, people of all ages with visual, hearing, mobility impairments, and other special needs can fully enjoy business and leisure time in Vancouver.
Free Public WiFi
The City of Vancouver has partnered with local telecommunications companies TELUS and Shaw to offer free #VanWiFi public network in approximately 550 locations in Vancouver’s downtown core and surrounding areas.
LGBTQ2+ Community in Vancouver
The largest LGBTQ2+ population in Western Canada lives in Vancouver. The entire city strives to be an inclusive place where people can be themselves, but LGBTQ2+ visitors looking for community should check out two distinctly different neighbourhoods first – the West End (including Davie Village) and Commercial Drive, both of which enjoy a wide variety of restaurants, coffee shops, pubs, and boutiques that openly welcome everyone.
Family-friendly Activities
Bringing the family to NALP? Vancouver is one giant adventure playground, with interactive museums, cool attractions, fun festivals and amazing parks. Walk from the Convention Centre to Rainbow Park, Vancouver’s first new park in the downtown core in 10 years. Explore other playgrounds through Vancouver Playgrounds on Instagram (@vancouverplaygrounds). There are literally hundreds of outdoor and indoor activities to entertain kids and parents all day, every day, year-round: check this website for more suggestions.
When You’re Ready to Leave Vancouver
Take the Canada Line, ride-share, or taxi back to the airport. Check this website for wait times for airport security lines. If you are flying direct to the US from Vancouver, you will go thru US customs at YVR airport AFTER you go through airport security. Like most North American airports, YVR airport is short-staffed. If you don’t have a NEXUS or Global Entry card, make a note of the wait times and plan to get to the airport 2 hours before your US flight.
Visitor Servicing
Figuring out what to do in Vancouver? Looking for a great place to eat? Trying to sort out how to get around? The Visitor Services team at Destination Vancouver can help you make the most of your Vancouver experience and help plan your journeys into British Columbia and beyond. They are here to help no matter where you are located, via chat on this website, by email, or over the phone. Hours are M-F, 9am to 12pm PT. After hours, leave a message and they will get back to you by the next business day.
Live Chat: https://direct.lc.chat/7943841
Email: visitvancouver@destinationvancouver.com
Phone: 604.683.2000
