COMMENTARY: Tourism destinations face the challenge of asking potential visitors to stay away - Global News
COMMENTARY: Tourism destinations face the challenge of asking potential visitors to stay away - Global News |
- COMMENTARY: Tourism destinations face the challenge of asking potential visitors to stay away - Global News
- Five more people have died from coronavirus in BC | News - Daily Hive
- 10 Must-Know Things About the Vancouver Cruise Terminal - Cruise Hive
| Posted: 14 Apr 2020 07:08 AM PDT The home page of British Columbia's main tourism website still features the province's classic catchphrase to attract visitors: "Super, Natural British Columbia." But right under that is a new message: "Explore BC… Later." Like provincial governments across the country, Premier John Horgan's B.C. government is urging people to avoid all non-essential travel, including within B.C.'s own borders. But that's easier said than done in a province of stunning natural beauty, where people love to get outside and explore. READ MORE: Coronavirus tracker — total number of confirmed cases by region The lure of the outdoors was particularly strong on a warm Easter long weekend that had some B.C. tourist towns unhappy with the tourists. "There are some people still not getting the message," said Peter Luckham, chair of municipal trustees for the province's picturesque Gulf Islands. "We need to do strong messaging," Luckham told me. "People must realize the impacts they might be potentially making in these small, vulnerable communities." Those impacts include a drain on local food supplies and the risk of a virus outbreak in remote communities with limited health services, he said. Despite that, B.C. tourist towns reported a modest influx of holiday visitors over the weekend, stoking fears of even larger waves of travellers as the weather gets nicer.  Tahirih Rockafella has her finger on the pulse of Galiano Island, where she's not only an elected trustee but also a volunteer firefighter and operator of a small supermarket. "In the grocery store, my staff were upset," she said about off-island visitors stocking up on weekend supplies. [ Sign up for our Health IQ newsletter for the latest coronavirus updates ] "We have a local health-care clinic that's staffed part-time," she said. "We have one ambulance and a handful of volunteer firefighters. If someone is in severe medical distress, they would have to be medevaced off the island and flown to Vancouver by helicopter. "On a good day, that might take an hour and a half. On a bad day, with low clouds or high winds, it could be six hours." It's a powerful argument for restless British Columbians to stay home. And it's one being voiced by small towns all around the province. Despite that, B.C. is one of a dwindling number of provinces that have not imposed internal travel restrictions enforced by checkpoints. Eight provinces and territories have now brought in border checkpoints and travel lockdowns, including police-enforced checkpoints in Quebec. Now, some B.C. communities are taking matters into their own hands. Just outside postcard-pretty Tofino, famous for its spectacular beaches and wild West Coast surfing, the town set up its own checkpoint to discourage visitors. "We're urging visitors to please stay home and not come to the West Coast," said Tofino Mayor Josie Osborne. The checkpoint, operated by park rangers and the local RCMP detachment, stopped vehicles and asked visitors to turn around, which they did. Now, other B.C. political leaders want a wider system of checkpoints and domestic travel restrictions. "People need to respect the fact that there are huge sacrifices being made right now," said Paul Manly, a Green Party MP from Vancouver Island who wants a tougher crackdown on non-essential travel aboard the province's sprawling system of car ferries. "There was lots of chatter on social media about the ferries filling up with people with kayaks on top of their cars, people heading over to the island to get a break from the city. "There's just no need for non-essential travel right now." READ MORE: Coronavirus — Should Canada restrict travel between provinces, territories? But travel restrictions could be tough to enforce in a province with the most active, outdoor-oriented population in the country. Even the B.C. government's move to shut down its network of provincial parks was met with an immediate backlash from hikers and campers who argued the move was overkill. "We like to think people are responsible and can keep physically distancing in a park," said Louise Pedersen of the Outdoor Recreation Council of B.C. "We're hoping there are some ways we can open some parks again." And if the provincial parks remain closed, there are always the province's network of recreation sites and hiking trails, which are generally remote, accessed by gravel logging roads and remain open, at least for now. As the weather warms up, British Columbians will be itching to get outside. If the province's virus caseload remains under control, it may be tough to keep everybody indoors. Mike Smyth is host of 'The Mike Smyth Show' on Global News Radio 980 CKNW in Vancouver and a commentator for Global News. You can reach him at mike@cknw.com and follow him on Twitter at @MikeSmythNews. View link »© 2020 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.  |
