Less Conventional
Western Canadian meetings stands a world apart
By Refugio Garcia
The provinces of Western Canada cover an expanse of over 1,119,696 million square miles of gorgeous and diverse geography from Vancouver to Winnipeg, promising an adventurous, productive and unique experience in Canada’s western provinces of British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba. But what defines Western Canada and how does it differ from the rest of the country? This is a point of contention among Canadians, but the majority say that the West embraces an unfettered identity.
No other Canadian destination exemplifies this more than Vancouver. The city affectionately dubbed the “Wet Coast,” boasts that great meetings are in their nature. With over 25,000 guest rooms—13,000 of which are located in the downtown area alone—Vancouver offers the perfect blend of world-class conference facilities that fit the needs of any meeting amid stunning nature steeped in activities that keep events “A little less conventional.”
5 Reasons Why Meeting Planners Love Western Canada
Whistler, British Columbia, lies roughly 75 miles north of Vancouver, providing groups with easy access to the wide array of activities, available 365 days a year. Groups will rave about hiking, biking, ziplining, golfing, skiing, whitewater rafting, fishing, ATV tours and even bear viewing tours featuring the famous black bears of Whistler.
Vancouver’s Green Economy allows planners to host events at one of the greenest cities in North America, which has the smallest carbon footprint of any major city on the continent. The city boasts that 50% of all trips are taken by foot, bike or public transportation, aiming to reduce carbon emissions by 80% by 2050.
CSR activities abound in Vancouver, allowing groups to give back. Groups of 10-50 can lend a hand at The Greater Vancouver Food Bank Society or work with Engagement Unlimited to build play structures in public spaces. Numerous other organizations offer groups the chance to make a positive impact.
Read More: CSR Fights Hunger
Diverse menus will tantalize attendees’ tastebuds with culinary delights of every ilk from fresh seafood to establishments that serve French and West Coast fusion dishes. Many of Vancouver’s fine dining establishments have private meeting spaces with various capacities well-suited for any group catering to all dining preferences.
Pre- and post-event opportunities have been carefully curated throughout the city, with some set on an hourly basis that can fit any busy meeting schedule. Excursions include tours of 1,000-acre Stanley Park, walking tours of Vancouver’s Chinatown, food market tours and visits to Granville Island and view the creations of local artists.
5 Places to Meet
Vancouver Convention Centre (VCC) sets the standard for sustainable and flexible events in the city in a beautiful space that features 5-star cuisine, all spanning two separate East and West Buildings. VCC is also a double LEED Platinum-certified facility.
72 total meeting rooms; 466,500 sq. ft. total; 70,000 sq. ft. ballroom space; 141,011 sq. ft. pre-function space.
Harbour Event & Convention Centre (HECC) is located on Vancouver’s waterfront on False Creek and is the city’s largest offsite venue located just 10 minutes from downtown convention hotels and Vancouver Convention Center with quick access to public transportation.
Max capacity 2,452; 35,000 sq. ft. main floor; 20,000 sq. ft. mezzanine.
University of British Columbia is located west of Vancouver’s downtown area and offers a selection of meeting venues for 50-person UN-style council chambers, the gorgeous gala dinner ballroom of The Nest, Chan Center for the Performing Arts and Museum of Anthropology.
250,000 sq. ft. The Nest; 1,185-seat center for Performing arts.
Hyatt Regency Vancouver is located in the heart of downtown Vancouver providing groups with easy access to dining, shopping, VCC and beautiful views at the shore of the Vancouver Harbor. The property includes an onsite restaurant, tasting bar and Starbucks Coffee.
46,000 sq. ft. total space; 644 guestrooms; 13,940 sq. ft. ballroom; 30 meeting rooms.
Calgary TELUS Convention Centre in Alberta, Canada, is connected to Downtown Marriott Hotel, leverages its sunny local by employing solar panels on Exhibition Hall north building and is served by wind-powered public transportation C-Train. It also bears a Rainbow Registered accreditation for LGBT+-friendly standards.
More than 1,100 connected hotel rooms and 122,000 sq. ft. of event space.
Elevated Meeting Venues
“The clearest way into the universe is through a forest wilderness”
– John Muir
Fresh mountain air may be one of the most essential ingredients of an inspired meeting and Western Canada is a treasure trove of breathtaking landscapes, year-round outdoor activities and one-of-a-kind venues. From the luxury accommodations in Whistler to Capilano Suspension Bridge Park north of Vancouver, adventure is never far. In fact, Destination BC calls the scientifically-proven tendency to feel happier, healthier and less stressed in nature The British Columbia Effect.
