Do You Need a Car Living in Vancouver? Living Car-Free in Vancouver
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 18 ต.ค. 2024
- More and more people are choosing to live without a car. Whether you are trying to save money, being environmentally conscious or just trying to get your steps in, there are plenty of reasons people are deciding to park their car for good.
But while you may be motivated to leave your car at home, can you get away with it? That’s the question that I aim to answer in this video.
I’ll explore whether you can survive in Vancouver without a car. Why Vancouver might be uniquely situated to be a car free city, what kind of car alternatives are available in Vancouver (including bike share, car shares and public transit)…but most importantly the questions you’ll need to ponder if you are considering living in Vancouver without a car.
And as a bonus, if you are thinking of moving to Vancouver I’ll give you my advice on whether it’s worth shipping your old car out along with your furniture!
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Do you think you could live car-free in Vancouver (or are you already)?
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We are moving to Vancouver soon - one thing you missed is that you can’t take pets on transit. We want to live in downtown as it’ll be convenient for work, and would like to be eco friendly and not use a car. However, as pets are not allowed on transit (we have a 20lb Cockapoo, who will not fit in a handheld carrier) getting around and exploring with him will be nearly impossible without a car. This is really surprising moving from Europe, where dogs are freely allowed on public transport and he rides the train to work regularly with me. We never see issues with pets on transit here (or certainly no more so than with adults/children!) on the contrary he brings joy to the carriage of every train he rides! So frustrating to have to buy a car just to get around with a dog who is so well trained on public transport.
But while I’m here - your content has been completely invaluable for our move - thank you so much!
@modelfreeftw That's a good point! Yes, you can't take pets on public transit...and I think that's the same for car shares and ubers as well. My father always complained about that here, too...the difference in the way pets are treated in North America vs Europe (where you could take your dog into a hotel, restaurant or grocery store with no issue). My bad for missing this point, but appreciate that you brought it to my attention as it's a really good one.
...and thank you for the compliment. Glad that you are finding my videos helpful! Where are you moving from?
We are moving from the UK :)
I’ve done a little research, he can ride transit in a carrier, but we will struggle to find one that we can get on our lap that will fit, might try something just to avoid cars but will have to see. I’m pretty sure he can use car share as long as he’s in a carrier - this is easier, but still less than ideal as it’s single person use. It’s so easy to ride the bus or train with him in the UK. I’ve read other cities in Canada allow it during off peak times, find the difference in Vancouver so bizarre!
Yes. It's the same for Evo at least (you can use it so long as your pet is in a carrier). Keep in mind Canada is a massive country (and a different system of government) so there will definitely be big differences from one end of the country to the other. :)
I've watched this episode several times and always spot something I previously missed. Your videos are excellent.
That's amazing @marcberrenson570! Love to hear that. :)
This guy s one of the main reasons I’ll be moving into Coal Harbour or West of Denman. I can’t wait to get back to walking everywhere. Life on Salt Spring means getting in your car for everything
Amazing @ivorytelecaster! I love West of Denman in particular. I always feel like I'm on holidays in that little pocket. Everything is so chill...yet so close to downtown.
Never had a car or a driver's license and I get by in the Lower mainland just fine. Although I do nsotly work from home as a Software Developer.
Just purchased my first condo right next tot he SkyTrain station in King George and couldn't be happier.
Love your videos as always, thanks for sharing.
Aw. I appreciate that. Thank you so much! And thank you for watching!
Visiting from Britain I Once canoed out to Bowyer Island off Horseshoe Bay & spent the night camped there despite the Do Not Land notices all along the shore.. Did no harm, cost nothing & a blissful paddle across the blue water that Spring. First woodpecker I ever heard delayed slumber.. Naughty, I admit! The city much less 'complicated' in the 1970s, no doubt..
in 2016 my doctor get me to relinquish the my driver license. I was on these borderline case where in theory I could drive (especially in the daytime) and probably could had retain my license if I fight him. I decided to try to not drive for a short while and see if my life became intolerable, and if it is unbearable, I will challenge him to get it back. It turn out I actually like it. for most areas and tasks, it is actually my preferred method on transportation. And where I was to go is not just the immediate suburb of city of Vancouver. From my residence in south Vancouver, I can easily transit to part of the region that is over 30 KM away with minimal extra work and frequently as fast as taking you car.
@slam5 ...and I'm sure also saving a bunch of money at the same time. Congratulations on making that transition, and thank for sharing your experience.
This is number 1 thing I love about Vancouver! Transportation is not that convenient as in Europe but… this is definitely one of the best transit network in North America!!
Car is always traffic, insurance, parking, payments … love to drive only to the mountains
Yes, I agree with you @romank5498. It's nice to not HAVE to use a car a lot of the time. Of course, it's not the same as ideal as some cities but FAR better than most.
