Travellers headed to Vancouver for the Taylor Swift Eras Tour may want to plan for delays - regardless of how they are arriving.
The American star will perform at three sold-out shows at BC Place on Dec. 6, 7, and 8, and thousands of people will be travelling to the city from other parts of the province, country, and around the world.
BC Place can hold a whopping 54,500 people nightly so there will be a tremendous influx of people staying in hotels, driving on the roads, flying into airports, sailing on ferries, and taking public transportation in the Lower Mainland.
Have a look at everything travellers headed to Vancouver should know about planning their trip to see the "You Belong With Me" singer's final three shows of her massive world tour.
Arriving and departing from Vancouver International Airport (YVR)
Concert-goers flying into the city for one (or more) of the shows should brace for possible delays. Many travellers will also travel to the YVR on the same dates, increasing congestion.
Travellers with friends in the city who can pick them up can enjoy 30-minute free parkade use. Once they've gotten through security, they can contact their friends to pick them up. While it might be tempting to do this the moment they land, parkade stays extending over 30 minutes cost significantly more than they used to.
Pick up from the parkade
YVR implemented new rates for its parkade on Nov. 13, increasing costs for each additional 30 minutes from $5.50 to $14.
Travellers have several other options to get from the airport to a hotel or another location in Metro Vancouver.
Flate rate taxi fares to Vancouver and Richmond
Flat rate taxi fares to various areas across Vancouver and Richmond have also increased heading from the airport. The taxi stands are located on Level 2 of the Domestic and International Arrivals Area at YVR. Taxis can also take you to addresses in other Metro Vancouver areas, like Surrey, Delta, North Vancouver, or Burnaby.
If you're headed straight to one of the shows from the airport - or if you're simply feeling fancy - you can also book a luxury sedan, stretch SUV, or limo.
Ride App Services at YVR
Lyft, Uber, and KABU are authorized providers of Ride App services at YVR. You must download the app of any of the providers to request a ride. You can get picked up at one of the following designated pickup spots:
- International Arrivals, Level 2
- Domestic Arrivals, Level 2
- South Terminal
Unlike taxis, ride app services do not use a flat rate or even a metered rate. They are based on the availability of drivers in the area and may vary dramatically as a result.
Public transportation
Vancouverites can travel from the heart of downtown to the airport on the Canada Line in under half an hour. There are 16 stops along the way and the train takes passengers right to the airport.
The elevator from the train brings travellers right between the International and Domestic Terminals. From there, you can turn left for flights within Canada and right for everything else.
All transit users travelling on the Canada Line leaving YVR are subject to a $5 Canada Line YVR AddFare, in addition to the regular zone fare. AddFare is automatically added when a user purchases a fare ticket.
Travellers may also wish to rent a car.
How to navigate Vancouver International Airport
Save time with Advance Declaration
The CBSA advises travellers to save time passing through customs by making an advance declaration in the ArriveCan app. The advance declaration is admissible at the following airports: Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal, Winnipeg, Halifax, Quebec City, Ottawa, Billy Bishop, Calgary and Edmonton.
Using the ArriveCan app cuts a traveller's time at a kiosk or eGate by up to 50 per cent, according to CBSA data.
Travellers should also check in with their airline before heading to the airport. This will speed up the process of checking in once they arrive.
Pack smart
Follow the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA) baggage requirements. Remember: liquids, gels and aerosols still need to be in containers that are less than 100 millilitres, and be packaged into one transparent, closed, and resealable plastic bag under one litre. Avoid wrapping holiday gifts since contents may need to be inspected during the screening process for carry-on and checked baggage.
Use YVR's 'Journeys' tool
YVR offers a tool that allows passengers to view a step-by-step guide through the airport based on their specific flight information.
Use your smartphone to speed up your time in line
Locals who plan to fly to the U.S. from Canada can submit their passport and customs declaration information through a free, secure app on their smartphone before they leave for a trip. It's called the U.S. Customer Customs Mobile Passport Control (MPC) app.
YVR also offers several tips to help travellers save time at the airport.
Arriving and departing from Abbotsford International Airport (YXX)
The Valley Airporter Shuttle provides service to and from the airport to anywhere within a 120km radius, including locations in Downtown Vancouver.
The Abbotsford Airport Shuttle through Ace Charters offers transportation between the airport and King George Station in Surrey as well as the Gloucester Business Centre in Langley.
Ebus offers daily scheduled service between the airport and various cities in B.C., including Vancouver and Surrey.
Abbotsford Taxi (604-855-1111) and Aldergrove Taxi (604-530-4444 or 604- 856-3233) each provide service to and from the airport to various places across southwestern B.C.
Travellers looking to ride in a posh vehicle from the airport can use Central Valley Limousine and Taxi's door-to-door service between the airport and various points in the Lower Mainland.
