Testing Gravity 2015
15-17 January 2015, SFU Harbour Center, Vancouver, BC, Canada
For your travel plans reference, the pre-workshop school will start at 9 am on Wednesday, January 14th. The workshop will start at 9 am on Thursday, January 15th and end at 4 pm on Saturday, January 17th. Conference dinner is scheduled for evening of Friday, January 16th. Arriving the evening before the meeting starts is probably the best way to schedule your travel, and you can stay a few extra days for a weekend in the city or on ski slopes. Further informaton about local attractions is posted on local info page.
By Air:
Vancouver International Airport (YVR) is well connected to major airports in Asia and Europe and cities throughout Canada and USA. Excellent deals, particularly from Europe, can often be found on holiday airlines, such as Air Transat and Thomas Cook. The best option for getting from YVR to the city is via Sky Train.
Alternative Airports:
Vancouver Harbour Flight Centre (CXH) is a seaplane terminal located within a 10 min walk from SFU Harbour Centre. An exciting option for people arriving from the University of Victoria, assuming the weather collaborates.
Bellingham International Airport (BLI), across the US border, is about 85 km (53 miles) away from downtown Vancouver. Flying to BLI can be an inexpensive option if travelling from cities on the west coast of the US.
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) is 250 km (153 miles) away from downtown Vancouver. Flying to SEA can be a more economical option, even after taking the cost of the rental car into account.
By Car:
If you are coming from US by car, border crossing times depend on the time of the day. 10-20 mins wait is normal during non-peak times, but can easily be an hour if you happen to venture at the wrong time. You can get an idea about the crossing time statistics on various websites.
By Ferry:
BC Ferries runs several regular ferry lines connecting Vancouver Island to the Mainland. The closest terminal to downtown Vancouver is Tsawwassen. Although Horseshoe Bay terminal is not much further away, it is located on the North Shore. Connection over Lions Gate Bridge could be problematic during rush hour.
The meeting will take place in the SFU Harbour Centre, located near the waterfront in the downtown Vancouver core. It is easily accessible from the airport (directions are here) and is surrounded by a vibrant neighbourhood.
The following hotels have agreed to offer special rates to the workshop participants. January is in the middle of the skiing season, so early reservations are strongly recommended.
Special rates from 125 CAD + tax. Located a few steps from the workshop venue. Double rooms suitable for sharing are available. To book online, use this link to get the special rate. This rate is offered for booking made before 18th of December. The availability of rooms is not guaranteed and early bookings are encouraged.
Special rates from 80 CAD + tax. Situated in a historic building on the English Bay, a 30 min walk or a 5 min taxi ride from the workshop venue. Double rooms suitable for sharing are available. To book online go to this link and quote "SFU January" in the comment box. The rate is available at all times, but the availability of rooms is not guaranteed and early bookings are encouraged.
Special rates from 135 CAD + tax. Located a 5 min walk from the workshop venue. Double rooms suitable for sharing are available. Participants can book a room by email to dos@hotellesoleil.com or call at 1-877-632-3030. There is no option to enter a discount code in the online booking form, so participants should mention the SFU workshop deal when making a reservation by email or phone.
