Getting around in Vancouver
Metro - Translink trains, buses and ferries are on a zone-based fare. You can buy a single fare starting at $3 one-way for one zone) or get a Compass Card to store value or day passes. Trains and buses run from about 5am - 1am, with some limited night buses running all night. After 6:30pm, transit operates on a flat one-zone system.
Bike - Vancouver, as a flat city, is very bike-friendly. The mayor, a bike aficionado himself, has seen to it. You can download a map of the bike routes around town. Keep in mind, however, the frequent rain much of the year that might put a damper on your biking plans. But on a clear, crisp day, it’s a great way to get around.
Walking - See the flatness mentioned above - definitely take a stroll along the waterfront while you’re there, and also partake of some of the walking tours available in town.
Cab - Cabs are easily found downtown, and can be called and ordered elsewhere. The price can get a little high depending on how far you’re going. Luckily, they will all take credit cards. Ubers and ride shares were just approved to start pilot programs in the city as of late summer 2019, so while those are an option, they may not be as plentiful as other places.
Drive - If you’re staying mainly within the downtown area, I wouldn’t rent a car. Parking and traffic can both be a nightmare. However, if you’re staying further away, or plan on heading up to the mountains for some hiking (which I recommend) a car would be helpful. Rentals aren’t too expensive at the airport. Zipcar operates in Vancouver if you just want a car rental for a day
In Vancouver…. sometimes you just have to chill
Tips for Solo Travel in Vancouver
IS IT SAFE?
Yes! Vancouver is a great place to go as a solo traveler. As an English-speaking country with a great metro system, it’s easy to get around on your own. The high rate of international residents means you’ll be in good company in exploring the city. There are a few neighborhoods to the east that can get a little dicey, and you might run into the occasional aggressive (and probably mentally ill) homeless person downtown, as Vancouver is unfortunately plagued by the same problems of housing scarcity and income inequality that many large cities are grappling with. However, if you’re following basic safety protocols - know your surroundings, don’t leave drinks or purses unattended, take cabs home if uncertain about the streets - you’ll be fine.
MEETING OTHER TRAVELERS
Given the large international population (35% of the city’s residents were born somewhere else), and the university students, you’re definitely not going to stand out as a tourist in Vancouver! I find food and drink tours are great ways to meet other travelers in a relaxed, fun, and sometimes educational setting. It also helps to give you any tips about the local dining scene, as well as local customs for ordering, tipping, etc. In bike-friendly Vancouver, there are also biking tours of Stanley Park that would be great for solo travelers. Also seek out meetups and facebook groups for international travelers based in Vancouver, many of whom have weekly or monthly gatherings.
HIKING VANCOUVER
If you’re planning on hiking while in Vancouver (and you should!) check out trails that will be popular enough to pass other travelers regularly, but not so crowded that you can’t find moments of silence. Quarry Rock in Deep Cove, northeast of the city, is a fantastic hike. Nearby Lynn Canyon has both some great hikes and a less-visited (and less-expensive) suspension bridge compared to the more famous Capilano. There are plenty of sites online that will list hikes nearby and note their popularity with both other people and instagrammers. Please be a responsible hiker and follow Leave No Trace principles!
And pin this guide for later!
