Venue

The 39^th IABSE Symposium will be held at The Westin Bayshore Hotel & Conference Center. The Westin Bayshore is a modern, four-star hotel with 511 rooms and suites in Downtown Vancouver at the spectacular waterfront, featuring a scenic north-shore mountain vista. 

 

Stay at the Westin Bayshore hotel and be in the centre of the action. The hotel boasts a full spa, outdoor swimming pool, and convenient access to nearby Stanley Park. An attractive room rate has been arranged for conference delegates, including the days before and after the Symposium for those wishing to extend their stay.  The conference room rate is based on availability.

Vancouver tourism is busy during September.  It is recommended to make your reservations early.  See the Hotel page more more information.

 

 

Vancouver

Consistently named one of the world’s most livable cities, Vancouver is also an amazing travel destination. Surrounded by the sparkling Pacific Ocean and gorgeous Coast Mountains, the city’s natural environment is balanced with a cosmopolitan flair that includes exceptional global cuisine, easy walking access throughout downtown and an extensive seawall for strolling, running or a scenic bike ride.

Nature is never far in Vancouver and is reflected in the environmental consciousness of its citizens. The City has implemented several sustainability focussed policies with the stated goal to become the Greenest City by 2020. These environmental initiatives include efforts to double the number of green jobs and companies working in green industries, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, promote green transportation, reduce landfill waste, increase access to green space, improve air and water quality, reduce water consumption, and increase local food options.

Region

The city is known as an ideal starting point for pre- and post-conference tours to extend your stay in the region, whether it be an Alaskan cruise, a trip through the Rocky Mountains or spending time at the wineries of the Okanagan Region. There are plentiful opportunities for shorter excursions in and around Vancouver, including the beautiful Sea-to-Sky corridor and the dazzling resort town of Whistler with its wide array of outdoor adventures and legacy facilities from the 2010 Winter Olympic games. The nearby Gulf Islands and the temperate rainforests on Vancouver Island are an easy ferry ride or sea plane ride away!

Transportation

The Vancouver International Airport (YVR) is situated 15 km south of downtown Vancouver and is consistently ranked as the best airport in North America.  Daily direct flights are available to YVR from major centres across North America, Europe, Asia, Australia and beyond. 

Taxis operate from the airport to downtown hotels on a flat-rate zone system.  Travel time from YVR to the hotel is approximately 25 to 40 minutes depending on traffic conditions.  Facilities for several rental car agencies and even car-sharing systems are available at the airport and many locations throughout the region. 

Vancouver and the Lower Mainland of British Columbia boast an extensive and easily accessed public transit service.  Three fully and grade-separated automated rapid transit lines span across 69 route km throughout the region.  One of these lines, the Canada Line, extends from a terminal at YVR right to Vancouver’s downtown waterfront in about 20 minutes.  Extensive networks of busses and electric trolley busses also cover the region, as do passenger ferries across Burrard Inlet or around False Creek.  Route and fare information is available from the local transport agency, Translink.

The City of Vancouver also encourages active transportation, and has designated over 400 km of on-street and separated bicycle routes.  Bicycle rentals are available near the Westin, perfect for a ride around the seawall at nearby Stanley Park.