Say hello to Vancouver, British Columbia. Home to ICN 2026
Join us at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, BC. UBC is a global centre for research and teaching, consistently ranked among the top universities in the world. The picturesque setting, surrounded by the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest, is the perfect backdrop for our gathering
Vancouver International Airport (YVR)
Vancouver International Airport (YVR) is consistently named the Best Airport in North America and ranked one of the most accessible airports in the world. There are nonstop international flights daily to and from Europe, Asia, Oceania, the United States, and Mexico, as well as domestic flights within Canada. For travelers from the United States, YVR is one of eight Canadian airports that have U.S. Border Pre-clearance facilities. For information on flights, airline contacts and more, visit YVR’s website.
Visas and entry into Canada
- Most people need a visa OR an Electronic Travel Authorization to travel to Canada (not both).
- Some people may only need their valid passport. Find out if you require a visa to visit Canada.
- If you’re a Canadian permanent resident (PR), find out more about travelling to Canada with PR status.
- Other important information for all visitors to Canada is on the Government of Canada’s website.
- Please note: Letters of Invitation to the conference are given by request upon full payment of registration fees. Please email the ISEM Conference Secretariat at registration@housing.ubc.ca.
Getting to UBC
The conference venue and accommodations are located at UBC’s Point Grey campus, approximately 30 minutes from the airport. You can get to UBC by taxi, ride-app services (Uber or Lyft), public transport, or car (rental). Taxis and Uber or Lyft are the easiest and quickest ways to get to UBC from the airport.
Taxi
- Taxis to UBC take approximately 30 minutes.
- Taxis are queued outside the domestic and international arrival gates and are available 24 hours a day. All taxis that pick up passengers from the airport are fully licensed.
- If you are arriving from an international destination or the USA, the taxi departure bay is outside the building on the same level.
- More information: Taxi Zone Fares from YVR
Canada Line Skytrain
- Taking public transit takes approximately 60-80 minutes.
- Canada Line Skytrain, Metro Vancouver’s rapid transit, connects YVR to Downtown Vancouver.
- The Skytrain runs every seven minutes from YVR-Airport station during peak hours and every 15 minutes during off-peak hours.
- To get to the UBC campus, you will need to transfer from the train to a bus (there are many bus options).
- All transit users travelling on the Canada Line leaving YVR are subject to a $5 Canada Line YVR AddFare in addition to the regular zone fare. It is automatically added when you purchase a fare card.
- Information on where to purchase tickets and directions on how to get to the Canada Line: Public transportation information on YVR’s website
- Information on current bus fares, schedules, and transit planning: Translink
Car rental
Car rental facilities at the airport are located on the ground floor of the parkade. Companies include:
For full information on other transportation, including car rentals and limousines, see Transportation information on YVR’s website
Parking At UBC
Limited parking is available for guests staying in the conference campus accommodation for $18 per day plus tax. Visitor parking is available at various parkades around campus. Information regarding rates for visitor parking can be found on UBC Parking’s website.
While you are attending the conference at UBC, please take time to enjoy any of these wonderful attractions on our beautiful campus!
Museum of Anthropology
The Museum of Anthropology was established in 1949 as a department within the Faculty of Arts at the University of British Columbia. In 1976, it moved to its current home, an award-winning concrete and glass structure designed by Canadian architect Arthur Erickson with the grounds landscaped by Cornelia Oberlander. MOA is committed to promoting awareness and understanding of culturally diverse ways of knowing the world through challenging and innovative programs and partnerships with Indigenous, local and global communities.
6393 NW Marine Drive
Tel: (604) 827 5932
www.moa.ubc.ca
Beaty Biodiversity Museum
A museum dedicated to enhancing the public’s understanding and appreciation of biodiversity. It is home to over 20,000 fossils from all over the world, including the largest blue whale exhibit in Canada.
2212 Main Mall
Tel: (604) 827 4955
www.beatymuseum.ubc.ca
UBC Aquatic Centre
The UBC Aquatic Centre features a 50-metre indoor pool, whirlpool, fitness/weight room, sauna/steam rooms, seasonal patio area, and diving boards from one to ten meters.
Summer Hours: Please call or check the website for hours, swim times, lessons, etc.
6080 Student Union Boulevard
Tel: (604) 822 4501
www.recreation.ubc.ca/aquatics/
Pacific Spirit Regional Park
The Pacific Spirit Regional Park encompasses 763 hectares of forest and foreshore surrounding UBC, and boasts 73 kilometers of walking trails. Experience a variety of landscapes, from estuary marshes, rock and cobble beaches, wooded ravines, ancient bog, and upland forests. Regional Park Interpreters offer customized group programs on themes ranging between edible plants, birds, and bog ecology.
