FRC Canadian Rockies Regional – Travel Info

FRC Canadian Rockies Regional

Travel Information

 

April 3 – April 6, 2019
Genesis Centre & Nelson Mandela High School, Calgary, Alberta

Map of Event Location

PASSPORT AND VISA REQUIREMENTS

ALL International Travellers to Canada will require a valid Passport to enter at a Border Crossing.

Your team may need a Visa or other travel authorization to visit Canada for this event. As of March 15, 2016, visitors from most countries will also need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) in order to travel to Canada. Find out more information here:

Electronic Travel Authorization

Please consult the Government of Canada and the Canadian Border Services websites for information on travel document, and Visa requirements:

Government of Canada Immigration & Citizenship

Canadian Border Services Agency

You can also consult your nearest Canadian Consulate, Embassy or High Commission:

Canadian Embassies & Consulates 

Also be aware that persons under the age of 18 are considered “Minors” in Canada, and there are additional documents that must be prepared for these individuals:

Travel Info/Requirements for Minors

Event Parking

Coming Soon.

Accommodations

FIRST Robotics Society is pleased to offer the Days Inn Calgary Airport as the host hotel for the Canadian Rockies Regional. This hotel is offering $117/night, Quad occupancy inclusive of breakfast.

Please Book your stay by calling direct, no later than March 1, 2019 to secure these rates.

 

 

Public Transportation – Calgary Transit

Fares are generally $3.30 per ride for Adults, and $2.30 for youth and students (must show valid student ID).  Day passes can also be purchased. For more information visit the Calgary Transit website:
Calgary Transit

Car Rentals

Calgary has several vehicle rental companies. You can find more information about them here:
Car Rentals

Airport

More information on our airport can be found on their website:
Calgary International Airport – YYC

Weather

Calgary has unique weather and the temperature and weather conditions can change rapidly in a short period of time. April generally brings temperatures around 5 degrees Celsius (about 40 degrees Fahrenheit), as well as light to moderate rainfall. That being said, temperatures can sometimes plummet to -20 Celsius ( -4 Fahrenheit) or lower, and we can often receive snowfall in the early part of the month. We recommend packing warm layers, warm gloves, a warm hat, and a winter coat. If you have a raincoat it is also be a good idea to bring that. Warm, insulated boots, or hiking shoes are also a good idea. Don’t forget to bring sunglasses though, Calgary can be cold, but we also get a lot of sun even in the winter, and with snow cover, the reflected sunlight is extremely bright. More information on Calgary weather:
Environment Canada – Calgary

Foreign Currency Exchange

The National Currency in Canada is the Canadian Dollar (CAD). For your reference a link to the Bank of Canada currency converter calculator is provided below, however cash rates may vary by institution. Most banks here can convert small amounts of US Dollars to CAD, and the airport does have Foreign Exchange Kiosks which can handle other currencies. It is advisable to arrange for currency conversions prior to departing for the event. Most businesses in Canada also accept VISA, MasterCard, and American Express credit cards, but be sure to inform your credit card provider of your travel plans to ensure they can process payments in Canadian dollars.
Bank Of Canada Currency Converter

Things to Do

Calgary and the surrounding areas offer a multitude of activities and locations to visit year round. More information on the many offerings in our area can be found at the following links:

Calgary Tourism
Calgary Attractions

We would also recommend a visit to Banff National Park, a day trip 90 minutes west of Calgary.

Banff

Banff & Lake Louise