VANCOUVER - British Columbia: Including the Alaska Highway - page 123

BIKE
Downtown Vancouver is not particularly bicycle friendly, but nearby areas such as Stanley
Park and the coastline west of Kitsilano are perfect places for pedal power. The main con-
centration of rental shops surrounds the corner of Robson and Denman Streets, two blocks
from Stanley Park. Expect to pay from $10 per hour or $30 per day for the most basic
mountain bike and $15 per hour or $50 per day for a suspension mountain bike. Most of the
shops also rent in-line skates and tandem bikes. Near to Stanley Park, try Bayshore Rent-
als (745 Denman St., 604/688-2453) or Spokes Bicycle Rental (1798 W. Georgia St., 604/
688-5141). Both companies operate 9am to dusk daily.
TAXI
Taxicabs are easiest to catch outside major hotels or transportation hubs. Fares in Vancouver
are a uniform $3.25 flag charge plus $1.75 per kilometer (plus $0.30 per minute when
stopped). Trips within downtown usually run around $10. The trip between the airport and
downtown is $50. A 10-15 percent tip to the driver is expected. Major companies include
Black Top (604/683-4567 or 800/494-1111), Vancouver Taxi (877/871-1111), and Yellow
Cab (604/681-1111 or 800/898-8294).
Several wheelchair-accommodating taxi cabs are available from Vancouver Taxi. The
fares are the same as regular taxis.
Car
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-
ticularly during rush hour. West Georgia Street is a particular trouble spot, with traffic from
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.
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
multistory parking lots are scattered throughout the city core (including between Water and
Cordova Streets in Gastown; access it from either side). These cost from $6 per hour and
from $30 per day, with discounts for full-day parking for early arrivals. One place you'll
be assured of finding parking is under the downtown hotels, which generally charge $6-9