Ridebooker.com http://www.ridebooker.com/blog Fri, 29 Aug 2008 17:29:29 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=abc en Now offering Float Plane Air Service from Vancouver to Whistler! http://www.ridebooker.com/blog/now-offering-float-plane-air-service-from-vancouver-to-whistler/ http://www.ridebooker.com/blog/now-offering-float-plane-air-service-from-vancouver-to-whistler/#comments Tue, 27 May 2008 22:40:12 +0000 Casey Woods http://www.ridebooker.com/blog/?p=18 We’ve teamed up with Whistler Air to offer their scheduled float plane service between the float plane base at Vancouver International Airport and Whistler.  This service runs from May 1st to October 1st on the following schedule:

Depart Time Arrive Time
Whistler 8:00 am Downtown Vancouver 8:35am
Downtown Vancouver 9:00am Whistler 9:35am
Whistler 5:30pm Downtown Vancouver 6:05pm
Downtown Vancouver 6:30pm Whistler 7:05pm

(...)
Read the rest of Now offering Float Plane Air Service from Vancouver to Whistler!

Permalink: Now offering Float Plane Air Service from Vancouver to Whistler!
Post tags: , , ,

]]> http://www.ridebooker.com/blog/now-offering-float-plane-air-service-from-vancouver-to-whistler/feed/ Whistler Convention Transportation http://www.ridebooker.com/blog/whistler-convention-transportation/ http://www.ridebooker.com/blog/whistler-convention-transportation/#comments Fri, 22 Feb 2008 05:46:41 +0000 Casey Woods http://www.ridebooker.com/blog/whistler-convention-transportation/ Are you attending a conference in Whistler?

Need a Transfer from Vancouver International Airport (YVR) to Whistler?

We specialize in getting groups of any size from the airport to Whistler.  We can arrange limos (limousines), SUVs, mini-buses, or even highway coaches to get you where you need to go.

Permalink: Whistler Convention Transportation
Post tags: , , , ,

]]> http://www.ridebooker.com/blog/whistler-convention-transportation/feed/ Top 5 Ways to get to Whistler, BC in the winter http://www.ridebooker.com/blog/top-5-ways-to-get-to-whistler-bc-in-the-winter/ http://www.ridebooker.com/blog/top-5-ways-to-get-to-whistler-bc-in-the-winter/#comments Fri, 15 Feb 2008 21:48:26 +0000 Casey Woods http://www.ridebooker.com/blog/top-5-ways-to-get-to-whistler-bc-in-the-winter/ What you need to know

  • The trip is probably a lot longer than you think it is (but it’s worth it).  The typical round trip time between Vancouver International Airport (YVR) and Whistler is 2.5 hours.  However, it can be longer if there is weather, traffic, accidents, or construction to contend with!
  • The weather on the Sea to Sky highway is highly variable and requires a winterized vehicle.  You will undoubtedly encounter poor road conditions on the highway or while driving in Whistler.  Unfortunately, most rental vehicles in Vancouver aren’t up to the standard.

So how do most visitors get to Whistler?

  1. Bus/shuttle to Whistler - this is the most affordable means of getting to Whistler since you are sharing the cost with a group of people.  The downside of the bus or shuttle is having to wait around for all those people who are keeping your cost relatively low!
  2. Limousine to Whistler - If you were to stand on the side of highway 99 you would likely be very surprised at just how many limousines drive by.  The limousine is a very popular way for private groups of 6 or less people to get to Whistler.
  3. Luxury SUV to Whistler - There is a large fleet of luxury sport utility vehicles carrying visitors back and forth between Vancouver International airport (YVR) and Whistler.  While not as glitzy as limousines, they do offer a great view of the scenery and people seem to like the added safety of four wheel drive.
  4. Passenger Van to Whistler - They aren’t fancy, but 12 passenger vans are a great way for larger groups to get to Whistler quickly and economically.
  5. Rental Car - Far more people rent cars in the summer.  However, some people do still choose to rent cars in the winter.  This is NOT recommended as it puts you at significant risk of accidents and could result in a ticket and possibly even being turned around and sent back to Vancouver.  Not a great way to start your Whistler vacation!

