Vancouver City Guide

Orientation

Vancouver

Vancouver lies in the southwestern corner of British Columbia, the southwesternmost province in Canada. It's on the Pacific coast, backed by the Coast Mountains and fronting Vancouver Island across Georgia Strait. The city is 40km (25mi) north of the US border, 73km (45mi) north of Victoria (the capital of British Columbia) and 189km (117mi) north of Seattle. Downtown and the major neighbourhoods are on a small peninsula, surrounded by English Bay on the west and the Burrard Inlet on the east. To the north of Burrard Inlet lie West and North Vancouver and the Coast Mountains. Bays, inlets and river branches, as well as the Pacific coastline, are major features of the city.

The downtown peninsula is separated from the southern section of the city by the narrow inlet of False Creek. The centre of downtown is Pacific Centre, a three-block complex of offices, restaurants, shops and theatres at the corner of Robson and Howe Sts. Robson and Georgia St (two blocks north) are the two principal northwest-southeast streets. Both run into Stanley Park, the city's largest park, which occupies the tip of the peninsula. Chinatown, the West End and other major neighbourhoods are within walking distance of downtown.

Vancouver International Airport is about 13km (8mi) south of the city on Sea Island, between Vancouver and the city of Richmond. Both rail and long-distance bus services are located at the Pacific Central Station, on Station St between National and Terminal Aves, a few blocks south of Chinatown.

Visas Overview

Most Western visitors don't need a visa to visit Canada for up to 180 days. Travellers from about 150 nations, including South Africa, China, North Korea, Taiwan, Eastern European and developing countries, however, do need to apply for a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) with the Canadian consulate in their home country. TRVs good for a single entry cost 75.00 CAD and are valid for up to six months. For the latest details check the website of Citizenship and Immigration Canada at (www.cic.gc.ca).

Customs Overview

Personal effects such as sports equipment, cameras and laptops can be brought into Canada without much trouble. Declaring these to customs as you cross the border might save you some hassle when you leave, especially if you are going back and forth across the US-Canada border more than once. Importing or exporting money in any form up to a value of 10000.00 CAD can be done without formality, but larger amounts must be reported to customs. Under most circumstances, it is illegal to bring firearms, pepper spray or mace into Canada. Complicated regulations also govern the import of fruit, vegetables and plants, so check with a Canadian consulate in your home country for exact details. Don't even think about bringing in illegal drugs, including marijuana and hashish, as sentences can be tough.

Because of foot-and-mouth disease and mad cow disease, bringing in any meat products is not recommended, and carrying perishable food (such as fresh produce) and plant material of any sort may be more trouble than it's worth.

If you're travelling with a dog or cat, make sure you have a signed and dated certificate from your vet to prove that Fluffy has had a rabies shot in the past 36 months.

For more information, check the website of the Canada Border Services Agency (www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca).

Duty Free

Adults (generally anyone aged 18 or 19, depending on the province) can bring in 1.5L of wine (50ozs) or 1.1L (40ozs) of liquor or a case of 24 12-ounce (300ml) beers as well as 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars, 200g (7ozs) of tobacco and 200g of tobacco sticks (all cheaper in the USA). You can bring in gifts up to 60.00 CAD in value.

Getting There and Away

The quickest, cheapest way to the airport is by Vancouver Airporter bus from Pacific Central Station (30 minutes). You can also catch bus 98 B-Line from Burrard Station (35 minutes). A taxi takes 25 minutes.

The magnificent Pacific Central Station, off Main St, is the western terminus for VIA Rail. Amtrak trains also leave from this station, connecting Vancouver to Bellingham and Seattle with one train daily. There is also a bus station at Pacific Central Station, with Amtrak, Greyhound and other operators running services to Seattle and other US destinations, as well as cities in Eastern Canada.

You can drive from the USA and other parts of Canada to Vancouver; the major highways are the I-5 (joining with Hwy 99) from the USA, and the Trans-Canada Hwy (Hwy 1) joining with Hwy 99 from the east. It's possible to cycle to Vancouver, but bicycles aren't allowed on the freeway section of the Trans-Canada Hwy or the Upper Levels Hwy; alternative routes must be taken. BC Ferries operates a service in BC's coastal waters.

Getting to Vancouver and Away by Rail

Trains chug into Pacific Central Station, which has currency exchange booths and luggage lockers, among other amenities. VIA Rail (tel: 888 842 7245; www.viarail.ca) runs only one service to/from Vancouver called the Canadian, which runs east through Kamloops, Jasper, Edmonton and Winnipeg en route to Toronto. Spectacular scenery and excellent facilities easily make this North America's greatest train ride. Stopovers are permitted, but you must re-reserve a seat for your onward journey. Fares vary wildly, but are cheaper if tickets are purchased at least one week in advance. Amtrak (tel: 800 872 7245; www.amtrak.com) runs the Cascades line daily between Vancouver and Seattle. In addition, Amtrak runs three buses a day from Vancouver to Seattle, where passengers can connect with Los Angeles- and Chicago-bound trains. The one-way fare is the same for the train or bus and it takes four hours. International passengers are responsible for securing all necessary documentation (ie passports and visas) prior to on-board customs and immigration procedures. Reservations are required.

