Would you suggest renting a car........

[schwenko]

When I come to Vancouver in 10 days?
I have never been, and would like to take in the attractions, including hobby-oriented ones (especially).
I'll be staying in downtown Vancouver.
Thanks for any help from a NYC guy.

 

[hitrack]

Ya know if you stay right in the guts of the city a car is really not necessary as rapid transit is quit reliable and everything is located just a few blocks from bus routs. Not to mention if you wanna hit the nudie bars then a car is just extra baggage.

Only two reasons for a car is if your gonna cruise the street chicks, or you plan to head outta the city. But hey renting a car is pretty cheap for a couple days.

 

[Swguy]

Most of the things you'll want to see in downtown are within walking distance of most of the major hotels. Driving around downtown can be a hassle, but seeing as you're from NYC, I'd imagine our traffic problems will seem minor on comparison to what you may be used to.

There are several tour companies in Vancouver that offer some very good tours of Vancouver, Whistler and Vistoria if that's what you're interested in. I'd recommend Gray Line of Vancouver, simply from personal experience. I've been on a few of their tours with out-of-town friends and they are great tours. Vancouver Trolley Company offers a loop tour or Vancouver where you can get on and off at any of the 20 or so stops they have. Gray Line also offers a similar tour on double-decker busses. There's a horse-drawn trolley in Stanley Park that will take your around the whole park in about an hour. There's a guy with a very cool vintage car who gives personalized tours of Vancouver from the Pan Pacific Hotel. Can't remember his name, but its a neat car from the 30's I think and seems like it'd be kinda fun. If you're staying at one of the major hotels, the Concierge, Doorman or Front Desk should be able to set you up with whatever tour you'd like, or at least put you in contact with the appropriate company. So if all you want is to see the sights of Vancouver, you probably don't need a car. On the other hand, it might be an idea to take one or two tours, then get a car and go back to the places you'd like to explore more on your own time.

As far as hobby related things, unless you're wanting to tour the street-walker Tracks, a car probably isn't necesary as most of the ladies in town (either independants or through agencies) will gladly visit you at your hotel. Besides, it'd be damned inconvenient to get pulled over by the local boys on one of the tracks, and rentals cars scream "STOP ME!!"

If you're wanting to go see some dancers, the best bars (No. 5 Orange St., The Cecil, The Marble Arch) are 5 - 10 minutes away (generally) by cab.

Hope this helps. Enjoy your visit.

SWG

 

[steverino]

Even if you want to hit Victoria, it's easy to come over on a bus. If you tell the bus driver you are looking to get laid, he'll drop you off at IB, VE or SU.

 

[hitrack]

Even if you want to hit Victoria, it's easy to come over on a bus. If you tell the bus driver you are looking to get laid, he'll drop you off at IB, VE or SU.

If he won't you tell him to FO!!!

 

[LonelyGhost]

for what it costs to rent a car you could have some nice dinners ... drinks ... and pooning ...

i flew into van once and rather than catching a cab, i took one of the 'free lance' limos at the airport ... $20 downtown and he loaded and unloaded my luggage and let me have my cat in the limo ... he also told me if i wanted anything from booze to broads he would deliver to my hotel or drive me around for a very good rate ...

also check with the concierge at your hotel for 'entertainment' and rides around the city ... they can hook you up with almost anything and get you anywhere if they are good ...

unless you need or really want to drive a lot of places in van or vic, i would rent only when you need it ... but you will probably find you can do quite well without it ...

and if you just want a tour of the city and such, the indy limos are surprisingly good ... cheaper than the cab rate because the limo guy just sets a flat rate or hourly rate for whatever you want ... no parking hassles, no map reading, no worry about the LE if you had too much to drink ...

have fun in the city!

ps: in vic you can rent a kabuki cab to take a tour and there are some hot chicks peddling those things these days!

 

[Fudd]

If your from NYC the Vancouver traffic will seem like nothing to you. And I do suggest you rent a car with a GPS navigation system built in. All you have to do is enter in your destination and the onboard computer gives you directions. I assume your flying in so there is a wide sellection of vehicles to rent at the airport. I suggest Budget Rent A Car.

However, if you just plan to stay in a small area then I'd listen to the suggestions above.

 

[dbrw42]

Ivisited Vancouver back at the end of February. Another option is that there are several places that you can rent a mountain bike from. I don't remember the names, but I remember seeing them listed in the Yellow Pages under bicycles. Eliminates parking problems and parking fees, and you can go the wrong way down a one way street on the sidewalk. Next time I visit Vancouver, that's probably what I'll do, and just rent a car for a day or two if I want to go farther out.

 

[Swguy]

The Marble Arch has been closed for a year or so. It is now a low income housing apartment complex.

Really? crap... oh well... shows how often I get out, huh?

Thanks Duff....

SWG

 

[MrSoprano]

Hey schwenko.....no need to rent a car here....with your US Dollar about .35 cents richer then our Canadian Dollar, you will be able to take taxis everywhere. Most hotels in the downtown core do not offer free parking, not to mention its nearly impossible to park on any downtown street between 3pm and 6pm. On average it will cost you $6.00/hr to park on the streets, i know its a lot cheaper then NYC, its a pain in the ass here. Vancouver has many outstanding things to do and see!!! Make sure you use the most of your time! Enjoy your stay!

 

[OTR2]

And if you plan on visiting Surrey, you might as well adapt to the local customs and just steal a car anyway.

 

[HeMadeMeDoIt]

Rent a car unless u want a ride ont he loser cruiser (skytrain) to surrey! For what it costs $30-40 /day its not worth the hassles of having to deal with public transportation.