About Vancouver

Vancouver is a dynamic, multicultural city set in a spectacular natural environment. It consistently rates as one of the top 10 meeting and convention destinations year after year, has been voted the "Best City in the Americas" (2004 - 2009) by Condé Nast Traveler magazine, has been voted one of the world's most livable cities, and was the proud host of the 2010 Olympic & Paralympic Winter Games.  Wide open spaces, sandy beaches, majestic mountains, sparkling ocean, rainforests and beautiful foliage year round combined with diverse neighborhoods, pedestrian friendly streets, world-class cuisine, high-end spas and array of shopping will please the most discerning delegate.  With quick and easy access to Whistler Resort, the Canadian Rockies, Victoria, Vancouver Island, and of course, endless water and land sports throughout the year, ACMG attendees can find it all in Vancouver!

Vancouver Convention Centre - An icon on the downtown waterfront, the centre is renowned worldwide for service excellence, technical capabilities and distinctive West Coast cuisine made from a scratch kitchen. The centre is the first ever repeat winner of the International Association of Congress Centres (AIPC) award for “World’s Best Convention Centre” (2002, 2008).

Vancouver International Airport has been rated the No. 1 airport in North America, and among the top 10 in the world for four consecutive years. It is served by more than 37 international, national and regional carriers that provide 650 nonstop flights per week to Vancouver from 22 major U.S. cities.

Climate - Vancouver's mild year round climate provides visitors with a natural outdoor playground where they can golf, ski and sail all in the same day. Summer temperatures average in the mid 70s and winters are in the mid 40s.

Currency - All visitors are advised to 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. Some hotels, merchants, restaurants and suppliers accept US or other foreign currency at a pre-determined rate, which may differ from the daily rate posted by financial institutions.

Canadian one dollar coin ("loonie") ($) = 100 cents
Canadian two dollar coin ("toonie") ($) = 200 cents
Notes are in denominations of $1000, $100, $50, $20, $10, $5
Coins are in denominations of $2, $1, $0.50, $0.25, $0.10, $0.05, $0.01

To find out the latest exchange rate - utilize the currency converter here:

Traveller's Cheques - Traveller's cheques in Canadian dollars are the safest and most convenient way to carry money. They are widely accepted and can be cashed at banks or foreign exchange brokers. Identification may be required when cashing travelers cheques.

Credit Cards - All major credit and debit cards are accepted in Canada - the rate conversion will appear on your statement. 

Taxation - Effective July 1, 2010, most purchases in British Columbia will be subject to a 12% Harmonized Sales Tax (HST). For more information, visit this HST FAQ: http://hst.blog.gov.bc.ca/.

Time Zone - Vancouver is in the Pacific Time Zone. Daylight savings time is in effect from the second Sunday in March until the first Sunday in November.

For more information on Vancouver visit: www.tourismvancouver.com

For Things To Do in Vancouver - visit:  http://www.tourismvancouver.com/visitors/things_to_do/

For Dining Information and a restaurant search visit: http://www.tourismvancouver.com/visitors/dining/

For Airport Transportation information click here.