Travel Information
Your complete guide to reaching Vancouver for AAGL's 54th Global Congress
Welcome to Vancouver!
Taking place in the heart of downtown at the Vancouver Convention Centre (VCC), the location is conducive to exploring the city that is considered one of the world's most walkable cities, and boasts an expansive bike route network around the venue. The Center is also easily accessible on foot from AAGL's official Global Congress hotels.
Accessibility
From the design of the Centre to all areas of operation, the VCC is committed to providing an open, inclusive and accessible environment for all guests. Read more here.
Functional, Beautiful and Green
The VCC sits on the doorstep of nature, and we are very mindful of our impact on the environment. Read more about the centers award winning sustainability initiative here.
Parking
If you are local or plan to drive, parking is available at the Vancouver Convention Centre.
International Travel
The Government of Canada's Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship department website offers an easy to use, online guide to help determine what international travel documents (ie. visitor visa, electronic travel authorization - eTA, passport, etc.) you may need to travel to Canada. Be sure to review the Global Congress Visa essentials page for invitation and more information about travelling to Canada. Be sure to make your travel plans early!
Air Travel
Vancouver International Airport (YVR)
Richmond, BC
V7B 0A4 Canada
Located 8.5 miles (14 km) from the Vancouver Convention Centre, Vancouver International Airport is the region's primary airport hub and offers global direct flights from multiple locations. Review international travel times to Vancouver here.
Be sure to check out our Visa Essentials page for information on visas, entry requirements, and specific instructions on entry into Canada for both U.S. citizens and non-citizens. See the CBSA website for more travel tips.
Ground Transportation
From Vancouver International Airport (YVR)
Car Rentals
Car rental facilities are conveniently located just steps from the YVR terminal on the ground floor of the parkade. Onsite car rental options include Avis, Budget, Hertz, Enterprise, and more. Car rentals with wheelchair accessibility are available at YVR. Please ensure you give your rental company 48 hours' advanced notice to ensure availability. Visit the YVR Airport website for more information.
SkyTrain
The Canada Line is Vancouver's fully automated light rail, connecting YVR Airport to downtown Vancouver in under 30 minutes. The YVR Airport Station is centrally located between the International and Domestic Terminals, with easy access from both. The nearest SkyTrain stations to the conference venue is Waterfront Station, a 10-12 minute walk from the Vancouver Convention Centre.
SkyTrain stations and cars are wheelchair accessible and connect to bus services at most stations. Trains run daily from 5:30 am on weekdays (later on weekends) until 1:00 am. Visit the Canada Line website for the latest schedules.
Metro Vancouver has three fare zones, with costs based on the number of zones crossed. Zone fares apply Monday to Friday until 6:30 pm. Visit the TransLink website for fare details, trip planning, and more.
Train & Bus Transportation
Amtrak
With a stop at Vancouver's Pacific Central Station (PAC), Amtrak Cascades connects cities along the I-5 corridor and into Canada, including Seattle, Vancouver BC, and Portland, Oregon. Visit the Amtrak Cascades website for information on train routes, schedules, and more.
VIA Rail Canada
VIA Rail offers intercity and transcontinental passenger rail service across Canada, with a stop at Vancouver's Pacific Central Station (PAC). Operating year round, VIA Rail's iconic transcontinental train, The Canadian, spans 4,455 km over four nights and three days, crossing five provinces between Vancouver and Toronto. Trains also connect Vancouver to major cities such as Jasper, Prince Rupert, and Winnipeg. For more details, visit the VIA Rail Canada website.
Public Transportation
SkyTrain
The Canada Line is Vancouver's fully automated light rail, connecting YVR Airport to downtown Vancouver in under 30 minutes. The YVR Airport Station is centrally located between the International and Domestic Terminals, with easy access from both. The nearest SkyTrain stations to the conference venue is Waterfront Station, a 10-12 minute walk from the Vancouver Convention Centre.