Travel Information
Convention Center
Address:
Vancouver Convention Centre
1055 Canada Place, Vancouver, BC, V6C 0C3, Canada
General Information
We’re excited to welcome you to Vancouver, Canada! Use the resources below to check entry requirements, prepare your documents, and plan a smooth arrival.
Do You Need a Visa?
Many travelers can visit Canada without a visa. Confirm your status here: Visa-exempt / eTA-eligible countries (IRCC) and Visa-required visitors (IRCC). If you need to apply, please see below on how to receive your visa invitation letter and apply for your visa.
What to Bring
- Passport
- Hotel confirmation and return ticket information
- Letter from your employer stating your role and reason for travel
- Conference invitation letter (if applicable)
- Visa application details (if applicable)
Travel Tips
- Health coverage: U.S. plans don’t always cover you in Canada—consider travel insurance.
- Money: Canadian dollars are used everywhere; major credit cards are widely accepted.
- Phones & data: Check roaming rates or use a Canadian SIM/eSIM.
On Arrival in Canada
You may optionally use ArriveCAN at select airports to submit your customs declaration in advance, and many airports offer Primary Inspection Kiosks (PIK) to speed processing. Keep your passport, flight details, and hotel/conference confirmation handy.
Transportation
Getting to and around Vancouver is straightforward: fly into YVR, hop on the SkyTrain Canada Line to downtown, or use taxis, rideshare, ferries, rail, and local transit. Links below help you plan each step.
Traveling to Vancouver Air Transportation (YVR)
Vancouver International Airport (YVR)
YVR is the region’s main airport with extensive domestic and international service. Find maps, ground transport, and amenities on YVR’s official site.
To Downtown by SkyTrain (Canada Line)
Board the Canada Line at “YVR–Airport” Station (in-terminal) for a direct ride to downtown Vancouver (terminus: Waterfront Station) in about 25–30 minutes. See SkyTrain info and schedules on TransLink.
Tip: Buy a reloadable Compass Card or use contactless payment; plan trips with the TransLink Trip Planner.
Arriving at YVR Taxis, Rideshare & Car Rental
Taxis
Licensed taxis queue outside arrivals with set zones and metered fares. See YVR’s transportation page for current options.
Rideshare (Uber & Lyft)
Uber and Lyft are authorized at YVR. Pick-up areas are signed at International Arrivals (Level 2), Domestic Arrivals (Level 2), and South Terminal. Details: YVR Rideshare, Uber @ YVR, Lyft @ YVR.
Car Rental
Major rental companies operate on-site at YVR. If you’re driving to the Vancouver Convention Centre, review official parking information.
Getting Around Transit, SeaBus, and Biking
SkyTrain & Bus (TransLink)
SkyTrain lines (Canada, Expo, Millennium) plus an extensive bus network connect most destinations. Use the Trip Planner and pay with Compass Card or contactless tap.
SeaBus to North Vancouver
The passenger ferry between Waterfront Station and Lonsdale Quay runs frequently and is included in TransLink fares. Check service on TransLink.
Biking
Vancouver has a large protected-bike-lane network. Public bike share (Mobi by Rogers) is widely available downtown. Learn more via the City of Vancouver or search “Mobi bike share Vancouver.”
Regional Options Intercity Rail & Ferries
Amtrak Cascades (U.S. ↔ Vancouver)
Amtrak Cascades serves Vancouver’s Pacific Central Station with daily service to/from Seattle and Portland. See route info, Vancouver station details, and current schedules here. (Advisory: capacity may vary—book early during peak demand.)
BC Ferries (Vancouver Island & Gulf Islands)
Frequent sailings connect Metro Vancouver (Tsawwassen or Horseshoe Bay) with Vancouver Island (Victoria/Swartz Bay, Nanaimo) and the Gulf Islands. Check BC Ferries schedules.
Visa Application & Invitation Letter
We strongly recommend that international participants begin the visa application process as early as possible to allow sufficient time for processing.
All visa applicants must request a personalized invitation letter from AAPM and follow the special application instructions (provided after invitation letter), which differ from the standard visa process. To receive your personalized letter, you must:
- Be registered and paid in full for the Annual Meeting & Exhibition
- Have your hotel/accommodations and dates confirmed
- Provide the following information:
- Name (as it appears on your passport)
- Date of Birth
- Passport Country of Issuance
- Passport Number
- Street Address, City, State/Province, ZIP/Postal Code, Country
Requests will be processed in the order received, and letters will be issued electronically once eligibility is verified.
PLEASE NOTE:
AAPM may share your information with Canadian Immigration. Information is used to identify and coordinate the processing of visa applications.
AAPM requires all registrants to make their own inquiries about their ability to enter Canada and offer no representations of the validity of the information provided. The conference organizers do not guarantee that the IRCC will issue the visa in a timely manner. The conference organizers are unable to contact or intervene with any Embassy or visa office on behalf of a Participant, and we cannot be held responsible if a Participant’s visa is not approved.
Vancouver Highlights
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Attractions
Walk the seawall in Stanley Park, browse Granville Island Public Market, or take in views from Grouse Mountain and the Capilano Suspension Bridge.
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Galleries & Museums
Explore world-class collections and exhibits, from contemporary works at the Vancouver Art Gallery to science, history, and Indigenous art across the city’s museums.
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Outdoor Activities
Cycle the seawall, kayak False Creek, hike North Shore trails, or take a quick trip to Grouse, Cypress, or even Whistler.
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Arts & Culture
Experience the rich presence of Indigenous arts and contemporary Canadian culture.
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Neighborhoods
Stroll historic Gastown, dine in Yaletown, relax on Kitsilano’s beaches, and explore lively Commercial Drive.
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Accessible Adventure
Vancouver’s accessible transit, curb-cut waterfront paths, and inclusive attractions make it easy for everyone to explore the city’s best views and experiences.
Learn more