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Phone
Numbers
DIRECTORY ASSISTANCE
Canada..........................................................411
International.................................................. 0
EMERGENCY
Ambulance/Fire/Police........................911
Ambulance...........................604-872-5151
Fire.........................................604-215-4842
Police.......................................604-717-3321
Poison.Control.................604-682-5050
VISITOR SERVICES
Destination.BC.............1-800-435-5622
Tourism.Richmond.......... 604-271-8280
Tourism.Surrey.................604-531-6646
Tourism.Vancouver...... 604-683-2000
Tourism.Victoria......... 1-800-663-3883
Tourism.Whistler.........1-800-944-7853
TAXIS
Black.Top.and.
Checker.Cabs.........................604-731-1111
MacLure’s.Cabs..............604-683-6666
Vancouver.Taxi..................... 604-871-1111
Yellow.Cab.............................604-681-1111
From.your.mobile............. #8294.(TAXI)
TRANSPORTATION
BC.Ferries........................1-888-223-3779
HandyDART.....................604-575-6600
TransLink............................ 604-953-3333
YVR.Airport....................... 604-207-7077
VEHICLE RENTALS
Avis....................................1-800-879-2847
Budget...............................1-800-299-3199
Hertz................................1-800-263-0600
BABYSITTING
Nannies.on.Call.............. 1-877-214-2828
West.Coast.Child.Care
Resource.Centre...........1-877-262-0022
MONEY Some retailers accept uS cash,
but change is always given in canadian
currency. most retail purchases are
subject to a 7% provincial Sales tax
(pSt) as well as a 5% federal goods
and Services tax (gSt). liquor is an ex-
ception, and is taxed at 10%. canada no
longer uses the one-cent coin (penny),
so cash purchases are rounded up or
down to the closest five cents.
SMOKING Smoking is not permitted
in stores, restaurants, bars, parks,
beaches or the seawall. most buildings
do not allow smoking near their front
doors. those caught smoking in a
smoke-free area risk a fine.
TRAVEL
AROuND VANcOuVER bY TAxI in
Vancouver, all cabs are me tered so
there is no need to negotiate a fare.
Rates do not include gratuities. When
travelling from Vancouver international
airport into the city, taxis charge a
flat fee based on zone. Wheelchair-
accessible vehicles are available; simply
ask for options when booking.
AROuND VANcOuVER bY TRANSIT
Bus routes connect with the three
Skytrain rapid transit lines and
SeaBus passenger ferries, all part of
translink’s transportation network.
translink’s reloadable compass card
is available for purchase at vend-
ing machines, transit stations and
terminals, as well as many drugstores
and convenience stores. load a single
fare, monthly pass or prepaid balance.
pay your fare by “tapping in,” and “tap
out” (except on buses) when you exit
to avoid overcharging. an additional,
pay-by-phone system is scheduled to
launch in summer 2018. fare evaders
risk a hefty fine. When travelling on the
Skytrain from Vancouver international
airport into the city, a $5 surcharge is
added to the standard fare. all buses
can carry a limited number of bicycles,
and most routes are wheelchair-lift
equipped. Visit the translink website
at www.translink.ca for informa-
tion on accessible transit, including
handydaRt’s door-to-door service.
text the stop number to 333-33 to
receive times for the next six buses.
foot-passenger ferries to granville
island, downtown and around false
creek are operated by aquabus and
false creek ferries. Smoking is not
permitted on public transport.
AROuND VANcOuVER bY bIcYcLE
cycle-friendly Vancouver has a large
network of traffic-calmed bike paths
and dedicated bike lanes. use these
designated routes when available or
ride on the road. Bikes are not permitted
on sidewalks. cyclists are required
by law to wear helmets, and bicycles
must be equipped with a bell. theft is
common, so securely lock your bicycle.
cyclists can take their wheels on trans-
link’s bike-rack-equipped buses, the
Skytrain and SeaBus, as well as some
aquabus ferries. Rent a ride from one
of many bicycle rental shops, including
several on denman Street near Stanley
park. a bike-sharing program is oper-
ated by mobi.
AROuND VANcOuVER bY cAR
a vehicle isn’t required to navigate the
city centre—especially when consider-
ing traffic and parking challenges—but
it is convenient when travelling to des-
tinations beyond. Note that the posted
speed limits are in kilometres, not miles.
it is illegal to drink and drive, and using a
handheld electronic device while behind
the wheel may result in a fine. Seatbelts
are mandatory. Residential parking
often requires permits. the city hosts
car-sharing service car2go, but you
must be a member to hire a car. Rent
a vehicle from one of the many rental
agencies around the city and at YVR.
TO WHISTLER the route to Whistler
follows the Sea to Sky highway, known
for scenic views of howe Sound. By car,
the drive takes 1.5-2 hours depending
on traffic. greyhound and pacific coach
buses also service the route, and take
approximately 2.5 hours. Snowbus
offers a winter-only service. allow
extra time for adverse road conditions
in winter. in summer, harbour air
Seaplanes offers daily scheduled flights.
TO VANcOuVER ISLAND & THE
GuLF ISLANDS travel to Vancouver
island and the gulf islands by ferry
or seaplane. Bc ferries departs from
GREAT OuTDOORS .Just.two.hours’.drive.away.is.Whistler,.a.world-class.destination.for.
snowboarding.and.skiing,.as.well.as.mountain.biking,.serene.spas,.fine.dining.and.more.
N6
where.ca
DRINKING the legal drinking age in
British columbia is 19. Bars, restaurants
and liquor stores may ask to see a
government-issued piece of identifica-
tion as proof of your age before selling
you alcohol.