1 day in Vancouver. What to see?

After my cruise docks in Vancouver, I have 1 afternoon and evening to spend in Vancouver. I will be staying in a hotel near the airport. What could I do and see in Vancouver that would be inexpensive and interesting?

is a great way to see the sights-you can get on and off at interesting spots and the driver will share some knowledge.

You can take a bus tour that will take you to Grouse Mountain and many other interesting spots.

I second what Grouchy said is the vancouver trolley. Here is the web site for more information. www.vancouvertrolley.com Hope this helps.

Marilyn

Thanks so much for the info!:)

Last June we took a post cruise day trip thru shoretrips. At the end of the tour they drop you off at your hotel. We really enjoyed this trip.

Hi,

You guys are bad.

If they're staying out in Richmond or SW Marine near the airport, it's a heck of a long way in traffic to go from the ship all the way down Granville or Oak, check into the hotel, then wait for a taxi and hump your butt all the way to the North Shore to go up the Skyride...and if you do go up there, you're gambling the city's not going to be socked in. Eating in the restaurant (Grouse Nest) is certainly not inexpensive.

The trolley's a great idea...if you're staying in the downtown core. Vancouver Int'l (YVR) is about a 45 minute ride to the airport, so your hotel (don't know which one) will be 45 mins +/- 5 minutes.

You didn't say what time of the year you'd be there, what time your flt left the following morning or where you're flying to. Having lived in Greater Vancouver (North Van) for 16 yrs. I'd say that if you wanted to do more than sit around a hotel then I'd submit you might have been better off getting a hotel in the core of d'twn Vancouver rather than near the airport. In d'twn, you're close to the Seabus to the North Shore, and you can take transit to the Capilano Suspension Bridge and Grouse Mtn, Harbour Tours, Stanley Park, Trolley rides etc.

Hope I haven't turned you off your overniter, but as you say you are in a hotel near the airport.

What I might suggestis to rent a vehicle and drive to the historic old Japanese fishing village of Steveston, where the old salmon cannery is now a designated National Historical Site. After visiting Steveston for a late lunch (some great eating places overlooking the south arm of the Fraser River and the fishing fleet), you could take Hwy 99 south toward the US border and take Exit 8 west into the seaside town of White Rock.

There you could walk along the beach promenade, and...if the tide's out the beach also. In White Rock there are some great eclectic little shops and some superb intimate (and not so intimate) restaurants along the drive by the beach. Recommend two restaurants...the Blue Iguana and Uli's. WARNING...in White Rock along the beach, parking meters are in operation 24 hrs/day and 7 days/wk.

Not all of Vancouver is centered around the harbour and mountains as there is so much to do. I hope you'd consider coming back to visit Vancouver, Victoria, Vancouver Island's west coast and more of Beautiful British Columbia.

In the meantime, hope you enjoy your cruise and short stay in Canada's most beautiful city.

Ciao for now!!!

Great Info, Captainron! Just what I was looking for. We arrive at 10:00 am the day before our Cruise, and know that we likely won't be able to get our room (at the Westin Bayshore, booked on Priceline for $60.00 :-) ) I've booked a car at the airport, with drop-off near the pier, so we've got lots of time to enjoy Vancouver, and surrounding area! Sounds like we're going to have a great time!

The day our ship arrives in port, we were thinking of renting a car again, and going out to Whistler for an overnighter... what are your thoughts on that?

Trixiee,

If you're staying at the Bayshore, you are only a hop, skip and a jump from Stanley Park and many of the downtown activities. I still think that if you're staying d'twn that you are close enough to do a lot of the touristy things associated with Vancouver...Grouse Mtn, Capilano Suspension Bridge, Stanley Park, Maritime Museum (home of the RCMP vessel St Roch, the first vessel to traverse the Northwest Passage), and God forbid, even take a harbour cruise.

Take a stroll down Robson St (affectionately called Robsonstrasse for years by the locals) for great shopping and unique trendy restaurants.

For the best Fish 'n Chips, take a drive out to Horseshoe Bay in West Vancouver for Halibut and Chips at Troll's restaurant and eat while you watch the myriad of boats and ferries come and go.

