Getting Around Vancouver

As someone who has travelled extensively and lived in Vancouver for the past 7 years, I genuinely think Vancouver has one of the best transit systems in North America. I love landing at YVR and being able to hop on the Canada Line right at the airport, then arrive downtown less than 30 minutes later. Between the SkyTrain, SeaBus, ferries, bike paths, and walkable neighbourhoods, getting around the city is surprisingly easy without a car.

✈️ Take the Canada Line from YVR. The train connects the airport directly to downtown in about 25 minutes, and tickets cost around $10–12. If you're staying downtown, it's a great way to save money and skip traffic.

🚲 Rent a bike or an electric scooter for the Seawall. It's one of the best ways to experience Vancouver. If you're planning on biking the Seawall, start in Coal Harbour and finish in English Bay with a drink or lunch at Cactus Club Café.

🚕 Uber is widely available throughout the city. I generally recommend using Uber rather than driving downtown. Parking can be expensive, and most attractions are relatively close together.

⛴️ Hop on a False Creek Ferry or Aquabus. These small passenger ferries connect Granville Island, Olympic Village, Yaletown, Kitsilano, and other waterfront neighbourhoods. They're not necessarily the fastest way to get around, but they're one of the most scenic.

🚢 Take the SeaBus to North Vancouver. The 12-minute crossing offers fantastic views of the skyline and mountains and is one of the easiest ways to access Lonsdale Quay, Shipyards District, and the North Shore without a car.

🚗 Rent a car if you're planning to explore beyond Vancouver. While you don't need a vehicle in the city itself, having one is helpful for day trips to Deep Cove, Lighthouse Park, Squamish, Whistler, the Sunshine Coast, Vancouver Island, and other nearby adventures.

🚌 No car? No problem. Several bus companies operate daily routes between Vancouver and Whistler (YVR Skylynx and Epic Rides are some great options), making it easy to visit for the day without renting a vehicle. It's a great option if you're planning to stay mostly in the city and only want to venture into the mountains for a day or two.