Destination Info

Vancouver, Canada, boasts one of the most spectacular city settings in the world, sitting on the edge of the Pacific Ocean and surrounded by the Coastal Mountains in the Province of British Columbia. The proximity of urban life to sea and mountains is what makes Vancouver so special. Visitors to Vancouver can ski or hike on Grouse Mountain in the morning and sit on one of Vancouver's many beaches in the afternoon.

Area Information
The Pan Pacific Vancouver is perfectly situated atop the magnificent Canada Place complex on Vancouver's dramatic waterfront - offering panoramic views of the city, harbour and the Coastal Mountains. Sharing Canada Place is the spacious Vancouver Conference & Exhibition Centre, the World Trade Centre office complex and Vancouver's Alaska cruise ship facility. Just steps away are Vancouver's downtown, business district and entertainment centres.

Currency
It is recommend all visitors use Canadian currency when traveling within Canada. It is advised to have local currency on hand prior to arriving.
Visitors can exchange currency at Canadian chartered banks, trust companies, credit unions, or at offices of foreign exchange brokers. Registered Pan Pacific Vancouver guests can exchange currency at the Front Desk located on Lobby Level.

Customs
All persons entering Canada must fill out a declaration for Canada Customs.
Each visitor over the age of 19 may import, duty free, a maximum of 40 ounces (1.1 litres) liquor or wine, or 288 ounces (8.5 litres) of beer or ale, up to 50 cigars, 200 cigarettes and 8 ounces (200 grams) of tobacco.

Electricity
Outlets and voltage (110 volts) same as in the United States. The frequency of electrical current in Canada is 60 Hz.
Small appliances (E.g razors, hair dryers, irons, curling irons, etc. can be used in Canada. For guests from other countries, adapters are required for electrical appliances.

Emergency Numbers
Emergency telephone numbers for Ambulance, Fire and Police- 911

Health
Vancouver has a number of medical clinics/ services within the downtown and walking distance from the Hotel. We have a doctor and dentist on call for our registered Hotel guests.

Shopping & Business Hours
The Pan Pacific Vancouver is just minutes from world renowned Robson Street in downtown Vancouver. Known as the most eclectic street in the city, it is home to unique boutiques and some of the world's most famous retailers.

Within walking distance is historic Gastown. Founded in 1867, this charming area features shops, restaurants and entertainment venues.

The hotel is also only three blocks away from the Pacific Centre with over 300 stores, through which shoppers can also access the Robson Street shopping district.

Granville Island houses Vancouver's famous Public Market, where you can find fresh fruits, vegetables and seafood, florists, micro-roaster organic coffee....an urban oasis with restaurants, shops, ethnic food vendors, craft vendors, theatres and galleries.
Yaletown is the place to be where fashionable boutiques and high end restaurants mingle with high tech companies.

Taxes
There is a 10% tax charged on accommodation and liquor. For most other goods and services, there is a 7% provincial sales tax (PST) and the 6% federal goods and services tax (GST.)

Time Zones
Vancouver time zone is Pacific Standard Time.

Tipping
Tip in proportion to your satisfaction with service. Tips are seldom added to bills, if they are included as part of your tour package you will be informed of this. Occasionally restaurants will add a service charge, in which case there is no need for an additional tip, unless the service is exceptional, and you can afford to give more. The following rates serve only as a guideline. Tip what you feel comfortable with.
15 per cent on meals - lower indicates dissatisfaction, higher indicates appreciation
$1 for each piece of luggage carried by a porter
$2 per day for chambermaids if your hotel stay is for more than two or three days.

Visa Requirements
For entry requirements regarding visas for Canada, contact Immigration Canada at 1-888-242-2100 (in Canada) or visit their website at www.cic.gc.ca. For visitors outside Canada, please contact the nearest Canadian Embassy, High Commission, or consulate in your region.

International Visitors
Persons visiting from countries other than the United States must have a valid passport and may require other documentation such as visas.
Check with the nearest Canadian Consulate / Embassy well in advance of travel and visit Canadian Government web site at www.cic.gc.ca for details.