4915 W 16th Ave
Tel: (604) 224 5739
www.vancouvertrails.com
UBC Botanical Garden & Greenheart Canopy Walkway
Established in 1916, the UBC Botanical Garden has an outstanding collection of temperate plants displayed according to their geographic areas. Exhibits of regional plants include the Native Garden and Alpine Garden. Located in the garden and open year-round, the Greenheart Canopy Walkway is a 308-metre (1010-foot) aerial trail system that offers a rare perspective of the natural beauty of the West Coast forest canopy ecosystem. It is the only one of its kind in Canada.
Summer Hours: Tue-Sun 10am-4:30pm
6804 SW Marine Drive
Tel: (604) 822 4208
www.botanicalgarden.ubc.ca
UBC Recreation Centre
UBC Recreation offers many activities available to guests during the summer months. With two fitness facilities, including the SRC is one of Canada’s premier University fitness facilities. It includes 1,800 square-feet of gym space, a full service fitness and weight room, a 2,300 square-foot dance studio, and a 1,600 square-foot traditional martial arts dojo.
Summer Hours (Bird Coop Gym): Mon-Fri 7am-9pm, Sat-Sun 10am-7pm
6000 Student Union Boulevard
Tel: (604) 822 6000
www.recreation.ubc.ca
Nitobe Memorial Garden
Considered to be the best traditional, authentic Japanese Tea and Stroll Garden in North America and among the top five Japanese gardens outside Japan, the Nitobe Garden includes a rare authentic Tea Garden with a ceremonial Tea House. The exquisite work of art was created out of two-and-a-half acres of pristine forest by landscape architects and gardeners recommended by the government of Japan.
1895 Lower Mall
Tel: (604) 822 4208
www.botanicalgarden.ubc.ca/visit/nitobe-memorial-garden/
Get ready for your trip with essential information on climate, accessibility, local customs, and more. We hope these tips prepare you for a seamless and enjoyable visit.
Climate and What to Wear
Vancouver enjoys warm, comfortable weather with moderate temperatures that are tempered by sea breezes.
July weather in Vancouver is warm:
Average temperature: 19ºC / 66ºF
Average high: 24ºC / 75ºF
Average low: 14ºC / 57ºF
There are about sixteen hours of sunshine per day. Light fabrics or short sleeves are advisable during the day, and a light jacket or sweater is recommended for evenings. Visitors can expect warm weather and sunshine.
Accessibility
Vancouver enjoys a reputation as one of the most accessible cities in the world for travelers with a diversity of needs. Whether using wheelchairs, white canes, seeing-eye dogs, or hearing aids, Vancouver is highly accessible for people living with disabilities through its progressive transportation systems, innovative housing and recreational opportunities.
Time Zones and Daylight Savings Time
Vancouver, and most of BC, is in the Pacific Time Zone, which is one hour behind Mountain Standard Time (Alberta and some eastern areas of BC) and three hours behind Eastern Standard Time (Ontario/New York). Daylight savings time is in effect from the second Sunday in March until the first Sunday in November.
Languages
Canada has two official languages – English and French. English is the predominant language in British Columbia, though many other languages are spoken throughout the province.
Metric Measures
Canada follows the International Metric System. Temperatures, rainfall measures, distance, weights and velocity are expressed in metric units. Distance is measured in kilometres.
Electricity
Outlets and voltage (120 volts) are the same as in the United States. Small appliances such as hair dryers, irons, razors, etc., can be used in Canada. However, adapters are required for electrical appliances from other countries. The frequency of electrical current in Canada is 60 Hz.
Money & Cards
The Canadian dollar (sign: $ or C$; code: CAD) is the currency of Canada. Credit cards, ATMs, and direct-debit cards are commonly used in Canada. Visa, MasterCard, and American Express cards are widely accepted in most stores and restaurants.
To avoid exchange problems, visitors are advised to exchange their funds for Canadian dollars at a bank or a foreign currency exchange outlet.
- Paper bills: $5 (blue), $10 (purple), $20 (green), $50 (red) and $100 (brown) denominations.
- Coins include the nickel (5¢), dime (10¢), quarter (25¢), ‘loonie’ ($1) and ‘toonie’ ($2).
Banks
Banking hours are generally 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday to Friday. Some banks are open on Saturday.
ATMs (Automated Teller Machines or cash machines) are found at airports, banks and retail areas.
Tipping
Tipping in Vancouver is customary, approximately 15% to 20% of the bill.
Smoking and alcohol
Smoking is restricted in many places in Vancouver, including public transportation, restaurants, places of work and enclosed public areas. The current legal drinking age in B.C. is 19 years of age.
Arriving early or staying late? For the Vancouver area, visit the Destination Vancouver website. For a complete list of things to see and do in British Columbia, be sure to visit Hello BC for provincial tourism information.
