Attendance is open to both ABA members and non-members. The full conference package is all-inclusive, with seven nights’ lodging (shared room), six full-day field trips, including an indoor workshop, a hands-on workshop aboard the ferry, and all entry fees and required permits. Included are six buffet breakfasts, six box lunches, six dinners, and four evening programs. The non-birding track includes seven nights’ shared room, six buffet breakfasts, six lunches, six dinners, and four evening programs, six full-day excursions, the ferry crossing, and all admission fees. Not included in either track are tips for shuttle driver and bellman, cash bars, hotel incidentals and Thursday’s dinner in Victoria. All events within the conference are non-smoking.

British Columbia is in the Pacific Time Zone, and English is the official language. U.S. dollars can be exchanged for Canadian dollars at the Vancouver airport upon arrival, if not beforehand, and there is an ATM at each hotel that will disburse Canadian dollars. A “Loonie” is the minted one-dollar coin, named for the loon pictured in the center of the coin. A “Toonie” is the minted two-dollar coin. A valid passport is the most reliable documentation for passage across the border. A new website, www.geta passportnow.com, has been launched to inform travelers about new passport requirements, and educates travelers about pending deadlines contained in the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI), recently revised by congressional action. Your travel agent can also be helpful in this arena and with trip cancellation insurance.

Weather Conditions

Labor Day week is one of the most beautiful and comfortable times of year in British Columbia. Though it can be cool in the early mornings, especially in dense forests or at altitude, it can warm up considerably during the day. Though our proximity to water should mediate any temperature extremes, one should still dress in layers. Ocean breezes can create a chill in exposed areas. There will be little chance of rain at this time of year, but a light rain jacket and/or umbrella in the day pack would be wise. Please bring sunscreen, and remember to hydrate. Sturdy walking shoes will be fine at all locations.

Accommodations

The conference will be split between the two cities of vibrant Vancouver and charming Victoria in southwestern British Columbia. Our first four nights will be at the riverside Delta Vancouver Airport Hotel in Richmond, BC http://www.deltahotels.com/ hotels/hotels.php?hotelId=9. Sleeping accommodations are one queen bed or two double beds. Rooms have hairdryers, irons and boards, coffeemakers, desk with internet connection (daily fee), an outdoor pool, and windows that offer a view of the marina on the Fraser River or the surrounding mountains. Our socials, dinners, breakfasts, and workshop will all be in the Viscount Room, next to the bright red British telephone booth. There is free wireless internet in the lobby area, a business center with computer access (fee), and an extensive gift shop. There is a daily fee for parking. Canadian electrical currency is the same as in the US, and two-pronged plug outlets are standard. US credit cards are widely accepted.

The last three nights will be in the harbor city of Victoria, at the Harbour Towers http://www.harbour towers.com/index2.htm. Rooms have hairdryers, coffeemakers, free internet throughout, public computers in the upper lobby, a gym, and indoor pool and spa. Sleeping accommodations are one queen bed or two double beds. There is a daily fee for parking. The hotel is located in the Inner Harbour and is just blocks from local attractions. Our breakfasts, socials, and dinners will be in the East Harbour Room off the upper lobby.

Both properties are extending the conference rate outside the dates for our event, so you can come three days early in Vancouver and stay two days longer in Victoria (both subject to availability). Contact Brenda Gibb at (800) 850-2473 x230 for rate information.

MEALS AT THE CONFERENCE

Buffet breakfasts and boxed lunches will be provided for all field trips.

Dinners are described below, with a vegetarian selection daily, and are accompanied by a soup or salad starter, fresh dinner rolls and butter, and dessert. Freshly-brewed regular and decaf coffee, and imported and herbal teas are included.

SATURDAY, 30 AUGUST
Roast Breast of Chicken with Mushroom Sauce (C), and Mashed Potatoes, Seasonal Vegetables OR Tri-colored Tortellini with Basil Pesto Sauce (V).

SUNDAY, 31 AUGUST
Roasted Wild BC Salmon with Citrus Butter Sauce (F), and Chef’s Rice Selection, Seasonal Vegetables OR Chef’s Select Layered Vegetarian Lasagna (V).

MONDAY, 1 SEPTEMBER
6-oz. NY Steak with Cabernet Demi-Glaze (M), and Smashed Potatoes with Chives, Seasonal Vegetables OR Butternut Squash Ravioli with Light Coconut Curried Cream (V).

TUESDAY, 2 SEPTEMBER
Baked Halibut with Vinaigrette (F), Boiled Baby Red Potatoes, Seasonal Vegetables OR Grilled Vegetable Strudel (V).

WEDNESDAY, 3 SEPTEMBER
Towers Buffet featuring Roast Pork Loin with Smoked Bacon and Apple Mustard Sauce, Chicken Curry with Shredded Coconut and Sliced Almonds, and Baked Spinach and Ricotta Cheese Cannelloni with Sun-dried Tomato Sauce.

FRIDAY, 4 SEPTEMBER
Towers Buffet featuring Julienne Beef with Sautéed Broccoli & Baby Corn, Seafood Medley and Veggie Stirfry with Steamed Rice.

Travel Arrangements

The first phase of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative went into effect, requiring all persons traveling by air to and from Canada to have a valid passport to reenter the United States. By our conference, Phase Two, requiring a passport for land and sea travel, should also be implemented. Check with your travel agent. Money can readily be exchanged at the Vancouver International Airport, or disbursed at hotel ATMs.

