GETTING AROUND VANCOUVER

"It's not as easy as people think to get a parking ticket---first you have to find somewhere to park !"

( No need to worry about where to park at Arbutus House B&B as we provide free off street parking.)

Driving:

Those that initially planned Vancouver obviously did not expect it to grow much larger than what is now considered the downtown area. Consequently, the naming / numbering of the street system often leaves the visitor initially bewildered.

Downtown, all streets are named and on a grid system and there are ten blocks between the harbour waterfront and False Creek. Numbered streets do not start until the south shore of False Creek. Outside of downtown, roads that travel in an east / west direction are numbered and are called streets, while those that travel in a north / south direction have names, and are called avenues.
The speed limit is 50k, unless otherwise posted and photo radar is used extensively.
Unfortunately, Vancouver has a problem with theft from cars. If you are driving, do not leave anything in your car while it is unattended--even in supervised parking lots.

Hints for finding an address

Streets with a name:
Deduct 15 from the first two digits of the address and that will give you the numbered cross St.
ie: For example a house with an address of 4475 Joan Street ( 44 minus 15 = cross St is 29 th Ave )

Avenues with a number:
Ontario St is the dividing line between east / west with the first block on each side being designated "00"
ie: 1475 West 1st Ave. is 15 blocks west of Ontario St (14 blocks + 00 block )

The downtown core is on a peninsula and traffic can be quite congested at certain times of the year.There are many one way streets and left turns are restricted. Pay attention to the traffic signs and, above all, pay attention to the parking regulations. Parking meters are in effect until 8:00 PM

Taxi anyone ?

For those that prefer to use a taxi, there are many companies from which to choose, but our favorite is Yellow Cab as we find them very reliable. Phone 604-681-1111
Taxis are not legally allowed to carry more than four people.

Public Transportation :

Vancouver has a fairly extensive public transportation system which will allow you to access most of the major attractions. Transit drivers do not carry change. Fares on all components of the transit system ( bus,skytrain, sea-bus ) are:

An all day pass can be purchased for $8.00 which allows unlimited travel on the entire system from 9:30am up to midnight on the day of purchase.One can obtain a "transfer" upon paying the initial fare which will allow a transfer to other components of the system and is valid for 90 minutes.

Complete route maps and schedules can be found at : BC Transit

The major components of the system are:

	BUS: A safe, clean and reliable system which will take the visitor to most of the major attractions. Drivers are very helpful--don't be afraid to ask for help.
	SEABUS : Part of the bus system running across the main harbour between the foot of Granville Street and Lonsdale Quay in North Vancouver. North Shore buses originate at the seabus terminal in North Vancouver. Offers great views of the city.
	SKYTRAIN : Rapid transit system which is underground in the downtown core and elevated elsewhere. Runs between waterfront station and the eastern municipality of Surrey.
	WEST COAST EXPRESS: Morning and evening commuter train between communities on north side of Fraser River and downtown Vancouver. Runs west in the morning and east at dinner rush hour.

Other useful Transportation information :

• Pacific Coach Lines : Downtown Vancouver to Victoria. Fare includes cost of the ferry. A convenient way to see Victoria on a day trip.(604-662-8074 )
  
• Quick Shuttle Regular service between downtown Vancouver and Seattle / Se-Tac airport. (604-940-4428 )
• The Vancouver Trolley Company A continuous 2 hour loop through downtown and the False creek area with on and off privileges.

Go To:

ARBUTUS HOUSE VANCOUVER BC BED AND BREAKFAST PAGES

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VANCOUVER INFORMATION PAGES