| Five more people have died from coronavirus in BC | News - Daily Hive Posted: 08 Apr 2020 03:11 PM PDT  Five more people have died from coronavirus in BC, and 45 new cases have been identified in the province, health officials said on Wednesday. During a press conference, Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry said the total number of recorded cases in the province now sits at 1,336 and the total number of deaths now sits at 48 Broken down by health region, Henry said there are 615 cases in Vancouver Coastal Health, 487 in Fraser Health, 81 on Vancouver Island, 130 in Interior Health, and 23 in Northern Health. The number of long-term care homes in the province with a patient or member of staff who have tested positive remains is at 21 And out of the total number of cases, 135 people are in hospital, with 61 of those in intensive care; 838 people have fully recovered and are out of isolation. Earlier today, BC Premier John Horgan said the provincial government is implementing new measures in the ongoing battle against coronavirus. Horgan said the measures are meant to ensure British Columbians returning home from international destinations have the support they need to self-isolate and keep their communities safe from spread. The measures, which include a new legal requirement for a self-isolation plan, support the provincial health officer's travel orders and reinforce the federal emergency order under the Quarantine Act requiring people entering Canada to self-isolate for 14 days. "As we welcome British Columbians back home, we must stay vigilant and do everything we can to stop the spread of COVID-19," said Horgan. "As we follow the advice and guidance of our provincial health officer, it's also important to take care of one another." Effective immediately, international travellers (including from the United States) coming to the province are required to provide a self-isolation plan before or upon arrival to BC, regardless of their point of entry to Canada. This plan "is not just a suggestion," Horgan stressed. "It is a directive from the public health office, it's consistent with the Quarantine Act that has been put in place by the federal government, and it's mandatory for those coming back to British Columbia to have a plan." This document – which can be submitted online or completed in person on arrival – "must show" that returning travellers have supports in place to safely self-isolate for 14 days.  |
| 10 Must-Know Things About the Vancouver Cruise Terminal - Cruise Hive Posted: 14 Apr 2020 01:33 PM PDT Vancouver cruise terminal is conveniently located for cruises to Alaska. It serves around 900,000 cruise passenger every year from late April through September. This top-rated port destination is the home base for many cruise ships during the summer season and has around 290 ship calls every year. It's northern location, excellent amenities and natural beauty makes it a popular base for cruise lines offering one-way and round-trip Alaska cruise. They traverse the stunning Inside Passage along British Columbia's west coast. We cover everything you need to know about Vancouver Cruise Terminal, from how to get there to what amenities are available. Check out the facts below before you sail! 1. Where is Vancouver Cruise Terminal?The Port of Vancouver Cruise Terminal is conveniently located in downtown Vancouver. The official address is:
The Port is situated on the Fraser River, the longest in British Columbia (BC). It flows for 854 miles (1375km) before reaching the Strait of Vancouver which then empties into the Burrard Inlet, a coastal fjord. 2. Vancouver Port Facts and FiguresVancouver Port is the largest in Canada and the fourth largest in North America (2014 figures) in terms of tonnes of cargo. Managed by the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority, it handles 147 million tonnes of cargo and 3.4 million TEU containers each year from 160 countries. Vancouver Harbour covers 16,000 hectares of water, 1000 hectares of land and 350km of shoreline. The port has 27 marine cargo terminals. The three-berth cruise terminal can actually handle up to four cruise ships simultaneously. The largest cruise ship ever to dock in Vancouver Port was the Norwegian Bliss. The arrival required carefully planning due to the low clearance of the Lions Gate Bridge. Ships of this height can only access the port at low tide when a First Narrows Traffic Control Zone operates. This means that no other ship can be in the narrows during the ship's transit. 3. Which Cruise Lines Operate From Vancouver?There is a surprising number of cruise lines that sail out of Vancouver Cruise Terminal. Of the 28 cruise companies currently using Vancouver cruise port, many are small luxury ships or expedition vessels offering exclusive Alaska cruise experiences for small groups. Some cruise ships only call in occasionally as part of their global cruise itinerary, such as The World Residences at Sea private cruise ship. There are also regular weekly cruise sailings by the main cruise lines such as RCI, Holland America, Carnival, Celebrity and NCL. Cruise lines include:
