Inexpensive Transportation in Vancouver BC

Getting Around Vancouver While on an Alaska Cruise

May 24, 2009 Renee Ruggero

From Canada Place cruise terminal, there are many inexpensive transportation options available to explore Vancouver instead of using a taxi or rental car. Visitors to downtown Vancouver on an Alaska cruise can explore the city’s highlights with ease and convenience. Here are the best options for getting around this embarkation port.

Inexpensive Transportation from Canada Place Cruise Terminal

The cheapest way to get around downtown Vancouver is to take public transit which includes the regular bus, the Sky Train and the Sea Bus. Although each ride costs $2.50 per person, unlimited passes are available for $9 for the whole day. The passes are also good for all three options.

• Bus – To get to Granville Island from Canada Place, take the #50 False Creek bus (get on at West Cordova Street and Seymour Street). To get to Stanley Park from Canada Place, take the #19 Stanley Park Loop bus (get on at Howe Street and West Pender Street).

• Sky Train – The terminus waterfront station for the Sky Train is located just east of Canada Place. Popular stops include Metrotown (BC’s largest shopping complex with over 500 stores) and Science World. The Science World stop is close to where both the False Creek Ferries and the AquaBus also have their stop.

• Sea Bus – This 400-passenger ferry crosses the Burrard Inlet, connecting downtown Vancouver with Lonsdale Quay in North Vancouver. The entrance to the downtown terminal is just outside of Canada Place, with a Sea Bus departing every 15 minutes.

Getting Around Vancouver on the False Creek Ferries and AquaBus

• False Creek Ferries – These little blue ferries travel around False Creek. Popular stops include the Maritime Museum in Kitsilano, Science World near the Main Street Sky Train station, and the Granville Island dock located near Bridges Restaurant. The cost ranges from $3 to $6 per ride, with a day pass available for $14 per adult.

• The Aqua Bus – These rainbow-colored mini ferries also travel around False Creek with stops at Granville Island (between Public Market and the Arts Club Theatre), the bottom of Hornby Street, Yaletown (bottom of Davie Street) and Science World. Although a ride from Science World to Granville Island takes 25 minutes and costs $6 each way, an unlimited day pass is offered for $14, covering all routes.

Cheapest Transportation to the Capilano Suspension Bridge

• Public Bus – From the Sea Bus terminal at Lonsdale Quay, there are public buses that run throughout North Vancouver. Take the #236 bus to the Capilano Suspension Bridge.

• Free Shuttle – Alternatively, the Capilano Suspension Bridge offers a free shuttle from Canada Place seven times a day.

One other method of transportation in the city of Vancouver is the Vancouver Trolley. Hop on at Canada Place and hop off and on again at a choice of 23 more stops for a cost of $35.25 per adult. There are two different routes that include all the popular attractions such as Stanley Park, Granville Island, Gastown and a number of hotels, too.