Local Information
GENERAL INFORMATION
Airport Transfers
Please allow one hour for travelling time between the Vancouver International Airport (YVR) and Simon Fraser University (30km). If you are travelling from the Seattle Airport (SEA), please allow a minimum of 4 hours for travelling time and clearing customs and immigration. Choirs are responsible for arranging their own airport transfers or our travel partner, Ellison Tours, can make these arrangements for you.
Business & Shopping Hours
Businesses are generally open from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. from Monday to Friday. Retail shops are generally open from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Monday to Saturday and noon to 5:00 p.m. on Sundays. Many retail outlets are also open at night but times vary by shopping venue. Please note that July 1 is a public holiday and some services may be limited on this day.
Cellular Phone
Many cell phone and wireless email providers do not provide service to Canada under their national plans, but do so under their international plans. We encourage festival attendees to contact their individual cellular phone and wireless providers regarding temporary changes to their service plans prior to traveling to British Columbia.
Climate
Warmed by Pacific Ocean currents and protected by a range of mountains, Vancouver enjoys mild temperatures year-round. June/July temperatures are generally in the mid-20′s (celsius). You should plan on bringing a light rainproof jacket or fleece as our evenings can cool off. Click here for current Vancouver weather conditions.
Currency and Banking
The official currency is the Canadian dollar. All other currencies can be exchanged easily at local banks and currency exchange centres. Banking hours are generally 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Automatic Teller Machines (ATMs) are readily available 24/7. Major credit cards are accepted. Information on the current exchange rate can be calculated here. All businesses will accept US dollars but may not give as good an exchange rate as banks.
Dress
Dress is generally “casual” unless otherwise indicated. Choirs are expected to wear their official performance uniforms during lunchtime and evening performance concerts. Festival T-shirts are expected to be worn for the official welcome event and rehearsals for the closing ceremonies.
Early / Late Arrivals
All additional costs to transport individual choristers to the festival from the airport are the responsibility of the choir.
Electricity Supply
Outlets and voltage is 110, 60 hz.
Food restrictions or allergies
All participants are asked for food allergies or dietary restrictions. Arrangements will be made with Campus Food Services for special meals for these participants.
Government Sales Tax
In British Columbia, the government sales tax is called the Harmonized Sales Tax(HST) and is 12%.
Health Requirements
None
Identification
All participants will be issued with festival identification that will provide admission to the rehearsal rooms and off-site activities. Please wear this identification at all times during the festival.
Immigration
Please refer to the following link to see if you require a visa to enter into Canada as a visitor – http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/visit/visas.asp
Insurance
The organizers will not accept any liability for personal injuries, nor for loss of or damage to personal belongings. Please check the validity of your personal insurance. Please ensure you have appropriate medical insurance while visiting Canada.
Internet Services (Non Wireless)
High-speed Internet access is available in all guestrooms. Guests must bring an Ethernet cable to be connected. No additional charges apply.
A group access code will be provided to participants that need to use a computer located in campus libraries or labs.
Language
The language of the festival will be English. We can arrange for a translator if advised in advance.
Laundry
Laundry services are available in the dormitories.
Lost and Found
Lost articles can be claimed at the festival office. Any unclaimed lost articles will be turned over to the university’s lost and found department after the festival.
Medical Clinics
Should you require medical assistance of a non-emergency nature, there are many private medical clinics in the surrounding area that visitors can access. Please note that all expenses must be paid up front unless alternative arrangements are made through your insurance provider.
If your required medical assistance is of an emergency, you will be taken to a local hospital. Please note that all expenses must be paid up front unless alternative arrangements are made through your insurance provider.
Medical Emergencies
Call 9-1-1
Medical Insurance
Canada does not pay for hospital or medical services for visitors. Make sure you have health insurance to cover any medical costs BEFORE you come to Canada.
Parking at Simon Fraser University
The university parking facility is adjacent to the dorms and is underground. See the following link for more information on campus parking – http://www.sfu.ca/security/Parking/
Pre/Post Festival Tours
Ellison Travel can arrange for your choir to have local tours either pre or post festival or on your break-out day (July 1). Ellison Travel can be reached at 604-983-2470 or toll free 1-866-983-2470.
SFU Guest Accommodation Services
Information on Simon Fraser University such as address, room amenities, laundry and internet access is located at the following website – http://www.sfu.ca/conference-accommodation/
Smoking Laws & Legal Drinking Age
Smoking is not permitted by law in public buildings, on public transit, in shopping malls, and in most restaurants, pubs, nightclubs and casinos. Smoking is not permitted within 3 meters of a doorways, windows, or air intakes. U.S. visitors -Visitors meeting the age requirements of the province or territory of entry may bring in 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars, 7 oz. loose tobacco and 200 tobacco sticks. Contact information for specific Canadian customs border service office are listed on the Canada Customs and Revenue Agency website.
Legal drinking age in British Columbia is 19 years of age.
U.S. visitors – Those meeting the age requirements of the province or territory of entry (19 in British Columbia) may bring either 40 oz. of liquor or wine or 24, 12 oz. containers of beer or ale.
Snacks
Choirs are expected to provide any snacks between meals. Vending machines are available in all dormitories and food can be delivered (ie; pizza)
Time Zone
Vancouver is on Pacific Daylight Time (PDT) during the summer months.
Tourism
You will find helpful information on Burnaby at www.tourismburnaby.com or on Vancouver at www.tourismvancouver.com.
Transportation
The festival will provide local transportation to all concert venues for registered participants only.
Visas
Please check with your country’s requirements for travel to Canada or refer to the following link (http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/visit/index.asp). Festival organizers can provide you with an official invitation letter.
Water
The water quality in Vancouver is high and drinkable to our visitors. However, the festival will also provide filtered bottle water at key locations on campus.
Water Bottles
Festival participants are encouraged to bring a personal water bottle that can be used repeatedly. This is the best solution for sustainability.
