About

Arriving to Vancouver a bit early? Want to have THE Vancouver experience, and truly find out
what makes the West Coast so amazing? COCA has put together a solid list of pre-conference
activities! From whale watching, to exploring the incredible Granville Island. If you’re looking to
make the most of your trip to Vancouver, these are the activities to check out.

These are all taking place on the 13 th of June leading up the welcome reception that evening!


Activity 1 – Whale Watching (Half Day Tour)

Experience the majesty of the Salish Sea and its wildlife, from whales surfacing in unison to bald
eagles soaring overhead. Explore the Strait of Georgia’s and Howe Sound’s currents in search of
orcas and humpback whales and listen to our marine mammal experts bring the animals’
stories to life (while you stay warm, dry and hydrated in the heated cabin, of course!) The
quintessential whale watching experience for every adventurer.

Cost: $189.00/person + taxes and fees; Optional spending money
Meet in the Hotel Lobby at: 7:15am (will then travel as a group via public transportation to get
to the dock, unless group decides to Uber/Lyft. Regardless, transportation to and from the dock
will be a small additional cost.)
Return Time to Hotel: 3–5-hour duration; back by 2:00pm at the latest.
Attendance Capacity: First come, first serve until spaces are filled; capacity TBD.
Registration Required By: Tuesday, May 23, 2023, @5pm PDT
For more information and/or to register, visit: bit.ly/SLSWhalewatch


Activity 2 – Capilano Suspension Bridge Park

Discover a world of stunning natural beauty, fascinating history, and family-friendly activities.
Cross the legendary Suspension Bridge, walk through a rainforest canopy with Treetops
Adventure, experience an adrenaline-pumping walk above the canyon with Cliffwalk and do so
much more! There’s a reason Capilano Suspension Bridge Park is BC’s most popular attraction.

Cost: Adult 18-64 years: $62.95/person + taxes and fees | Student 18+ Years WITH Student ID:
$49.95/person + taxes and fees; Optional spending money
Meet in the Hotel Lobby at: 9:00am (will then travel as a group to the free shuttle pick up
location.)
Return Time to Hotel: Estimated 2.5-3-hour duration; depart at your own desire. 
Attendance Capacity: First come, first serve until spaces are filled; capacity TBD. 
Registration Required By: Sunday, May 28, 2023 @ 11:59pm PDT
For more information and/or to register, visit: bit.ly/SLScapbridge


Activity 3 – Vancouver City Hop-On Hop-Off Tour

Customize your sightseeing tour of vibrant Vancouver with multiple pass options for a hop-on
hop-off tour aboard a clear-top bus. Let someone else drive you around town and choose when
to disembark at any of the stops, such as Chinatown, Stanley Park, and Gastown. Explore
historical landmarks and shop along Robson Street at your own pace.

Cost: $65.00/person + taxes and fees; Optional spending money 
Meet in the Hotel Lobby at: 10:00am
Return Time to Hotel: Estimated 3–4-hour duration; depart at your own desire. 
Attendance Capacity: First come, first serve until spaces are filled; capacity TBD.
Registration Required By: Wednesday, May 31, 2023 @ 11:59pm PDT 
For more information and/or to register, visit: bit.ly/SLShoponbus


Activity 4 – Aquabus to Granville Island – Self-guided Shopping and Exploring

Buskers, Breweries, and Boutiques – oh my! As Vancouver’s premier artistic and cultural hub,
located in an urban, waterfront location and steeped in a rich industrial and maritime heritage,
this unique destination attracts millions of visitors each year from Vancouver and around the
world. The charm of Granville Island lies in its unexpected mix of uses.  The famous Public
Market, open daily from 9 am to 7 pm, is home to more than 50 independent food purveyors
and contributes to the Island’s appeal as a renowned culinary destination. In the Net Loft Shops
and in the Artisan District, many of Canada’s best artists and designers can be found. Granville
Island is home to many cultural venues and hosts numerous performing arts and cultural
festivals year-round.
Complete this brief questionnaire for suggestions of activities on the island that may peak your
interest: https://granvilleisland.com/plan-your-visit 

Cost: Aqua Bus Roundtrip; $7.50 | Aqua Bus Day Pass: $19; Optional spending money  
Meet in the Hotel Lobby at: 11:00am (will then travel as a group to the island where we can
then split up from there)
Return Time to Hotel: Estimated 3–4-hour duration; depart at your own desire. 
Attendance Capacity: Unlimited 
Registration Required By: Sunday, June 4 @ 11:59pm PDT
For more information and/or to register, visit: bit.ly/SLSGranville