Hope you enjoy your stay in YVR, and...

Ciao for now!!!

Thanks so much for the info, Ron. We are going to be in Vancouver mid-June. We're flying back home to Lafayette, Louisiana. I think I will book a room in the downtown area and maybe do the trolley trip.

?? Do I go through customs when I get off my cruise in Vancouver or when I leave Vancouver at the airport? or both?

My flight is at 9am. How long should I allow for a taxi ride out to the airport? You said about 45min. Is that about right??

Trix are for kids!!!

LOL, Capt'n Ron!

We've rented a car... on the back-side of our cruise, we haven't planned anything... would a trip to Whistler be worth our while? How long does it take to drive there?

Does priceline do any Whistler Hotels? Anyone know?

Sorry to jump in so late.

Grouse mountain is a must if clear weather. www.grousemountain.com

Storyeum -- Huge museum/live theatrical presentation about BC's history.

Expensive but worth it. Downtown Vancouver location (gastown) www.storyeum.com

Whistler will take 2 hours from downtown Vanc. Expect delays, as they are working on Sea to Sky highway for 2010 Olympics!!

Sorry to jump in so late.

Grouse mountain is a must if clear weather. www.grousemountain.com

Storyeum -- Huge museum/live theatrical presentation about BC's history.

Expensive but worth it. Downtown Vancouver location (gastown) www.storyeum.com

 

Whistler will take 2 hours from downtown Vanc. Expect delays, as they are working on Sea to Sky highway for 2010 Olympics!!

It's NEVER too late!

I love to hear lots of opinions - it all helps!

Trix,

Whistler's a good few hrs drive up the Sea to Sky highway from downtown Vancouver. You'd head across the Lions' Gate Bridge and go right off the bridge then left up Capilano Drive to the Upper Levels Highway where you'd take the highway west toward Horseshoe Bay and Squamish then onto Whistler.

It';s a very scenic drive. Whistler's a four season resort and even in the summer rates are not cheap, but give Priceline a try anyway.

CShell,

When you arrive at Canada Place, you will clear Cdn customs and Immigration right at the pier. You should plan your trip to the airport the day of departure well in advance of your dep time as after checkin, you will have to go through security, and then US Homeland Security (US Customs and Immigration) I'd give yourself 2 hrs at the airport before your flt departs to checkin and get thru the lineups.

Have a great holiday and cruise.

Ciao for now!!!

Thanks for the info!, Capt. Ron

Great Info, Captainron! Just what I was looking for. We arrive at 10:00 am the day before our Cruise, and know that we likely won't be able to get our room (at the Westin Bayshore, booked on Priceline for $60.00 :-) ) I've booked a car at the airport, with drop-off near the pier, so we've got lots of time to enjoy Vancouver, and surrounding area! Sounds like we're going to have a great time!

 

The day our ship arrives in port, we were thinking of renting a car again, and going out to Whistler for an overnighter... what are your thoughts on that?

Hi Trixiee.....we are on the same cruise with you and we also just booked at room with Priceline at the Westin Bayshore. Nice to meet you :)

Linda

Hi There,

Nice to meet you too, lkmamon!

There's a thread started... if you'd like to meet others who'll be onboard at the same time...

Big Bus or Trolley?? Which gets us to more sights?

They both go to pretty much the same sights. The differnce is that the bus does have an open component which can be nice on a clear day but they have a taped narration. The trolley is fully enclosed and has a live narration...my preference is the trolley. Here are their links:

http://www.vancouvertrolley.com/

http://www.bigbus.ca/

Sorry to butt in but Storeyum is CLOSED -

Yes a dive to Whistler is well worth it but you will need a full day... the drive itself is about 2 hours each way but you iwll need to add time to that to allow for stops to enjoy all the scenery (viewpoints, waterfalls, eagles etc) along the way. The Briatanni Beach Mining Museum is also well worth a visit.

In and around Vancouver here is my list of fun things to do....

