August 25, 2005 | Tips from Us >
Vancouver, Shopping
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If you're planning to visit
Granville Island while in Vancouver, do what the locals do and leave your car behind. Unless you go early in the morning or late at night, traffic down there is a nightmare. Lots of free parking (a plus) coupled with very few throughways (a minus) means total gridlock most of the day. But there are lots of alternative ways of getting there though, and more scenic too. Hop aboard one of the ubiquitous Aqua Buses that dot the waters of False Creek and take a sea cruise before getting there. One of my favourites methods is to walk to Granville Island along the Seawall; great views of the city, fresh ocean breeze and lots of benches for you sit and take it all in (no one said you had to rush). Bicycles and Rollerblades are also allowed on the Seawall.
Public transit is another option. If you must drive, consider using the metered parking outside the entrance to Granville Island instead of driving in. It means you'll do a little walking, but believe me it's a small price to pay to avoid the congestion. Plenty of metered parking is available on 1st, 2nd, 3rd Avenues between Fir St and Burrard St. If you`re lucky there are a few unmetered spots to be had, but those aren't vacant very often.