Pre cruise Vancouver September 2014

[cruisefar]

Flying from New York to Vancouver and wondering how much time I should spend in Vancouver prior to our cruise to Hawaii. I would love to see a beautiful mountain lake so I thought maybe the train from Vancouver to Whistler for an overnight. I welcome all of your suggestions!

Edited September 16, 2013 by cruisefar

[Langoustine]

I don't think there is a train to Whistler. You might see what you're looking for going east to Kamloops. Any Vancouver people have an idea?

[Mquan10]

Rocky Mountaineer has a train to Whistler. Its very limited and only runs once per day. I think its still running now.

The train stop is not in Whistler but besides a hotel called the Nita Lake Lodge. From the lodge to the village its about 10 minutes by car. As the name suggests the stop and the hotel are right beside a beautiful lake (Nita Lake). I don't know if its the mountain lake you are looking for but it's nice. You can see pics on www.nitalakelodge.com

The hotel itself is higher end and pricey for the Whistler area. They do offer free shuttles into town plus there were about 10 mountain bikes and helmets available for loan to get into town. I stayed there in 2011 so don't know if the bikes are still around.

 

There are also other options to get to Whistler, rental car, bus

Edited September 16, 2013 by Mquan10

[chrismakris]

Hello cruisefar,

 

4 days in Vancouver is what you will need in my opinion to see all the city has to offer.

 

You could spend the first two in Vancouver touring the city and then 1 day driving up to Whistler. You can leave Whistler at 9 am the day of the cruise and it will give you plenty of time to drop off the car and check in for your cruise.

 

There is a train that goes up to Whistler, but you are better off renting a car and driving up to Whistler than taking the train. It will probably be much cheaper.

 

Whistler is 2 hours away, so a day trip is possible, but I would spend the night.

[Mquan10]

Hello cruisefar,

 

4 days in Vancouver is what you will need in my opinion to see all the city has to offer.

 

You could spend the first two in Vancouver touring the city and then 1 day driving up to Whistler. You can leave Whistler at 9 am the day of the cruise and it will give you plenty of time to drop off the car and check in for your cruise.

 

There is a train that goes up to Whistler, but you are better off renting a car and driving up to Whistler than taking the train. It will probably be much cheaper.

 

Whistler is 2 hours away, so a day trip is possible, but I would spend the night.

 

 

sorry I would have to disagree and do Whistler first. I would not want to chance driving from Whistler on the morning of the cruise. If the highway is closed due to an accident, rockslide etc. you are screwed, there are no detours. With all the improvements to the highway its closed much much less now, but still happens.

[lamchops]

sorry I would have to disagree and do Whistler first. I would not want to chance driving from Whistler on the morning of the cruise. If the highway is closed due to an accident, rockslide etc. you are screwed, there are no detours. With all the improvements to the highway its closed much much less now, but still happens.

 

+1

I would head for Whistler at the beginning of your stay. Leave early, stay a night, and drive back after 6pm to avoid the traffic nearing Vancouver. Spend as many night in Vancouver as time allows as there's plenty to see and do.

[cruisefar]

Thanks everyone! Do you think I need a car when in Vancouver or just to go to Whistler? Any hotel recommendations for a nice place with easy access to things to do and priced right? I love the beach, shopping and sightseeing!

[Mquan10]

Depending on where you stay and what you want to see, a car is not necessary. Also if your staying downtown the parking rates are quite expensive.

The closest hotel to Canada Place (main cruise port) is the Fairmont Waterfront and is one of the most expensive. Cruise port is literally right next door.

For what you want to do a good suggestion would be Lord stanley. www.lordstanley.com. It is located on a busy street corner but is the closest hotel to Stanley Park, the beaches and bike rentals. Shopping is along Robson Street, heading east, about 10 minutes to get to the good stuff. Its located in a decent part of town as well. Note this is a apartment hotel, so they don't have maid service everyday. You get a kitchen and its priced better than hotels.

If you want a real hotel try the Westin Bayshore which is close to the water and to Stanley Park which has the beaches. Both these places would require a short taxi ride to Canada Place. Otherwise closer to downtown all the major brands are there, Westin, Hyatt, Fairmont, Marriott, Delta

 

Cruisefar - I notice your flying from NY. Any suggestions on a good Marriott branded hotel in New York city close to the cruise port? Want something in a good part of town close to the port, shopping and theatre. (is this possible)

 

thanks

Edited September 18, 2013 by Mquan10

[Milhouse]

For visiting attractions in and around the downtown core and along the skytrain lines, I would say a car isn't needed. Plus parking downtown is generally expensive.

For extended sites (Steveston, UBC/Museum of Anthropology etc), you can take skytrain/bus (which my DW suggests) but I'd probably prefer to rent a car to hit up all the further sites in a day. I haven't taken the train up to Whistler but personally, I like the drive, particularly with the highway improvements (tho I agree there's some risk w/ accidents clogging or temporarily shutting down the highway).

 

Weather is a consideration too. I think we've been generally lucky with nice weather extending into September in recent years but for example, the weather is starting to turn a bit with the wet stuff.

[martincath]

Concur with above suggestions to only hire a car for Whistler/out of downtown attractions. We spent 6 of 7 days in Vancouver when we first visited and felt it was plenty to see the big hits, but still not enough to see everything we wanted to - if you are flexible about timing, I'd suggest at least 3, preferably 4 full days in town plus one for Whistler. If you enjoy train travel, some of the short trips could be good for you - but add at least a day extra, because the trains to Whistler and the Rockies are for leisurely touring, with schedules for daylight viewing in the mountains not speed/convenience...

Edited September 18, 2013 by martincath

[BCHappyGal]

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

 

 

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/

[grgsuch]

Great info BCHappyGal!! Thank you!! We will be coming to Vancouver 2 days early to explore. There is so much to do, your list helps alot with our research. Look forward too seeing your city.

