Rental Car for Stanley Park

My parents and I are going on a cruise to Alaska on Jun 3. We're arriving a couple of days before and my Dad would like to go to Stanley Park. There are several different areas he'd like to go to, but we're trying to figure out the best way to get around the park since it's so big.

I thought about getting the day pass for the HOHO bus, but am wondering if it would be easier on my parents to get a rental car for the day. They are in their 80s and while they can get around (neither of them uses a wheelchair or walker), my mom really can't walk for more than 15 minutes without sitting down for a few. How frequent are the buses (it looks like the trolley isn't running until later in June). With the HOHO, I think having to stand around waiting for the bus might take too long. Are there benches or someplace to sit at all the stops?

The other alternative is to get a rental car for the day. There's an Enterprise about 10 minutes from our hotel and since "they'll pick you up" I could arrange for them to pick me up at the hotel, rent the car, spend the day driving from parking area to parking area in the park, then drop my parents off at the hotel and return the car and have Enterprise take me back.

I'm hoping that someone can give me some good advice on whether this is feasible, or if we're better off doing the bus through the park.

The HOHO day pass would cost the three of us about $120, and the rental car for a day would run around $40 plus tax of course. While it may be cheaper to rent a car, if we can't go from area to area and be able to park, then it wouldn't be worth it.

Any advice, thoughts, words of wisdom?

Most of the major attractions in the park have parking areas but keep in mind that the park is a top tourist and local attractions, is used for movie shoots, special events etc throughout the year which oftens results in either full parking lots, closed parking lots or closed off roads.

Parking is not cheap in the park.

Perhaps if you could tell us with attractions you are most interested in us locals could then give you some suggestions etc.

Hope you enjoy your visit to Vancouver.

Cheers!

Dennis

Personally if the thinking is for an extended day in the park. A rental would fit the bill for a first time visitor for sure.

I don't recommend a rental if doing the downtown thing as parking is really expensive and elusive but for the park. Good idea.

There will be parking somewhere and you can "Do:" the park roads at the posted speed and then "Do" it again taking in the different roads.

I have never ever been completely shut out on our visits. It may take some time to find the perfect spot but you are exploring anyways while looking.

Take your time and enjoy the Park.

Parking is actually outstandingly reasonable inside Stanley park, in comparison to the rest of the city anyway. Not only is it a max of $11 a day, but with one ticket you can park in any of the lots and move around between them as you like. That link also shows where the *many* parking lots are - though UTs warning that often lots are full is correct, you may need to compromise by dropping your parents right next to a thing they want to see then parking at the next-closest lot and running back.

I've done this with visitors before and while it can be a hassle finding parking it's probably the best way to see the park for people who cannot stand around comfortably waiting for shuttles - even if you're lucky and the next one is only 15-20 minutes, sometimes there's not enough room for everyone to board who wants to at a given stop. HOHO stops are not official bus stops, so seating is not a given either...

Most of the major attractions in the park have parking areas but keep in mind that the park is a top tourist and local attractions, is used for movie shoots, special events etc throughout the year which oftens results in either full parking lots, closed parking lots or closed off roads.

 

Parking is not cheap in the park.

 

Perhaps if you could tell us with attractions you are most interested in us locals could then give you some suggestions etc.

 

Hope you enjoy your visit to Vancouver.

 

Cheers!

 

Dennis

Thanks for the info Dennis. I'm hoping that parking won't be too bad since we plan to go on June 2 which is a Monday, and a workday (I would think weekends would be much worse. I also think a lot of schools will still be in session, so maybe not as many tourists...well, one can always hope. :D And if there are roads that are closed, then my guess is the HOHO bus won't be going that way either.

As for the cost of parking, well since we'd have to pay $120 for the HOHO, and I can get a rental car for $40, then parking would have to be $80 to match the price of the HOHO, so I'm thinking the rental car would be cheaper even with the cost of parking in the park.

My mom wants to see the aquarium, especially otters, and my dad is an amateur photographer, so he is interested in seeing anything photogenic and has given me a "list"--the totem poles, the rose garden, the seawall, the lighthouse, various buildings throughout the park--pretty much everything. We plan to spend the entire day here.

Personally if the thinking is for an extended day in the park. A rental would fit the bill for a first time visitor for sure.

 

I don't recommend a rental if doing the downtown thing as parking is really expensive and elusive but for the park. Good idea.

 

There will be parking somewhere and you can "Do:" the park roads at the posted speed and then "Do" it again taking in the different roads.

 

I have never ever been completely shut out on our visits. It may take some time to find the perfect spot but you are exploring anyways while looking.

 

Take your time and enjoy the Park.

Thanks--I was thinking the same thing. We do plan to spend the entire day at the park, but if for some reason, we decide to go somewhere downtown, then I'll probably return the car, then we can take a city bus or even a taxi. Glad to have someone validate what I was thinking since I wasn't sure if I was missing something.

