Vancouver is a beautiful town that is reportedly a delightful place to spend time in. The issue for me is my destination has always been beyond and when nearing the end of a sizable drive, one of the last things I enjoy doing is finding my way through a large city with many stop lights. Even when conditions are ideal (2:30 in the morning) I find this part of the drive trying on my patience. 5:30 on a Friday afternoon is indescribable.
Fortunately the last time we were up there we received some solid beta from Dan Patrinellis that avoids Vancouver proper altogether. The first thing to realize is that the sign system appears to make the assumption everyone who travels into BC has the goal of visiting Vancouver, even if they are on their way to Whistler/Squamish or beyond.
The way to circumnavigate this fate is to follow the route indicated on the map below and avoid the Peace Arch border crossing.
Same map zoomed in to show the border crossing.
Driving hwy 15, you will eventually see signs that warm you are about to cross a toll bridge. While it is indeed a toll bridge, a sign just before you cross will inform you must go online if you wish to pay the small fee. If you do not, sometimes they will send you a bill in the mail, sometimes nothing comes of it. For me, it has been 6 trips over the bridge and no fee.
Now that you have arrived at your destination faster than anticipated, maybe you have time for a quick lap on the Box!
Another enjoyable edit by Ryan Cole. This one of our September 14, 2013 trip to the Ashlu at 21 cms.
* Willy Dinsdale has taken the 543/15 route a number of times. He said one of the times he received a request in the mail to pay his fee.
* Nate has also received one request in a handful of trips to BC
-jacob
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