Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Handy resources:
City of Vancouver ( www.vancouver.ca/cycling ) Route maps and bike-friendly info.
University of British Columbia ( www.cyclevancouver.ubc.ca ) Handy route planner.
HUB ( www.bikhub.ca ) The locals' main bike-based resource.
Car & Motorcycle
For sightseeing in the city, you'll be fine without a car (the city center is especially easy
to explore on foot and transit routes are extensive). For visits that incorporate the wider
region's mountains and communities, however, a vehicle makes life much simpler: the
further you travel from downtown, the more limited your transit options become.
Driving
With few exceptions, you can legally drive in Canada with a valid driver's license issued
by your home country. You may be required to show an international driving permit if
your license isn't written in English (or French). If you've rented a car in the US and you
are driving it into Canada, bring a copy of the rental agreement to save any possible
hassles by border officials. Seat belts are mandatory here, and there is also a ban on
using handheld electronic devices while driving.
Vancouver doesn't have any expressways going through its core, which can lead to
some major congestion issues. Evening rush-hour traffic can be a nightmare, with
enormous lines of cars snaking along W Georgia St waiting to cross the Lions Gate
Bridge. Try the Second Narrows Ironworkers Memorial Bridge (known simply as the Se-
cond Narrows Bridge to most locals) if you need to access the North Shore in a hurry.
Other peak-time hot spots to avoid are the George Massey Tunnel and Hwy 1 to Surrey.
For suggested driving routes around the region, visit www.hellobc.com/drive . For
route planning and driving conditions throughout the province, try www.drivebc.ca .
Parking
Parking is at a premium in downtown Vancouver: there are some free spots on residen-
tial side streets but many require permits, and traffic wardens are predictably predatory.
Many streets also have metered parking (from $1 to $5 per hour). Pay-parking lots (typ-
ically from $4 per hour) are a better proposition - arrive before 9am at some for early-
bird, day-rate discounts. For an interactive map of parking-lot locations, check
EasyPark ( www.easypark.ca ) .
Rental
 
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