[cruzzzinma]

I would suggested you consider a day trip to Victoria. You can buy tour tickets at most hotels to shuttle you to Victoria to see the quaint downtown and Butchart Gardens.

[cruisefar]

Thanks for all the helpful information!!

 

Mquan10 - I am not from the New York City area. I am from western New York so I don't have a clue about NYC hotels. Sorry I could not help you out with that!

[jnc411]

Just got back from our cruises, which we spent 4 days in Vancouver. We stayed downtown, easy walk to Gastown, and uptown both, near enough to the Art Museum, and a block from the Big Bus hop on hop off stop. Was our first visit to Vancouver , and we really enjoyed our time there. Plan to return for a longer stay. Really nice city, friendly people, lots to see and do.

Cori

[knitpurl]

Just got back from our cruises, which we spent 4 days in Vancouver. We stayed downtown, easy walk to Gastown, and uptown both, near enough to the Art Museum, and a block from the Big Bus hop on hop off stop. Was our first visit to Vancouver , and we really enjoyed our time there. Plan to return for a longer stay. Really nice city, friendly people, lots to see and do.

Cori

 

what hotel did you stay at? How far was the airport? thanks

[Coral]

We went to Whistler a few years ago and loved it! Highly recommend it.

 

We stayed at the Pan Pacific Olympic Village and also loved it!

 

We took a small bus shuttle to Whistler as they were working on the highway back then. I think we spent 2 or 3 nights and wish we had spent more time there. We had been to Vancouver many times so we only spent one night there but far preferred Whistler to Vancouver.

 

We were also there in September and the colors were changing and it was gorgeous. It was also off season for them so hotels and restaurants were reasonable.

Edited October 15, 2013 by Coral

[Aussie One]

Hi Criusefar My wife and i are booked in September 2014 on Celebrity Solise Vancouver to Hawaii we are doing a six day bus tour from Calgary to Vancouver there are a lot of tours from Calgary including rail tours i,m sure our Canadian friends will consider this a good idea might be worth a look Aussie

[SA71]

If you are staying downtown (ie near the cruise ship terminal) then you don't need a car, in fact it is more of a hinderance than a help, as many of the streets are one way and parking is $$. Many highlights in the downtown core that are walkable or accessible by bus- Vancouver has an excellent, safe, clean public transit system - buses, skytrain (like a subway), seabus etc.

 

Right downtown:

"Fly over Canada" multimedia presentation at Canada Place

Vancouver Aquarium at Stanley park

Horse drawn trolley tours of Stanley park (narrated)

Seawall at Stanley park (walking, bikes)

Vancouver Art Gallery

Shopping on Robson Street (high end stores)

Beach Avenue (the beach!)

 

Short bus/cab ride:

Granville Island (shops, restaurants, local artisans and pottery, Stanley Theatre, Arts Club Theatre)

Grouse Mountain Skyride (clear day can see to Washington state USA)

Capilino Suspension Bridge

 

Car rental required:

Whistler (2 hr drive) - lots of mountain lakes here and beautiful views! Someone suggested in an earlier post that you could check out of a Whistler hotel at 9 am and head to Vancouver to check in for your cruise - yes this is possible BUT I would not recomend it, as the road (Sea to Sky Highway) is the only route to Vancouver and if there is an accident (lots of curves on this road and it is ocean on one side and cliffs on the other) or a rockslide you could be delayed several hours, and there is no detour possible that will meet your time constraints!

 

Enjoy!

[Coral]

We went to Whistler a few years ago and loved it! Highly recommend it.

 

We stayed at the Pan Pacific Olympic Village and also loved it!

 

We took a small bus shuttle to Whistler as they were working on the highway back then. I think we spent 2 or 3 nights and wish we had spent more time there. We had been to Vancouver many times so we only spent one night there but far preferred Whistler to Vancouver.

 

We were also there in September and the colors were changing and it was gorgeous. It was also off season for them so hotels and restaurants were reasonable.

 

Just to clarify - we stayed at Pan Pacific Village Center.

Edited October 30, 2013 by Coral

[lovebears]

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

 

 

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/

 

 

 

These are such great suggestions. Flying in mid morning day before cruise...where do u suggest to stay in economy hotel that would enable us to use public transit to see as much as possible and then following day get to Carnival Cruise ship?

[scottbee]

These are such great suggestions. Flying in mid morning day before cruise...where do u suggest to stay in economy hotel that would enable us to use public transit to see as much as possible and then following day get to Carnival Cruise ship?

 

Pretty much anything downtown will be close to the Skytrain line from the airport. If you can't afford something downtown, the area around Broadway/Cambie (called City Hall, near Broadway/City Hall Station), has a lot of inexpensive restaurants nearby, and is a good transit hub

[BCHappyGal]

Economy hotels and Vancouver do not go together :):)

Vancouver is an expensive city to visit... Go on Hot Wire or a similar web site and get the best deal possible for your room but don't ruin your vacation by saving a few dollars per night and endng up way off the beaten path... Stay in what is called the "west end" of Vancouver where you are close to everything and the cruise ship terminal... Staying outside the area you will waste lots of precious time commuting and taxi fares are high...

[BCHappyGal]

For the foodies out there just found a new tour that I can highly recommend - it is a tasting tour whereby you visit 5 establishments eating & sipping your way thru all of them... a truely delightful afternoon ...

check out http://www.offtheeatentrack.com

[martincath]

For the foodies out there just found a new tour that I can highly recommend - it is a tasting tour whereby you visit 5 establishments eating & sipping your way thru all of them... a truely delightful afternoon ...

check out www.offtheeatentrack.com

Their URL is actually: http://offtheeatentracktours.ca/vancouver/