Permalink: Top 5 Ways to get to Whistler, BC in the winter
Post tags: , , ,

]]> http://www.ridebooker.com/blog/top-5-ways-to-get-to-whistler-bc-in-the-winter/feed/ Whistler Wedding Transportation http://www.ridebooker.com/blog/whistler-wedding-transportation/ http://www.ridebooker.com/blog/whistler-wedding-transportation/#comments Mon, 11 Feb 2008 16:59:12 +0000 Casey Woods http://www.ridebooker.com/blog/whistler-wedding-transportation/ Planning to get married or honeymoon in Whistler this summer?  We’ve got the experience and the connections to ensure that all of your transportation needs are covered.

We can help with any or all of the following:

  • Limousine, SUV, mini-bus, or even highway coach transfers between Vancouver International Airport (YVR) and Whistler.
  • Limousine service on the day of the big event.
  • Helicopter and float plane service for dramatic arrivals and departures.

Please feel free to contact us and we’d be happy to discuss your needs and come up with a transportation package that works for you!

Permalink: Whistler Wedding Transportation
Post tags: , , ,

]]> http://www.ridebooker.com/blog/whistler-wedding-transportation/feed/ Driving to Whistler? Better have Snow Tires and/or Chains… http://www.ridebooker.com/blog/driving-to-whistler-better-have-snow-tires-andor-chains/ http://www.ridebooker.com/blog/driving-to-whistler-better-have-snow-tires-andor-chains/#comments Mon, 14 Jan 2008 06:09:29 +0000 Casey Woods http://www.ridebooker.com/blog/driving-to-whistler-better-have-snow-tires-andor-chains/ Whistler is having an EPIC snow year (606 cm / 19 feet to date!) and that has caused a fair amount of chaos on the Sea to Sky highway due to cars (and drivers) that aren’t prepared for the road conditions.

BC law states that you must have winter tires once you pass the warning signs on the highway just north of Squamish. If you get pulled over then you may face a $109 fine and will likely get turned back. Not a cool way to start your vacation! Unfortunately, almost all rental cars (except some large SUVs) don’t have the appropriate tires to pass this requirement. Even if they did, most all season tires are TERRIBLE in snow. This is especially true of the wet snow that typically falls on the highway to Whistler.

The moral of the story? Unless your car is equipped with winter tires, think twice about driving to Whistler between November and April! It may sound self-serving, but you are probably further ahead to book a whistler airport shuttle or a private transfer.

Permalink: Driving to Whistler? Better have Snow Tires and/or Chains…
Post tags: , , , , ,

]]> http://www.ridebooker.com/blog/driving-to-whistler-better-have-snow-tires-andor-chains/feed/ How long is the trip from Vancouver Airport (YVR) to Whistler? http://www.ridebooker.com/blog/how-long-is-the-trip-from-vancouver-airport-yvr-to-whistler/ http://www.ridebooker.com/blog/how-long-is-the-trip-from-vancouver-airport-yvr-to-whistler/#comments Thu, 10 Jan 2008 18:20:52 +0000 Casey Woods http://www.ridebooker.com/blog/how-long-is-the-trip-from-vancouver-airport-yvr-to-whistler/
View Larger Map

I’m not sure why, but most people seem to assume that the trip to Whistler is much shorter than it actually is! Our client’s are consistenly surprised when they find out that the trip from Vancouver to Whistler is actually 2.5 hours in good weather and traffic!

The trip itself it actually only 138 km, but you have to keep the following in mind:

  • The route goes directly through downtown Vancouver. Unfortunately, Vancouver is renowned for its traffic “issues”. My urban planning professor constantly used Vancouver as his example for how NOT to design a city.
  • Once you’ve passed through downtown Vancouver, you have to go across the Lion’s Gate bridge. They could make this bridge 6 lanes wide and it would still be busy. Of course, it only has 3. :-)
  • Thanks to the 2010 Olympics, The Sea to Sky highway is MUCH better than it used to be. However, it is still prone to bad weather (ice & snow) and heavy traffic during holidays and weekends.

What can you do as a visitor to minimize your travel time?

  • Try to travel midday if you can. Traveling during peak traffic periods in Vancouver will result in a longer trip.
    • Traveling at night may result in delays due to construction on the highway.
    • Traveling in the early morning, or late at night, will signifcantly limit the transportation options that are available to you. Buses and shuttles don’t run between 2300 and 0900 the next morning!
  • Weekends are always busier due to increased local traffic. If you can travel on a weekday then your travel time will usually be shorter.

