Hotel, Car and Parking question

[melt]

Hello everyone,
I have been gone from the boards for a while, but my next cruise is coming up quick and I am starting to do some real planning.
We will be in Vancouver for 4 nights before our Alaska Spirit cruise. While in Vancouver we'd like to do Whistler, Buchart Gardens, Granville Island, and Grouse Mountain. Do you recommend that we rent a car? I kind of think we should to avoid the hastle of taxi's and buses. My concern is the additional cost of hotel parking. If we have a car we don't necessarily have to be in a downtown hotel. A safe location nearby would be great. Does anyone have a suggestion of a reasonably priced hotel in a safe neighborhood that offers free parking? Any suggestions are much appreciated.

Thanks,
Melt

[CanadianMAG]

You will need a car for whistler.. the drive there is unbelieve able, and living here all my life here and Vancouver Island, I am still amazed on the sights. If you drive you can stop at the view points and stop at shannon falls
http://www.shannonfalls.com/


Buchart Gardens, it a tough one. Taking a car on the ferry is pretty expensive about $45/ each way for 2 people and car. BUT it is probably about a good 1 hour bus ride from downtown to tswaseen ferry http://www.bcferries.bc.ca/ I am not sure how the bus is in Victoria, if I recall it isnt good.


Granville Island, and Grouse you can take a cab or the bus http://www.translink.bc.ca/

when at grouse you will need to check out Capalano Suspension Bridge

I think downtown the parking is $10-$15/day, if you stay out of downtown I know there are hotels with free parking.


I think if you want to tour around, renting a car might be a good idea you can get car rentals pretty cheap. I think for the cost of parking and car will be comparable to bus, taxi and even your waiting times!

Enjoy our wonderful city!

[CanadianMAG]

Hotels, this is what comes to mind right now I am sure there are others

Hilton Vancouver Metrotown - metrotown is in Burnaby, about 30min from downtown and VERY close to the skytrain which can bring you downtown. It is a busy part of the city, next to one of Canada's largest shopping malls. Has a large theatre at the mall, shopping (of course) and resturaunts. As for safe... I am 50/50 on that one.

Exectutive hotels, Coquitlam. We are getting further from the city now, maybe 45minutes, its save. I am partial to this hotel, this is where I am getting married! (its kinda far though)

There are also hotels in Richmond, I am not familar with that area its near the airport, and maybe 30minutes from the city.

Im not the best on this part.. maybe others can shed some light.

[melt]

Thank you both for the info. Shannon Falls look amazing. We won't miss it.

Melt