That is correct. Cars are certainly the best option in many circumstances, even from an environmental standpoint. The reason I couldn't get even a taxi was that

That is correct. Cars are certainly the best option in many circumstances, even from an environmental standpoint. The reason I couldn't get even a taxi was that the taxi company didn't want to drive 30miles just to pick me up, then drive maybe 60miles back after dropping me off. When a small population is spread over a large area, personal vehicles become the most efficient means. That is a large part of why Alaska has the highest rate of private aircraft ownership on the planet. BC rides the literally middle ground between Alaska and the densely populated southern states.