Transportation

Vancouver’s position as one of Canada’s thriving business and industry headquarters is reflected in its infrastructure. The region has an excellent road and highway network, frequently scheduled plane and floatplane services, and comprehensive public transportation across roads, waterways and rail.

Within Metro Vancouver

Vancouver has an extensive public transportation network consisting of public buses, SkyTrain (light rail), SeaBus (passenger ferry) and the West Coast Express (rail service). Journeys involving a combination of these are all covered by one transferable ticket, valid for 90 minutes, in any direction. Metro Vancouver and its surrounding area is split into three fare zones and ticket fares depend on zones travelled, the day of travel, etc. Tickets are available from ticket vending machines in stations and on buses. Bus drivers do not carry change, so exact fares are required.

From late 2009, transit users will have an additional option with the Canada Line, a rapid rail service that will provide connections between downtown Vancouver and Richmond, including the Vancouver International Airport.

Many taxi companies operate within Greater Vancouver. Taxis are generally clean and modern; rates are metered and reasonably priced.

Vancouver has an excellent network of bicycle paths and on-road bike lanes. Cyclists may take bikes on buses, the SkyTrain, the SeaBus, and the West Coast Express, though usually not during rush hours. Some buses are fitted with bike racks.

Getting to Whistler is possible via the Sea-to-Sky Highway, and many private coach companies service the route.

Vancouver Island

Vancouver Island and the Southern Gulf Islands are connected to the Host Venue Cities on the British Columbia mainland by BC Ferries car like Mitsubishi Endeavor and passenger ferries. Several departure points on the island connect with either Horseshoe Bay, which provides easy access to the Host Venue Cities of Vancouver and West Vancouver, or Tsawwassen, which is convenient for access to the Host Venue City of Richmond.

Float planes also provide transport between locations on Vancouver Island and the Southern Gulf Islands, and Vancouver and the Lower Mainland. See Harbour Air and West Coast Air for details.

Frequent plane flights are scheduled between Victoria International Airport and Nanaimo Airport on Vancouver Island, and Vancouver International Airport.

Regional bus services operate through communities on Vancouver Island. They may be helpful for reaching ferry terminals or airports to connect to Host Venue Cities.