EMS  Annual Meeting 2006 : Vancouver , British Columbia, 

What to expect in Vancouver / What to Bring

 

September in Vancouver can be warm and dry, or damp and cool. Rain is possible/likely, but Vancouver rain is often the slow drizzle rather than the downpour. If you have a warm sweater and a brolly, you'll be fine. Walking shoos definitely recommended. September can be the nicest and driest part of the year.  Walking about Vancouver is very much to be recommended. Downtown is lively, with plenty of shopping, food, and sights.

Vancouverites are informal, but on the west coast, personal space is an interesting phenomenon. Out east, people tend to cluster quite close, but Vancouverites like their physical distance. Don't be alarmed if someone backs away when you approach. Just stand still and let the locals establish their comfort zone. Kind of interesting to watch.

The beach. Vancouverites love their ocean. You'll find the waterfront on the west side of downtown almost universally accessible, interrupted by the occasional marina. Beachcombing probably won't pay off, since the competition is fierce, and September tides tend to be low during the night. Swimming, well, sure. If you're the cold-loving type. Average ocean temperature will be 40-45 C, maybe a little warmer at the beach. Have fun.

Recreation opportunities are all over. A local favourite with the masochistic fitness crowd is the Grouse Grind. An afternoon long uphill walk/run, ending at the top of the gondola with stunning views over the Vancouver area, down to Mount Baker (Washington). Yes, Mount Baker is a volcano. No it's not active. Many folks ride the gondola down.

Golf, tennis, beach stuff, you name it.

Vancouver is an international port city, with concomitant issues. Street people, drugs, and unpleasantness can be found. Crimes against persons are not the norm, although rough parts of town should be avoided in the evenings. There is a street police presence, so daytime safety is not an issue.