Suggestions on transportation in Vancouver?

Question

I'm flying to Seattle next month, and then I'm planning on visiting Victoria & Vancouver. I heard it's difficult to drive in Vancouver, because of all the traffic and expensive parking. Should I leave the car at the hotel and use the public transportation (I'm traveling with my wife and 5 yr. old son).

Answer 1

Driving is not bad compared to other North American cities. Parking is actually quite cheap by comparison - downtown has metered lots that run about 1.50 to 2.50 per hour, to a maximum of 8-10 a day (unless you go to a major concert or sports event, then they hose you for about 25 bucks). If you want to see the typical tourist stuff, a car is a better option. Stanley Park, Capilano Suspension Bridge, etc are easy to get to by car. The downtown stuff like Chinatown is better accessed by bus. Victoria is easy to get around, but parking can be a little tough to find.

Answer 2

My opinion is Vancouver traffic IS NOT difficult.  You do have problems if you are looking at bridge and tunnel areas at rush hour.  But it isn't worse than many US cities.  

So, not difficult, it's just still easier to not use your car.  Downtown is mostly accessible by foot and bus, verses finding a parking spot if you drive.  Even a quick cab rid around downtown is an option.  Cabbing round trip is going to cost more than parking, but cab one way after walking or bus usually is a comparable cost.  Not sure about how well you can walk with a 5 year old though.  Then, skytrain extends your reach a lot further, and is quicker than your vehicle.

Victoria, is even smaller and if in a hotel downtown, most tourist attractions are available by foot or cheap cab.  Buchard Gardens its the one that is further out.

Answer 3

There are no Turn Lanes ...like US

Answer 4

Use your car.  Yes, Vancouver has it's traffic problems but nothing that can't be dealt with.  If you decide to take an organized tour then by all means, leave your car at the hotel.  If you do decide to drive about the city try to avoid peak times such as between 7 and 9 AM and 4 to 6 PM and you should have no problem.  Be aware that once you pass through the border you will be on Highway 99 which is a freeway.  It will slow down as you approach the tunnel under the Fraser River into Richmond and then again after you drive over the Oak Street bridge as the freeway ends at that point and the road becomes a 6 line street.  Have fun.

Answer 5

Whether transit or car works better depends on where you're going and when. Vancouver's transit sysytem is patchy. Some parts work well, some don't. I'd take a good look at a map, consult the hotel staff once you decide what you want to do in Vancouver. Vancouver's traffic is no worse overall than that of most major cities in North Amercia.

Answer 6

Vancouver is a great place to visit. And it has an excellent public transportation system including the SkyTrain that goes from Waterfront Station all the

For $8.00, the price of a DayPass, you can ride Vancouver SkyTrain the length of its 28km route and return. With the same $8.00 ticket, you can take side trips on the SeaBus to the North Shore or ride as many of Vancouver's 1000 buses as you can squeeze into the day.

If you need specific Vancouver Sky Train schedule information, consult the Translink website or call Translink at 604-953-3333. http://www.translink.bc.ca/

If you want to get from one part of Vancouver to another, the Vancouver SkyTrain, like the bus and SeaBus, costs $2.25 for one zone, $3.25 for two and $4.50 for three. SkyTrains run from about 5:30AM until around 1:00AM, depending on the station.