Vancouver cruise ship passenger traffic to peak this weekend

[Jason]

VANCOUVER - If you're heading into the downtown core this weekend, prepare for heavier-than-normal crowds and traffic delays, as sun seekers and thousands of cruise ship passenger are expected to pack Vancouver.

With the warmest weekend of the spring yet, sunglasses-clad locals will likely cram into parks and beaches, stroll, roll and bike along the seawall, and spill out of outdoor patios.

Port Metro Vancouver issued a travel alert late Thursday saying cruise passenger volumes at Canada Place and Ballantyne terminals were expected to peak on Friday as well as Saturday, May 19, reaching between 13,000 and 20,000 embarking and disembarking passengers on each of those days.

"Everything went really smoothly," said Port Metro Vancouver cruise manager Carmen Ortega on Friday. She said she was not aware of any problems caused by the thousands of cruise ship passengers who visited the city.

Higher-than-normal traffic volumes were anticipated in the downtown core, along with an increased demand for taxis and public transportation.

Port Metro Vancouver said it was working closely with cruise lines, city staff and taxi companies to raise awareness about the increased demand.

Officials are asking cruise ship passengers not to come to Canada Place or Ballantyne cruise terminals until just before their scheduled departure times. Additional port staff will be on site at the two locations to assist with passenger inquiries.

Meanwhile, after months of cooler temperatures and rain, Vancouverites can look forward to the region's first hot and sunny weekend of the season. Environment Canada says temperatures should hit 20 degrees Saturday and Sunday. And it's going to be even toastier inland, with highs of 26 degrees.

For those looking for some fun in the sun but wanting to avoid the congested downtown core, this weekend marks the start of several outdoor markets.

Tonight, Richmond's world-renowned summer night market will reopen on Vulcan Way at 7 p.m. Foodies can gorge on stinky tofu, beef skewers, BBQ squid and dragon's beard candy until midnight tonight and Saturday, and 11 p.m. Sunday.

The Trout Lake Farmers Market kicks off Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. in East Vancouver between Templeton Drive and Lakewood Drive on the north end of John Hendry Park. Fresh salmon, berries and apples as well as jewelry and crafts will be for sale, all from local sources.

Further west, the Kitsilano Farmers Market kicks off its season Sunday on Larch Street at 10th Avenue, in the parking lot of the Kitsilano Community Centre. The market runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Sunday during the summer. Both markets will have a bike valet available.

By TIFFANY CRAWFORD, VANCOUVER SUN

With files from Mike Hager and Kim Nursall

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[ametrinel]

Guess I didn't think Vancouver was big enough to have issues such as this. Maybe I should head on up there for a cruise and check it out for myself!