Navigating Metro Vancouver Guide

The regional public transit system is called TransLink, and it features one of the longest automated driverless light rapid transit systems in the world, called the SkyTrain. Each of BCIT’s campuses can be reached by public transit. Visit translink.ca for schedules, system maps, a trip planner and more.

Students in full-time programs may be eligible for a U-Pass, which is a discounted monthly transit pass that is paid for through student fees.

Regular transit users will want to get a Compass card, which is a re-loadable tap card that can be used for transit services. They can be purchased at various locations throughout the region.  You may load your U-pass, monthly or daily passes, or a stored account balance onto your Compass card. Register your card online at compasscard.ca to manage or reload your card and even to recover your stored account balance or pass product if your card were to be lost or stolen.

Avoid awkward encounters on the bus by familiarizing yourself with local transit etiquette.

Students who plan to drive in BC should familiarize themselves with local rules. Typically, newcomers to BC have 90 days to switch their valid licence to a BC Drivers License. However, it is possible to have a valid student exemption due to full-time enrollment at BCIT (or another designated educational institution in BC). BC has reciprocal licence exchange agreements with many other countries. See ICBC – Moving from outside Canada for more information.

Vehicle owners must arrange for auto insurance from the Insurance Company of British Colombia (ICBC). The British Columbia Automobile Association (BCAA) offers roadside assistance services to members. Membership can be purchased on an annual basis.

Student parking is available at BCIT, and e-permits can be purchased online.

To check up-to-date driving conditions and road closures, visit DriveBC.

Carsharing and carpooling are a good ways to gain access to a car without the cost of owning one.

Cycling is an inexpensive way to get around the city while getting a workout, and Vancouver is one of the top cycling cities in North America! There is an extensive network of bike routes throughout the region. Make sure to wear a helmet whenever you are riding and to have bike lights and reflective gear if you may be cycling in the dark.

If you want to ride but don’t plan to get your own bike, Vancouver has a bike sharing program called Mobi which is available in downtown Vancouver and the surrounding area. There are also many bike rental shops throughout the region.

Avid bikers are encouraged to check out HUB Cycling, which provides a number of key resources and helps to organize special events like Go by Bike Week.

Note that it is possible to bring your bike on public transit, though some limitations apply such as during peak rush hour travel.

For taxi service, contact Yellow Cab or Black Top & Checker Cabs in Vancouver or Richmond or Bonnie’s Taxi in Burnaby or New Westminster.

App-based ridesharing companies such as Uber and Lyft also operate in the region.

Community centres are public spaces that offer a wide variety of educational and recreational opportunities. Services offered can range from language classes and conversation groups to ice skating and taekwondo. Some cities have recreation centres instead of community centres.

Visit the websites for your city of residence for more information:

• Vancouver
• Burnaby
• Richmond
• Surrey
• Coquitlam
• North Vancouver

Remember that BCIT students also have access to Recreation Services on campus!

Public libraries offer a variety of free resources and services to members of the community, and can be a fantastic place if you need some quiet study time! Some offer interactive programming and even lend out cool stuff like musical instruments and bird watching kits. As an international student, you can create an account at your local library. You may need to show identification and a document such as a piece of mail that shows your name and address.

Local library systems:

• Vancouver
• Burnaby
• Richmond
• Surrey
• Coquitlam
• North Vancouver

Remember that BCIT students also have access to the Library on campus!

MOSAIC is an organization that provides a number of valuable services for newcomers to Canada.