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 and visit with 2 live Grizzly Bears. 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, 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 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. http://www.lynncanyonparkguide.bc.ca It is also free to visit this suspension bridge!

5) Stanley Park – http://www.city.vancouver.bc.ca/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 at Brockton Point, hiking trails, beaches, water parks for the kids (young & old), rose gardens, miniature train, petting zoo, aquarium –http://www.vanaqua.org – hollow tree, many view points, and several restaurants. During the summer months there is a free shuttle bus that you can ride around the park on.

6) 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.

7) 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.

8) 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.classicalchinesegarden.com and also make sure you visit the world’s thinnest building it is only 6’ wide!

9) 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. May 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

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

11) 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.

12) 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

13) Queen Elizabeth Park – http://www.greatervancouverparks.com/QEPark01.htm -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.

14) 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.pc,qc.ca/fortlangley

15) 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.

16) If you are a real animal lover than here is my latest find “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 India, 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

17) 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.

18) 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

19) Dazzle your senses when you visit Minter Gardens nestled against 7000 foot Mt. Cheam in beautiful 'Super Natural' British Columbia. One of the most spectacular show gardens in the world! Eleven themed gardens are designed to dazzle the senses with massive displays of artistic floral designs.

Minter Gardens is located 90 minutes east of downtown Vancouver just off the Trans-Canada Hwy. #1 at exit #135. http://www.gardeningbc.com

Whew! That's a lot of sightseeing BCHappyGal. Thanks for posting it.

Our flight gets in at 1 PM. We are staying at The Sutton Place. Between the Capilano Suspension Bridge, Stanley Gardens and the Sun Yat Sen Chinese Gardens, which would be the best fit for our limited time. We'd like to be at the Canada Place around 1 PM. Are taxis our only option?

What would be the best/easiest way to get to Grouse Mt? We also have very limited time and don't want to run around too much before going to the airport.

What would be the best/easiest way to get to Grouse Mt? We also have very limited time and don't want to run around too much before going to the airport.

Probably the best way is by taxi but it will be about a $30/35 fare in either direction. Failing that then by transit, SeaBus from Waterfront Station near Canada Place. Then bus from Lonsdale Quay to the mountain. Allow about and hour for transit in either direction and at least 2 hours for the mountain. A word to the wise....don't bother going up if you can't see the top of the mountain from Canada Place, you wont have any view from the top. You may also want to check your luggage at Canada Place with CDS Baggage Services.

http://tripplanning.translink.ca/hiwire

http://www.cdsbaggage.ca/CDS/Home.html

Capilano Suspension Bridge – 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, visit the trading post for a huge selection of souvenirs, watch native weavers and/or carvers at work.

Wow, thanks for the wealth of info! Can you give me some more info on the Capilano Suspension Bridge? Looks like a lot of fun. How much time should I allow there? I only have one short day in Vancouver - my ship will dock at 7am and I fly out first thing the next morning. I'd really like to do Grouse Mountain that day since I like to hike and the other attractions there are just icing on the cake :) But since Capilano is so close to there, I'd be interested in going there first, if it will still leave me a good chunk of time to explore and enjoy Grouse Mountain. Thanks in advance!

Hi,

You guys are bad.

 

There is so much useful information here. I will be in Vancouver 4 days 6/28 - 7/2 staying at the Fairmont Waterfront Vancouver after the HAL trip from Seward - Vancouver. Is renting a car recommended?

Dear Paul

Car rental depends on whether or not you want to do some of hte items such as hte Fisheries/Cannery Museum in Steveston or Fort Langley or Mountian View Conservation Centre or a Winery Tour... for those things located outside the Vancouver City Centre then yes a rental car is the way to go. However if you want to spend your 4 days doing just the things located in and around the downtown core of Vancouver then no use public transit and or taxi's or the HOHO bus as a ticket for the HOHO bus is good for 2 days and for public transit an all day pass is only $9. Parking in Vancouver is expensive and hard to find.

You might want to do the Vancouver places of interest in 2 consequtive days and then rent a car for 2 days to enjoy some of hte things that are further out.