GETTING TO VANCOUVER
For visitors, it's as easy to get to Vancouver
as it is to get around once they're here
GETTING HERE
By Air Most visitors travel to Vancouver by air, taking advantage of
a convenient network of international flights and a number of airlines.
Visitors pass through Vancouver International Airport (YVR), a
modern and award-winning facility. yvr.ca
By Car Visitors travelling from the United States can drive across
the border in their cars and RVs. Interstate 5 (I-5) from Seattle becomes
Highway 99 across the Canada/U.S. border, leading directly to Vancouver.
By Rail Rail travel in Western Canada is a scenic and memorable way to
travel. Pacific Central Station is located just outside downtown Vancouver and
offers routes to destinations across Canada and the Pacific Northwest. VIA Rail,
Amtrak and Rocky Mountaineer offer rail services to and from Vancouver.
viarail.ca, amtrak.com, rockymountaineer.com
By Ferry One of the great experiences when visiting Vancouver is taking
a ferry to points beyond the city. If your clients are planning to visit Victoria
or Nanaimo on Vancouver Island, they can take a passenger ferry across the
Strait of Georgia. They can also explore the Sunshine Coast and a variety of
smaller islands near Vancouver. For more information about ferry service in
and around Vancouver, visit the BC Ferries website. bcferries.com
GETTING AROUND
By Coach There are plenty of options for individual or group travel by
coach, including regular routes to Victoria, Whistler and other destinations.
Companies listed in this guide will work with you to arrange transportation
– whether it's for a group of three or 300.
By Public Transit A modern, clean and safe public transportation
system makes getting around Vancouver as easy as reading a map.
Buses: Numerous bus lines operate throughout metro Vancouver to
various locations, providing easy access to our city's top attractions,
neighbourhoods and sites.
SkyTrain: TransLink's automated light-rail transit system connects
downtown Vancouver with nearby municipalities (Burnaby, New
Westminster, Surrey and Richmond). The Canada Line whisks riders from
the Vancouver International Airport to three downtown stations in
about 25 minutes – and for a very affordable fare.
Seabus: Part of the public transit system, the Seabus passenger ferry
connects downtown Vancouver with North Vancouver.
Find complete information on public transit routes and schedules on
TransLink's website. translink.ca
By Boat Aquabus and False Creek Ferries water taxis provide
transport around the False Creek area with stops that include Yaletown,
Granville Island, Science World and the Vancouver Maritime
Museum. theaquabus.com, granvilleislandferries.bc.ca
By Taxi There are plenty of taxi companies to choose from in
Vancouver, and your clients can expect a fare of approximately $35
CAD to travel between the Vancouver International Airport and
downtown Vancouver.
ACCESSIBILITY
IN VANCOUVER
By Coach Greyhound Bus Lines has lift-equipped services from
Vancouver to Kelowna, Calgary and Prince George, with stops in major
centres along these routes. Pacific Coach Lines offers accessible service
between Vancouver and Victoria. greyhound.com, pacificcoach.com
By Public Transit TransLink provides an array of accessible travel
options to passengers. Buses, community shuttles, and SkyTrain, SeaBus
and West Coast Express vehicles are all fully accessible. translink.ca
By Boat When travelling with BC Ferries, wheelchair users should
request parking near the elevator at the time of ticket purchase. All washrooms
and deck areas are accessible. The ferry route up the Inside Passage to
Prince Rupert also has accessible state rooms. bcferries.com
By Taxi All Vancouver taxi companies provide wheelchair-accessible vans.
By Rail Rocky Mountaineer offers a two-day trip to Jasper or Banff
with an overnight stay in an accessible hotel in Kamloops. VIA Rail is very
responsive to passengers' special needs; services offered vary depending
on stations and train facilities. rockymountaineer.com, viarail.ca
AIRPORT SERVICES
Airport Butler: Your clients can enjoy personalized meet-and-greet
services designed to assist arriving, connecting and departing passengers
at the Vancouver International Airport. airportbutler.ca
Priority Baggage: Have your clients store their luggage/items at the
airport, or at the Canada Place cruise ship terminal during cruise ship
season (May to September). prioritybaggage.ca
For more information about transportation options in Vancouver,
turn to page 50 for the contact information of local member
businesses. For more information on getting around Vancouver,
including maps, visit tourismvancouver.com.
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