Brock Dykeman shares his insight into travelling to and doing business in the Canadian city of Vancouver
How do you get to Vancouver? Is there a hub airport nearby, good road and rail connections?
Vancouver International Airport is the most common way of getting to Vancouver and is one of the nicest airports in the world.
What’s the public transport and taxi service like within the city?
Vancouver has excellent public transit. We have the Skytrain for rapid transit, which connects into the bus system and to the Seabus that goes across the Burrard Inlet to North Vancouver.
Do you have any suggestions for business hotels in Vancouver for a couple of nights?
My favourite is the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver – it is an old railroad hotel, so has lots of style from a bygone era.
If travelling on a shoestring, do you have any suggestions for accommodation?
A good cheaper option is the YWCA hotel in Yaletown.
Do you have any suggestions for shared working or a coffee shop to catch up with some paperwork while travelling in Vancouver?
There are lots of funky coffee shops downtown and near University Canada West. My recommendation is Revolver coffee shop, which has many and various options for coffee and nice long communal tables to work on.
What are some the industries associated with Vancouver?
Vancouver has vibrant film and tech industries and is the world leader for mining exploration companies.
What interesting businesses and organisations are based in Vancouver?
Lululemon is based here and has led to the development of a strong industry based on technical fabrics featuring other industry leaders like Arc’teryx.
Are there any major business events or conferences taking place in Vancouver over the coming year?
Vancouver is host to the annual TED conferences – apply now if you want to spot to attend in 2019.
Where would you recommend for a lunch meeting in Vancouver?
Vancouver has a great range of restaurants. For a nice quiet lunch meeting you might want to go to ARC restaurant at the Fairmont Waterfront Hotel.
Where would you recommend for a client dinner in Vancouver?
I would recommend Gotham Steakhouse for some good high-end steak in a nice retro Art Deco restaurant and lounge.
Where would you recommend for drinks with colleagues after a day of meetings in Vancouver?
Vancouver has lots of great craft breweries, so I would recommend checking out one of them or a bar that carries a good range of craft beer. Tap and Barrel is great and serves a wide variety of beer and wine choices.
Are there any challenging aspects or downsides of Vancouver business travellers should consider beforehand?
There is no Uber or ride-hailing service in Vancouver and sometimes taxis can be challenging to get.
Tell us a bit about some of the unmissable attractions in Vancouver?
Capilano Suspension Bridge over Capilano Canyon is a classic attraction and as long as you are not afraid of heights, a must do.
Can you give some insider information about some hidden treasures outside the tourist haunts?
For gardeners, the UBC Botanical Garden is a real treasure and also at UBC the Museum of Anthropology is in a stunning location with great displays.
Are there any unmissable activities business travellers should bolt on?
If you have some time – bolt on a trip to Whistler-Blackcomb – North America’s top ski resort – only about 1.5 hours away.
Is there any local cuisine that’s worth a try?
Being on the ocean, Vancouver does have excellent seafood, so anything with fresh seafood or shellfish.
Why do you love Vancouver?
It has the most accessible waterfront of any city with many kilometres of walking and bike paths along the ocean.
Why would you recommend Vancouver as a place to do business?
The people are friendly and the business culture is frank and straightforward.
Brock Dykeman is Vice President Academic at University Canada West
