22-27 April 2012, Montréal, Canada

From Knowledge to Action

Getting to Canada

Entry Formalities (passport and visa)

To travel to Canada you must have a valid passport, and in some cases, you may need a visa. To find out more, visit the Citizenship and Immigration Canada website. If you are an American citizen, please note that there are new requirements in effect for all United States nationals returning home. For more information, consult the U.S. Department of State website. For details on what you are allowed to bring in your baggage to Canada (gifts, merchandise, etc.), go to Canada Border Services Agency.

Countries and territories whose citizens require visas in order to enter Canada as visitors

You should allow a minimum of 30 days for visa delivery.

Currency

Canadian currency is the dollar, which is divided into 100 cents. There are 5, 10, 20, 50, and 100 dollar bills. One and two dollar bills have been replaced by coins, sometimes referred to as "Loonies" (the bird on the $1 is a loon) and "Toonies" ($2). While 50 and 100 dollar bills are available, some stores do not accept them.

Electrical

Canada uses the metric system. Electrical outlets in Canada provide the same current as in the United States-120 volts (60 cycles). If your appliances are designed for a different standard, you will need to use an adapter.

Visiting Canada

Those wishing to plan excursions in Canada before or after the Conference can visit the Travel Canada website for more information.

Getting to Montréal

Montréal is easy to get to by road or air. The city is serviced by the Montréal-Trudeau International Airport in Dorval, only 20 minutes from the downtown core. Private shuttles runs from the airport to various downtown hotels. The City of Montréal also runs an express city bus from the airport. This bus stops very close to the Palais des congrès. Tickets are $8 and can be purchased directly at the airport. Tickets are $8 and can be purchased directly at the airport. Click here for more information about the express city bus.

Airport on Google Maps

Montréal is also accessible by train. The Montréal Central Train Station is a short walk from the conference centre. Reservations can be made online through Via Rail Canada or Amtrak if you are coming from the United States.

Partnership with Star Alliance

SAVE UP TO 20% ON TRAVEL WITH THE STAR ALLIANCE^TM NETWORK

The Star Alliance member airlines are pleased to be appointed as the Official Airline Network for International Polar Year (IPY) 2012 Conference.

To obtain the Star Alliance Conventions Plus discounts and for booking office information please visit www.staralliance.com/conventionsplus and:

1. Choose "For delegates"
2. Under "Delegates login" enter conventions code AC02S12.
3. Choose one of the participating airlines listed
4. Call the respective reservation contact listed and quote the conventions code AC02S12 when booking the ticket

Registered participants plus one accompanying person travelling to the event can qualify for a discount of up to 20%, depending on fare and class of travel booked.

The participating airlines for this event are: Adria, Aegean, Air Canada, Air China, Air New Zealand, ANA, Asiana Airlines, Austrian, Blue1, British Midland International (BMI), Brussels Airlines, Continental Airlines, Croatia Airlines, EgyptAir, LOT Polish Airlines, Lufthansa, Scandinavia Airlines, Singapore Airlines, South African Airways, Spanair, Swiss, TAM, TAP Portugal, Thai, Turkish Airlines, United, US Airways.

Discounts are offered on most published business and economy class fares, excluding website/internet fares, senior and youth fares, group fares and Round the World fares.

Please note: For travel from Japan and New Zealand special fares or discounts are offered by the participating airlines on their own network.

When making your travel plans please present confirmation of your registration or proof of attendance.