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Vancouver B.C., British Columbia
On their own, mountains can be majestic, and any seashore can be a place of beauty. But when mountains plunge into deep blue waters, the panorama can be breathtaking. Add in tall forests, great rivers, rare birds, whales, salmon, bears, boats and small villages, and you've got an idea of what you'll find along the west coast of British Columbia.
With these attractions, as well as the mountains, forests and lakes that lie inland, British Columbia will prove most irresistible to those travelers who love the outdoors.
But you don't have to be a wilderness kamikaze to appreciate the wonders: The province has lots of boat trips, train rides and well-maintained roads that allow you to see the sights in a good deal of comfort.
Those who have no desire to look at even a single eagle or glacier will find the cities of Victoria and, especially, Vancouver to be urban jewels almost as outstanding as the province's natural resources. Be aware, however, that these cities are still within gazing distance of the mountains and the sea: Escaping the scenery in British Columbia is no easy task.
Vancouver is Canada's emerald jewel. It's simply a beautiful place to be: From downtown you can see the blue-green Pacific Ocean, as well as glacial fjords and steep mountains capped with snow and covered in dense old-growth forest. The other reason we love Vancouver is because of its multicultural flair. The city has long been a home to people from all over the globe, especially from China and other parts of Asia.
The overall atmosphere is relaxed and outdoorsy, yet cosmopolitan:
It's the kind of place where outdoor gear shops coexist with high-fashion boutiques. Add in the city's fondness for the arts and its generally health-conscious and laid-back residents, and you've got a comfortable city that has something for nearly everyone. Only the persistent drizzle and gray skies of winter and spring keep Vancouver from being a total paradise.
General Information British Columbia
Area: 892,677 sq km (344,662 sq miles).
Population: 4,096,000 (2001).
Population density: 4.6 per sq km.
Capital: Victoria.
Population capital: 304,287 (1996).
Language: Although Canada is officially bilingual (English and French), English is more commonly spoken in British Columbia.
Religion: 46.2 per cent Roman Catholic, 17.5 per cent United Church of Canada, 11.8 per cent Anglican, 24.5 per cent other Christian denominations and other religions.
Electricity: 110 volts AC, 60Hz. American-style (flat) two-pin plugs are standard.
Time: GMT - 8. Small areas of the province near the Alberta border are GMT - 7.
Currency: Canadian Dollar (C$) = 100 cents.
Country Code: + 1 ~
IDD Access Code: 011 ~
How to get there
Vancouver International Airport (YVR), about 10 km (6 mi) south of the city on Sea Island, is the largest airport on the Canadian west coast. It is a major hub of domestic and international flights.
Besides frequent service to other cities in Canada, there are regular flights to Seattle, Portland, San Francisco and Los Angeles. The quickest, cheapest way to the airport is by Vancouver Airporter bus from Pacific Central Station (30 minutes). You can also catch bus 98 B-Line from Waterfront Station (35 minutes).
The magnificent Pacific Central Station, off Main St, is the western terminus for VIA Rail. Amtrak trains also leave from this station, connecting Vancouver to Bellingham and Seattle with one train daily. Trains leave from North Vancouver at the BC Rail Station, with services to Squamish, Whistler, Lillooet, 100 Mile House and more.
There is also a bus station at Pacific Central Station, with Amtrak, Greyhound and other operators running services to Seattle and other US destinations, as well as cities in Eastern Canada.
You can drive from the USA and other parts of Canada to Vancouver; the major highways are the I-5 (joining with Hwy 99) from the USA, and the Trans-Canada Hwy (Hwy 1) joining with Hwy 99 from the east.
Basic contact information for airports to get in Vancouver B.C.:
CANADA
Country Code: + 1 ~
IDD Access Code: 011 ~
Time Zone: GMT - 3.5/8
VANCOUVER INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT (YVR)
Vancouver Airport, BC, Canada, PO Box 23750, Airport Postal Outlet, Vancouver, BC, V7B 1Y7
Tel.: + 1 (604) 276-6500, (604) 276-6326, (Airline/Passenger) + 1 (604) 276-6316
Fax: + 1 (604) 276-6505, (Airline/Passenger) + 1 (604) 232-6051
E-mail: cargo@yvr.ca
Internet: www.yvr.ca
USA
Country Code: + 1 ~
IDD Access Code: 011 ~
Time Zone: GMT - 5/10
SEATTLE/TACOMA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT (SEA)
Seattle Airport, WA, United States, PO Box 68727, Seattle WA 98168
Tel.: + 1 (206) 433-5388, (206) 248-6865
Fax: + 1 (206) 248-6855
Internet: www.portseattle.org or www.airportsintl.com
Weather
British Columbia's climate varies greatly because of its long coastline on the Pacific Ocean, its mountain ranges and its long stretch from south to north. The coast is mild and wet in the south with cool summers. Interior regions experience drier weather and greater temperature extremes, while the mountains have yet more variation. As you go farther north, you'll notice the long summer days (or the short winter ones, depending on the season).
