Vancouver on Our Own?

[kenmii]

Hi There-

We will be in Vancouver for the first time in September. How difficult would it be for us to rent a car (or two) and visit all the sights on our own? We would probably follow the itinerary for other city tours with a stop at the cap bridge? Is parking difficult and expensive?

 

Also how long will it take to get from Canada Place to YVR to rent a car? I assume we take the public transportation? We would then return to pick up the rest of the group and luggage.

 

Any suggestions are appreciated!

[BCHappyGal]

Car rentals are close to Canada Place you do not need to go all the way to the airport

YVR (airport) is 35 mins away on the light rapid transit and that is the time on the train does not count getting to the train or buying your ticket...and your car trip back to pick up the rest of the group would be closer to an hour. One car company actually has a desk upstairs in the Pan Pacific Hotel I think but I am sure Dennis will chime in and give you the exact info on that.

 

Yes parking is expensive here in Vancouver and the traffic is a pain.

 

How many in your group?

 

How much time do you have in Vancouver?

 

What sites are your main priority?

 

If it is to go to Capilano Suspenion Bridge - they offer a free shuttle from the downtown (cruise terminal) area.

If that is what you like I would suggest checking your luggage at the luggage check just inside and to the left of the main exit doors to the cruise ship terminal and using public to go to Capilano Suspension Bridge and Grouse Mountain. To visit those 2 sites from the Cruise ship terminal via public transit is very easy. Exit the terminal to the street turn left and walk 2 blocks to the entrance of the Waterfront Station (was the old Canadian National Railway Station) here buy an ALL DAY PASS for $9. AND then take the SeaBus accross the Harbor to Lonsdale Quay in North Vancouver. This is a Publis Market. Walk thru the market to the north exit and take the Capilano Road bus to the Suspension Bridge. When you are finished at the bridge come back out and reboard a bus headed uphill. Ride to the end of the route and you are at the base terminal for the Grouse Mountian Air Tram.

 

When you have finished enjoying all the activities at Grouse Mtn just reverse your bus route.

 

When back in Downtown VAncouver you can walk left from the Waterfront station a half block and you are in GAstown - the origins of Vancouver or take a bus to Satnley Park or to Granville Island a big public market.

 

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, 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. During the summer months there is a free shuttle bus that you can ride around the park on.

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. During the summer months there is a free walking tour of Gas Town for times call 604-683-5650

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) The city of Vancouver has laid out self guided walking tours of 4 distinct historical neighborhoods in Vancouver – Gastown; Chinatown; Yaletown; & Shaughnessy – these walking tours along with a historical introduction to each neighbourhood can be found at http://vancouver.ca/commsvcs/planning/heritage/walks/index.htm

11) 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

12) 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

13) 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.

14) 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

15) 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.

16) 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

17) 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

18) 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

19) 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.

20) 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

21) 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.mintergardens.com

22) Enjoy a FREE walking tour of Vancouver. This 2 hour tour starts in front of the Vancouver Art Gallery and ends at the Steam Clock in Gastown. This tour runs Tuesdays & Saturdays at 1pm and reservations are required. Check it out at http://www.tourguys.ca

[Urban trekker]

BC Happy - I somewhat answer there query about car rentals in another thread but Waterfront Station is the old Canadian PACIFIC station not the Canadian NATIONAL station.

 

Cheers1

 

Dennis

[Putterdude]

I also have attempted to answer the poster's question on the other thread.

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=343739&page=91

[scottbee]

Hi There-

We will be in Vancouver for the first time in September. How difficult would it be for us to rent a car (or two) and visit all the sights on our own? We would probably follow the itinerary for other city tours with a stop at the cap bridge? Is parking difficult and expensive?

 

Also how long will it take to get from Canada Place to YVR to rent a car? I assume we take the public transportation? We would then return to pick up the rest of the group and luggage.

 

Any suggestions are appreciated!

 

I would just stick to take public transportation for everything. A day pass is $9, visits all the sights. Most importantly understand Vancouver was recently rated by Tom Tom (the GPS people) as the 2nd most congested city in North America.

 

I work downtown, and don't drive. It's slower and not worth the hassle.

[Putterdude]

I worked in downtown Vancouver for almost 40 years and frankly didn't have the time to take transit and don't care sitting beside some drunk or someone who hasn't had a bath or brushed their teeth in a week....but that is a personal bias.

That said, most of who post on Vancouver forums don't ordinarily suggest renting a car as the city is becoming less car friendly by the month. However as there appears to be a number of you the rental of a mini-van might make some sense. All of the international car rental companies have locations downtown with National having a location in the Pan Pacific hotel at Canada Place.

