Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
An excellent public transit system makes up for the fact that Vancouver isn't the world's
most driver-friendly city, especially downtown, where congestion is a major problem, par-
ticularlyduringrushhour.WestGeorgiaStreetisaparticulartroublespot,withtrafficfrom
all directions funneling onto Lions Gate Bridge to cross to the North Shore. Many down-
town streets are one-way and lack left-turn lanes, adding to the congestion. On a larger
scale, Vancouver lacks any real expressways, meaning a tortuous trip through downtown
to get anywhere on the North Shore.
Parking
Downtown metered parking costs between $1.50 and $5 per hour, but is often difficult to
find during business hours. Most shopping centers have underground parking, and a few
multistoryparkinglotsarescatteredthroughoutthecitycore(includingbetweenWaterand
Cordova Streets in Gastown; access it from either side). These cost from $6 per hour and
from$30perday,withdiscountsforfull-dayparkingforearlyarrivals.Oneplaceyou'llbe
assured of finding parking is under the downtown hotels, which generally charge $6-9 per
hourfornonguests. Guests at these same hotels pay upto $35per 24-hourperiod forpark-
ing; often, weekend hotel rates include free parking. Throughout the residential areas of
downtown, parking in many streets is designated for permit-holding residents only—look
for the signs or expect to be towed.