The West Coast Express is a rail service providing scheduled peak morning and afternoon between the Abbotsford Metro area (Mission City Station) and Haney, Maple Ridge, Pitt Meadows, Coquitlam, Port Moody, and Vancouver (Waterfront Station). It's roughly a 25-minute taxi between the airport and Mission City Station.
Travellers may also prefer to rent a car.
What to know about Canada-U.S. land border crossings
Travellers should check border wait times and other ports of entry. They should also provide plenty of extra time due to potential delays.
- Border wait times are updated hourly, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Find out the most recent wait time information online.
- The CBSA encourages travellers to travel during non-peak times, such as early in the morning, to avoid long waits.
Border crossings are located at the following entry points to the Lower Mainland:
- Peach Arch - Douglas Surrey, BC/Blaine, Washington
- Pacific Highway - Surrey, BC/Blaine, Washington
- Aldergrove/Lynden, Washington
- Abbotsford-Huntingdon/Sumas, Washington
Have your travel documents ready.
- Whether you travel by air, land, or water, having your travel documents ready to show a border services officer will expedite this process. It may help to have them together in a small bag or travel envelope that you can easily access at security checkpoints.
Considerations for travelling with children.
- An accompanying adult should have a consent letter that authorizes them to travel with the child if they share custody or are not the parent or legal guardian.
- Border services officers watch for missing children. In the absence of the letter, they may ask additional questions.
Entering with a DUI on your record
Canada may or may not allow persons with DUI convictions to enter the country. Depending on the crime and how long ago it was committed and how you have behaved since the conviction, you may be granted entry if you:
-
convince a Canadian immigration officer that you meet the legal terms to be deemed rehabilitated, or
- applied for rehabilitation and were approved, or
- were granted a record suspension, or
- have a temporary resident permit
For more information, visit the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) Overcome criminal convictions page.
Travellers who require in-depth information regarding the process of applying for a waiver or other admissibility questions can contact the CBSA during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. (except for Canada, federal statutory holidays) by calling (506) 636-5064 or (204) 983-3500.
Road conditions in Vancouver
Travellers do not require snow tires for driving in the city but must have them on most B.C. highways if they plan to travel in other parts of the province. However, if it snows in Vancouver during the shows (which is possible), drivers may want them.
Swift's shows are still two weeks out but December's weather signal shows "below-average temperatures with no clear precipitation signal," for Metro Vancouver, according to Environment Canada. Snowfall is possible in early December, although it is less likely.
Travellers can find traffic information for road conditions in Vancouver and the Lower Mainland by visiting Drive BC.
The Ministry of Transportation and Transit said Wednesday (Dec. 4) that it will be monitoring traffic before and after this weekend’s Taylor Swift concerts at BC Place, in communication with the City of Vancouver.
Traffic will be monitored via the Transportation Management Centre and by ministry operations teams. Similar monitoring happens during all major events, including the recent Grey Cup game in Vancouver, explained the Ministry in an email to V.I.A.
Two major access points are the Lions Gate Bridge, connecting North Vancouver to Vancouver via Stanley Park, and the George Massey Tunnel, connecting Delta and Richmond.
Drivers crossing into Canada via Peace Arch will be on Highway 99, and will likely need to travel through the Massey Tunnel on their way to Vancouver.
Both the bridge and the tunnel use a "counterflow" lane system during rush hour, giving drivers exiting Vancouver in the late afternoon and evening extra lanes to head north or south.
The Lions Gate Bridge and George Massey Tunnel are monitored 24/7, and counterflow operations can be adjusted at any time based on traffic and weather conditions, the Ministry of Transportation and Transit noted.
"People attending the concerts should plan their route ahead of time and allow additional time for travel," advised the Ministry.
What to know about sailing with BC Ferries
BC Ferries sailings are often affected by stormy conditions, particularly if accompanied by powerful winds. The company expects terminals to be very busy for the show. Demand is expected to be especially high with the 60-year-old Queen of New Westminster out of service for repairs.
Travellers may also want to make sailing reservations as soon as possible since many people will travel from B.C. islands for the show. BC Ferries says early mornings and evenings are the less busy travel times.
Reservations are still available for vehicle and foot passengers, as well as discounted Saver fares during select off-peak sailings. If customers don't book a ticket in advance they may be turned away.
- Arrive 45 minutes to an hour before your sailing if you have a booking
- Have your booking number ready at the ticket booth
- When you drive on board, follow the direction of the BC Ferries crew and park close to the vehicle in front of you to maximize space on board.
- If vehicle bookings are sold out, consider walking on board. You can try transit or ride-sharing or get dropped off at the terminal.
- Travel wearing appropriate weather gear, including waterproof jackets and warm clothing.
- There are water stations in the terminals
- If sailings between Horseshoe Bay and Nanaimo (Departure Bay) are sold out or there are sailing waits on your day of travel, consider travel between Tsawwassen and Nanaimo (Duke Point).