Permalink: How long is the trip from Vancouver Airport (YVR) to Whistler?
Post tags: ,

]]> http://www.ridebooker.com/blog/how-long-is-the-trip-from-vancouver-airport-yvr-to-whistler/feed/ A VERY White Christmas at Whistler http://www.ridebooker.com/blog/a-very-white-christmas-at-whistler/ http://www.ridebooker.com/blog/a-very-white-christmas-at-whistler/#comments Fri, 21 Dec 2007 18:08:23 +0000 Casey Woods http://www.ridebooker.com/blog/a-very-white-christmas-at-whistler/ Whistler has seen 97 cm (38 inches) of fresh snow in the past week! Mild temperatures and LOTS of snow means the Christmas crowd is in for a great vacation.  Here’s the official snow report.

Now if I could just stop working all the time and get out on the hill to enjoy it! :-(

Permalink: A VERY White Christmas at Whistler
Post tags: ,

]]> http://www.ridebooker.com/blog/a-very-white-christmas-at-whistler/feed/ Need a transfer from Vancouver to Whistler? http://www.ridebooker.com/blog/need-a-transfer-from-vancouver-to-whistler/ http://www.ridebooker.com/blog/need-a-transfer-from-vancouver-to-whistler/#comments Fri, 21 Dec 2007 18:02:24 +0000 Casey Woods http://www.ridebooker.com/blog/need-a-transfer-from-vancouver-to-whistler/ So you’re flying to Vancouver and now you need a transfer from Vancouver Airport (YVR) to Whistler?

You have several options:

  1. Rent/hire a car and drive to Whistler.  One problem: rental cars in BC don’t have snow tires or chains and there is a pretty good chance you’ll encounter snow and ice on the road during your trip.  You could rent a 4 wheel drive SUV, but that can get pretty pricy.  And do you really need a car once you get to Whistler?  More on why renting a car is a bad idea in the winter.
  2. Take an airport shuttle to Whistler.  Our shuttle runs very frequently, wait times are minimal, and our representative greets you in the baggage area.  Return trips are confirmed and the shuttle provides 24 hour concierge service during your stay.  Outstanding value!
  3. Hire a Limousine, SUV, or Van to Whistler.  Depending on the size of your group, you might want to hire your own vehicle and driver.  This can be the most economical and convenient way to travel for groups larger than 4 people.

Still need help deciding?  Give us a call or drop us an email and we’d be happy to go over the options.

Permalink: Need a transfer from Vancouver to Whistler?
Post tags: , ,

]]> http://www.ridebooker.com/blog/need-a-transfer-from-vancouver-to-whistler/feed/ Whistler Snow Report http://www.ridebooker.com/blog/whistler-snow-report/ http://www.ridebooker.com/blog/whistler-snow-report/#comments Wed, 19 Dec 2007 05:25:23 +0000 Casey Woods http://www.ridebooker.com/blog/whistler-snow-report/ Whistler has had 35 inches (89 cm) of snow in the past 7 days and the forecast is for the snow to continue through the weekend. It’s looking like it will be a very white Christmas indeed!

Heading up to Whistler for Christmas or New Year’s? If so, then we suggest that you not wait till the last minute to book your transportation from Vancouver International Airport (YVR). Demand is high and we’ve already had to suggest alternate transportation options to a few clients due to lack of availability!

If you’re looking for a last minute option, there’s a good chance that we’ll be able to accommodate you on our whistler airport shuttle service.

Permalink: Whistler Snow Report
Post tags: , , ,

]]> http://www.ridebooker.com/blog/whistler-snow-report/feed/ Welcome to RideBooker 1.0! http://www.ridebooker.com/blog/welcome-to-ridebooker-10/ http://www.ridebooker.com/blog/welcome-to-ridebooker-10/#comments Tue, 04 Dec 2007 04:38:31 +0000 Casey Woods http://www.ridebooker.com/blog/welcome-to-ridebooker-10/ Welcome to the newest and easiest way to book ground transportation in Western Canada!

Let’s make one thing clear right from the start: This site might be new, but we’re not! We’ve been around the transportation industry for years and we’ve helped thousands of clients get to Whistler from Vancouver and Seattle. We know Whistler and we know how to get people here!

We’ve been working hard for months to build a website and booking engine that is intuitive and easy to use. We think (hope!) we’ve accomplished that goal. We welcome your feedback as we continually improve this site and add features and functionality (we’ve got a really long list - buy you’ve gotta start somewhere).

We look forward to serving you any way we can!

Permalink: Welcome to RideBooker 1.0!
Post tags: , , ,

]]> http://www.ridebooker.com/blog/welcome-to-ridebooker-10/feed/