Which we are surrounded by
👍
Life is simpler with my car. Love it. I use Uber to go dt from Kerrisdale.
Oh definitely. There's a certain level of convenience when you drive your own vehicle...and I would say that Kerrisdale (I grew up there and my office is still there) isn't the most convenient area to do without a car...but I know many of the retirees around there get by without one. But thank goodness we don't have to rely on taxis anymore for a night out!
I need this video and I love your channel.
That’s awesome @wyuxing! Thank for watching and for the compliment. :)
Make sure to check the "walkability score" or "of your potential home for both transit and bikes. TLDR. If you live or plan to live in Vancouver City proper, you almost certainly don't need a car with some limited lifestyle exceptions such as hobbies. All suburbs will require a car unless you are directly on a hub.
That’s a great point @silentrobcanada. I really should have mentioned checking the walk score! Thanks for commenting!
Please do a video about climate risks faced by the various cites in lower main land. Couple of years ago we had a flood in chili wack . which caused lot of damage. Coquitlum has high wild fire risk.
When I arrive I'll see if I'll really need the car because I still don't know where I'll live. It's also time to change my Brazilian driver's license to a Canadian one.
Yes. Best to see how it goes once you are here @PauloBristofen!
I just got into UBC grad school ahhhh. I’m moving to east van because.. prices. Not looking forward to the long bus rides but I’ll live :) and if I’m staying long term you will absolutely be my realtor when I buy
But I guess evo is also an option for me?
@bdidimful Awesome. Congratulations! Loads of students live in East Van (or further) and commute west to UBC. You won't be alone. :) The rapid bus from Commercial Drive can actually be pretty efficient. But yeah, an Evo would be even better...or if you are feeling energetic it can be bikeable.
Oh...and don't wait until late summer to secure a rental. It can get extremely competitive for student housing come August!
@@LivingInVancouver-BC found a rental already!! All the tips from years of watching you paid off :)
Fantastic @bdidimful! :)
Enjoying these videos!
Oh thank you @mstt3530! Happy to have you watching!
if you live in downtown, 50-50, oter places 30-70 and 26-76 like Burnaby. But you got to have a car in BC, to take advantage of all it offers. Already paying high, take advantage of the places it offer
Same point of having a car with you. Travelling with kid. At least one fairly small car/suv (easy to park), sometimes in case of emergency as well.
Yeah...that's a good point @frankielee908. Having a car around for emergencies when you have children offers piece of mind for sure. It's likely not necessary for that reason (calling 911 in the city would be faster almost every time) but I can understand not wanting to take that chance.
Let me put it in my experience, during the pandemic I was ok with it. I have gone back to car first now that it is back to normal. Damm I thought the pandemic ridership where the normal flow of traffic. Really was the first time having a deep experience with it to try it. Hoped I had taken more advantage of it. But you got to have car, anywhere even the world. Even in Asia
I bought a car as soon as I moved to Vancouver. I don’t use it much daily, but whenever you need to go somewhere that is not very central and not near a Skytrain station, it’s much easier by car. And if you want to explore more of the lower mainland, driving is basically your only option. I often go to Spanish Banks Beach and it’s a 1+ hour trip via public transport or just a 20-25m drive from Mount Pleasant. But most things I need on a daily basis are within walking distance or a short bus/skytrain ride away which is nice.
@nicktankard1244 I hear you! But i do think that’s where the car shares come in really handy. You can rely on them for the occasional times where you make unusual trips that are less convenient with transit…like to somewhere such as Spanish Banks or up to Squamish or something. They’ve been a real game changer (along with the arrival of Uber) making it much easier to live without a car for many.
@@LivingInVancouver-BC yeah for sure, you can use car shares or rentals for longer trips. I just like having my own car. I’m a car guy, so I’ve always appreciated having a car that I like to drive, and it’s mine. But it is freaking expensive to own a car here. Worth it for me though.
For sure. I can't give up mine yet, either...but mainly that's due to my job and because I have SO many little kids. If I had no kids and had a basic commute to work every day I'd definitely get rid of my car.
@@LivingInVancouver-BC fyi, taking kids on bus is no longer a real chore. a lot of parents bring a whole family of kids on transit and I had see 3-4 kids from time to time. and if you have a toddler, other riders have to vacate their seats for you. other riders also LOVE TO doddle over your kids. your kids will learn to interact with strangers. you can teach him how to socialize. In summer time, you see a lot of community center's summer groups of 20+ kids riding transit. I think they enjoy it too.
@slam5 Oh I know that taking kids on the bus is possible and can be a fun adventure. I'd also agree with you that exposing kids to public transit is healthy, offering an opportunity to interact with the world (keep in mind that kids aren't otherwise isolated, most parents are ensuring their children get all sorts of other opportunities for social interaction). But that's very different from suggesting it's a reasonable way to live.
