Image courtesy of Parkbus | Facebook.com
When it comes to close proximity to nature, Vancouver shines as one of the best cities in the world that offers hiking opportunities that are accessible without needing a car. From Grouse Mountain to Deep Cove’s Quarry Rock and a few other options in between, it’s easy to escape into nature with just the price of a bus ticket.
However, despite being so close to Vancouver, most provincial parks in the Sea-to-Sky Corridor have no transit options available. If you want to access the jaw-dropping beauty of Garibaldi, you’re going to have to rely on a car to get you there – until now!
Parkbus Vancouver will be piloting a new direct connection to Gaibaldi, Alice Lake, Shannon Falls, and Stawamus Chief Provincial Parks from Vancouver for two days only on August 20 and September 10. This is your chance to escape to the wild for a day of adventure, just a short bus ride from Vancouver!
Parkbus, a non-profit service which operates out of Ontario, will be working in partnership with Better Environmentally Sound Transportation, BC Parks, and MEC to offer transit service along the Sea to Sky highway for two days this summer.
There will be 38 seats available on each bus, which will be staffed with volunteer Parkbus Ambassadors to provide info on the opportunities available in each area. Seats on the bus cost around $44 for adults (return) and $40 for students. You can even bring your dog for an extra $10 to enjoy the trip!
The buses will pickup passengers at three locations in the morning, at MEC Vancouver (8:00am), Burrard Skytrain Station (8:20am) and Travelodge North Vancouver (8:35am). You can choose between four destinations including:
Image courtesy of GoToVan | Flickr.com
Stawamus Chief: a landmark hike in the Squamish region that provides rock climbing opportunities, three summits with rewarding views of Howe Sound, all within close proximity of a brewery. (more info)
The bus arrives at 9:25am and leaves at 6:00pm.
Image courtesy of Benson Kalahar | Flickr.com
Shannon Falls: the stunning waterfall located near the Stawamus Chief (combine both activities for a very full day!) that is the perfect place for picnicking, hiking, and wandering around in nature. (more info)
The bus arrives at 9:30am and departs at 5:50pm
Image from Sea to Sky Parks | Website
Alice Lake: a beautiful fresh water lake surrounded by towering mountains, dense forests and grassy areas. There are many walking trails in the area, including well-known Four Lakes Trail. (more info)
The bus arrives at 9:50am and departs at 5:30pm.
Image courtesy of David Veksler | Flickr.com
Garibaldi Park: a favourite year round destination for outdoor enthusiasts. If you’re a fast hiker, take the time to get up to Garibaldi Lake, a moderate hike that will treat you with an unparalleled view of a glacier lake surrounded by snow-capped peaks. (more info)
The bus arrives at 10:15am and departs at 5:00pm.
Here’s hoping that the success of this pilot program will mean even more opportunities to access nature from Vancouver. Be a part of the pilot and help make it a reality by booking a spot on the bus for either August 20 or September 10. Book a spot here.
If the service becomes permanent, what other locations do you think the Parkbus should visit? Let us know in the comment section below!
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