smartraveller.gov.au - Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
It's a must see destination.
It's a must see destination.
This travel bulletin provides information for Australians planning to travel to Canada for the 2010 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games. It will be updated as further information on logistics, security or other arrangements becomes available. The Games are expected to be attended by 1.2 million spectators. There are approximately 6,800 athletes competing and over 10,000 media personnel have been accredited. You should prepare early if you intend to travel to either of these events.
Australians travelling to Canada for the Winter Olympic Games in Vancouver and Whistler on 12-28 February 2010 and Winter Paralympic Games on 12-21 March 2010 should consult the country-specific travel advice for Canada.
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We strongly encourage all Australians travelling to Canada for the 2010 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games, and Australians working at the Games to:
Canadian authorities will deploy approximately 6000 security personnel augmented by private security firms (for security screening) as well as Canadian Forces personnel. The Canadian Government has stated that while the threat level is low, the international profile of the Games could make it an event of interest to terrorist, anarchist or other special interest groups. There have been some minor demonstrations surrounding the torch relay which commenced on 30 October 2009, which will travel to various parts of Canada before arriving in Vancouver in time for the opening ceremony. Some groups have indicated that they will be conducting protests during the torch relay and during the Games to draw attention to their causes.
We advise you to take sensible precautions to avoid demonstrations. Exercise common sense and look out for suspicious behaviour. In the event of an incident, follow the instructions of the Canadian security authorities.
The emergency number for all emergency services in the Games area is 911. There is also a non-emergency assistance line for city information in Vancouver: 311.
There are nine competition venues and 20 non-competition venues located in the area of operations of the Games including in the mountain resort of Whistler, Vancouver, West Vancouver and Richmond. Accommodation in all locations is already at a premium. You should secure your hotel booking and confirm your travel arrangements as early as possible.
It is worth noting that Vancouver has the second highest population density in North America (after Manhattan). Traffic congestion at the best of times is a concern. During the Olympics there will be approximately 65 kilometres of dedicated Olympic traffic lanes in Vancouver itself and many streets which currently allow public parking will have 24 hour parking restrictions. A number of streets in the centre of Vancouver will become pedestrian only streets. There will be an Olympic bus network to access competition venues which will be free for travellers with tickets to events on that day. Delays can be expected.
Access to the Whistler venues, approximately 2.5 hours drive from Vancouver, is via the Sea to Sky Highway (Route 99). This route will be regulated by checkpoint with only accredited vehicles allowed access. Other vehicles will be required to park at the checkpoint with passengers continuing the remainder of the journey via shuttle bus. Delays may be encountered. Although the Blackcomb resort (adjacent to the Whistler resort) is operating as usual during the Games, access via the Sea to Sky Highway will be extremely difficult. Weather conditions could also lead to access difficulties for Whistler/Blackcomb.
The legal drinking age in the province of British Columbia is 19. Consumption of alcohol is not permitted in public places (e.g. in the street, or in parks) unless a special license has been obtained permitting the serving and consumption of alcohol in relation to a specific event.
Driving on a foreign driver’s license is acceptable for the first 6 months in British Columbia as long as the license is appropriate to the type of vehicle being driven and is in English or French. Helmets are obligatory for both motor cyclists and bicyclists. Accidents should be reported to the local police.
From 1 January 2010, use of mobile phones while driving will be illegal. Hands free units will be acceptable. Manual programming of GPS units while the vehicle is moving will also be banned.
Travellers should familiarise themselves with the Getting Help Overseas section on this website to find out what the Australian Government can and cannot do to help Australians who find themselves in trouble overseas.
Australian citizens in Vancouver or Whistler requiring consular assistance should, in the first instance, contact the:
Australian Consulate
Suite 2050 - 1075 West Georgia Street
Vancouver, British Columbia, V6E 3C9
Canada
Telephone : (1) 604 684 1177
Fax : (1) 604 684 1856
Passport Services : (1) 604 694 6165
Email : canada@austrade.gov.au
Website : www.canada.embassy.gov.au
The 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre (CEC) in Canberra can be contacted for assistance from anywhere in the world on +61 2 6261 3305.
While every care has been taken in preparing this travel information for travellers, neither the Australian Government nor its agents or employees including any member of Australia's consular staff abroad, can accept liability for injury, loss or damage arising in respect of any statement contained therein.
