Directions to Ratravaganza 2011

1) For those coming north on Hwy 99 from the US border or the Tswwassen Ferry.

Follow 1 5 North to the Peace Arch Border Crossing.  Once you cross the border, I5 becomes Hwy 99. Stay on Hwy 99 until you get to exit 16, the exit for Hwy 91 to New Westminster. In addition to "New Westminster", directional signs around and leading up to the Hwy 91 exit may also say "Surrey", "Delta" and "Annacis Island" (which is an island in the Fraser River Delta that you will cross.)
 
Hwy 91 will eventually take you across the Alex Fraser Bridge to Annacis Island and then across the Queensborough Bridge to New Westminster.  You will want to be in the far right lane as you cross the Queensborough Bridge, because you will want to take the Stewardson Way (Marine Way East) exit, which is the first one on your right immediately after you cross the bridge. (there is a lot of construction going on there so  unfortunately it could be tricky)

Marine Way East leads into Stewardson Way.  By then you should see the Skytrain tracks running along beside/above you.  Stay in the right hand lane and follow the Stewardson Way signs.  Just before you get to downtown New Westminster Stewardson Way turns into Columbia St.  At that point you no longer wish to be in the far right lane, because the right lane is about to lead off onto Front St. (If you do accidentally get onto Front St. turn left at 6th St and take a right on Columbia.)

Stay on Columbia St. which runs through beautiful downtown New Westminster (which is so small you could almost miss it), then goes under the Petullo Bridge and the Skytrain bridge, and then follows along beside the Fraser River for several blocks, until you come to another commercial area which is Sapperton, another small town, now incorporated as part of New Westminster.  Keary Street comes up quickly on your left, just opposite the Royal Columbian Hospital, but if you can possibly manage to turn up the unmarked alley just before Keary Street the parking is in the rear, where is says "Parking for Pensioners Only" (this means us!).  If you miss the alley, it might be worth turning around and trying again.  The street parking out front is for residents with permits only and all others will be towed.  We hope to have lots of signs up on the day of the event, provided city bylaws permit that.

2) Using BC Lower Mainland public transit:

For exact transit directions right from your doorstep, use the Translink trip planner at:
http://tripplanning.translink.bc.ca

For anyone coming by Skytrain:
 
When you arrive at Sapperton Station, cross the overhead walkway to Keary Street and walk about 3 blocks up a moderate incline. Cross Columbia Street and it is the second building on your left.

If coming by bus, catch or transfer to the #112 which stops right in front of the hospital, just around the corner from the show hall.

 
3) Driving Directions for those coming East or West on Highway 1:
 

Directions to Ratstravaganza for anyone coming East on Highway 1 (Like from the Horseshoe Bay Ferry, Vancouver or points anywhere beyond or between) or West on Highway 1 (Like for anyone coming from Hope, Chilliwack, Abbotsford or points anywhere beyond or between):

Take exit #40B Brunette Avenue New Westminster which leads to Brunette Ave. (If you take the Brunette Ave Coquitlam exit by mistake, just turn around and head the opposite way on Brunette.)  Turn Right at Braid Street, Left on Columbia Street.  You will see Keary Street on your right as you pass the Royal Columbian Hospital.  Drive past Keary St. and take the first left into the alley behind it.  The parking lot, which says "Parking for Pensioners Only" (this means us!) will be on your right.  The street parking out front is for residents with permits only and all others will be towed.  We hope to have lots of signs up on the day of the event, provided city bylaws permit that.
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For more specific driving directions all the way from your doorstep, you can visit: Google Maps 

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