Accompanying Person Program

Accompanying persons can select select various Summit activities to attend as well as two specially arranged tours during the days:

• Registration, credentials and Welcome Reception, Tuesday, August 9, CDN $15 (~$13 US)
  
• First Nations Lunch and cultural presentation, Wednesday August 10, $28 (~US$ 24)
  
• Conference Dinner Cruise Banquet, Wednesday August 10 $52 (~US$ 45)
  
• Cultural Tour, Wednesday August 10, $ 46 (~US$ 39)
  
• City Tour, Thursday August 11, $ 46 (~US$ 39)
  

Two full-day guided tours of local places of interest are planned for accompanying persons providing that there is sufficient advance registration. They include bus transportation and all admission fees.  They do not include lunch.  For the Cultural Tour, please register separately for the lunch at the First Nations Longhouse.  For the City Tour, a wide range of lunch options is available at Lonsdale Quay.  The organizers reserve the right to modify the planned itineraries, if needed. Children are welcome providing they are accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Cultural Tour      (Wednesday, August 10, approx 9AM to 4:30 PM. Please also register for the First Nations Lunch)

The Vancouver area is the home of many different ethnic communities who live together as part of the Canadian "cultural mosaic".  This tour explores some of the rich cultural diversity in and around Vancouver.

• Nitobe Memorial Japanese Garden.  This serene park is considered to be one of the most authentic Japanese Tea and Stroll gardens in North America and among the top five Japanese gardens outside of Japan. 
  
• Museum of Anthropology.  The museum houses one of the world's finest displays of Northwest Coast First Nations art, including the stunning cedar sculpture 'The Raven and the First Men' by internationally acclaimed Haida artist Bill Reid. 
  
• First Nations Longhouse.  (separate fee required)  We will join the RS Summit participants for lunch at Sty-Wet-Tan, the Great Hall of the First Nations House of Learning at UBC.  While seated among the massive monumental statues, we will learn about the history and traditions of the native peoples of British Columbia.
  
• Kwan Yin Temple.  This is the largest Buddhist temple in Canada, and it is one of the most magnificent examples of Chinese palatial architecture in North America.
  
• London Heritage Farm.  The 1880's London farm house has been fully restored and furnished to illustrate rural life in the pioneer days of British Columbia.  We will enjoy a traditional style English Tea, served on fine English bone china, complete with home made scones and other sweets.
  
• Steveston Village.  (if time permits)  Steveston is home to a historic fishing community, originally mostly from Japan.  Fishing boats still tie up at the wharf to offer a colourful display of fresh fish for sale. The village has many unique and interesting shops.
  

• City Centre Highlights.  See the vibrant downtown area with its impressive buildings backed by spectacular mountain and ocean views.
  
• Stanley Park and Lions Gate Bridge.  Stanley Park is a lush tree and garden covered oasis on a 405-hectare peninsula in downtown Vancouver.  We will take the Scenic Drive around the perimeter, stopping to enjoy the stunning view of the Lions Gate Bridge from the Bridge Lookout.  
• Lonsdale Quay.  This indoor market has colourful displays of produce and handicrafts, a wonder to explore.  Sit outside while eating your lunch and enjoy the panoramic views of Vancouver.   (many inexpensive lunch options available, cost not included in tour fee)
  
• Vancouver SeaBus.   This ferry crosses Burrard Inlet and returns us to downtown Vancouver.  The journey gives magnificent marine views of the city, Stanley Park, and the North Shore mountains. 
• Harbour Centre.  At 581 feet, the Harbour Centre Tower is Vancouver and British Columbia's tallest building.  We will ascend in the glass sided elevator to the observation deck to get a 360 degree view of the city, the mountains and the ocean. 
• Dr Sun Yat Sen Classical Chinese Garden.  This Ming Dynasty style "Garden of Ease" is a living museum of Chinese culture, art, history and traditions.  It is the first authentic classical Chinese garden ever built outside China, and is a place of peace, tranquility and harmony. 
  
• Chinatown.  (if time permits)  Vancouver's Chinatown is the 3rd largest in North America.  This is an opportunity to explore the exotic sights and sounds of the Orient, close to home.
  

.