Vancouver transport
The efficient integrated Translink, a public transportation system (formerly Greater Vancouver Transportation Authority), is a good value and includes buses; electric trolley buses; the computerised Sky Train (light rail) that has four underground downtown stops as well as an elevated track; West Coast Express trains have an integrated ticketing system, making the public transport, inexpensive and efficient.
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.
The magnificent Pacific Central Station is the western terminus for VIA Rail. Amtrak trains also leave from this station, connecting Vancouver to Bellingham and Seattle with one train daily. But there is also a bus station at Pacific Central Station.
Vancouver's traffic and road situation is fairly ordered, but hiring a car is not necessary in the city because the public transport is more than sufficient.
Cycling
Cycling is a good way to get around town; there are several bike paths and lots of bike rental outlets. Vancouver has 16 cycling routes covering almost 130km. 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.
Cyclists must 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.
By bus
City buses fill in the myriad gaps left by SkyTrain and SeaBus. Most buses run from early morning to late evening, every 10 minutes during rush hour peak times. Big, blue B-Line buses provide quicker action, as they make limited stops only along major routes. A reduced Night Bus schedule goes into effect during the wee hours.
By taxi
Generally taxis are reliable and can be hailed at big hotels or by telephone. A big problem is the traffic congestion; avoid driving in peak times and watch out for parking restrictions.
By train
VIA Rail 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 runs the Cascades line daily between Vancouver and Seattle.
By ferry
SeaBus Passenger ferries glide between Waterfront Station downtown and Lonsdale Quay in North Vancouver in a mere 12 minutes. There are two mini-ferry companies servicing Vancouver. Aquabus and False Creek Ferries 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. 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). False Creek Ferry goes from Sunset Beach's Aquatic Centre to Vanier Park's museums or Granville Island.
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