Parking is actually outstandingly reasonable inside Stanley park, in comparison to the rest of the city anyway. Not only is it a max of $11 a day, but with one ticket you can park in any of the lots and move around between them as you like. That link also shows where the *many* parking lots are - though UTs warning that often lots are full is correct, you may need to compromise by dropping your parents right next to a thing they want to see then parking at the next-closest lot and running back.

 

I've done this with visitors before and while it can be a hassle finding parking it's probably the best way to see the park for people who cannot stand around comfortably waiting for shuttles - even if you're lucky and the next one is only 15-20 minutes, sometimes there's not enough room for everyone to board who wants to at a given stop. HOHO stops are not official bus stops, so seating is not a given either...

Thanks for the info. I had read I had to pay for parking in each lot and didn't know I could get one ticket, so that is good news. Thanks for the suggestion of dropping my parents off and parking at the next lot if I needed to--good idea. And I hadn't even considered that the bus might be full and they'd have to wait for the next one. :eek:

Thanks everyone--I'm going to reserve a car. I'm really looking forward to visiting Stanley Park! Thanks again!

Yes with parents in their 80's I would definitely reommend renting a car to save tiheir legs. Do either of them have a "Handicap parking" card. If so bring it along and you will then always find a wonderful front row parking stall!

While you ahve the car I would also suggest that you take them to visit Chian Town & Gas Town -- Granville Island Market would be another great possibility and of course take in Capilano Suspension Bridge and Grouse Mountain ...

Info on Vancouver from a local!

My favorite must do attractions are

1) Grouse Mountain – http://www.grousemountain.com – this is a wonderful scenic mountain only about 15 mins from downtown Vancouver. Ride the airtram to the top for lots of fun activities that include a loggers show, birds of prey show, 2 movies (1 about the Vancouver area and 1 about the 2 Grizzly Bears who make their home on Grouse Mtn) ride a chair lift higher up the mountain to visit the wind turbine that generates approximately 30% of the power required for Grouse Mountain Resort and visit with 2 live Grizzly Bears. Thrill to a 2 hour Zip Line Tour. Enjoy a meal in any of the restaurants. Caveat only spend the money to go up on a clear day.

2) Capilano Suspension Bridge – http://www.capbridge.com – this is Vancouver’s oldest tourist attraction and I still enjoy visiting it! Located on Capilano Road just before you reach the Grouse Mountain parking lot. Walk across a suspension Bridge over the Capilano Gorge, wonder the trails thru the rain forest, walk thru the treetops on the new Tree Top Adventure, traverse a Cliff Top walk, visit the trading post for a huge selection of souvenirs, watch native weavers and/or carvers at work.

3) Capilano Fish Hatchery is also located on Capilano Road and is a great place to view salmon jumping up the fish ladders to get around the Cleveland Dam. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Capilano_River_Regional_Park

4) Lynn Valley Suspension Bridge – http://www.lynncanyon.ca - is also located in North Vancouver and is much less touristy than Capilano but it also is not as spectacular. The bridge is slightly higher above the water but much shorter in span. Located in a Provincial Park this bridge comes with some nice hiking trails and you will find an ecology centre in the park as well as picnic tables and a food concession outlet. Should you choose to enjoy the Lynn Valley Suspension Bridge always cross the suspension bridge first and then hike down the trail to the lower (Twin Falls wooden) bridge to cross back over the Lynn Valley River and return to your car – that way you are hiking downhill rather than uphill. It is also free to visit this suspension bridge!

5) Stanley Park – http://www.vancouver.ca/parks/parks/stanley/ - is the crown jewel of Vancouver's parks. As one of North America's largest urban parks, covering over a 1000 acres and offering an abundance of activities. Enjoy the totem pole collection near the Brockton Point Light House, hiking trails, beaches, water parks for the kids (young & old), rose gardens, miniature train, petting zoo, aquarium –http://www.vanaqua.org – many view points, and several restaurants.

6) Vancouver Aquarium – http://www.vanaqua.org – is Canada’s largest aquarium and is committed to the conservation of marine life and education. Located in Stanley Park this is a fun place for the family to visit.

7) Gas Town – the location where Vancouver originated. The name is derived from a very colorful character named Gassy Jack who was one of the first settlers in the area and a salon keeper – while in Gas Town don’t miss your photo op with the statue of Gassy Jack and by the Steam Clock.

8) At the start of Gas Town is the Harbor Centre Tower http://www.vancouverlookout.com a great spot to start your tour of Vancouver with a birds eye view of the city. Either take the elevator up to the lookout level or go to the top and enjoy a meal in the revolving restaurant.

9) China Town is only about 6 blocks over from Gas Town and is the largest China Town north of San Francisco. While in China Town enjoy a visit to the Dr Sun Yat Sen Classical Gardens http://www.vancouverchinesegarden.com and also make sure you visit the world’s thinnest building it is only 6’ wide!

