UIST 2003 Travel Information

UIST 2003 will be held in downtown Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.  Vancouver airport (code YVR) is served by most North American airlines and by many European and Asian carriers as well.  It is also possible to fly into Seattle, Washington and drive, but it is slower (about a three-hour drive, depending upon traffic and delays at the border), and is likely an added hassle for non-American visitors.

Discount Airfares

Air Canada is offering airline discounts to UIST and ICMI attendees. Simply contact Air Canada's North America toll free number at 1-800-361-7585 or local number 514-393-9494 or your travel agent to take advantage of Special Discounted Airfares. Tell them that you are attending UIST'03.  The UIST'03 convention number is CV031639.

Local Power and Currency

Vancouver power is 110 Volts, 60 Hz AC (using the same plug configurations as US venues.  Please be sure to bring adapters and/or transformers if you need them.  The local currency is the Canadian Dollar (CDN $).  Currency exchange is available in the airport, at currency exchange venues and machines in the downtown area, and for some currencies at the hotel desk.  Bank machines accepting a wide variety of ATM cards and credit cards are available.  

Airport Transportation

There are several transportation options for passengers arriving at Vancouver's airport.  (Note:  we'll attempt to keep all information and fares updated, but they are subject to change.)

  • Taxi service to the Pinnacle Hotel is available at all times.  Typical fares are approximately CDN $25.
  • An airport shuttle bus runs every fifteen minutes during most of the day, and stops across the street from the Pinnacle Hotel (at the Renaissance Hotel).  Fares are CDN $12 one-way and CDN $18 round-trip.  Reservations are not required.  We are also attempting to obtain a UIST discount for this service, and will keep this site updated.
  • The public transit bus 98-B runs from the airport to downtown, terminating a few blocks from the hotel.  Service is frequent, and the fare for this half-hour ride is CDN $3.