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From the east, the Trans-Canada Highway skirts Vancouver rather than driving directly into downtown, so select the correct city exit before traffic thickens. From the United States, Highway 99 continues north from the border and eventually feeds city streets; border waits can dominate the travel time. Arrivals from Whistler and the North Shore depend on either Lions Gate Bridge or the Ironworkers Memorial Second Narrows Crossing. Both can congest, and the better choice depends on the final neighbourhood rather than distance alone. Downtown hotels may charge substantial parking fees, so compare the full cost of keeping a vehicle with returning it on arrival. Navigation apps are useful, but obey lane-control signals, bridge restrictions and curb signs. Check official border, highway and traffic conditions on the day of travel, especially during winter weather, summer weekends or major events.