Transportation
Travel to BC – COVID rules
Please see this BC Government site for information and links related to travelling into BC from outside the province or country. Note that conditions for crossing the Canadian border can change on short notice due to COVID conditions – please check for yourself near the time of travel.
Please see this US Government site for information and links related to returning to the US from Canada.
If you need a COVID-19 test in BC, this BCCDC site lists locations.
Some specific locations convenient to campus include:
- The Point Grey location of this group is just outside campus (6 min drive, buses 14 and 99 B-Line)
- This location on West Broadway is easy to access from campus (99 B-Line bus, or a 15 min drive)
- This Kerrisdale location is also a short bus ride (R4 RapidBus) or drive (15 mins) from campus
- The Dunbar location of this group is relatively close to campus, but not as direct by bus (bus 25 + walk, 12 min drive)
- This location (Vancouver – Pharmasave City Square) is central in Vancouver (99 B-Line, Canada Line Skytrain (Broadway-City Hall))
- There are a series of testing locations at YVR airport
You may also consider bringing a CDC-approved test with you to self-administer.
Please check with your health insurance about coverage for COVID testing related to travel.
Entering Canada – ArriveCAN App
The Canadian Government requires the use of the latest version of the ArriveCAN app, including for uploading vaccination documents, to enter Canada. You will need to complete a declaration on the app prior to arriving at the border.
You will need to select your reason for entering Canada, and there are a lot of options! The conference committee does not have immigration experts, so we are unable to say for sure which reason to select related to attending the conference. Non-Canadians travelling to the conference might fall under the category business visitors, and one option for such attendees within ArriveCAN may be “Discretionary/optional travel” (“Foreign nationals who intend to enter Canada for visits …”). Please consult the Government of Canada website, read the ArriveCAN options carefully, and make your own selection – again, we cannot provide definitive advice.
Getting to Vancouver
Vancouver is well-connected for air, train, bus, and car travel.
Amtrak offers both train and bus service to Pacific Central station, which is about 45 minutes by public transportation away from UBC. Greyhound offers bus services, also to Pacific Central station. YVR International Airport connects to many US and international destinations.
Getting to UBC
Google maps will also provide accurate directions to each of these buildings. We will have volunteers and signage in the building to assist in finding appropriate the appropriate conference rooms.
Getting to the Walter Gage Residence (link). – 5959 Student Union Boulevard
Getting to Chemical and Biological Engineering – 2360 East Mall
Ponderosa Residence Ballroom – 6445 University Boulevard (Underneath Harvest market on the linked diagram)
Parking
The North Parkade is closest to Walter Gage Residence, and the Health Sciences Parkade is closest to the conference venue (CHBE). Daily rates are $20 CAD per day (hourly rates $4 CAD/hour) in these parkades. Thunderbird Parkade Rooftop has the lowest daily rate of $10 CAD per day. It is close to the conference venue (CHBE), but about 10-15 minutes walk from Walter Gage Residence. (Note that the regular rate of $20 CAD per day applies to the rest of Thunderbird Parkade). See locations here (link).
You can pre-pay online for parking (including for future dates) using HONK Mobile (North Parkade (link), Health Sciences Parkade (link), Thunderbird Parkade Rooftop (link)).
Getting around campus
UBC has a large campus with limited vehicle access. It has wide, flat pedestrian malls, and most people walk between sites on campus (expect 10-15 minute walks). There is a public transit mini-bus that does travel between the more far-flung areas, and a campus bike-share program.
If you have mobility limitations, there is an Accessibility Shuttle that can get you between locations on campus that are only accessible by foot. The service runs Monday to Friday 9 am – 4:30 pm. If you anticipate having shuttle needs outside this time, please contact the conference organizers to discuss options.
More information about getting around campus (link).
Accommodation
On campus accommodation is available through reduced-price room blocks secured for the conference. Booking must be made by April 11, 2022 to guarantee the rates below. There are two types of rooms available, both within the centrally-located Walter Gage Residence. (You are also able to book up to an additional three days on either side of the conference dates at the reduced rate).
Gage Premium Single – $60 CAD+tax/night
Private bedroom with single bed in a four-bedroom shared apartment. Guests share a washroom, lounge with flat-panel TV, breakfast bar and equipped kitchen. Complimentary coffee provided.
Gage Signature Studio – $140 CAD+tax/night
New tastefully designed contemporary studio with queen bed and private washroom with shower. Features include flat screen TV, fully-equipped kitchen, high speed wireless internet, air conditioning and complimentary coffee & tea. Maximum 2 guests per suite. Includes daily housekeeping service.
GROUP CODE: Use this link to book
Note: There is a large construction project on the south and east sides of the Walter Gage Residence complex. This construction is in close proximity to the South Tower, Gage Apartments and the West Coast Suites buildings. Guests should expect construction noise, changes to vehicle routing and relocation of arrival routes and short term parking spaces.
BC COVID-19 Information
BC Vaccine Passport
The BC Vaccine Passport has ended, and proof of vaccination is not required to access the conference or other sites in Vancouver.
Note that proof of vaccination is still required to cross the Canadian border.
Masks
While BC has dropped all mask requirements, UBC is requiring masks in all university indoor spaces until June 30, 2022. Please be prepared to use a mask during the conference.
Vaccination rates
Vancouver has high rates of vaccination.
Vancouver – Westside (includes UBC):
- 92% of people aged 5+ have 2 doses of vaccine (Feb 15, 2022 data)
To compare, for the US overall:
- 68.6% of people aged 5+ have 2 doses of vaccine (Feb 15, 2022 data)
The BCCDC has a regional surveillance app showing details (cases and vaccination) for each municipality/region (choose “Vancouver – Westside”, within “Vancouver Coastal Health” authority, for the UBC area).
US data from USCDC for vaccination rates here.
Vancouver Tourist Information
There are many attractions near UBC and Vancouver – please see Destination Vancouver (link) for more.