Canada is one of the most diverse countries in the world with regard to climate, tundra, lifestyle, and living and contains natural beauty from coast to coast to coast. It is here in British Columbia, Canada’s western-most province, where you will find some of the most stunning natural beauty within Canada and the world. From the Rocky Mountains to the Pacific Ocean, from rainforests and parks to beaches and wine valleys, your visit to British Columbia will be magical and these environments will set a gorgeous backdrop for the 2010 Paralympic Winter Games.
Please see the navigation bar at the left for further information on sightseeing and other attractions in Whistler and Vancouver during your visit. The city of Vancouver and the municipality of Whistler are ready to welcome all Canadians - and the world - to this part of our country!
Time Zones Canada uses six primary time zones to establish time across our country. As a whole, British Columbia observes the Pacific Time Zone with the exceptions of Dawson Creek (north eastern BC) and Creston (East Kootenays) which observe the Mountain Time Zone. However, during your visit to Vancouver and Whistler, the Pacific Time Zone will be observed.
The other 5 Canadian time zones and how they differ in time to BC’s Pacific Time Zone (PTZ) are as follows (from east to west):
- Newfoundland and Labrador Time Zone → subtract 4.5 hours for Pacific Time
- Atlantic Time Zone → subtract 4.0 hours for Pacific Time
- Eastern Time Zone → subtract 3.0 hours for Pacific Time
- Central Time Zone → subtract 2.0 hours for Pacific Time
- Mountain Time Zone → subtract 1.0 hours for Pacific Time
Please NOTE that most of Canada observes Daylight Savings Time, including British Columbia. During the 2010 Paralympic Winter Games, Daylight Savings Time will occur at 2:00am, local time, on Sunday, March 14th at which point time will move forward 1 (one) hour.
Transportation
There are a wide variety of transportation options within Vancouver (public buses, the SkyTrain which will include the new Canada Line from the Vancouver International airport to downtown Vancouver, taxis, and HandiDART vans) and Whistler (public buses). All types of transportation are either fully accessible or have accessible options and should pose little to no concerns for visitors to theses areas.
Car rentals are another option for transportation around and between Vancouver and Whistler during the Paralympic Winter Games. All valid Canadian drivers’ licenses are recognized in BC to rent vehicles from recognized rental companies as long as the renter is 25 years of age or older.
Transportation plans for spectators and visitors along the Sea to Sky Highway between Vancouver and Whistler during the Paralympic Winter Games are still being finalized and decided by VANOC. Please check back regularly for updates and information on travel plans between these two hosts of the 2010 Paralympic Winter Games.
