msb@lsuc.UUCP (Mark Brader) (12/07/85)
Expo 86, the 1986 World Exposition, will be held in Vancouver, B.C., Canada, from May 2 to October 13, 1986. There has already been a long message describing its attractions, which include over 70 areas and pavilions, the world's largest roller coaster, IMAX and Showscan films, exhibits from over 40 countries including the US, USSR, and China, on a site of 173 acres (70 ha) with mountains a few miles away. Ahh, it's all been said, just write for the brochure and see the beautiful pictures. The theme of the fair is "World in Motion, World in Touch". THIS posting is not about selling you on the fair -- I take that as done -- but a summary of some of the nitty-gritty you might want for trip planning. In the first place, the place to write for information is "Expo Info, Box 1800, Station A, Vancouver, B.C., Canada V6C 3A2". Or phone (604) 660-3976 (660-EXPO); if you prefer to speak French, call -3999 instead; hearing impaired, -3933. If there are 20 of you, phone -3979 for information on group rates (or write to "Expo 86 Group Sales, Box 1986, Station A, Vancouver, B.C., Canada V6C 2X5"). The official accommodations agent is "ResWest, Box 1138, Station A, Vancouver, B.C., Canada V6C 2T1", phone (604) 662-3300, and they'll charge you $5 (US ~$4); or, of course, you can arrange your own accommodation. When I wrote to the "Expo Info" address they sent me a list of hotels/motels/etc for the whole province; this is also available, along with other tourist information, from "Tourism B.C., 1117 Wharf St., VICTORIA, B.C., Canada V8W 2Z2". Their phone number is (604) 387-1642 in Victoria or (604) 660-2300 in Vancouver. (For those of you who are rusty, Victoria is the capital of the province; it's on Vancouver Island, a 2-3 hour journey from the city of Vancouver by car and ferry, and like most of B.C., worth a visit in its own right.) It is NOT too early to be booking your accommodation and, if applicable, your flight or train to Vancouver. (To arrive by train you have to come through Canada, by the way; the nearest Amtrak point is Seattle.) Now, about admission to the fair. The expensive way to get in is a 1-day ticket, which is $20 (US ~$14). You can also buy a 3-day ticket, which is good for any 3 different days; they don't have to be consecutive days. If you buy the ticket before January 6 it costs $34.95 (US ~$25); if after that, but before opening day, it costs $39.95 (US ~$29); if after opening, $45 (US ~$32). Or you can buy a season pass. Before January 6 this costs $119 (US ~$86); after that but before opening day, it's $139 (US ~$100); after opening, it'll be $160 (US ~$115). I computed the US dollar equivalents by multiplying by 0.72 and rounding to dollars. Your mileage may vary. On the 3-day and season tickets, children 6-12 and seniors 65 and over pay half price (half of $34.95 is taken as $17.50; half of $39.95 as $19.95). On a 1-day ticket they pay full rate. Children under 6 get in free. The rules for what happens if you become 13 or 65 during the fair are not as clearly stated as they might be; one interpretation is that you get the half price rate for the whole fair. If applicable, you'd better ask. All tickets are, of course, non-transferable. You can go in and out several times in the same day by getting your hand stamped. To order tickets, phone (604) 660-3976 (660-EXPO) and give your American Express, MasterCard, or Visa number; or write to "Expo 86, Box 1850, Station A, Vancouver, B.C., Canada V6C 3A9", and give your credit card number and expiry date (and signature), OR enclose a check or money order in Canadian dollars payable to "Expo 86". In Canada you can buy 3-day tickets at the Royal Bank, and season tickets at Woodwards stores (in B.C. and Alberta). When you get a season ticket you will eventually have to go to a Woodwards store to get photographed. Finally, here is a calendar of special periods and events that are part of the fair; so if one of the topics listed below interests you particularly, you will know the best time to visit. I also include Canadian and American holidays, for reference. Except for the holidays, all the information is taken from the Expo 86 brochures (though I think I've provided it in a more convenient format than they did). Please remember that this only describes, shall we say, the variable part of the fair. The larger part is the fixed part and it doesn't matter when you go to see that. Also note that there are a few overlapping periods and events in late July and early August and one day in September. Fri May 2 -------------> OPENING DAY Mon May 5 - Sun May 11 Special Period: Polar regions Mon May 12 - Sun May 18 Special Period: Search & rescue Mon May 19 --------------> Holiday (Can): Victoria Day Fri May 23 - Sun Jun 1 Special Event: SteamExpo (steam locomotives) Mon May 26 --------------> Holiday (USA): Memorial Day Sat Jun 7 -------------> Special Event: Flypast of 60 DC-3's Mon Jun 9 - Sun Jun 15 Special Period: Trucks & intercity buses Mon Jun 16 - Mon Jul 1 Special Period: Urban transit Tue Jul 1 --------------> Holiday (Can): Canada Day Fri Jul 4 --------------> Holiday (USA): Independence Day Sun Jul 6 - Sat Jul 19 Special Period: Automobiles Sun Jul 20 - Fri Jul 25 Special Period: Comm/Mobil for elderly/disabled Mon Jul 21 - Thu Jul 31 Special Period: Marine commerce Sat Jul 26 - Thu Jul 31 Special Event: Visit of 50 tall ships Fri Aug 1 - Sun Aug 10 Special Period: Aviation Mon Aug 4 --------------> Holiday (prov): British Columbia Day Fri Aug 8 - Sun Aug 10 Special Event: International Air Show Sun Aug 10 - Sun Aug 17 Special Period: Alternative fuel and power Mon Aug 18 - Sun Aug 24 Special Period: Transportation for recreation Mon Aug 25 - Sun Aug 31 Special Period: Human-Powered transportation Mon Sep 1 --------------> Holiday (Can/USA): Labo(u)r Day Sun Sep 7 - Sat Sep 13 Special Period: Communications Sun Sep 14 - Sun Sep 21 Special Period: Underwater resources Mon Sep 29 - Sun Oct 5 Special Period: Modern rail Mon Oct 13 ---------------> CLOSING DAY; Hol.: Thksg. (Can) / Col.Day (USA) Posted by Mark Brader. For further information please use the addresses and phone numbers given above.
wm@tekchips.UUCP (Wm Leler) (12/11/85)
You might be able to purchase 3 day tickets locally, even if you don't live in Canada. Here in Oregon, three day tickets can be purchased at "GI Joe" stores. In Washington, they are available at SeaFirst banks. I have no information about the rest of the country, but I assume that tickets will be available. You might call AAA and ask who is carrying them. The price of a 3 day ticket is $24.95 US funds, whether you buy it locally, or by mail. Also, interestingly enough, until Jan 6, it is cheaper to buy your ticket in US funds than in Canadian funds. But, whatever you do, buy your tickets, and make housing reservations as soon as possible. see you there, wm