Thx again to everyone who has answered my questions.

One more.
We just found out that we will have access to a car for ONE day of our Vancouver trip (relying on transit the rest of the time). Can anyone recommend sites etc in or near Vancouver that would best reached via car rather than transit? It would be nice to get good and bad weather recommendations.

We already are considering the Lynn Canyon.

Thx to anyone who replies.

Well, Whistler and the path to and from it always makes for a suitable day trip.

And Vancouver is so diverse that even taking the opportunity to familiarize yourself with various local communities outside of the downtown core is a good move. With water, mountains, and eventually the U.S. border serving as barriers and beacons, you can't get toooooooooo terribly lost when driving around there.

A car would let you conveniently scoot over to Grouse Mountain and stay late enough to straddle sunset and then see the view both before and after dark. Public Transit runs to the foot of Grouse Mountain, but I think the last bus MIGHT leave a tad too early for comfort to those wishing to see stunning night time views.

IF you plot the day with a car early in your trip you can gain wonders from scouting the nearby territory to prioritize what you most want to see via transit.

Also, Stanley Park seems just a tad better when you have a car to circle around and stop where YOU want to stop.

Driving in Vancouver seems a bit of a fun, foreign adventure, but not in a bad way (save for the ever-interesting flashing green light).

Have fun!

NorthwestMale
Thx for the suggestions!

Lynn Canyon is always fun - even when it's pelting rain. But
I'd be inclined to head west - drive over the Burrard St.
bridge and follow the road around Kits Beach then Spanish
Banks then UBC (the Museum of Anthropology is well-worth an
hour or two). If driving is still fun stay on SW Marine Dr.
through the 'burbs and go over the Oak Street Bridge and on
to Steveston for a fishy supper at the mouth of the Fraser.

If you want to stay on the North Shore you can visit Lynn
Canyon then head east to Deep Cove esp. if the weather is
good. Cute bistro The Arm's Reach for lunch or have a
shrimp and avocado on potato bread at Honey's (plus a
honey doughnut if you can/will/must). Drive west along
Marine Drive all the way out to Horseshoe Bay - the road
is on the water for most of the way - again, supper at
Trolls (fish/chips) or sushi while watching the ferries
come and go.

Sorry Im fishcentric - lots of meaty places en route!

Well it seems I may be spoiled for choice.

Thx Immimi