Downtown to YVR is about 30/35 mins. Parking in the downtown area is expensive (unless your are from NYC) and yes it can be difficult to find at some attractions. Parking at parks will run you $3/hr, at parking meters if you can find one $1 to $6/hr., in parking lots plan on $6 to $8/hr and at your downtown hotel something in the range of $23 to $25/night. Parking at the Capilano Suspension Bridge is free but can be a tad difficult to find at times...but there is lots of free street parking in the vicinity. Parking at Grouse Mtn. the salmon hatchery and the Cleveland Dam is plentiful. The single biggest issue would be finding parking in the downtown area on the street at meters.

[BCHappyGal]

BC Happy - I somewhat answer there query about car rentals in another thread but Waterfront Station is the old Canadian PACIFIC station not the Canadian NATIONAL station.

 

Cheers1

 

Dennis

 

You are right Dennis don't know where my brain was when I typed that sorry :):)

[kenmii]

Thanks all... a few more questions...

 

1) if i take public transpo, what is recommended to get all of us from canada place to the airport?

2) is the recommendation hard on older ppl? I have 3 older ppl with us. They can walk just fine, but want to know if at any point if they will be miserable.

3) What is the weather like in early september?

4) If we depart at around 10am and need to be at the airport by 5pm, how long should we stay at each area? I assume we are taking a bus that is contingent upon traffic, correct?

 

Thanks!

[Putterdude]

Thanks all... a few more questions...

 

1) if i take public transpo, what is recommended to get all of us from canada place to the airport?

2) is the recommendation hard on older ppl? I have 3 older ppl with us. They can walk just fine, but want to know if at any point if they will be miserable.

3) What is the weather like in early september?

4) If we depart at around 10am and need to be at the airport by 5pm, how long should we stay at each area? I assume we are taking a bus that is contingent upon traffic, correct?

 

Thanks!

 

The walk from Canada Place to Waterfront Station and the Canada Line is about 3 blocks, the actual travel time on the car is 24 minutes but to that you need to add time to walk to time to walk to the station, pay your fare, wait for a car and then the walk from YVR station to check in....about 45 mins would be a reasonable allowance. You need to be at YVR a full two hours before flight time so I would want to be heading to Waterfront station by 2 pm at the latest.

It really is impossible to suggest how long you should stay in each area without knowing which attractions you wish to see. You have approximately 4 hours of touring before you must be heading for Waterfront station and the Canada Line.

[scottbee]

Thanks all... a few more questions...

 

1) if i take public transpo, what is recommended to get all of us from canada place to the airport?

2) is the recommendation hard on older ppl? I have 3 older ppl with us. They can walk just fine, but want to know if at any point if they will be miserable.

3) What is the weather like in early september?

4) If we depart at around 10am and need to be at the airport by 5pm, how long should we stay at each area? I assume we are taking a bus that is contingent upon traffic, correct?

 

Thanks!

 

Public transport is remarkably easy to the airport. Walk one block ahead out of Canada Place, and turn left on Cordova, from there two blocks and enter the big brick building on your left "WATERFRONT STATION". From there the Canada Line Skytrain (subway) goes direct to the airport for $3.75; and takes 24 minutes. No traffic to deal with (other than crossing the street).

 

If you're looking to explore a bit before heading to the airport, also from Waterfront, you can take Seabus across Burrard Inlet followed by the #236 bus to Capilano Bridge, and Grouse Mountain. If you intend to explore by yourselves, there are luggage services at Canada Place that will hold your luggage, and also, you can buy an all-day bus/skytrain/seabus pass for $9 from the newsstand in the middle of Waterfront Station; rather than buying individual tickets.

[Putterdude]

There is reason to pay for transportation to either Grouse Mountain or the Capilano Suspension Bridge both venues offer a free shuttle bus to and from Canada Place. If your wish, you can take the free shuttle and pay only $3.75 max on the Canada Line to YVR. The Canada Line fares are reduced to $2.50 for those over 65, $2.50 on weekends and holidays and $1.75 for the seniors.

However with the time you have I would personally be guarded about heading over to the North Shore for the Capilano Bridge and Grouse Mountain. Instead I would be looking at something like Stanley Park or Granville Island to fill you time as they require much less traveling time.

http://www.capbridge.com/plan.php

 

http://www.grousemountain.com/shuttle

[kenmii]

Thanks all! I have to think about this one...

