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Make 2009 the year you stay in Canada for your vacation. If you have never traveled to the west coast of Canada (or even if you have) make your way to Victoria next July 20-26 for the Summer Chess Fest, featuring the CYCC (July 21-24) and the BC Open (July 24-26) and many other events. There will be something to do for everyone. Go to http://monroi.com/2009-canadian-yout...ship-home.html for schedules, accommodations information and other details.
Some travel ideas
Air Travel
Victoria has direct non stop service from Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, Toronto, Seattle. And connecting flights from every major airport in Canada. Sponsorship from a major Canadian airline has been requested. More information will be posted soon. Harbour to Harbour access is available from Vancouver by float plane or helicopter. Standby fares are sometimes available for students and adults. Float planes land within walking distance of the Hotel Grand Pacific. The Helijet runs a shuttle service to the hotel and is about 4 minutes away.
Car Travel
Drive across the country. Gas looks like it will be a bargain. A great way to see a great country. Camp or stay in hotels across Canada. Finish the drive with a vacation on an island in the Pacific.
Air and Car Combination Fly and drive
Flying part way and renting a car may be of interest. Drive and camp through the Rockies and BC. Fly into Calgary or Edmonton and rent a car for 10-14 days and enjoy BC and Victoria. The Canadian Open will be held in Edmonton before the CYCC in Victoria. There is (just) enough time between events to drive from Edmonton to Victoria.
In 2001 I traveled to the CYCC in Sackville, NB with my 2 sons. We flew to Montreal (reasonable air fare from Victoria) rented a car and drove the rest of the way. We camped (in a tent) across Quebec and New Brunswick. Some great cities and beaches to explore on the way. A great experience and reasonable cost.
Visiting outside Victoria
While you are in the Victoria area make sure you have enough time to enjoy Vancouver Island. And don't let the word "island" mislead you. Vancouver island is over 400 km long. It is bigger than many countries. It is impossible to run out of things to see and do. You may want to visit the beaches and warm ocean water in Parksville or the rugged open ocean in Tofino.
Visiting inside Victoria
You can also explore all that Victoria has to offer, explore beaches, rocky shoreline, forests and more just outside and inside the city of Victoria. There is lots to do without leaving Victoria. Visit Tourism Victoria for more information. http://www.tourismvictoria.com/
Car Rental
A special rate for the CYCC is being arranged with Avis. Avis has a downtown and an airport location. Cars can be rented one way from the airport or downtown and there is no drop off charge. This is a good way to get into the city and allows the use of the car for 24 hours to do a little exploring, grocery shopping, etc. Rates and car reservation information will be posted soon.
Bicycles
Can be rented at a number of locations in Victoria. You may want to bring your own helmets and locks. Free bike storage is available at the Hotel Grand Pacific. North Park Cycle is planning on having rental bikes available next summer. http://www.northparkbikeshop.com/
Walking
Victoria is a walking city. There are museums, many restaurants, cafes, coffee shops and grocery stores all within easy walking distance of the Hotel Grand Pacific. Beaches are also close and there is excellent bus service in the city. Leave your car at home! And enjoy a stress free stay.
Visit Vancouver and Victoria
You could spend a few days in Vancouver and easily get from Vancouver to Victoria. Travel by air or ferry. Another option to consider.
Questions about travel can be sent to cycc2009@gmail.comThis e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it. Or ask your questions on this blog.
Next Blog will be "What to do in Victoria"
Brian Raymer Chief Organizer 2009 CYCC
Some travel ideas
Air Travel
Victoria has direct non stop service from Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, Toronto, Seattle. And connecting flights from every major airport in Canada. Sponsorship from a major Canadian airline has been requested. More information will be posted soon. Harbour to Harbour access is available from Vancouver by float plane or helicopter. Standby fares are sometimes available for students and adults. Float planes land within walking distance of the Hotel Grand Pacific. The Helijet runs a shuttle service to the hotel and is about 4 minutes away.
Car Travel
Drive across the country. Gas looks like it will be a bargain. A great way to see a great country. Camp or stay in hotels across Canada. Finish the drive with a vacation on an island in the Pacific.
Air and Car Combination Fly and drive
Flying part way and renting a car may be of interest. Drive and camp through the Rockies and BC. Fly into Calgary or Edmonton and rent a car for 10-14 days and enjoy BC and Victoria. The Canadian Open will be held in Edmonton before the CYCC in Victoria. There is (just) enough time between events to drive from Edmonton to Victoria.
In 2001 I traveled to the CYCC in Sackville, NB with my 2 sons. We flew to Montreal (reasonable air fare from Victoria) rented a car and drove the rest of the way. We camped (in a tent) across Quebec and New Brunswick. Some great cities and beaches to explore on the way. A great experience and reasonable cost.
Visiting outside Victoria
While you are in the Victoria area make sure you have enough time to enjoy Vancouver Island. And don't let the word "island" mislead you. Vancouver island is over 400 km long. It is bigger than many countries. It is impossible to run out of things to see and do. You may want to visit the beaches and warm ocean water in Parksville or the rugged open ocean in Tofino.
Visiting inside Victoria
You can also explore all that Victoria has to offer, explore beaches, rocky shoreline, forests and more just outside and inside the city of Victoria. There is lots to do without leaving Victoria. Visit Tourism Victoria for more information. http://www.tourismvictoria.com/
Car Rental
A special rate for the CYCC is being arranged with Avis. Avis has a downtown and an airport location. Cars can be rented one way from the airport or downtown and there is no drop off charge. This is a good way to get into the city and allows the use of the car for 24 hours to do a little exploring, grocery shopping, etc. Rates and car reservation information will be posted soon.
Bicycles
Can be rented at a number of locations in Victoria. You may want to bring your own helmets and locks. Free bike storage is available at the Hotel Grand Pacific. North Park Cycle is planning on having rental bikes available next summer. http://www.northparkbikeshop.com/
Walking
Victoria is a walking city. There are museums, many restaurants, cafes, coffee shops and grocery stores all within easy walking distance of the Hotel Grand Pacific. Beaches are also close and there is excellent bus service in the city. Leave your car at home! And enjoy a stress free stay.
Visit Vancouver and Victoria
You could spend a few days in Vancouver and easily get from Vancouver to Victoria. Travel by air or ferry. Another option to consider.
Questions about travel can be sent to cycc2009@gmail.comThis e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it. Or ask your questions on this blog.
Next Blog will be "What to do in Victoria"
Brian Raymer Chief Organizer 2009 CYCC
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