About Vancouver

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With its scenic views, mild climate, and  friendly people, Vancouver is known around the world as both a popular  tourist attraction and one of the best places to live. Vancouver is also one of the most ethnically and linguistically diverse cities in Canada with 52 percent of the population speaking a first language other than English. Vancouver has hosted many international conferences and events, including the 2010 Winter Olympics and 2010 Winter Paralympics.

Vancouver is located on the mainland of North America, in the south-west corner of British Columbia, the westernmost of Canada's 10 provinces and three territories. Metro Vancouver  is made up of 21 municipalities that occupy 2,930 square kilometres on and around the Fraser River delta. The City of Vancouver is one of them. Roughly speaking, Metro Vancouver is bordered on the north side by the  Coast Mountains, to the south by the U.S. border, to the west by Pacific Ocean, and to the east by the far end of the suburbs of Maple Ridge and Langley.

The City of Vancouver is on the far-western portion of a peninsula that is a major extension of the Fraser River's delta. The delta juts  into a part of the Pacific Ocean, separating Vancouver Island from the mainland, called the Strait of Georgia. Several self-governing urban  areas called municipalities make up Metro Vancouver. Directly north of  the City of Vancouver is West Vancouver and North Vancouver,  collectively referred to as “the North Shore”; bordering the east of  Vancouver is the suburb of Burnaby, with Richmond to the south of the city.

"Vancouver is a city unlike any other. Wherever I look, I see water or mountains -- or both. And everyone looks so healthy." – The Daily Telegraph (UK)

"In winter, the heart of downtown [Vancouver] is 30 minutes from  the ski slopes. In summer, sun seekers crowd its beaches and seaside  promenades. And despite a rain-prone climate, it displays a perpetually  sunny disposition. Consider it the supermodel of North American cities." – USA Today

"Vancouver is one of North America’s most under-rated tourist  destinations. It is a modern, travel-friendly city with a unique mix of  cultures. The relatively mild Pacific Northwest climate and an energetic  restaurant and nightlife scene are other features that make this such  an attractive city." – LowFares.com 

Consider just a few reasons why you should plan a trip to Vancouver:

Spectacular & Safe Setting - Majestic mountains,  sparkling ocean, rainforests and beautiful foliage throughout all four  seasons make Vancouver one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Canadians are known for our friendly nature, and Vancouver's citizens  take great pride in our welcoming, clean, safe streets - day or night,  all year round. 

Gateway to Adventure - With quick and easy access to Whistler, the Canadian Rockies, Victoria, Vancouver Island, and of course, endless year-round water and land sports, whether you’re looking for extreme sports or family fun, you’ll find your personal adventure here. Vancouver also is the home port for Alaska cruises May through  October. 

Superior Service & Value - Vancouver's hotels,  restaurants and business community offer outstanding levels of service  and product quality. Meeting your needs and exceeding your expectations  is a top priority of Vancouver's businesses, providing friendly  assistance every step of your trip. And with a consistently advantageous  exchange rate on the Canadian dollar, you can have a world-class  experience with superior value for your money! 

There are several options to go between Vancouver International Airport (YVR) and downtown Vancouver, including car rentals, limousine, taxi, and public transit.

Many major car rental companies have desks at YVR, so hiring and returning your rental car is easy and convenient. Driving between downtown and the airport is straight-forward and well sign-posted. From downtown, proceed south on Granville Street to West 72nd Avenue. Follow the road left onto SW Marine Drive and over the Arthur Laing Bridge. The bridge takes you to Grant McConachie Way, which leads directly to the airport terminal. 

Taxi

In addition to providing you with a safe and reliable ride, Vancouver taxi companies ensure all drivers receive extensive training through the award-winning TaxiHost training program. Developed in 1996, TaxiHost training includes eight modules ranging from driving with finesse to advanced customer service and transporting people with disabilities. All licensed taxis are allowed to drop-off passengers at YVR, and they will use the meter to determine the fare.

If you’re taking a taxi from the airport to your hotel after arriving at YVR, use one of the taxi stands located on Level 2. Taxis operating from the airport are licensed, and will use a zoned fare rate that will depend on your destination.

Limousine and Car Service

Ride in style with a luxury sedan or limousine pick-up to whisk you to or from Vancouver International Airport. When flying into YVR, many companies offer pre-arranged meet-and-greet services, or simply use YVR’s official licenced limousine company – no booking required. 

Public Transit

The SkyTrain’s Canada Line provides rapid rail service linking YVR to downtown Vancouver and parts of Richmond. Trains leave the airport station approximately every seven minutes during most times of the day. There are 16 stops along the line, with downtown Vancouver stops including Yaletown, Vancouver City Centre and Waterfront—the terminus for the line.

The trip from YVR to downtown Vancouver takes only 26 minutes on a two zone fare of $4.20, plus the $5.00 Canada Line YVR AddFare. The YVR AddFare is waived if you have a pre-purchased fare, e.g. a day pass, monthly pass or a Fare Saver ticket. Check the TransLink website for maps, schedules and fare information.