I have four kids under 8. Have you tried corralling that many small children on your own in a public space? :) But aside from that reality they have a variety of activities, two go to a school in one direction and two to daycare in another direction. Aside from both parents working full time (and my work isn't just 9-5), needing to prepare breakfasts, lunches and dinners, helping with home work and ensuring kids get everywhere on time (and possibly trying to have a social life outside of kids on occasion)...not having a car would be ridiculous.
Like I said in the video, once kids get a bit older and more independent or you just have a single child...sure. But parents of young children (especially multiple ones) are one group I wouldn't be pushing as needing to give up a car.
Vancouver transit is the cream of the crop
We certainly have a lot going for us!
Once again, you scripted and shot a video just for me. I want to be car free, but it depends on where we move. Downtown, no car, but if we go to the burbs, then maybe keep the car. This is what we are going to figure out. I just like walking places. I can walk most places here and uber when I need a car. I just feel better walking. I would also say West Point Grey doesn't need a car either. So many bus lines and express buses.
100% @ordinaryfilmmaker! There are very few areas in Vancouver where you couldn’t get away without a car if you wanted to. :)
@@LivingInVancouver-BC Binge watching your videos today to get ready for the Vancouver visit. If it rains the whole time, we will adjust and maybe spend more time looking at areas. I do hope for some sunny periods as the footage always looks better ;)
We are getting the rain out of the way for you now. I'm sure you'll have some good weather!
@@LivingInVancouver-BC Thank you!
:)
how cold is winter and How to Keep Warm How long is Summer
I made a video just for you -> The Weather and Climate in Vancouver BC - What's it REALLY LIKE?
th-cam.com/video/wxu5bK_1odg/w-d-xo.html
hello every one , i have heard bad stories about quality of service of west coast express. It is often late and crowed. Please share your experiences here. Thanka
They should have recumbent bike shares
@chriskozma3507 Count me in!
Absolutely do need a car as it is aMust.
One thing I find ironic is that government is making EV so cheap and charging so easy. They give out $8000 ev rebate and mandate EV charging rough in for new developments. But at the same time they’re making driving so difficult!!!
@hammertimee777 True. I guess they're saying we don't want cars to congest our streets UNLESS they're EVs. ;)
You dont need a car to live in Van but if you ever want to actuslly experience BC yes you need one. There is no central transit system that runs well and very far. All the transit systems are slow and take hours.
If you're moving to Van to stay in Van only, then you wont need a car.
I disagree, while there are areas where you only can get to easily with a car but there are a lot places that you couldn't think you can get to without a car that is actually easy once you get a hang of it. with all the transit apps on your smart phone, you can even optimize how long you have to wait, calculate the best route or an alternative route if you like to. As for you idea that there is no central transit system and transit is slow, that isn't true a lot of times. And I'm not refer to just going downtown. GVRD's transit system is excellent considering our population base and how big our area is. For sure, there are areas that you can't get to without a car but these areas are shrinking all the time. try it for a week to park your car and take transit to get around. have an open mind on it.
I kind of agree with both of you. :) Our transit system in the Lower Mainland is exceptional and definitely improving all the time. However, getting into the interior of BC isn't really possible with transit. This can be a shock for people that come from more densely populated areas (like southern Ontario or most parts of Europe). However, it makes total sense when you consider how empty the interior of our country is. There aren't enough people to be able to provide that kind of service. So yeah, driving (or flying) is often the only option if you'd like to get to say, Tumbler Ridge. But my point still stands. You don't NEED to own a car. Even if you'd like to explore outside of Vancouver you could rent a car for a week to make those trips here and there. Appreciate you both @slam5 and @theartofthings commenting and watching!
Are You Safe In a Air B AND B
Yes. Vancouver is an incredibly safe city overall...I think that I recall from your other posts that you are a female planning a visit to Vancouver...so I'd just stay away from an Airbnb that's either in, or near, the Downtown Eastside (not the same as East Vancouver).
@@LivingInVancouver-BC is there any safe Air B AND B out side Vancouver
@@LivingInVancouver-BC the best air b and b in vancouver canada cheap and safe
I think that there's a website for that, no?
Americans have the north west territory and they call it the panhandle
@nozmulm Thanks for watching! I'm not sure what part of the video this is in reaction to? Or what area of the US you are referring to?
@@LivingInVancouver-BC Its very visible on the map, on the pacific ocean, Ketchikan city, Sitka city and Juneau city
Oh yeah...you mean the Alaska panhandle. I've never heard anyone refer to Alaska as the north west territory....that's a Canadian territory. The one between the Yukon and Nunavut.
maybe I don't need a car. but I want a car. no I want many many cars
@adamkhabazian3249 Haha. Did I just find Jay Leno's youtube account? ;)