The simplest way from downtown Vancouver to West Vancouver is a TransLink bus from West Georgia Street, such as the 250 or the limited stop 257. By car, the route crosses the Lions Gate Bridge.
The 250 and 257 buses
The 250 runs from downtown Vancouver to the Horseshoe Bay ferry terminal, with a stop at Park Royal along the way. The 257 is a limited stop route between downtown and Horseshoe Bay. Both pick up near downtown SkyTrain stations including Burrard, Granville and Vancouver City Centre.
Frequencies and travel times change with the time of day and with traffic, so use the TransLink trip planner for the real schedule. It also shows detours and service notices.
West Vancouver is across a fare boundary from Vancouver, which affects the price. The current fare is listed on the TransLink site. Pay with a Compass Card or a contactless card.
The 250 and 257 both end at Horseshoe Bay, so they also work if you are connecting to a BC Ferries sailing. Tell the driver your stop when you board if you are unsure, and watch the stop announcements. Not every stop on a limited stop route is served, so check that the 257 stops near your address before choosing it over the 250.
Driving over the Lions Gate Bridge
Drivers head northwest out of downtown and cross the Lions Gate Bridge. Rush hour slows the bridge and the roads around it, so look at live traffic before you leave, especially on a weekday afternoon.
Ambleside and Dundarave have shops and waterfront walks. Check the posted signs for parking rules on the day, since they differ from block to block. The District of West Vancouver website has the details.
A taxi for the last stretch
A taxi saves effort with luggage or when a bus does not go near your address. The taxi fare estimator gives a ballpark cost, and the Vancouver taxi page lists booking options in the city.