On the southern coast, expect winter temperatures to range 33-42 F/1-6 C. Summer temperatures run 52-74 F/11-23 C, with the least rain July-September. The southern interior averages 15-28 F/-10 to -2 C in January and 55-85 F/13-29 C in July (although it's not unusual for summer temperatures to go much higher). The mountains often experience very heavy snows (great for skiers) and, of course, lower temperatures. The cold will be worse the farther north and east you go.
Marinas
PORT OF NANAIMO BOAT BASIN
Marina contact for moorage:
Tel.: + 1 250-750-1216
+1 604-681-4666
E-mail:marina@npa.ca
www.npa.ca/en/bobas1.htm
ACCESS TO NANAIMO
B.C. FERRIES - web bookings:
www.bcferries.com/schedules
CARS & PASSENGERS:
Tsawwassento Duke Point (Nanaimo)
Terminal via Highway 17
Horseshoe Bay to Nanaimo:
Terminal via Highway 99
HARBOUR AIR:
Float plane flights hourly from Vancouver to Nanaimo
Tel: +1 604-247-1277
www.harbour-air.com
COAL HARBOUR MARINA
1525 Coal Harbour Quay
Vancouver, British Columbia V6G 3E7
Canada
Tel.: + 1 604 681 2628
Fax: + 1 604 681 4666
E-mail: admin@vancouvertour.com
Internet: www.vancouvertour.com
Additional Information
Inbound checklist:
DYT Contact:
John Mears
Pacific Northwest Ship & Cargo Services Inc.
360-145 Chadwick Court
North Vancouver, BC V7M 3K1
Canada
Tel: +1 604-924-1830
Fax: +1 604-924-1835
Cell:=1 604-280-0246
dyt@pnwship.com
Meeting Point:
Port of Nanaimo
Nanaimo Assembly Dock "B"11
Ports Way, Nanaimo, BC
Canada V9R 5K1
www.npa.ca/en/index.htm
Customs Agent:
DYT Contact:
Dana Galang
Pacific Northwest Ship & Cargo Services Inc.
360-145 Chadwick Court
North Vancouver, BC V7M 3K1
Canada
Tel: +1 604-924-1830
Fax: +1 604-924-1835
Cell:+1 604-280-0246
dyt@pnwship.com
IMPORTANT:
Make sure you contact our customs agent for proper protocol on customs guidelines, required paperwork and port access. Please be advised that independent customs fees may apply.
ATTENTION RIDERS:
US Ports - Final destination or in transit: Non-US or non-Canadian riders must have a US Visa B1 - B2.
NO OTHER VISAS ARE ACCEPTED.
OUTBOUND CHECKLIST:
DYT Contact:
John Mears
Pacific Northwest Ship & Cargo Services Inc.
360-145 Chadwick Court
North Vancouver, BC V7M 3K1
Canada
Tel: +1 604-924-1830
Fax: +1 604-924-1835
Cell:=1 604-280-0246
dyt@pnwship.com
Meeting Point:
Port of Nanaimo
Nanaimo Assembly Dock "B"11
Ports Way, Nanaimo, BC
Canada V9R 5K1
www.npa.ca/en/index.htm
Customs Agent:
Dana Galang
Pacific Northwest Ship & Cargo Services Inc.
360-145 Chadwick Court
North Vancouver, BC V7M 3K1
Canada
Tel: +1 604-924-1830
Fax: +1 604-924-1835
Cell:+1 604-280-0246
dyt@pnwship.com
IMPORTANT:
Make sure you contact our customs agent for proper protocol on customs guidelines, required paperwork and port access. Please be advised that independent customs fees may apply.
Loading Onboard DYT Carrier:
Notify our Loading Master upon your arrival on Channel 17 and wait for instructions.
Once loaded, check in with DYT Rep and bring:
- Original yacht registry
- Keys of the yacht clearly marked
- If approved, bring riders with prospective passports
ATTENTION RIDERS:
US Ports - Final destination or in transit: Non-US or non-Canadian riders must have a US Visa B1-B2.
NO OTHER VISAS ARE ACCEPTED.
Call us: + 1 954 525 8707 | + 1 888 SHIP DYT (toll free)
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