Social Program

Opening Reception

The opening ceremonies, opening plenary, and opening reception are held at the beautiful Chan Centre for Perfoming Arts.

Chan Centre

Conference Excursions & Tours

In addition to the scientific program, we have prepared seven excursion tours. All of the excursions are in the immediate Vancouver areas avoiding long transportation times between the conference venue and the excursions.

1. Vancouver City & Stanley Park Tour


This tour includes a bus tour of Vancouver scenery, with a stop in historic Gastown, tour of world famous Stanley Park followed by a final stop in the Kitsilano area for shopping and dinner.

Tour highlights: Gastown was Vancouver’s first downtown core and is named after “Gassy” Jack Deighton, a Yorkshire seaman, steamboat captain and barkeep who arrived in 1867 to open the area’s first saloon. It is rich in Vancouver’s history, offers excellent shopping, pubs and there once were 300 licensed establishments within the twelve-block area. Stanley Park is a must see and is one of the largest urban parks in the world at 1,001-acres and borders downtown Vancouver. The participants will have a choice of leisurely walks around the park perimeter (40 to 80 min) and be picked up by the bus at the next stop. The tour ends in the beautiful Kitsilano area which is a neighborhood in the city of Vancouver known for their retail stores, restaurants and organic food markets.

Stanley Park

2. Stanley Park & Vancouver Shopping Tour

This city tour includes a tour of world famous Stanley Park with stops for pictures, a stop in historic Gastown followed by a final stop in the Robson St. shopping area.

Tour highlights: Stanley Park is a must see and is one of the largest urban parks in the world at 1,001-acres and borders downtown Vancouver. Unlike other large urban parks, Stanley Park is not the creation of a landscape architect, but rather the evolution of a forest and urban space over many years. Most of the structures we see today were built between 1911 and 1937. Additional park attractions, such as a polar bear exhibit, aquarium, and miniature train, were added in the post-war period. Gastownwas Vancouver’s first downtown core and is named after “Gassy” Jack Deighton. It is rich in Vancouver’s history, offers excellent shopping, pubs and there once were 300 licensed establishments within the twelve-block area. The tour ends near Robson Street which is famous for its high end designer shops and many restaurants. The Hudson Bay shopping center is also located within walking distance.

Robson

3. Queen Elizabeth Park & Gastown Shopping Tour

This tour includes a stop at the beautiful Queen Elizabeth Park and entrance in to the Bloedel observatory followed by a final stop in historic Gastown for shopping & dinner.

Tour highlights: Queen Elizabeth Park, Vancouver’s horticultural jewel, is a major draw for floral display enthusiasts and view-seekers. At 152 metres (500 feet) above sea level, it’s the highest point in Vancouver and makes for spectacular views of the park, city, and mountains on the North Shore. There is also a gorgeously landscaped quarry garden, the arboretum with its collection of exotic and native trees, sculptures including one by internationally renowned artist Henry Moore. The 52-hectare park is home to the stunning Bloedel Conservatory which is a domed lush paradise with more than 200 free-flying exotic birds, 500 exotic plants and flowers thrive within its temperature-controlled environment. Gastownwas Vancouver’s first downtown core and is named after “Gassy” Jack Deighton, a Yorkshire seaman, steamboat captain and barkeep who arrived in 1867 to open the area’s first saloon. It is rich in Vancouver’s history, offers excellent shopping, pubs and there once were 300 licensed establishments within the twelve-block area.

QE Park

4. Grouse Grind Hike

WARNING: THIS TOUR INCLUDES A STRENEOUS STEEP 60-90 MINUTE UPHILL HIKE (see https://www.grousemountain.com/grousegrind for details)

Tour includes a driving tour of world famous Stanley Park with a stop in the park for pictures on the way to Grouse Mountain where you will be able to hike the Grouse Grind! After you have reached the top and taken time to explore, you will enjoy a gondola ride back to the bottom (included in the tour).

Tour highlights: Stanley Park is a must see and is one of the largest urban parks in the world at 1,001-acres and borders downtown Vancouver. Grouse Mountain is the location of the very popular hiking trail known as the Grouse Grind. It is a steep trail that climbs 853 m (2800 feet) from the gate at the bottom of the trail to the “Grind Timer” at the top of the trail, over a distance of 2.9 km (1.8 mi), with an average grade of 17 degrees (or 31%) and short sections of up to 30 degrees. The trail, nicknamed “Mother Nature’s Stairmaster” is notoriously gruelling due to its steepness and mountainous terrain. Hikers, who often time themselves on the trail, reach the top in approximately 90 minutes on average although some who are very fit can finish in less than 45 minutes. Once you reach the top you can enjoy the breathtaking views of Vancouver along with several restaurants/pubs and attractions including lumberjack show, raptor show, cinema, wildlife refuge with bears, wind turbine & more! Grouse Mountain Skyride down from top is included.

Grind

5. Grouse Mountain Tour

This tour includes a driving tour of world famous Stanley Park with a stop in the park for pictures on the way to Grouse Mountain where you will ride a gondola 850 metres (2800 feet) to the top.

Tour highlights: Stanley Park is a must see and is one of the largest urban parks in the world at 1,001-acres and borders downtown Vancouver. Grouse Mountain, one of the icons of Vancouver, is located on the North Shore Mountains at 1,200 m (4,000 feet) at its peak, is the site of an alpine ski area in the winter season overlooking Greater Vancouver with four chairlifts facilitating 26 runs. You will access this via an aerial tramway called the Grouse Mountain Skyride. Once you reach the top you can enjoy the breathtaking views of Vancouver along with several restaurants/pubs and attractions including lumberjack show, raptor show, cinema, wildlife refuge with bears, wind turbine & more!

Grouse

 

NOTE: THE NUMBER OF SEATS FOR THIS TOUR IS LIMITED. REGISER EARLY!

6. Lynn Canyon & North Shore Tour

This tour includes a driving tour of world famous Stanley Park with a stop in the park for pictures on the way to Lynn Canyon, followed by a final stop at Lonsdale Quay Market where you can enjoy the market & have time for dinner.

Tour highlights: Stanley Park is a must see and is one of the largest urban parks in the world at 1,001-acres and borders downtown Vancouver. Lynn Canyon Park is in North Vancouver and is home to a suspension bridge 50 meters (160 feet) above the river below. When the park officially opened in 1912 it was only 12 acres (4.9 ha) in size, but it now encompasses 617 acres (250 ha). The park has many hiking trails of varying length and difficulty, and includes an optional guided 35-45 minute easy/moderate hike. The Lynn Canyon Ecology Centre features interactive exhibits about BC’s natural history and local and global environmental issues. Lonsdale Quay Market boasts 80 fresh food vendors, unique retail shops, artisans and restaurants. Whether it’s taking in a local band during an afternoon concert on the waterfront plaza, or braving the 77 steps to the top of the iconic Q Tower for the best view in the city, lasting memories are created daily at Lonsdale Quay Market.

Lynn Canyon

Pre & Post Conference Tours Options

Destination Tours has created a number of pre and post conference tours specifically for PME 22014 participants. Please contact them directly to book these and if you have any questions.

  • #1A Whistler Day Trip, July 14– from $119 CAD
  • #1B Whistler Day Trip, July 21 – from $119 CAD
  • #2 Whistler Tour, July 21-23 – from $349 CAD
  • #3 Vancouver Island Tour, July 21-23 – from $599 CAD

Dance Club

As at all PME there will likely be a Dance Club. The venue of choice for this is the Pit Pub on the UBC campus.

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