Unfortunately, the city is ill-served by both public transit, and commuter highways. Taxis aren't as plentiful as you would expect in a city this size, parking is expensive, and buses don't run on logical routes. In short, if your destination isn't a walkable distance, you're in for a hassle of some sort.

Public transit: The bus system runs from 5am to 1am, with extended service until 3am on routes designated for 'owl service'. Fares are based on the zone of your destination: one zone costs $2, two zones cost $3 and three zones cost $4. Tickets are good for 96 minutes from the moment you pay your fare, so you can run errands, change bus lines, switch to the elevated SkyTrain, retrace your steps and return to your starting point, all within that time frame without having to buy a new ticket. Single-day unlimited-use passes cost $8. The SeaBus, plying the water across Burrard Inlet between the foot of Granville Street and the North Shore, is a two-zone trip, running every 15 minutes from 6am until 12.30am. For transit information, call 604 953 3333 or visit www.bctransit.com.

Taxis: Of the city's many fleets, the Yellow, Vancouver and Black Top ones are most prevalent, and each has wheelchair- accessible vehicles upon specific request. A customary tip is 10% of the fare, and there are no extra charges for luggage or multiple passengers. There are cab stands at all hotels, and drivers will also respond to being hailed by pedestrians. At night, cabs signify their availability by illuminating the dome light atop the roof; when the light is off, the car is off-duty or already occupied with a fare. Charges are $2.40 flat and $1.39 per kilometre from then.