4. Eco-friendly Facts About Vancouver Cruise PortVancouver is considered one of the top cities in the world. The natural harbor sits on the Fraser River and opens into the Burrard Inlet. These coastal waters are home to many marine species including killer whales, porpoises, dolphins, humpback, fin, blue and sei whales. In order to maintain the pristine waters of this beautiful harbor, Vancouver Port authorities run Shore Power which reduces emissions by allowing cruise ships to shut down their engines while berthed in the port. This is part of Vancouver's EcoAction Program, which reduces pollution, underwater noise, CO2/greenhouse gas emissions and other environmental contaminates. The port also offers lower harbor dues (up to 47%) for ships using clean fuels and eco-friendly technology and awards suitable participants with a Blue Circle Award for energy efficiency. Currently only Disney Cruise Line, MSC and Princess Cruises have met these higher standards for eco-efficiency. 5. Reasons to Visit Vancouver Cruise PortAs the main hub for one-way and round-trip Alaska cruises, Vancouver is the point of departure for cruises to Hawaii, Asia, South America, Mexico, West Coast USA and the Panama Canal. It is a truly international meeting place for all nationalities. Also Read: 16 Most Ideal Hotels Near Vancouver Cruise Port This Canadian port city host many festivals and is known for its international cuisine, vibrant nightlife, high quality lifestyle and clean air. Must-see attractions for cruise visitors include the Sapilano Suspension Bridge, Stanley Park (listen for the 9pm Gun Salute every evening), Grouse Mountain and the FlyOver Canada virtual flight. You will see most of these landmarks as you sail in and out of Vancouver cruise terminal on your Alaska cruise. 6. History of Vancouver Cruise TerminalCruises have been sailing out of Vancouver for almost 40 years. Canada Place was built on land previously used by the Canadian Pacific Railway Pier B-C. Construction was marked by the arrival of Queen Elizabeth II aboard the Royal Yacht Britannia. Along with the Prime Minister, Pierre Trudeau, and BC Premier, the Queen poured the first concrete. The Canadian Pavilion was opened on the site by Prince Charles during Expo 86 and it hosted 5 million visitors during that year. Beneath the five 90-foot white sails of the roof you will find the Vancouver cruise terminal along with the Convention Centre,World Trade Centre, 5-star Pan Pacific Hotel Vancouver and the FlyOver virtual ride. In 2001, the building was expanded to create an additional berth for the burgeoning Alaska cruise industry. It was used as the main Press Centre during the 2009/2010 Winter Olympics. More recently it was renovated in 2011 at a cost of CAN$21 million. 7. Tips for Cruise Embarkation and DisembarkationCheck you have all the necessary documents and travel permits before leaving home. You will need an eTA (electronic Travel Authorization) if you are flying to Canada for your cruise. You can apply online if you are a resident of an eTA eligible country; the electronic travel permit costs CAN$7. You do not need an eTA if you are a US citizen or are arriving by road or sea. Non-US citizens from eligible countries will also need an ESTA if you want to disembark and enjoy shore excursions in Alaska. You can apply online. An ESTA costs US$14 and lasts for two years. Your passport and documentation will be checked by US Customs and Border Patrol as part of the embarkation process. Once on-board you are considered to be in US jurisdiction. On arrival at the terminal, porters will help you label and check-in your luggage. It will be delivered to your cabin. Keep any medications, passport, paperwork and necessities with you in your hand luggage. Escalators transport you to the second floor check-in area in Convention Centre Hall C. You will need to complete a health questionnaire, hand over your ID/ticket information and have your photo taken. You will then get a boarding card that doubles as your room key and on-board charge card. You will then be screened before boarding your cruise ship. On your return to Vancouver cruise terminal, your luggage will be waiting for you in the baggage area. You will be given a disembarkation time if you are part of a larger cruise ship. You will need to wait in your allocated lounge area on-board until your group is called. You will need to complete a declaration for Canadian customs and have your passport checked by the Canadian Border Services Agency. Once ashore, you will be directed to your onward transportation, taxi or parking lot. 8. Facilities at the Cruise Terminal in VancouverCanada Place is the location of Vancouver's award-winning cruise terminal. It has outstanding facilities and design which has netted it several awards including:
