In some unique cases, you and your child will be transported to BC Children’s Hospital in a medically-assisted flight. Your child’s care team will advise you if this will happen (in this case, be sure to bring a child car seat with you for your trip back home). In other cases, you will need to plan your own travel to Vancouver.

By Air

Vancouver, BC, is served by three major airports: The Vancouver International Airport (YVR), the Vancouver Harbour Water Airport (CXH) and the Abbotsford International Airport (YXX) which is located in neighboring Abbotsford. Both the Vancouver International Airport and Vancouver Harbour Water Airport have ground transportation services, taxis and access to public transit to make your way to BC Children’s Hospital. If you are travelling to Vancouver via the Abbotsford Airport, which can sometimes offer cheaper flights, be prepared for a longer drive into the city (approximately 45 minutes).

If you plan on taking public transit from the airport to the hospital or your accommodation, use the TransLink Trip Planner.

By Car

Many families drive to Vancouver instead of flying. If you choose to do so, we recommend using Google Maps to plan your trip, as directions to the hospital and your accommodation will vary based on where you are coming from. Keep in mind that Vancouver is a large metropolitan city with high levels of traffic congestion, so plan your trip accordingly and leave ample time for any delays. The hospital Social Worker can assist with parking vouchers for your stay.

By Ferry

If you are coming to BC Children’s from other coastal areas of BC, you will likely need to travel by ferry to the lower mainland. Reservations are highly recommended as seats fill up quickly. Having this planning done ahead of time will help reduce the stress of travelling to the hospital. For more information and to plan your trip, visit the BC Ferries website. Upon arrival at the BC Ferries Port, you’ll be able to access ground transportation services, taxis and public transit to make your way to BC Children’s Hospital or to your accommodation.

Travel Support

For BC residents, there are numerous travel assistance programs that offer support to those travelling from out-of-town for medical appointments and hospital stays. These include:

• The BC Family Residency Program – Can assist you with organization and funding for bus and air travel plus accommodation. You will need to provide the dates and the reason for travel, your child’s health care card number, and the doctor’s name.
• Health Connections – Each health authority has a unique travel assistance program for residents of their own region who need to travel within the province for medical care.
• Hope Air – Arranges free flights so financially-disadvantaged Canadians can get the healthcare they need. To learn more about this resource, speak with the hospital Social Worker.
• TAP – Travel Assistance Program – Helps alleviate some of the transportation costs for eligible BC residents who must travel within the province for medical care. Ask your family doctor or your medical team for a form.
• Other Travel Help – TAP has partnered with a number of different transportation companies who provide reduced rates for travel to and from medical appointments. Look for the list of “transportation partners” on their website.

Families travelling to BC Children’s Hospital from other provinces can request travel assistance and support from Hope Air. You may also speak with a Social Worker at your home hospital for assistance.

Please visit the BC Children’s Hospital website for up-to-date information to help you plan your trip to the hospital. When coming to the hospital for an appointment or surgery, try to arrive early in case there is traffic, difficulty finding parking or transit delays.

If you plan on taking public transit to the hospital, use the TransLink Trip Planner. If you are driving to the hospital, you can get directions from your current location using Google Maps.

In some cases, you may need to find accommodation during your stay in Vancouver. There are numerous hotels, motels and AirBNB accommodations close to the hospital. In addition, the BC Children’s website provides a listing of accommodation options for medical patients and their immediate families (i.e. not for tourists or business travellers). The rates for these accommodations are often lower because of charity support. Space is limited, so book as early as possible. If you need assistance finding suitable accommodation, speak with your Surgical Nurse Coordinator or the hospital Social worker. You can also refer to the BC Family Residency Program website for accommodation information.

Packing correctly is especially important when travelling to another city or province for your child’s surgery. You need to bring the appropriate medical supplies and items for your child, and also need to ensure you have everything you need for an extended stay. Please check with your Surgical Nurse Coordinator if you have any questions about what you should bring. The list below offers suggestions, and was created with input from hospital staff and families.

For your child:

• Non-slip footwear
• Robe
• Pajamas that button up (or your child can wear the provided hospital pajamas)
• Casual clothes
• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Hairbrush
• Any favourite items (such as a toy, movie, iPad or blanket)
  If your coming to the hospital in a medically assisted flight, be sure to bring a car seat for your travel home

For a baby:

• Sleepers or t-shirts that fasten up in the front Soothers
• Cups, spoons, bottles
• Any favourite items (such as toys or a blanket)

For you:

• Pillow (optional)
• Personal items and all medications you may need (clothing, toiletries, etc.)

The hospital has:

• Diapers
• Food for your child
• Bedding for children and parents
• Formula and bottles for babies