When newcomers arrive in Vancouver, whether for school or work, the first thing that hits them is the natural beauty. Vancouver – indeed, the entirety of the Pacific Northwest – is a land of contrasts. Sprawling old-growth forests verge on the vast Pacific Ocean. Tall mountains coexist next to deep valleys. And the modern cityscape blends effortlessly into the natural landscape.
The next thing that hits newcomers is a thought: how does one enjoy all this natural beauty? If you’re like most Vancouverites, the answer is simple – get behind the wheel.
Are you considering buying a vehicle? Wondering what vehicle you should get for life in Vancouver? In this article, let’s explore why having an automobile is important here and then list criteria you can follow to find the right vehicle.
Why Get a Vehicle in Vancouver?
There are three compelling reasons for getting a vehicle here in Toronto:
- The city itself is spread out.
- While transit is good, service is sometimes infrequent, doesn’t reach every corner of the city, and 24-hour service is limited.
- There is plenty to see in the surrounding areas.
Vancouver isn’t as densely packed as other major cities, which is good for liveability. But it also means that getting from one end to the other can be lengthy by transit and gruelling by bicycle or foot. Having a vehicle can make getting crosstown for school, work or social events a relative breeze.
As mentioned above, transit in Vancouver is good, but it’s imperfect. If you have somewhere you need to be fast, it’s better to have a vehicle of your own.
Finally, part of the appeal of Vancouver is how it’s situated. From the city, you can easily drive to a ski getaway (Whistler), a beautiful island jaunt (Vancouver Island,) a tour of the wine country (the Okanogan Valley) or a trip down south (Seattle.) And that’s only scratching the surface!
What to Look for in a Vehicle
Because you will likely use your vehicle for activities, it’s essential to get something with power, functionality and reliability. That’s why many people buy a Ford in Vancouver – their trucks, like the F-150, are well-suited to the terrain and plethora of available activities. When researching vehicles, look for the following:
- Storage: To take full advantage of Vancouver and its surrounding areas, you want ample room for camping gear, mountain bikes, skis, snowboards, etc., in your vehicle. For this reason, many people enjoy the storage of a truck bed.
- Towing Capacity: if you wanted to tow a boat for a fishing trip, a trailer for a camping trip or even a hitch rack for a canoe, you want something with towing capacity. Again, trucks like the Ford F-150 excel in this category.
- Safety and Reliability: The highways in B.C. are “dynamic,” with many ups and downs, and the weather is often wet, with occasional icy conditions. Therefore, it’s wise to choose a vehicle with a good safety rating and a reliable reputation for handling difficult terrains.
- Comfort: Finally, look for a comfortable vehicle. This is a key criterion wherever you buy a vehicle, and it’s no different in Vancouver. Whether you plan to take your vehicle on road trips or daily commutes, you want something spacious and relaxing.
If you want to get around with ease and see with the surrounding areas have to offer, find a vehicle that satisfies the above criteria. Happy trails!