Getting Around Vancouver: Walkability, Public Transit & Biking

Vancouver is somewhat walkable, particularly in the downtown area, Uptown Village, and Esther Short, where a traveler can conveniently run errands and enjoy cultural attractions on foot. These vibrant neighborhoods offer a good mix of shops and dining options in a compact setting. Nonetheless, the suburban layout, typical of many American cities, means that outside of these areas, a car or public transportation becomes more necessary to access amenities, as residential areas are often situated further from essential services.

Vancouver provides decent public transit options through C-TRAN, which services the city and connects to Portland. The 'Vine' BRT lines enhance service along main routes, catering well to local and commuting travelers. That said, public transit coverage could be better in some suburban neighborhoods, and travel can become time-consuming when utilizing buses for longer routes or off-peak times. However, express services cater to commuters crossing into Portland, offering reasonable alternatives for travelers looking to explore beyond Vancouver.

Vancouver's investment in biking infrastructure shines through with numerous bike lanes and shared paths available throughout the city. The Columbia River Waterfront Renaissance Trail and other multi-use paths offer scenic and safe routes for travelers. Vancouver's relatively flat terrain further supports biking as a practical mode for commuting and leisure. Designated as a Bronze-level Bicycle Friendly Community, the city continually enhances its biking facilities, although some areas, particularly those with uneven terrain, might pose minor challenges.