Destination Info & Frequently Asked Questions
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 North Shore 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 Convention 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 area 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 Shopping Mall 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 5% federal goods and services tax (GST.) 1.5 % Destination Marketing Fee (DMF)
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. The following rates serve only as a guideline.
15 per cent on meals
$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
Visitors 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Do you have a shuttle service?
We do have a common shuttle that we share with all of the downtown hotels. It is called the 'YVR Airporter' and leaves approximately every half hour from outside the arrivals terminal. The cost is $13.75 CAD per person one way and takes approximately 45 minutes depending on traffic and the number of stops that need to be made. Tickets are purchased on the bus & only accept Canadian currency.
2. Are there taxis readily available at the hotel and airport?
The Pan Pacific Vancouver actually has the largest taxi hub in downtown Vancouver. Taxis are readily available throughout the day at the hotel and the Vancouver Airport. A taxi from to/from the airport is around $30.00 CAD. The taxis take Canadian and U.S funds, and credit cards for payment.
3. What are the check-in and check-out times?
Our standard check-in time is 4pm and check-out is at 12 noon. If you require an earlier arrival time, it is on a request basis only. The front desk can certainly store your luggage. With regards to a later departure, again it would be on request and occupancy. It is best to request upon check-in and the front desk agent will notify you if they can assist with a later check-out. They will certainly do their best to accommodate you.
4. What is the cost of parking?
There are two parking options available to you:
1) If you do not plan on moving your vehicle for 24 hours the price is $ 30.00 CAD and a ticket can be purchased directly from the parking garage. (The parking garage is located right beneath the hotel.) Parking facilities are operated by VINCI Parking.
2) Valet parking includes unlimited in and out privileges at the rate of $30.00 CAD per 24 hours.
5. Is there a place to store luggage?
We certainly have a place where luggage can be stored. If at check-in your room is not yet ready, our front desk will store your luggage in a secured area. If at check-out you require your luggage to be stored for a certain amount of time, our belldesk will store the luggage in a secured area on the Ground Level.
6. What is the pet policy?
The Pan Pacific Vancouver asks for the following:
1) The pet to be on leash in any public area of the hotel
2) The pet is not permitted in the restaurants/bars,patio terrace, meeting rooms, fitness club, spa, gift shops, and the pool areas of the hotel (unless the pet is a service dog)
3) The pet is never left unattended in the guestroom/ suite.
4) Pet to keep noise to a minimum as it may disturb other guests.
The pet fee is $30.00 CAD per stay.
7. What is the distance to the cruise terminal?
As we are located atop the Canada Place Cruise Ship Terminal, guests that are arriving or departing from this terminal just need to walk through the terminal and take one elevator into the hotel.
Alternately, if your cruise ship is departing from Ballantyne Pier, this would be a 5-10 minute taxi ride from the hotel.
8. What are the pool hours of operation?
The hours of operation are from 6am to midnight daily, with adults only after 10pm.
The pool is heated to 85 degrees Fahrenheit and is located outside on our terrace. The pool is 17 meters (56 feet) in length, 5.7 meters (19 feet) in width, and 1.22 meters (4 feet) in depth.
The hot tub is heated to 105 degrees Fahrenheit.
There is also a dry sauna located in both men’s and women’s change room.
9. Victoria, Vancouver Island:
By Ferry - driving: 3.5 hours each way
www.bcferries.com
The Concierge Desk can provide driving directions to the Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal, which is located approximately one hour from Vancouver city center. The ferry crossing time to Swartz Bay is 90 minutes. Once you have disembarked the ferry, the traveling time to Victoria is 40 minutes. You are required to be at the ferry 30 minutes before departure. The cost during peak periods is $11.50 CAD per passenger plus $40.00 CAD for the car (ONE WAY) and may vary during off-peak periods.
By Ferry without a car: 3.5 hours each way
www.quickcoach.com
Pacific Coach Lines has a convenient shuttle service from downtown Vancouver to Victoria city centre. The bus departs from the bus depot located 10 minutes away from the hotel via taxi. The duration of the trip is 4 hours. The cost is $40.00 CAD one-way or $78.00 CAD round trip.
By seaplane or Helicopter: 35 minutes each way
:Seaplanes and helicopters have a daily flight schedule from downtown Vancouver to Victoria city center. The seaplane and helicopter terminals are located within 10-15 minutes walking distance from the hotel. Check in is 25 minutes prior to flight departure and photo identification is required. The cost for the seaplane is approximately $134.00 CAD plus 5% taxes each way per person. Luggage on seaplanes is restricted to 11kg per person. The cost for the helicopter varies from $124.00 CAD to $219.00 CAD plus 5% taxes each way per person. Luggage on Helijet is restricted to 22kg per person on.
By Tour: 12-13 hours round trip
All tour companies booked through the Concierge Department offer hotel pick up. Depending on the company, departures are available from 7:10 am to 9:00 am. Please be aware that these tours are 13 hours in length. The cost is approximately $169.00 per person depending on the company and this includes the ferry cost as well as admission to the Butchart Gardens in Victoria.
Seattle, USA:
The Quick Shuttle:
www.quickcoach.com
This is a coach service between Seattle and Vancouver with stops along the way. Be prepared for approximately a 4-hour journey and occasionally a long wait at customs, as each passenger must be processed individually. The website contains schedule and rate information. Hotel pick-ups are offered from most major downtown Hotels.
Amtrak Train:
www.amtrak.com
Between Vancouver and Seattle,one scheduled departure per day. The train departs Vancouver at 6:00pm, has 3 scheduled stops, and arrives at downtown Seattle at 9:55pm. The rate is approximately $35.00.CAD Please note that only carry-on luggage is permitted.
International flights:
Various airlines operate regular scheduled flights from Vancouver International airport to Seattle.
Whistler, BC:
Greyhound Bus service:
www.greyhound.ca
The Greyhound bus operates on a regular schedule from the downtown Vancouver bus depot to Whistler Village. The bus depot is located at 1150 Station Street, approximately 15 minutes by taxi from the Pan Pacific Vancouver. The one-way cost is: $24.00 CAD.
Please note prices listed on this page are subject to change.
