2000 HSS/PSA Program 1 - History of Science Society

10
VANCOUVER POINTS OF INTEREST
Over 200 years ago Captain George Vancouver arrived at the site
that would eventually bear his name; his project was to carefully map the
area between Oregon and Alaska. In the interim since his arrival, the city of
Vancouver has blossomed into one of the premiere cities of the Pacific Rim.
It boasts an international profile and a diverse cultural heritage; it has the
largest and busiest port in Canada and on North America’s west coast; it
prides itself on maintaining a clean and safe downtown with a cosmopolitan
shopping area; and it provides the visitor with ample leisure opportunities.
In March 1995, the Corporate Resources Group in Geneva, Switzerland,
ranked Vancouver as the second best city in the world—the best in North
America—based upon living and environmental conditions; 118 cities were
considered. In December 1997, the same group rated Vancouver as the most
livable major city in North America and the world. As for Canadians, they
voted it the “Most Beautiful City in Canada” in its category (population
over 300,000) in 1999. In addition to these honors, Vancouver is the most
accessible city in the world according to the publisher of We’re Accessible,
a newsletter for travelers with disabilities. The city boasts over 14,000
sidewalk wheelchair ramps and an extensive public transit system designed
to accommodate persons with disabilities. Unlike many North American
cities, Vancouver is a people place.
The hotel for the annual History of Science Society Meeting, the
Hyatt Regency Vancouver, is located on the western edge of the downtown
core. Downtown Vancouver includes the area between Burrard Street on the
west, False Creek on the south, Vancouver Harbour on the north, and from
the corner of Cordova and Granville to Science World, on False Creek on
the east. Vancouver’s downtown is surrounded by water on three sides and
you can walk along the water around almost the whole of downtown. The
area is not large, and for any person on foot and in relatively good condition,
it can be crossed in less than an hour. For individuals not wishing to walk,
but wishing to see some of the sights of the area, the Canadian designed
ALRT (Advanced Light Rapid Transit)—SkyTrain—can be used. All rapid
transit stations are equipped with self-serve fare machines, and tickets
purchased at them are good for bus and SeaBus travel, as well; conversely,
transfers from the bus can be used on the SkyTrain.
Whether by foot, by rapid transit, or by car, Vancouver has a
multitude of things to see and do. West of the downtown core, is Vancouver’s
beautiful Stanley Park. At 1000 acres, it is the largest urban park in Canada,
the third largest in North America. Entrance from downtown Vancouver is
via the west end of Georgia Street. A five and a half mile seawall path
completely encircles lush green rainforest, pristine lakes and grassy meadows.
Walking at a brisk rate, one can take little time to admire the English Bay
beaches and the collection of totem poles at Brockton Point. In the mood