Accompanying Persons¡¯ Program
Although no specific program will be organized for accompanying persons, the Delta Victoria Conci¨¨rge or the local tourist office offer a very wide range of tours, visits, excursions and activities. Accompanying persons are therefore encouraged to make use of these facilities, and to plan their own schedule.
Accompanying persons are welcome to attend the three lunches and Receptions on the Tuesday and Wednesday evenings. The Reception on Tuesday will be held at the Delta Victoria Ocean Pointe Resort and Spa. The Reception on Wednesday will be held at the Fairmont Empress Hotel.
Arrival in Victoria, British Columbia
Victoria International Airport serves daily flights from Vancouver International Airport and Seattle-Tacoma Airport, as well as direct flights from points throughout Canada and the United States.
The Delta Victoria Ocean Pointe Resort and Spa is located about 30 km from the airport. AKAL Airporter http://www.victoriaairportshuttle.com/ (Tel: 250 386-2525 or 1-877-386-2525) and Yellow Cab Victoria http://www.empresstaxi.com/ (250 381-2222 or 1-800-808-6881) provide ground transportation between the airport and the hotel.
Climate
Victoria boasts the lowest rainfall on Canada¡¯s West Coast and gets the most days of sunshine. September is usually warm and sunny with fall arriving late in the month. The average daytime high temperature for Victoria in September is around 18 degrees Celsius and the normal low temperature is around 11 degrees Celsius.
Currency, Banking, Credit Cards
The currency in Victoria, British Columbia is the Canadian Dollar, which is based on dollars and cents. Visitors can change foreign currency at the Victoria International Airport, banks, foreign currency exchange outlets and some hotels. The Delta Victoria Ocean Pointe Resort and Spa Conci¨¨rge will have more information in this regard.
Travellers Cheques are widely accepted, and many hotels, travel agencies and restaurants accept credit cards. Most banks are equipped to advance cash on credit cards.
There are no restrictions on the amount of foreign currency that can be brought into Canada. However, by law, all currency or monetary instruments equal to or over $10,000 Canadian per person (or the equivalent in any foreign currency) brought into or out of British Columbia or Canada must be reported to the Canada Border Services Agency.
Electricity
The electricity supply in Canada is 120 V AC, 60 Hz. If you travel to Canada with a device that does not accept 120 volts at 60 Hertz, you will need a voltage converter. Outlets are two pin rectangular (Diagram A) or two pin rectangular with a ground connector (Diagram B).
Internet Access
There is free wired LAN access in all guest rooms/suites (cable provided). Free Wi-Fi access is provided in the Forum meeting room.
Languages
The Forum will be conducted in English.
Lunches and Refreshment Breaks
Lunch will be served Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday at noon. Morning refreshments will be served at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Afternoon refreshments will be served at 3:00 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday.
Meeting Documents
Meeting documents will be made available electronically.
Taxes
Hotel room rates are subject to a 10% hotel room tax and 5% federal Goods and Services Tax (GST)
Most retail purchases in Victoria, British Columbia are subject to sales taxes totalling 12% of the purchase price (a provincial sales tax of 7%, plus 5% GST). Some items, including groceries, restaurant meals, children's clothing and books, are provincial sales tax exempt.
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Time zone
Victoria will be on Pacific Daylight Savings Time (GM - 7) in September.
Tipping
It is customary to tip between 15% and 20% at bars and restaurants in Victoria if you feel the service received warrants it. Tips are also given for taxi service and to hotel staff and tour guides. Porters at airports and hotels generally receive $1.00 to $2.00 Canadian per item of luggage.
