GETTING AROUND VANCOUVER In preparation for the games, additional
ground transportation services are being added for Vancouver and
Whistler. The Vancouver transit system, TransLink, is made up of a
network of buses and unique services such as the SeaBus &
SkyTrain. TransLink provides transit services covering over 1800
square kilometers of the Greater Mainland of Vancouver - getting
around the city is convenient, easily accessible and often provides
beautiful views of the city!
SkyTrain is the Greater Vancouver region's automated rail rapid
transit system and major part of TransLink's integrated
transportation network including, buses, ferries, and commuter
rail. Running on electricity, SkyTrain is emission-free and energy
efficient. Travelling high above traffic on elevated guideways
means that you fly past traffic, on trains running every 2 to 8
minutes. The fleet of 210 cars provides frequent service with
trains 2 minutes apart over much of the system at rush hour and
every 3 to 8 minutes at other times, depending on location.
SkyTrain offers you a safe, reliable and efficient way of travel.
SkyTrain connects you to an extensive network of buses, SeaBus
ferries, West Coast Express Commuter rail and HandyDART custom
transit.
Coast Mountain Bus Company operates TransLink's bus services,
running busiest routes from 5 a.m. to 1 a.m. It also operates the
popular cross-harbour passenger ferry service, SeaBus.
SeaBus is a unique, passenger-only, wheelchair accessible ferry
service that connects Vancouver from Waterfront Station to Lonsdale
Quay on the North Shore. The scenic crossing of Burrard Inlet takes
12 minutes and offers a breathtaking perspective of the city, sea
and mountains.
The West Coast Express is a commuter train service that links
several outer suburbs to downtown Vancouver. Early morning services
run westbound from Mission and late afternoon services eastbound
from Vancouver, Monday to Friday only.
The False Creek Aqua Bus is a fun, fast and scenic route for those
wanting to get to the shops, restaurants, theatre and public market
of Granville Island. The False Creek AquaBus provides service
to/from Granville Island and several docks located along the
downtown Seawall. Runs daily, from 9am to 7pm, approximately every
20 minutes. For more information, visit http://www.theaquabus.com/.
Vancouver Winter Games Spectator Transportation
Within Metro Vancouver Transportation
Olympic ticket holders will have free access to local
transit in Metro Vancouver or Whistler on the date of the ticketed
session.
Vancouver to Whistler Transportation
A one-day $25 transportation pass on the Olympic Bus Network for
Vancouver-Whistler return is required for all Whistler event ticket
holders whose trip originates in Vancouver.
Cypress Mountain Transportation
A one-day $12 transportation pass on the Olympic Bus Network for
Vancouver-Cypress Mountain return is required for all Cypress
Mountain event ticket holders.
Sea to Sky Transportation
Games-time transportation between Squamish, Whistler and Pemberton
will be serviced by an enhanced WAVE public transit system. User
fees associated with this service will be determined in early
2009.
Vancouver International Airport
The new Canada Line rapid transit service will operate from
Vancouver Airport to Downtown Vancouver in 25 minutes. Other
options include taxi, car rental, shuttles, and public
transportation.
Many public transit vehicles in the Vancouver region are wheelchair
and bike accessible. Accessible buses and bus stops are identified
by the international wheelchair symbol, while the letter "L"
identifies the service in public timetables. Many vehicles are also
equipped with bicycle racks. The letter "B" identifies these
services in the public timetables.
Travel Tips
Most countries and cities have their own unique systems and
policies to consider when traveling. To make your trip as easy and
fun as possible, check out the following information for Canada and
Vancouver:
What to Wear - The winters are mild and wet - it rarely snows in
this part of Canada except, at the local ski hills. From November
to February, temperatures average from 0º to 5º C (around 45º F).
To stay cozy and dry, you'll need warm clothes, raincoat and an
umbrella. Waterproof footwear is always a good idea.
Banking - Regular banking hours in Canada are 9:30 a.m. to 4:30
p.m., Monday to Friday, with extended hours including weekends at
some locations.
Currency - We recommend all visitors use Canadian currency when
traveling within Canada. Visitors can exchange currency at Canadian
chartered banks, trust companies, credit unions, or at offices of
foreign exchange brokers, but it is advised to have local currency
on hand prior to arriving. Some hotels, merchants, restaurants and
suppliers accept US or other foreign currency at a pre-determined
rate, which may differ from the daily rate posted. Canadian one
dollar coin ("loonie") ($) = 100 cents; Notes are in denominations
of $1000, $100, $50, $20, $10, $5; Coins are in $2, $1, $0.50,
$0.25, $0.10, $0.05, $0.01
Customs, Excise & Visas - Effective 23 January 2007, EVERYONE
traveling by AIR between the United States and Canada, Mexico,
Central and South America, the Caribbean and Bermuda are required
to present a valid passport, air NEXUS card, or U.S. Coast Guard
Merchant Mariner Document.
Electricity - Outlets and voltage (110 volts) are the same as in
the United States. Small appliances such as hair dryers, irons,
razors, etc. can be used in Canada. For those from other countries,
adapters are required for electrical appliances. The frequency of
electrical current in Canada is 60 Hz.
Language - Canada has two official languages - English and French.
English is the predominant language in British Columbia. Vancouver
is quite cosmopolitan and is a mix of many multicultural groups.
Because of this, the city is considered multilingual on an
unofficial level. Many banks, hotels, airline offices, service
institutions, shops and key tourist destinations have multi-lingual
staff.
Metric Measures - Canada follows the International Metric
System. Temperatures, rainfall measures, distance, weights,
velocity are express in metric units. Distance is measured in
kilometers. 1 kilometre - 0.6 mile; 1 mile = 1.6 kilometre;
80km/h = 50mph; 1 kilogram = 2.2 pounds.
Tax - There are three levels of taxation that affect visitors to
Vancouver. There's a 10% tax charged on accommodation and liquor.
For most other goods and services, there is a 7% provincial sales
tax (PST) and the 5% federal goods and services tax (GST.)
Population - The following are approximate population numbers based
on 2001 Canadian Census: Vancouver: 582,045; Greater Vancouver: 2,
028, 996
Time Zone - The majority of British Columbia, including all of
Vancouver, is in the Pacific Standard Time Zone
Tipping - Visitors should be advised that the standard tip in most
restaurants is 15 per cent.
For additional great information on all that Vancouver has to
offer, pick up Tourism Vancouver's Official Visitor's Guide from
one of our Information Centres. Or Contact us to have one mailed to
you. For travel guides on British Columbia, visit
www.hellobc.com.
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