As we begin our conference in Vancouver and end in Victoria, your travel can be as creative as you like it: by car, ferry, plane, or train. Arrival at Vancouver International Airport (YVR) introduces you to stunning architecture and impressive West Coast aboriginal art. This airport is ranked the 5th best in the world, and is serviced by over 35 airlines. There is a complimentary hotel shuttle that runs every 20 minutes. Pacific Coach Lines offers service from other points in British Columbia and Washington directly to the Vancouver Airport. You can even fly in and out of Seattle (SEA-TAC) and ride a bus up to Vancouver www.quickcoach.com and ferry back from Victoria!

The day we transfer from Vancouver to Victoria, we will be checking out of the Delta Hotel, loading our luggage into our chartered buses destined for the ferry crossing. During the crossing, all passengers must go on deck; however, our bus and luggage will be secured, and you can leave on the bus what you do not need during the ferry ride. Once we arrive at the Harbour Towers, your luggage will be delivered to your room (2 bags per person). The fees for the charter bus, the ferry ride, and charges to deliver bags are all included in your conference fee (tips at your discretion).

Departure from Victoria can be by plane, bus, or ferry. The Victoria International Airport (YYJ) is serviced by Air Canada Jazz, Alaska/Horizon Air, WestJet, and some smaller carriers, where you can catch a flight back to Vancouver or down to Seattle. These are usually regional jets. Transportation from the Harbour Towers Hotel to the airport can be arranged through Akal Airporter (about $15), www.victoriaairporter.com, or you can take off by seaplane right from the Victoria Inner Harbour, especially if you are destined for additional islands. The Victoria bus terminal is a $5 taxi ride from the Harbour Towers, and a bus ticket will take you across the same ferry again www.bcferries.com, and directly to Vancouver International Airport. Perhaps you will want to take a ferry to Seattle—also a possibility. Victoria Clipper operates a daily, reservation-based, high-speed, passenger-only catamaran ferry service between Victoria and Seattle www.ferrytravel.com/seattle.htm. This is an enormously popular year-round ferry service and must be booked in advance. How creative can you get in your adventure?

The travel code for flights to Vancouver aboard American Airlines is A8888AA; for Continental Airlines is ZDBQ, Agreement Code: C7BYBQ (if online, enter ZDBQC7BYBQ); and for Frontier Airlines is C24RBZ. As with any international tour, travelers’ insurance is recommended, and can be obtained at the time you purchase your flight. If you need assistance procuring your travel plans, we have arranged to work with Nancy Heck at Academy Travel, (719) 598- 5552 or .

Non-Birder Track

For those who want to either accompany a companion to Vancouver and Victoria to see the sights or to venture on their own, this track offers some highlights of British Columbia’s breathtaking views and awe-inspiring experiences. All trips will be Level 1, except as noted.

Sunday, 31 August we will go from the hotel to the North Shore Scenic Drive to Lighthouse Park that has nature trails through an old-growth forest. We will walk the main trail on an easy walk to the 60-foot-tall Point Atkinson Lighthouse. Then we will continue to where the trail ends at a rocky bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean with panoramic views of the city of Vancouver. After this visit we will head back to Vancouver, drive through Stanley Park, and lunch at Prospect Point, another great photo opportunity of the great waterways of Vancouver. Don’t forget your camera and binoculars! [some Level 2].

Monday, 1 September our adventure will lead us to the heart of Vancouver to Vancouver Lookout, which is a structure similar to the Seattle Space Needle. The tour begins on the glass exterior elevator which ascends quickly to the 50th floor for 360° views, through unobstructed angled windows, of the Vancouver skyline, mountains, and harbours.We will enjoy a special lunch at the Top of Vancouver Revolving Restaurant, and then walk through historic Maple Tree Square and Gastown, where there are special shops and a steam-operated clock. ’Twill be a special day!

Tuesday, 2 September will be a lively day at Vancouver’s famous Capilano Suspension Bridge and Treetop Adventure. Feel “at one” with nature, as you enjoy awesome walks through the serenity and scents of the west coast rainforest. There are gardens skirting totem poles and artisans chiseling legend into cedar. The historic Trading Post houses a wide variety of giftware and irresistible treats in the fudge factory. We will enjoy lunch at this location and catch a performance by First Nation people who call cedar the tree of life.

Wednesday, 3 September on the ferry you will have the opportunity to listen to a naturalist, or enjoy the fantastic panoramas from the deck. The first stop after the ferry is Vantreight Farms. While the birders are skylarking, you will be delighted to see flower fields, and hear about the bulb-to-bloom process at this farm. Next on the trip will be Island View Beach, where you can take off your shoes and go shelling on the beach, just enjoy the view, or join the bird walk on the trails through the park. The tour bus will then head to the Harbour Towers Hotel for your check-in.

Thursday, 4 September begins with a tour of the 55- acre Butchart Gardens, world-famous for its collections of thousands of flowers, shrubs, and trees. We will enjoy a buffet lunch and finish our day touring the national historic treasure, Craigdarroch Castle. The Victorian mansion has 39 rooms furnished from the 1890-1900 period with more than 20,000 square feet of living space. Cameras will capture your memories!

Friday, 5 September we will relax and enjoy Vancouver Island’s wine-growing region. The tour includes a visit to four wineries, a three-course gourmet lunch, complimentary wine- or cider-tasting, and a souvenir wine glass, customized just for the ABA group. NOTE: Must be 19 years of age or older to participate!