Car necessary in Vancouver for family w/ two young children?
Sep 28th, 2003, 12:53 AM
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Car necessary in Vancouver for family w/ two young children?
My wife and I, along with our two young children (3 and 1) will be staying at the Westin Bayshore (West End) from Oct. 13-18. We plan to do the tourist things in and around Vancouver. A day trip to Victoria might also be a consideration. Would it be wiser to rent a car or not? Should I factor the cooler weather into my decision? Thanks.
Sep 30th, 2003, 01:13 PM
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Dear thp:
While public transportation(PT) is quite good in Vancouver and its environs, I'd opt for a rental if you can swing the extra cost. My family visited last summer with kids older than yours but as demanding nonetheless. What with strollers, diaper bags, etc. etc., getting around on PT will be exhausting after a short time. Also, waiting for buses if the weather is rainy won't be fun, either.
We found getting around the city wasn't difficult at all. My wife and I have lived in Washington, DC, which is a major pain in driving/parking most anytime of the year. Vancouver, by comparison, was a breeze. Even finding public parking was relatively easy in most parts of town. Now that summer high season is over, it can only be that must easier. Lastly, with a car you never have to worry about catching the next bus or whatever. You can go where you want, when you want, and not have to bother with figuring out which PT you need to catch. All in all, while you'd spend less using PT, the cost effectiveness is outweighed, in my humble opinion, with the options you have with a rental.
As for Victoria, it's a judgment call. It's less expensive using the ferry as a pedestrian than also paying for an auto. But if cost is not a major factor, again, I'd opt for the car. The ferry is about a 30 minute drive from mid-town Vancouver, and is about the same from Victoria. You need to arrive at least 30-45 minutes before departures. The BC Ferry website provides all of the needed info. There must be PT readily available to/from both ferry departure locations if you opt to go this route. Of course, taking a helicopter or seaplane is much quicker and gets you right down to Victoria Harbor. Butchart Gardens, a must-see, also requires a car or PT, given its distance from downtown Victoria. Vancouver and Victoria are wonderful cities. Have fun!
While public transportation(PT) is quite good in Vancouver and its environs, I'd opt for a rental if you can swing the extra cost. My family visited last summer with kids older than yours but as demanding nonetheless. What with strollers, diaper bags, etc. etc., getting around on PT will be exhausting after a short time. Also, waiting for buses if the weather is rainy won't be fun, either.
We found getting around the city wasn't difficult at all. My wife and I have lived in Washington, DC, which is a major pain in driving/parking most anytime of the year. Vancouver, by comparison, was a breeze. Even finding public parking was relatively easy in most parts of town. Now that summer high season is over, it can only be that must easier. Lastly, with a car you never have to worry about catching the next bus or whatever. You can go where you want, when you want, and not have to bother with figuring out which PT you need to catch. All in all, while you'd spend less using PT, the cost effectiveness is outweighed, in my humble opinion, with the options you have with a rental.
As for Victoria, it's a judgment call. It's less expensive using the ferry as a pedestrian than also paying for an auto. But if cost is not a major factor, again, I'd opt for the car. The ferry is about a 30 minute drive from mid-town Vancouver, and is about the same from Victoria. You need to arrive at least 30-45 minutes before departures. The BC Ferry website provides all of the needed info. There must be PT readily available to/from both ferry departure locations if you opt to go this route. Of course, taking a helicopter or seaplane is much quicker and gets you right down to Victoria Harbor. Butchart Gardens, a must-see, also requires a car or PT, given its distance from downtown Victoria. Vancouver and Victoria are wonderful cities. Have fun!
Sep 30th, 2003, 11:09 PM
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Thanks for all your helpful replies. This forum is great! It looks like having a car is the way to go with two young children (and all their equipment). My wife and I can't wait for our trip!
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