Logistics - TDWG 2017

Visa Requirements

New entry requirement now in effect: visa-exempt foreign nationals need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to fly to or transit through Canada. Exceptions include U.S. citizens, and travellers with a valid Canadian visa. It costs $7CAD and must be purchased prior to departure. Applications are typically approved within minutes. Once purchased, the eTA is electronically linked to your passport and is valid for 5 years. See the Government of Canada Immigration website to obtain your eTA and to also inquire about visa requirements, which vary by passport issuing country.

Airport

The Ottawa International Aiport (YOW) is 12km south of the downtown core and is Canada's sixth busiest airport. Because of Canada 150 celebrations throughout 2017, it will experience heavier volumes than usual. Plan accordingly. It serves many major North American airlines and has flights to Europe and several cities in the United States. However, most flights require a connecting flight through Toronto (YYZ) or Montréal (YUL).

Train

The Ottawa Station (XDS), located at 200 Trembley Road, is served by Via Rail to Toronto and Montréal. Air France–KLM runs a connecting shuttle bus from this station to the Montréal Airport (YUL) as an alternate mode of transportation to/from Ottawa.

Transit

OC Transpo bus operates throughout Ottawa and parts of Gatineau. Fare is $3.40 CAD cash (coins) or two $1.70 CAD tickets.

From airport: Route 97 (Bayshore & Bells Corners) provides frequent express service to downtown Ottawa along a dedicated transitway. After 50 minutes of travel from the airport, it makes a stop on Albert Street between Kent Street and Lyon Street North, a half block away from the Delta Ottawa City Centre by Marriott hotel main entrance. Bus tickets are available at the ground transportation desk in the airport, located on level one at the central door of the arrivals area. Although this is a commuter bus, drivers are accustomed to accommodating travellers with luggage. However, if you plan on taking the bus to the airport after the conference during rush hour, we recommend alternate forms of transportation.
From train station: There are several possible bus routes to take from the Ottawa Station (XDS). All depart from the North (main) exit of the station, over a pedestrian walkway, and down the stairs/elevator such that you will be heading West. A direct route includes Route 62 (Stittsville & Terry Fox). After 20 minutes of travel time from the train station, it makes a stop on Albert Street between Kent and Lyon Street North, a half block away from the Delta Ottawa City Centre by Marriott hotel main entrance.

Taxi & Uber

A 25-30min, metered taxi ride to the Delta Ottawa City Centre by Marriott hotel from the airport will cost approximately $35CAD. Major credit cards are accepted onboard. Uber is available in Ottawa; a ride to the conference hotel from the airport will cost $19-25CAD.

Climate

The city of Ottawa sits within the St. Lawrence Lowlands ecoregion, characterized by warm summers and cold snowy winters, mixedwood forests of sugar maple, yellow birch, eastern hemlock, and eastern white pine. Average daily high/low temperatures in October are 15°C/3°C with a monthly average of 90mm of rain over 16 days.