10) Granville Island – http://www.granvilleisland.com – is a huge public market area which not only sells fruit & veggies but you can also buy frozen fish to be shipped to your home. Many artists make this their home and you can watch them at work in their studios – making this a great place to buy unique souvenirs. The Granville Island Brewery is also located here and you can stop in for a free tour & tastes. There are theatres for live performances and many fine restaurants. A fun way to get to Granville Island is via the Aquabus – http://www.theaquabus.com

11) Burnaby Village Museum – http://www.burnabyvillagemuseum.ca – is an open air museum with over 30 restored homes, shops, school, church and a 1912 carousel situated on 10 acres

12) Gulf of Georgia Cannery – http://www.gulfofgeorgiacannery.com – is a restored fishing cannery located in the historic fishing village of Steveston (part of Richmond). Here you see exhibits that showcase the history of the fishing industry in British Columbia. Once finished in the museum it is great fun to walk along the fishing docks and see the fishing boats which are selling their catch. There are also some excellent restaurants located here.

13) The Vancouver Maritime Museum located on the shore of English Bay is fun for the whole family with lots of hands on exhibits for the kid in all of us. Here to you will find the ship St Roch which the RCMP sailed from Vancouver to Halifax via the Northwest Passage and then completed the return journey in 1944. You actually get to tour this ship. http://www.vancouvermaritimemuseum.com

14) Queen Elizabeth Park http://www.vancouver.ca/parks/parks/queenelizabeth The 130 acre (52 hectare) park is one of the most beautifully maintained public parks in the world. Second only to Stanley Park in annual visitations, it receives nearly 6 million people a year who marvel at its superior standard of garden plantings.

The park was originally quarried for its rock which served to build Vancouver's first roadways. In 1929 the Board proceeded to acquire the property which had become an abandoned eyesore but still served as the site for two holding reservoirs for the City's drinking water. Dedicated as a park by King George VI and his consort, Queen Elizabeth (the present Queen's mother) on their much lauded visit to Vancouver in 1939.

15) Fort Langley is the restored wooden fort built by the Hudson’s Bay Company as a trading post. It is the origin of British Columbia and was the first capital. This Fort is operated by the Federal Parks Board. http://www.fortlangley.org

16) If you are a wine lover you might want to rent a car and spend a day visiting a few of the many excellent wineries located in the Fraser Valley only about a 1 hour drive from your hotel. Almost all of the wineries offer free tastes & tours. Two of the wineries have excellent restaurants on the premises. This makes for a very fun and relaxing day. Check out the Fraser Valley Wine Association web site for a map of winery locations and a brief description of each winery http://www.fvwa.ca

17) If you are a real animal lover than don’t miss “Mountain View Conservation & Breeding Centre” It is located in Fort Langley about an hour drive from downtown Vancouver. Mountain View Conservation and Breeding Centre is a leading non-profit Canadian facility that breeds endangered species in family groups for re-introduction back into their natural habitat in Canada and around the world. This facility is not a zoo their goal is to breed rare and endangered wildlife and re-introduce these animals back into their natural habitats. Presently Mountainview hosts over 50 species of the world’s most threatened animals and birds. See animals such as the spotted dog from Africa, Giraffes, and much much more. Here you do not wonder around as in a zoo rather you are given a guided tour with commentary on each animal group. Check it out at http://www.mtnviewconservation.org

18) VanDusen Botanical Garden is a scenic 55- acre garden of international renown – a living museum of plants collected from around the world and artistically displayed amidst rolling lawns, woodlands and five tranquil lakes, all in the heart of Vancouver and just 15 minutes from downtown.

Due to Vancouver’s mild climate, plants bloom at the Garden year-round. This same climate creates a unique environment where plants from varying climate regions thrive and grow – at VanDusen you will see plants from the southern hemisphere, tropical areas and the high Arctic tundra along side native species. The Elizabethan Maze (one of only six in North America) provides year-round fun.

19) UBC Botanical Garden located at the University of British Columbia covers 110 acres and includes an Alpine, Asian, Native, Food, and Japanese Gardens. http://www.ubcbotanicalgarden.org

20) Enjoy a FREE walking tour of Vancouver. The Gastown tour starts in front of the Vancouver Art Gallery and ends at the statue of Gassy Jack in Gastown. The Downtown tour starts at the Vancouver Art Gallery and ends at the Olympic Cauldron. The China Town tour starts at the Vancouver Art Gallery and ends at the Chinese memorial statue. All of these tours start at 11am. The Granville Island Tour starts at 3pm at the bus stop just at the entrance to Granville Island. Check these tours out at http://www.tourguys.ca The Tour Guys have added an afternoon walking tour of Granville Island and 2 evening tours….

21) A new addition I have just found for the FOODIES in the gang! Check out http://www.offtheeatentrack.com this company offers culinary tasting tours of various areas of Vancouver. I did the Railtown Urban Eats tour and it was Fabulous! This tour would blend well with the free walking tour offered by http://www.tourguys.ca … you could easily do the free walking tour and then meet up with this tour company for this tour for your lunch - the food is plentiful & wonderful you will not leave this tour hungry!

Vancouver has a bunch of hop-on hop-off buses

http://www.vancouverpinkbustours.com/

http://www.vancouvertrolley.com/tours/hop-on-hop-off

http://bigbus.ca/home/

BCHappygal, yes my parents do have a handicap card. Didn't think about asking them to bring it--thanks for the tip.

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