Alternative to flying in/out of Vancouver and other Vancouver, Canada Transportation Tips

'Mode': TO
Category: Airplane
Getting TO/AROUND: If you're visiting Vancouver then, of course, it's most convenient to fly in & out of YVR, Vancouver's own airport.

However, the prices for flying in & out of SeaTac, in nearby Seattle, are often MUCH better.

Which brings up the question: "How do I get from Seattle to Vancouver?" There are two convenient ways:
1. Quick Shuttle
2. Amtrak Cascades - Rail & bus service

The former leaves directly from the Seattle airport. But if their schedule is not convenient for you then take a taxi downtown to the Amtrak Station (303 South Jackson St.) and you'll be able to catch something there. Both provide service right into downtown Vancouver.

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Website: http://www.quickcoach.com
Other Contact: http://www.amtrak.com/trains/cas

'Mode': AROUND
Category: Bus
Getting TO/AROUND: Vancouver has a fairly extensive public transit system consisting of several integrated parts that include:
- An elevated automated train (SkyTrain)
- Standard diesel and electric buses
- Dbl length accordion-style buses (B-Line)
- A series of small ferries (SeaBus)

It's not as well established as most Eastern North American transit systems but is steadily being improved every decade.

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Phone: 604-953-3333
Website: http://www.translink.bc.ca

'Mode': TO
Category: Bus
Getting TO/AROUND: If you're in Vancouver but flying out of SeaTac airport then one convenient way to get down to Seattle is via the Quick Shuttle.

They pick up passengers from most of the downtown hotels. You may also be able to arrange another location. Either way, make sure you call them to make a reservation!

The ride down is fast & efficient, with the major stop being going through Customs at the U.S. - Canada border. This will go very quickly if the border officials don't have any issues with anyone. But if even one passenger is held up then so will everyone be.

You'll be dropped off right by your airline, with only a short walk to check-in.

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Phone: 800-665-2122
Website: http://www.quickcoach.com
Other Contact: rez@quickcoach.com

'Mode': AROUND
Category: Ship/Boat
Getting TO/AROUND: There are many ways to get across False Creek, the large water inlet in the heart of Vancouver. There are 3 bridges that are easy to walk across. But a much more interesting way is to take a mini-ferry from one side to the other.

Two companies provide this service: AquaBus and False Creek Ferries. Both are good and I would suggest just taking the first one you come upon.

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Phone: AquaBus: (604) 689-5858
Other Contact: Fls Crk Ferries: (604) 684-7781

'Mode': AROUND
Category: Other
Getting TO/AROUND: At 1703 West 4th Avenue (1 block East of Burrard) you'll find a most interesting shop. They rent & sell electric scooters, bicycles, and even skateboards for touring around Vancouver!

It's just a little shop but one with a most unusual set of offerings.

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Phone: 604.331.0555
Website: http://www.greenwit.com
Other Contact: products@greenwit.com

'Mode': AROUND
Category: Ship/Boat
Getting TO/AROUND: If you're not in an extreme rush while visiting Vancouver then I highly recommend you take a cruise around Vancouver. It's a wonderful, leisurely way to see the city, and from a vantage point that's so different than what most tourists see.

There are several companies that offer such cruises but I've listed one of the prime ones below.

Two of the major departure points are:
- On Granville Island, beside Bridge's
- In Coal Harbour, just west of the Bayshore Inn

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Phone: 604.688.7246
Website: http://www.boatcruises.com
Other Contact: tours@boatcruises.com

'Mode': AROUND
Category: Train
Getting TO/AROUND: At one time Vancouver used to have a series of electric streetcars that transported people to all corners of the city. But as the city grew and automobiles became commonplace the trains were eventually phased out.

But in recent times a small section of the railway was resurrected. Nowadays, on weekends and holidays between May 22 and October 11 you can ride one of two streetcars between Granville Island and Science World. They run every 30 minutes on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays from May 22nd to October 11th. Departures from Granville Island are between 1 - 5 pm and from Science World are between 12:30 - 4:30 pm.

Return fees are just $2 for adults and $1 for children and seniors.

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Phone: 604-873-7742
Website: http://www.city.vancouver.bc.ca/engsvcs/transport/railway/map.htm

'Mode': TO
Category: Other
Getting TO/AROUND: It frequently seems to be the case that tourists are visiting Granville Island on foot and wish to catch a taxi to their next destination. If you're heading downtown then it's perhaps best to get on one of the mini-ferries near the market and take one of the many routes across False Creek. From the downtown core, you should see a taxi in just a few minutes.

But if you're looking to head elsewhere then the best thing to do is to walk a few blocks off of the island directly to the MacLure's Cabs depot. Simply walk stay underneath of the Granville Bridge and walk out the solo car entrance to the island. After you've cleared the island you will see the Pacific Culinary Institute on your right. Keep going a block more and you'll be at 2nd Avenue. Cross at the traffic light and walk up the curved street. There's an autobody shop on your right. A few steps further and you'll see the MacLure's office across the street on your left. Just go into the open door and tell the dispatcher that you need a taxi.

Their precise address is 1510 West 3rd Avenue.

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Phone: (604) 683-6666