To support travellers, BC Ferries has scheduled additional sailings on key routes:
- Friday, Dec. 6: Extra sailings in both directions between Swartz Bay and Tsawwassen at 5 a.m. and 11 p.m., providing more options to help ease daytime congestion.
- Sunday, Dec. 8: Additional late-night sailings from Swartz Bay to Tsawwassen at 11 p.m. and from Tsawwassen to Swartz Bay at 1 a.m. (early on Monday, December 9), for travellers returning from weekend events.
If travellers arrive at the Horseshoe Bay terminal, the trip will take about an hour to BC Place. However, it will likely take longer since so many people will sail in for the show (depending on the sailing time). By transit, it takes about the same amount of time via TransLink's #257 or #250 bus.
Travellers arriving at the Tsawwassen terminal can get to BC Place in about an hour by car. Trips can vary between an hour and 15 minutes to much more by transit. One of the quickest routes is to the 620 Bridgeport Express from the terminal to Bridgeport Bay Station 12. After that, take the Canada Line station from Bridgeport Station to Yaletown-Roundhouse and then BC Place is a short walk away.
BC Ferries also offers complimentary luggage services. Luggage under 35 pounds does not need a tag and luggage between 35 and 50 pounds requires a yellow one. Any baggage exceeding 50 pounds isn't accepted and must be carried on board.
- It exceeds the 23 kg (50 lb) limit;
- It contains items that are fragile and may become damaged; or
- It may cause damage to other baggage around it (contain items that are sharp or may leak)
Travellers can also check current sailing conditions with BC Ferries by following them on X, formerly Twitter.
What to know about sailing with Hullo
Hullo offers 70-minute passenger sailings between Nanaimo and Vancouver. Since onboarding is quicker than with BC Ferries, guests aren't typically advised to arrive more than 30 minutes before their scheduled sailing time. However, they must ensure they are at the boarding gate five minutes before closing time.
That said, Swifties may want to allow additional time due to increased traffic for the shows.
Each Hullo guest may bring one carry-on-sized bag and personal item aboard at no additional cost. Guests can also purchase extra baggage for larger bags and sports gear.
Guests can purchase space for up to three large bags ($25 per bag). They may also bring golf clubs, skis, snowboards (in a bag), and a surfboard (up to 12 feet) for $30.
The boarding area is located at Gate 1 at the Vancouver Harbour Flight Centre at 1055 Canada Pace Unit #58.
Taxis pick guests up near Jack Poole Plaza, but guests may also wish to take an Evo Care Share, Uber or Lyft.
Travellers taking public transit from the terminal to BC Place can take the SkyTrain's Expo Line from the nearby Waterfront Station to Stadium-Chinatown Station. With walking time, the trip takes about 15 minutes. Alternatively, concertgoers can walk from the terminal to BC Place in under half an hour.
Train from Vancouver to Seattle
The Amtrak Cascades passenger train offers service from Vancouver across the Canada-U.S. border to numerous cities across Washington and Oregon.
One of the most popular routes takes passengers from Vancouver Pacific Central Station to King Street Station in Seattle, Washington. Prices on these trips start for as little as $34 for a one-way trip, but prices may increase during popular travel times, such as mid-day or over holidays (see slide two).
While the trips have been showing as sold out for Eras Tour weekend, cancellations may open up tickets for those still hoping to catch the train north to Vancouver (and home).
Bus from Vancouver to Seattle
One-way tickets from Pacific Central Station in Vancouver to several locations in Seattle start for as little as $39.99 with Flixbus.
While you may not always be able to get the lowest fare, there are typically options costing just over $40 on numerous dates at non-peak travel times (see slide three).
On average, tickets for the Vancouver-to-Seattle route cost $48.99, according to Flixbus.
Alternative methods to travel to Vancouver
People may also wish to take a Harbour Air seaplane from Victoria to YVR or Vancouver Harbour. Flights start at under $200 round-trip and last 30 minutes, making this the faster option between Vancouver Island and the mainland. It also allows travellers to fly directly into the downtown area and avoid commuting from YVR. However, flight prices may vary between the two airports depending on availability (the harbour option is more popular).
HeliJet flies guests between various locations on Vancouver Island and YVR or Vancouver Harbour on its chartered helicopters, offering awe-inspiring views en route to the mainland. This option tends to cost significantly more than Harbour Air.
Travellers from Washington can also take the Black Ball Ferry Line, which operates the M.V. Coho passenger and vehicle ferry's daily sailings between Victoria on Vancouver Island and Port Angeles on the scenic Olympic Peninsula. They will then have to connect to the mainland via BC Ferries or air.
The service is a 90-minute 42 km "scenic journey through the Strait of Juan de Fuca," and guests can enjoy ship amenities including a coffee shop, gift shop, duty-free store, lounges, solarium, and more.
With additional reporting by Lindsay William-Ross
