DESTINATION INFORMATION
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Welcome to Vancouver!
The World Federation of Music Therapy is excited to announce our next World Congress will be held in Vancouver, Canada July 24 – 29, 2023 in partnership with the Canadian Association of Music Therapists.
About Vancouver, Canada
Located on the west coast of Canada, Vancouver was established on the traditional, ancestral unceded (never surrendered nor won in battle) territory of Coast Salish people: the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), Stó:lō and Səl̓ílwətaʔ/Selilwitulh (Tsleil-Waututh) and xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam) Nations. This discomforting legacy of unceded territory is an important part of the shared history that many Canadians, and the world at large, are only beginning to acknowledge and comprehend. Despite enormous challenges created by ongoing colonial government policies, many Indigenous communities continue to grow and thrive. Throughout Vancouver, there are many opportunities to engage with Indigenous learning and culture.
In modern times, Canada is influenced by many cultures, including many European immigrants. There have also been large waves of immigration from Asia, Africa and the Caribbean in recent years. These newcomers brought traditions from their countries of origin and they have become part of Canadian culture.
Originally a small saw-milling settlement, Vancouver is now home to over a million people from around the world creating a vibrant community with something special for everyone. Located in the temperate rain forest, Vancouver is surrounded by stunning mountains, rivers, ocean, and lakes. It has a wide array of cuisine options provided by venues ranging from beachside food trucks to high-end restaurants, many of which pride themselves on sourcing local and ethical ingredients.
Vancouver is widely revered as the “Hollywood of the North” is truly one-of-a-kind, with stunning architecture and a way of life unparalleled.
Travelling to Vancouver
If you’re arriving by air, you’ll most likely be flying into Vancouver International Airport (YVR). Located just 25 minutes from downtown, YVR is consistently rated one of the best airports in North America. There are more than a dozen international flights in and out of YVR every day, with 22 bound for the United States.
Air Canada is your best choice to Vancouver with the most non-stop flights and access from over 190 cities worldwide.
Air Canada is offering WCMT delegates discount toward the airfare for travel to Vancouver, for the WCMT Congress. Use the following promotional code when searching for flights on aircanada.com: KXTA9QH1
The promo code offers 10% off Standard fare and 15% off fares Flex and above. The code is valid for flights that take place 7 days pre and post WCMT.
THINGS TO DO IN VANCOUVER/BC

GASTOWN
Visit Gastown, known for its cute cafes, hip restaurants, and trendy boutiques.

WHISTLER
Plan a day trip to Whistler - home to North America's largest ski resort and a year-round mountain playground.

SCIENCE WORLD
Ignite your curiosity and discover the wonders of science and technology at Science World.

SEAWALL
Bike, walk or skate around the Vancouver seawall - the world's longest uninterrupted waterfront path.

PLAYLAND
Enjoy a day out at Playland also known as the PNE, BC's most famous amusement park.

CAPILANO
The 450 ft (137m) long, 230 ft (70m) high Capilano Suspension Bridge has thrilled visitors since 1889.