Marg Leehane, owner and operator of Great Bear Lodge in Port Hardy, described the long-term impacts of elevated views this way on hellobc.com: “Guests always ask me if I still appreciate the magnificence of BC after 20 years here. I do still see all the beauty here, but I think what happens after a while is that this environment just sinks into your bones and you’re connected to it all on a much deeper level.”
Western Canada’s mountain ranges offer something for everyone. Preston Miller, director of Conference Sales & Services with Tourism Whistler, hailed the diversity of the landscape and the built environment 365 days a year. “Whistler has seen many renovations through hotels, restaurants, activities, and also to our newly renovated Whistler Conference Centre. Our mountain town is committed to providing the best guest experience throughout a group’s stay, along with a range of activities in all four seasons to suit everyone’s appetite for adventure. Whistler truly is an unforgettable location for any program,” he said.
Following are some world-class options for bringing a group to this magical land.
Whistler Conference Centre’s 40,000 sq. ft. of total space includes flexible meeting areas ensconced in a decor that captures the rustic essence of Whistler and served as the Media Center for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. The convention center recently underwent a $3.5 million renovation that refreshed the signature 16,500-square-foot ballroom, 9,400 sq. ft. of pre-function space and 13 breakout rooms.
Four Seasons Resort and Residences Whistler’s 290 guest rooms are nestled at the base of the Coastal Mountain Range with access to world-class skiing and hiking. Looking for a wow experience? How about a 45-minute helicopter tour of Garibaldi Lake and Black Tusk Peak that sets down on Tantalus Glacier for afternoon tea prepared by the Four Season culinary team?
Read More: Elevated Experiences Scored at Florida Smart Meetings Event
Fairmont Chateau Whistler calls Blackcomb Mountain home, but the landmark building’s 519 guest rooms and 32,000 sq. ft. of meeting space are a quick five-minute walk from bustling Whistler Village. Inside, down-filled duvets and thick cotton bathrobes await for stays in front of in-room fireplaces. Outside, an Audubon-certified 18-hole golf course and the slopes of Whistler welcome adventure-seekers.
The Westin Resort & Spa, Whistler’s 400 guest rooms and almost 40,000 sq. ft. of meeting space were renovated in 2020 to highlight the mountain aesthetic of the property with modern touches such as Bluetooth connectivity, in-suite fireplaces and sweeping views. Grill & Vine restaurant uses locally sourced ingredients while The FireRock Lounge serves up cocktails and wood-fired pizzas.
Grandeur As a Service
Just North of Calgary, Banff and Lake Louise beckon in alpine mountain style. Banff is a walkable stage-set of a town peopled by restaurants, shops, art galleries and museums. Lake Louise Village is a quiet escape.
The options for meeting and staying mirror the grandeur and stature of the destination with luxury Alpine cabins and Castle-chic options. We rounded up some meeting professional favorites.
The historic Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise has been providing refined luxury to outdoor enthusiasts since 1890. The 552 guest rooms and 36,000 sq. ft. of meeting space embody a classic motif with updated amenities. This year, the property is adding a new eco-friendly Thermal Wellness Facility to expand the already abundant relaxation offerings at Fairmont Spa. Wellness Retreats include weeks devoted to Positive Leadership, Mindfulness Meditation and Restoration Care of trained facilitators.
Fairmont Banff Springs has a 130-year track record of welcoming guests to the heart of Banff National Park. The “Castle in the Rockies” boasts 764 guest rooms and 76,000 sq. ft. of meeting space combining the best of historic ambiance, five-star service, a European-style spa and advanced technology. Elevated dining features Alberta beef, French, Italian and Bavarian delicacies. VIPs can dine under a transparent 360-degree dome for year-round cozy views.
The Rimrock Resort Hotel makes the Rocky Mountains the backdrop for your keynote. With 99 boutique-style guest rooms and more than 18,000 sq. ft. of meetings space in Banff National Park’s 2,500 sq. miles, the possibilities are endless. Easy access to Banff Upper Hot Springs and picturesque Banff Gondola, your group can be whisked to 2,900-foot elevations at the top of Sulphur Mountain, have dinner at Sky Bistro, with 360-degree views of the Canadian Rockies and be back in your rooms to rest up for the next days activities.
This article appears in the September 2023 issue. You can subscribe to the magazine here.
