If you spend any time driving around in Vancouver, you’ll quickly find that not all parking spots are created equal.

The city of Vancouver has approximately 8,500 metered parking spots, but the rates for those spaces vary — from $1 to $5 per hour.

So how do you find the least expensive places to park?

Check out VanPark2010.ca, a map showing the parking rates at meters around the city.

Not surprisingly, the downtown core has the highest rates, with the streets bounded by Howe, Georgia, Bute, and the waterfront lined with $5-per-hour meters.

But by checking the parking map, you can see that while it will cost you $5/hour to park on Hornby Street between Smithe and Robson, you can park your car two blocks away at Nelson and Howe for only $2/hour.

Similarly, if you’re shopping on Robson Street, don’t leave your car on Robson between Burrard and Thurlow — the rate there is $4/hour. Just a couple of blocks away, you can park on Alberni Street between Bute and Jervis for only $1.50/hour — and you’ve saved enough money to buy yourself a latte!

Remember: Vancouver meters are in effect from 9 AM to 10 PM seven days a week, including holidays. And most metered spots allow only two-hour parking.

If you need to park your car for more than two hours, you’d do better to pull into a parking lot. You’ll find some of the cheapest rates in the EasyPark lots and garages, which are partly owned by the city and marked with an orange “P” sign. Their website has a map showing EasyPark locations and rates.

For more on Vancouver parking rules, check the City of Vancouver’s parking site.

Thanks to Darren Barefoot for the heads up on the useful VanPark2010.ca tool.

Robson Street photo ©Carolyn B. Heller