Getting to Vancouver and Away by Water

BC Ferries (tel: 250 386 3431, in British Columbia 888 223 3779; www.bcferries.com) travel to Vancouver Island, the Gulf Islands, Sunshine Coast and beyond. Vancouver's two ferry terminals are at Tsawwassen and Horseshoe Bay. Most ferries from Tsawwassen (38km/24mi south of downtown Vancouver) go to Swartz Bay (32km/20mi north of Victoria on Vancouver Island) and the Southern Gulf Islands. Ferries from Horseshoe Bay (21km/13mi northwest of downtown Vancouver) mostly depart for the Sunshine Coast and Nanaimo (97km/60mi northwest of Victoria). You can buy passenger-only tickets at the ferry terminals (no reservations accepted). You can also make vehicle reservations for a fee - definitely recommended if you're travelling on weekends or anytime in July or August. BC Ferries' Circlepac is a four-route pass that saves 15% as you loop from the mainland to Vancouver Island to the Sunshine Coast (or in the opposite direction). Pacific Coach provides a more costly option but it's less of a hassle. To reach the Tsawwassen terminal, catch southbound bus 601 at Burrard SkyTrain station to the Ladner Exchange, then take bus 620. To reach Horseshoe Bay, take northbound bus 257 or 250 from Georgia St near Granville.

Getting to Vancouver and Away by Road

Buses to Canadian and US destinations originate at Pacific Central Station (tel: 800 661 8747; 1150 Station St; 05:00-24:00). The magnificent terminal has currency exchange booths, left-luggage lockers and an information desk. When making reservations, always ask for the direct or express bus. Advance tickets do not guarantee a seat. Greyhound Canada (tel: 800 661 8747; www.greyhound.ca) goes to points east and north in Canada, as well as Seattle. For further travel throughout the USA, contact Greyhound Lines (www.greyhound.com). Note Greyhound does not go to Victoria. Discounts on standard one-way adult fares are given to ISIC cardholders, seniors, children and pairs traveling together. Purchase tickets at least a week in advance for the best prices. There are a number of other operators running long-distance services, including Pacific Coach Lines (tel: 604 662 8074, 800 6611725; www.pacificcoach.com) which does run to Victoria, Perimeter (tel: 604 266 5386, 877 317 7788; www .perimeterbus.com) and Quick Coach Lines (tel: 604 940 4428, 800 665 2122; www.quickcoach.com).

Getting to Vancouver and Away by Air

Canada's second-busiest airport, Vancouver International Airport (YVR; tel: 604 207 7077; www.yvr.ca) is about 13km (8mi) south of the city on Sea Island in Richmond, and all the major carriers service it. There are two main terminals - international (including flights to the USA) and domestic - as well as a south terminal for seaplanes and smaller aircraft. Each of the main terminals has all the requisite facilities. The domestic terminal also has a medical clinic, dental clinic and pharmacy, while the international terminal has the goods and services tax (GST) refund office. A free, twice-hourly shuttle bus links the main terminals to the south terminal (which is too far to walk). In downtown Vancouver there is a seaplane terminal in Coal Harbour just west of Canada Place and a helicopter terminal near Waterfront Station.

The Vancouver Airporter (tel: 604 946 8866, 800 668 3141; www.yvrairporter.com) plies the route between Vancouver International Airport and the major downtown hotels from approximately 06:30 to 23:00. A one-way trip takes about 35 minutes, depending on traffic. Tickets can be purchased from the Airporter ticket office outside the main terminal and adjacent to the bus departure zone, from the driver or from the hotels. A cheaper way into the city is via TransLink. From the airport, take bus 424 to Airport Station, then transfer to bus 98-B-Line (Bay No 1) to Burrard SkyTrain station downtown; the service operates from 05:30 to 00:30. A metered taxi to central Vancouver takes about 25 minutes, depending on traffic.

Getting Around

TransLink includes the services of electric trolley buses and standard diesel buses, the fully computerised SkyTrain elevated light-rail system that runs from Waterfront Station to King George Station, SeaBus passenger ferries that zip back and forth across Burrard Inlet, and West Coast Express peak-time trains. Tickets are good for all services except the West Coast Express. Privately operated mini-ferries shuttle around False Creek.