[BCHappyGal]

I agree with Putterdude

With your limited amount of time I would explore Gastown - just past the Waterfront Station - go up in the tower on Harbor Centre (accross the street form Water Front Station) for a birds eye view of Vancouver.

You can also take in China Town only about 4 blocks over from Gastown..where you can explore the Dr Sun Yat Sen gardens and take a photo beside the World's skinniest building only 6' wide...

Maybe go to Stanley Park to see the totem poles and rose gardens

 

In Sept the weather is unpredictable - however we often enjoy a very nice weather then.

[am2]

We (including my parents who are 65) spent 3 days in Vancouver after our cruise earlier this month and didn't have a car. We purchased two day hop-on-hop-off trolley passes and used that to get a tour of the city as well as transportation to the Aquarium and around Stanley Park and to Granville Island. We took taxis from Canada Place to our hotel and from our hotel to the airport. Otherwise we walked to restaurants and Gastown and so forth. My mom sometimes has trouble with her feet, but she found Vancouver very walkable.

[kenmii]

Hi All-

 

What are your thoughts on a 7 hour tour below via a private guide? Should we replace any sights? Should we spend more time or less time anywhere? I am thinking of replacing the Cap Bridge with the Lynne Bridge. We hope to return to do the cap bridge and spend more time.

 

Suggestions are welcomed!

 

 

10:00- Pick up at the cruise ship terminal

Drive through Chinatown and Gastown

10:30 - Partial Tour of Stanley Park - Brief Stop at Totem Park (great photo op)

11:00 - Cross over to the North Shore on the beautiful Lion's Gate Bridge

11:15 - Capilano Suspension Bridge - Visit the world famous attractions of the Bridge and Cliffwalk (depart at 12:30)

12:45 - Arrive at the base of Grouse Mountain - Skyride to the top (arriving at 1pm)

1:30 - Watch the Birds of Prey show (30min) or a visit to the refuge of Endangered Wildlife including our resident Grizzly Bears, Grinder & Coola

2:30 - Depart Grouse Mountain

3:00 Cross back over the Lions Gate Bridge and Drive through second half of Stanley Park

3:30 - Arrive at Granville Island Market

 

 

Thanks!!!

[Urban trekker]

While you could change the Cap bridge for the Lynn canyon bridge it would involve a longer drive from the Lions Gate Bridge and an almost doubling back past the Cap Bridge to get to Grouse - you would of course save money by doing this as the Lynn bridge is free vs the Cap bridge.

 

Cheers

 

Dennis

[Putterdude]

If you have reviewed all of the attractions and are happy with them then I wouldn't be inclined to change anything. However if the weather is inclement you may want to have a plan "B"....IMO there is little point in going up Grouse Mtn. if the weather is bad and may care to spend more time at Granville Island or perhaps a trip out to the Museum of Anthropology at UBC or even the Maritime Museum.

Who are you using for a guide and when you are home would you please give us a review of his/service service?

 

www.moa.ubc.ca

www.vancouvermaritimemuseum.com/

[BCHappyGal]

I would leave Capilano Suspension Bridge in - 45 mins for that is fine... however you do not have sufficient time IMO to bother going up Grouse Mtn - I find Grouse Mtn to be an all day activity not a 1 hour and the cost for that short time is prohibitive. I would spend more time in Gastown, China Town and Granville Island.... take time to enjoy a nice lunch somewhere Vancouve has wonderful restaurants.

[kenmii]

If you have reviewed all of the attractions and are happy with them then I wouldn't be inclined to change anything. However if the weather is inclement you may want to have a plan "B"....IMO there is little point in going up Grouse Mtn. if the weather is bad and may care to spend more time at Granville Island or perhaps a trip out to the Museum of Anthropology at UBC or even the Maritime Museum.

Who are you using for a guide and when you are home would you please give us a review of his/service service?

 

www.moa.ubc.ca

www.vancouvermaritimemuseum.com/

 

 

Thanks! I'll check out your suggestions. I am using the Tours by Locals mentioned several times on these boards. I am deciding between two, but will let you know!

 

Thanks again!

[kenmii]

I would leave Capilano Suspension Bridge in - 45 mins for that is fine... however you do not have sufficient time IMO to bother going up Grouse Mtn - I find Grouse Mtn to be an all day activity not a 1 hour and the cost for that short time is prohibitive. I would spend more time in Gastown, China Town and Granville Island.... take time to enjoy a nice lunch somewhere Vancouve has wonderful restaurants.

 

Thanks! I'll also look into there options!