carisdc

If we take the train from Seattle to Vancouver, can we get to all the sights via public transportation? We'd also like to go to Victoria (is that a day trip?) and Whistler. Is it better to rent a car?

Orcas

No need for a rental car in Vancouver or Victoria. Yes for Whistler.

BAK

I often read fiction about the non-need for a car in various Canadian cities.

In Canada, the only cities where that really applies are Toronto and Montreal.

In some other cities, you can spend part of a visit car-less, but for other days, a car is very handy.

InVancouver, it's much better to have a car in order to go up the Fraser River a bit, to get up on the mountains on the north shore, tp get to Gramville Island without taking forever, to get to the bigger parks, and more.

Yes, you can go to Victoria for the day -- do a circle, crossing over on a ferry north of Vancouver and coming back on a ferry south of Vancouver. It'll be a long day, so start early.

BAK

Daniel_Williams

I disagree strongly with BAK about his statement that's it's fiction the "non-need" of a car in Vancouver. I had a great 4 full day visit 2 years back, no car, centering myself in the West End, a very walkable area with a wide selection of amenities and easy walking distance to English Bay Beach, Stanley Park and Chinatown. I was able to access Lonsdale Quay, Grouse Mountain, Capilano Suspension Bridge, Bowen Island, shops in Kitsilano, the Museum of Anthropology and Wreck Beach by public transit (bus in some cases) and a bit of walking. Never felt "oh I wish I'd rented a car" or that I'd exhausted my public transit-accessible possibilities.

Sure, if one wishes to go further afield (*outside Vancouver*), such as going up the Fraser River, a car would be required. Truthfully though, the same could be said about going further afield in Montreal or Toronto. (The paths of the Centre Nature at Mont-Saint-Hilaire near Montreal for example.)

I'm sure you'll have fun whatever you decide. DAN

Orcas

Nonfiction. We've been in Vancouver and Victoria with and without a car and have had no problems when we have been without a car. There is plenty to see and do in the main part of Vancouver. And, you can rent bikes and see Stanley Park the way it is meant to be seen, plus ride along the beautiful waterfront. You can even take your bike on the water tax to Granville Island. If you don't have bikes, there are plenty of tour buses that go around Stanley Park. Also it is a lovely walk. I don't know if the path is open all the way around, since it was wrecked in the storm last year, though. (I think the Capilano Bridge is a waste of money and ditto for Grouse Mt.)
As for Victoria, you can take a bus to Buchardt Gdns. If you have time to go to Oak Bay, you can rent a bike or take a bus. Victoria is very concentrated and can be seen on foot, especially if you are talking about only going for a day or two.

Unless you are flying, you will be really pressed for time to see much of Victoria on a day trip. The ferry is just over 1 1/2 hours, plus you have to get from Swartz Bay to Victoria (1/2 hour?). If you're driving, you'll have to get to the terminal early and wait for the ferry, as well. So, it would take almost 3 hours each way. This would be tiring to do in one day. If you take the bus, it might save you time and would certainly save you money. I have not taken the bus between the cities, but I'd guess it is a good way to go.