Ease of parking and parking costs vary, depending on where you are headed in the Lower Mainland. Downtown Vancouver rates can range from $1 per half hour to $3 per half hour, and parking lots can cost upwards of $20 a day even for early bird rates.
Parking meters downtown are plentiful, but can be expensive, and not always vacant. If you park on the street don't park within 6 meters (20 feet) of the corner or you'll be towed, and don't park near (6 meters or 20 feet) fire hydrants even if there are no signs warning you. Note that you can be ticketed even for stopping in a No Stopping Anytime zone even if you don't leave your vehicle. On major routes, parking is generally prohibited during rush hours - from 6am to 9am and from 3pm to 7pm. Note that for meter parking, rates apply seven days a week betwen 9am and 8pm.
The Lower Mainland has a good availability of parking lots, including surface, above ground, and underground parking. To find a parking facility, look for parking signs. In addition to City-owned lots managed by EasyPark 
, Impark 
is another common parking lot operator.
Parking Fees for Parks
Parking fees apply to several popular parks in the Lower Mainland, including Stanley Park. If you're planning on visiting BC provincial parks, be sure to ask about the annual parking pass allowing unlimited vehicle parking at participating BC provincial parks.
Pay by Phone
For some meters and parking lots, you can now pay by phone. Parking meters are in effect for different hours depending on the municipality. Most meters allow two-hour parking, and some allow three. Generally, parking meters are in effect seven days a week.