Facilities include:Baggage Storage Short-term baggage services are provided at Vancouver cruise terminal by WestCoast sightseeing. It is ideal for those who plan to take a shore excursion or explore the city independently before heading to the airport for their flight home. Cruise parking Vancouver cruise port offers free short-term parking at Canada Place for dropping off cruise passengers. It also has a long-term cruise parking facility on-site for 750 vehicles. It is operated by WestPark and pre-booking is recommended. Wheelchairs and mobility scooters Those requiring wheelchairs or scooters for the duration of their cruise should hire them directly from Scootaround. They should be pre-booked and will be delivered to the cruise terminal for pick-up. A limited number of wheelchairs are available for those who need assistance while in the cruise terminal. Food and drink There are several cafes and restaurants within walking distance of the Vancouver cruise terminal including a Food Court on the lower level of the Waterfront Centre adjoining Canada Place. Lost and Found If you need to report lost luggage or have lost an item in the cruise terminal, contact the on-site Security Office or call (604) 684-8525. For items left behind on the cruise ship, contact your cruise line direct. Just to summarize the amenities at Vancouver cruise terminal:
9. Getting to the Cruise Terminal in VancouverIf you need transport from Vancouver Airport (YVR) to the cruise ship, there are several options. Taxi/Uber The easiest way to get you and your baggage from the airport to the cruise ship is by taxi. Fares are fixed by zone. The cost of the trip will be CAN$35 and the 9-mile journey will take about 30 minutes. If you have an Uber account, this may work out slightly cheaper. Taxi-sharing is also available. SkyTrain Canada Line Rapid Transit connects the airport with downtown Vancouver. Car Rentals If you need to drop off a car rental, Avis, Alamo and National have onsite offices at the cruise terminal. Limousines If you have pre-booked a limousine for onward transport post-disembarkation, you need to contact the traffic attendant at Door D and have them allow your limousine access to the cruise terminal. There are also a number of limousine companies available on-site. Shuttle Transport Shuttles run between the airport and cruise terminal by WestCoast Sightseeing in conjunction with Gray Line buses. They also offer transfers to hotels and provide sightseeing tours. Cruise Transfers Most major cruise lines operate a transfer to and from the airport. Seats must be pre-booked. You may have to wait until all the booked cruise passengers are on-board. If you need help with baggage, this is a good option. However, cruise transfers are not the cheapest way to get to and from the cruise ship. For example, Carnival charges US $27.99 per passenger each way and other cruise lines charge around $30. A taxi will be cheaper and more convenient, especially if you are traveling as a couple or group. 10. Driving to Vancouver Cruise TerminalFrom the USA, the I-5 becomes the BC-99 highway after crossing the US/Canada border. After crossing the Oak Street Bridge, turn left onto 49th Ave, right onto Granville St and then take the Seymour Street exit. Continue to West Cordova Street and right on Howe Street and you will arrive at Canada Place. On-site Cruise Parking at Vancouver Port Long-term cruise parking is available for those driving to Vancouver cruise terminal. Vancouver Cruise Terminal FAQ:Where do the cruise ships dock in Vancouver? Cruise ships dock at the Canada Place cruise terminal in downtown Vancouver, close to shops, restaurants, attractions and public transport. The address is: Canada Place Pier, 999 Canada Place, Vancouver, BC How much is a taxi from Vancouver airport to cruise terminal? A taxi from Vancouver Airport (YVR) to the cruise terminal will cost $35 and the journey takes about 30 minutes. Prices are charged by zone and are fixed so you will not be overcharged. It may be slightly cheaper to book a ride-share with Uber. Prices are from $28 to $36. How far is Vancouver airport from cruise terminal? The journey north from the airport to Vancouver cruise terminal is 8.6 miles (13.8km) and takes about 25-31 minutes, depending on traffic. How many cruise terminals are in Vancouver? Vancouver has just one cruise terminal, at 999 Canada Place. It handles up to 4 cruise ships at one time.
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