Accommodation

Osteoarthritis 2010 delegates are being offered on-campus accommodation at the University of British Columbia. These accommodation options combine the city's most spectacular views and location with the best value and variety of rooms possible. In addition to these advantages, on-campus accommodation offers the convenience of being in close proximity to the conference plenary and break out sessions, social plans, and other Osteoarthritis delegates.

The following on-campus room types are being held for Osteoarthritis delegates online and via the downloadable Request for Accommodation Form (RAF) until May 1, 2010:

STUDIO SUITE - Marine Drive (Private), $116/night CAD: Located at the Marine Drive Residence. Suites consist of a bed/sitting area with a double bed; suitable for two persons only. Suite includes an equipped kitchenette, private washroom with shower, complimentary VOIP internet, and telephone service. Limited parking is available during your stay for $7/night, plus applicable taxes. Daily breakfast is included in the nightly rate. Breakfast is served from 6:45am-9am in the PSP Cafeteria in the Student Union Building (SUB). Complimentary wired internet access is also available (ethernet cables are not provided, however).

WEST COAST SUITES - Walter Gage (Private), $183/night CAD: Located next to the Walter Gage Residence. Suites consist of a fully equipped kitchenette, bedroom with a king-sized bed, living room with a pull-out double bed, complimentary access to wireless internet, and flat panel LCD television. This suite is suitable for 1-4 persons only. An additional $20/person charge is added for suites with more than 2 guests. Limited parking is available during your stay for $7/night, plus applicable taxes. Daily breakfast is included in the nightly rate. Breakfast is served from 6:45am-9am in the PSP Cafeteria in the Student Union Building (SUB).

Shuttles will not be provided to the conference venue from off-campus accommodation facilities. Taxi and bus are the easiest modes of transportation to reach the campus. Your front desk staff or concierge can arrange a taxi for you (mention the specific building that you are heading to, ex. Cecil Green), and buses run to campus along all major streets in the city. Parking is also available on campus if you choose to rent a vehicle (http://www.parking.ubc.ca/visitor.html).

Tourism Information

Vancouver is the largest city in Western Canada, located at the southwestern corner of the province of British Columbia. Situated between the North Shore and coastal mountains and the edge of the Pacific ocean, Vancouver is one of North America's most beautiful cities, and was recently ranked as "the world's most desirable place to live" in a survey of 127 cities performed by the Economist magazine's Intelligence Unit.

The vibrant downtown core offers all of the amenities of an international destination -- from hundreds of restaurants and clubs, to countless parks and recreation facilities, to world-class entertainment and sporting events.

We invite you to explore Vancouver and the province of British Columbia by visiting the Tourism Vancouver website - http://www.tourismvancouver.com.

Airport and Local Travel and Transportation

For train travel to Vancouver, please go to the Via Rail website at www.viarail.ca or call +1 888 VIA-RAIL (842-7245). Bus travel to Vancouver is also an option with the Greyhound Canada Transportation Corporation (www.greyhound.ca). 

The Vancouver International Airport (YVR) is operated by the Vancouver Airport Authority. There are a multitude of transportation choices for getting to and around Vancouver. YVR is the second busiest airport in Canada, with daily non-stop flights to Asia, Europe, the United States, Mexico, the Caribbean, and other airports within Canada. YVR is a world leader in international air travel and is consistently recognized as one of the best airports in North America. The airport is approximately a 25 minute drive from either downtown Vancouver or the UBC campus. For information on flight and airport services, please visit the airport's website at www.yvr.ca.

There are a number of transportation options accessible to delegates arriving and departing Vancouver including taxis, limousines, public transportation and car rentals. More information about these options can be found on the YVR website.

Eating in Vancouver

Dining options off-campus range from casual to gourmet and feature cuisines from around the world that will suit every budget and palate. Vancouver's dining scene is truly an attraction in itself. The city's diverse cultural background makes dining in Vancouver a delightful and delicious experience. Please refer to the Tourism Vancouver website for an extensive list of Vancouver's finest restaurants, searchable by location and by type of cuisine.

Taxes

There are three types of taxes in Vancouver: GST, PHT and PST.

• GST (Goods and Service Tax): 5% GST is charged on all eligible goods and accommodation while visiting Canada.
• PHT (Provincial Hotel Tax): 8% PHT is charged on accommodation at the West Coast Suites and Marine Drive Residence. All other accommodation, including downtown hotels in British Columbia charge 10% PHT and will often charge a minimal destination management fee and hotel tax.
• PST (Provincial Sales Tax): 7% PST is charged on all goods except for food and beverage purchases, including restaurant meals. 10% PST is charged on liquor.

Customs/Entry/Visa Requirements

Under the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative, as of January 31, 2008 all United States citizens traveling into Canada by air, land or sea must present a valid passport for entry into Canada. A driver's license or birth certificate will no longer be accepted as proof of citizenship.

International visitors from countries other than the United States must have a valid passport for entry into Canada. Please view the online application for Temporary Visitor Visas (if required).

Please be sure to check with your nearest Canadian Embassy or Consulate well in advance of travel to obtain the appropriate documentation. If you require a letter of invitation, please contact the This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it as soon as possible. A letter of invitation is issued solely for the purpose of assisting participants with visa applications and/or to obtain funding for their attendance at the conference. Such a letter does not imply any financial obligation on the part of the conference organizers.

Currency/Money Matters

It is recommended that all visitors use Canadian currency when traveling within Canada. Visitors can exchange currency at Canadian chartered banks, trust companies, credit unions, or at offices of foreign exchange brokers, but it is advised to have local currency on hand prior to arriving.

There are three banks on the UBC Campus. The Bank of Montreal and the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce are located at the University Village. A Royal Bank of Canada is located across the street on the south side of the Student Union Building. All banks have automated teller machines (ATMs). Some banks in the City of Vancouver are open on Saturdays, but all banks are closed on Sundays. ATMs are also available in the lobby of The Gage Towers at the Walter Gage Residence, in the Student Union Building (SUB), and at the University Pharmacy in the University Village.

Insurance

Liability insurance is the responsibility of each individual delegate. The Canadian Medical Health Insurance Plan does not cover visitors to Canada and delegates should therefore have their own medical coverage.

Climate/Clothing

Vancouver enjoys warm, comfortable summers. Average June daytime temperatures are about 15ºC, with lows of 11ºC. Visitors can expect some rain and evenings can be cool, so it is best to pack an umbrella, light jacket and/or sweater. We welcome delegates to check out Vancouver weather online, and plan ahead!