Taxis are generally reliable and can be hailed at big hotels or by telephone. Traffic congestion is a big problem; avoid driving in peak times and watch out for parking restrictions. Cycling is a good way to get around town - there are several bike paths and lots of bike rental outlets. Walking's also a great option.

Getting Around Vancouver by Rail

The elevated SkyTrain light-rail system has two lines. The Expo Line runs from Waterfront Station downtown to King George Station in Surrey. The Millennium Line parallels it to Columbia Station in New Westminster, then circles back northeast through Burnaby and connects to Expo again at Broadway Station/Commercial Dr. SkyTrain operates from about 05:30to 01:00, every five to 10 minutes.

Getting Around Vancouver by Water

SeaBus Passenger ferries glide between Waterfront Station downtown and Lonsdale Quay in North Vancouver in a mere 12 minutes. SeaBus operates from around 06:00 to 12:30am, roughly every 15 to 30 minutes.

There are two mini-ferry companies servicing Vancouver. Aquabus (tel: 604 689 5858; www.aquabus.bc.ca) and False Creek Ferries (FCF; tel: 604 684 7781; www.granvilleislandferries.bc.ca) operate nifty mini-ferries that resemble bath-tub boats around False Creek from about 07:00 to 22:00, with a reduced schedule in winter. Both sail similar routes from Granville Island to Stamp's Landing to Yaletown or to Science World. Aquabus also runs between Granville Island and the south foot of Hornby St (this is the only route that also allows bicycles, at minimal extra cost). FCF go from Sunset Beach's Aquatic Centre to Vanier Park's museums or Granville Island.

Getting Around Vancouver by Road

City buses fill in the myriad gaps left by SkyTrain and SeaBus. Most buses run from early morning to late evening and run every 10 minutes during rush hour peak times, but service can dwindle to every 30 to 60 minutes otherwise. Big, blue B-Line buses provide quicker action, as they make limited stops only along major routes. Useful ones include the 98 B-Line from Richmond Centre to Burrard SkyTrain Station by way of the airport, and 99 B-Line from UBC to Broadway Station/Commercial Dr. A reduced Night Bus schedule goes into effect during the wee hours. Buses will let you off between designated stops if the driver deems it safe to do so traffic-wise, just ask.

Getting Around Vancouver by Road

It's not easy to hail a taxi on the street, unless you are near a hotel so it's best to phone for one. There are a number of reliable companies in operation; Vancouver Taxi (tel: 604 871 1111) has a fleet of wheelchair-accessible vehicles.

Getting Around Vancouver by Road

You really don't need a car for sightseeing around town, but for visits throughout Greater Vancouver, a car makes life much simpler.

Be prepared for major congestion, especially during peak hours, as Vancouver doesn't have any expressways going through its core. The use of seat belts is compulsory throughout Canada, and motorcyclists must wear helmets. Drivers can turn right on a red light after first having made a full stop; drivers must stop for pedestrians at crosswalks. With few exceptions, you can legally drive in Canada as long as you have 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). Short-term US visitors can bring in their own vehicles without special permits, provided they have insurance. If you've rented a car in the USA and you are driving it into Canada, bring a copy of the rental agreement to save any possible hassle by border officials. On weekends and holidays, especially during summer, major land border crossings with the USA quickly become jammed. You can check border wait times online before leaving at www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/general/times/menu-e.html. Smaller, secondary US-Canada border crossings are usually not busy, but sometimes are so quiet that the customs fficers have nothing better to do than tear your luggage apart.

Finding street parking downtown is a challenge with expensive meters, resident-only side street parking and merciless tow trucks. Aim for paid undercover carparks.

Car rental rates fluctuate wildly, so it's worth shopping around. Booking ahead usually ensures the best rates, with the airport often being cheaper than downtown. Keep in mind that, after adding insurance, taxes, excess kilometres and any other fees, you could be handed a pretty surprising bill. All the major agencies are represented at the airport.

Getting Around Vancouver by Riding

Vancouver has 16 cycling routes covering almost 130km (80mi). Two maps are available at various bicycle shops and bookstores: the Regional Vancouver Cycling Map by TransLink and Cycling in Vancouver(free) by the city transportation department's Bicycle Hotline (tel: 604 871 6070; www.city.vancouver.bc.ca /engsvcs/transport/cycling). The Vancouver Area Cycling Coalition (tel: 604 878 8222; www.vacc .bc.ca) and Cycling BC (tel: 604 737 3034; www .cycling.bc.ca) are also good resources.

Cyclistsmust wear helmets and stay off sidewalks. TransLink permits bicycles on most buses, SkyTrain and SeaBus, except during weekday peak hours (06:30 to 09:30 and 15:00 18:30). Bicycles are allowed on BC Ferries and Aquabus ferries.