Vancouver

When you think of neon lights, Vancouver probably isn't the first city that comes to mind. Yet, in the 1950s Vancouver boasted 18,000 neon signs – that was one for every 19 residents. The city was so bright that pilots considered it to be the most illuminated city in North America. Although many neon lights have dimmed since the 1950s, Vancouver continues to shine – securing the most liveable city title according to the Economist Intelligence Unit in 2009. It's easy to see why – pristine ski slopes, cosmopolitan culture and friendly folk make it an attractive city to do some serious living in.

The Basics information

Currency: Canadian Dollar (CA$)

Population: 2,116,000

Languages: French, English

Time zone: -8 Pacific Time

Daylight savings: Start second Sunday in March end first Sunday in November

Country code: +1

Area codes: 604, 778

Electricity voltage: 110-120V

Electricity hz: 60Hz

Electrical plugs: American-style plug with two parallel flat blades above a circular grounding pin, Japanese-style plug with two parallel flat blades

Mobile network: GSM

Embassy Official Website:http://www.canadainternational.gc.ca/china-chine/index.aspx?lang=eng

Embassy/Consulate

  • Embassy of Canada
    Add.:No. 19, Dong Zhi Men Wai Da Jie, Chao Yang District
    Postal/Zip Code:100600
    Tel:+86(10) 5139-4000
    Fax:+86(10) 5139-4449
    District:The People's Republic of China; The Democratic People's Republic of Korea and Mongolia; Other passport holders from other Countries and Territories whose citizens require visas in order to enter Canada and who have been legally admitted to China.
  • Consulate General of Canada in Hong Kong
    Add.:12th to 14th Floor, One Exchange Square Central, Hong Kong SAR, People's Republic of China
    Tel.: (852) 3719 4700
    Fax: (852) 2810-6736
    District:The People's Republic of China; Hong Kong and Macao (applicants must be able to attend an interview at the office in Hong Kong if required.)
  • Consulate General of Canada in Shanghai
    Add.:Suite 604, Shanghai Center, 1376 Nanjing Xi Rd., Shanghai
    Postal/Zip Code:100600
    Tel:021-32792800
    Fax:021-32792801
    District:Shanghai municipality; Jiangsu, Anhui and Zhejiang provinces.(the Shanghai office ONLY accepts applications submitted IN PERSON; if you wish to apply by mail please submit  your application to the Embassy of Canada in Beijing or the Consulate General of Canada in Hong Kong.)

Vancouver is milder than other parts of Canada. The temperature hovers around 0°C in winter (December to February) while in summer (July to August) the average is 20-25 °C


  • Stanley Park
  • Grouse Mountain
  • Granville Island
  • Gastown

There's a multitude of transport options in Vancouver: SkyTrain light-rail, SeaBus ferries, bus, taxis and hire car.

Vancouver is one of the most beautiful and livable cities in North America. It is circled by sea on three sides and has short drive distance from North Shore Mountains. Thecity enjoys picturesque sights. It is quite suitable for pedestrian and cyclists to move around the popular seashore promenade, which is accessible to beach, park, pier, water taxi pickup station and a few fashionable blocks. Cyclists may drive on clearly marked bicycle routes far away from the downtown. The world-class public transport system in Vancouver includes SkyTrain light rail, West Coast Express (regular train), SeaBus ferries and wide bus service.

  • Airplane
    Two international airports and several seaplane companies are available for service in the city.
  • Drive
    There are a plenty of main roads connected to and from Vancouver.
  • Ferry
    Vancouver has the most complicated ferry service system in the world.
  • Train
    VIA Rail, Amtrak A and two excursion trains stop in Vancouver.
  • Bus
    A number of scheduled buses at Vancouver run to or from other areas of British Columbia, Canada and USA.
  • Inter-city transport
    Translink Traffic Company offer inter-city transportation service by buses, SkyTrain light rail and SeaBus for tourists and local residents.

Vancouver International Airport

Location

Vancouver International Airport is located in Richmond, approximately 30 minutes from downtown Vancouver via car or the Canada Line (part of the SkyTrain rapid transit system), and is the gateway to flights from around the world.

Website

http://www.yvr.ca/en/Default.aspx

Airport Services & Facilities

Restrooms
Washroom facilities at YVR are designed with No-touch / doorless wheelchair with large, accessible facilities which include lower dispensers, grab bars and space to move within the room.

Telephones Booth/TTY Phones
Accessible telephone booths and TTY phones for are available throughout the terminal. For help locating phone booths in the terminal, please ask one of our friendly Green Coat Volunteers or a Customer Care Counter for assistance.

Wayfinding
All wayfinding at YVR has been designed for accessibility and signage is provided in plain language doctrine. For persons with visual impairments, the flooring at YVR is designed to assist you. Within the terminal, three types of flooring is used to create a texturized guide. All exits are indicated with tile or terrazzo; gates are indicated with low resistance carpeting; any other flooring (such as laminate) indicated a retail area.

Dog Relief Areas
Dog relief areas are provided on the arrivals level outside of the main terminal. Areas are located outside, across from the terminal. Please ask our Green Coat Volunteers located within the Arrivals Areas for directions if necessary

Check-in
Universal counters have been designed with writing surfaces and toe clearance for persons using a wheelchair. These counters can be found at check-in, at customer care counters, and in retail outlets Amplified handsets are available at check-in counters.
Passengers requiring assistance to-and-from their gate may contact their airline for specific information regarding this service.