Vancouver Info if needed

[Terpnut]

ell52 - thank you so much for all the help you have given me and for taking the time to provide the map. We will be in Vancouver for two days pre cruise and are looking for things to do. :) gg

You will be approx 1 mile to Stanley Park from your hotel which is not too bad a walk in a beautiful city. The last couple times in Vancouver, we rented bikes. Even my 6 year old safely navigated the safe and beautiful paths in the city to/from Stanley Park. Have a great time!

[newbie2468]

Hi there..I live in Vancouver and have worked at several of the hotels in the city..and have also worked on cruise ships before, so I've done more Alaska cruises than I care to admit..I'll gladly answer any questions about the city, cruising or what have you! :)

 

We are disembarking in Vancouver and spending the night... What would you recommend doing? We would not like it to be a "get off the ship and not get to the hotel until 8" tour... However, I have heard the going to Grouse Mt. and the suspension bridge is unbelievable... We are staying at the Sutton Place... Is going to Stanley Park in the early evening doable? It is my birthday and I would like to do something special.. what about dinner? Best place?

 

Thanks for all your advice

 

Tory

[floridatoucan]

Does anyone have any recomendations for this hotel?

Thanks!

[Tobintemp]

We are staying extra day post cruise in downtown Vancouver Sunday May 27th and would like to visit Riverrock Resort and Casino in Richmond. No car. Can you tell me the best way to get there? As far as I can tell from website, they do not have a shuttle that picks up in downtown Vancouver. Any info you have will be appreciated. Thanks!

 

If you are staying downtown and looking for a casino visit, the Edgewater Casino is downtown right across from BC Place. Depending on your hotel it may be within walking distance. (Easy walk from the Rosedale on Robson, Hampton Inn, Westin Grand)

 

To River Rock you can get a taxi for about $25 from downtown. I would highly recommend this if you aren't familar with the area around River Rock. You can also get the city bus (B Line) to the Delta Airport and transfer from there, the bus you tranfer to gets you within about 2-3 blocks, it is a bit of an industrial area to walk through so I wouldn't do it in the dark. Off peak fare is $2.25 per person.

[jessinphilly]

Hi. First of all, thank you to all of the Vancouver posters. This will be the easiest part of the trip to plan! I have a question about finding a szechuan or hunan chinese restaurant that is easily accessible to the downtown area or chinatown. Does anyone have a favorite? All responses are welcome!

[gratefulguy]

In addition to the opinions you'll get here, you may want to look at http://www.vancouvermagazine.com They are currently featuring their annual restaurant reviews.

[sask56]

just to follow up on a previous post.

 

To get to the River Rock casino from downtown, catch the 98/B-line bus heading south. After twenty minutes it will arrive at the airport transfer station. Stay on the bus and go to the next stop which is "Sea Island Way". Walk about two blocks north (toward the mountains) and you're there.

[Terpnut]

Hi. First of all, thank you to all of the Vancouver posters. This will be the easiest part of the trip to plan! I have a question about finding a szechuan or hunan chinese restaurant that is easily accessible to the downtown area or chinatown. Does anyone have a favorite? All responses are welcome!

Given the immigration (and strong influences) of thousands of Hong Kong residents to Vancouver a ways back, I think Cantonese is the way to go. So if you're interested, let me know. :D

[a&w]

We have reservations to stay at the Landis Suites; anyone familiar with that property? We are a group of four (one married couple and two single friends) and the rooms sounded perfect for us. Is the location within walking distance of any of the sights? We would like to spend some time at Stanley Park, the Lookout, Grouse Mountain and Capilano Suspension Bridge. We won't have a vehicle; is all of this doable from where we are (using public transit)? Also, any restaurants in a reasonable price reange near the Landis? Thanks for you help.

[WAVTAM]

What company is available ,that offers offsite parking at Vancouver terminal? Rate? WAVTAM

[weathermom]

wavtam... are you wanting to leave your car when you cruise or when you fly (cruise terminal or air terminal?)

[gratefulguy]

A & W,

The Landis is close to good public transportation that will take you to the places you mentioned--even Grouse Mtn. and Cap. (on same bus line). You take the SeaBus across to North Van, and then a bus.

There is a day pass which covers this. Try the trip planner feature on:

http://www.translink.bc.ca

BTW, when I went last May, there were still a few patches of snow on the Mtn. The trip won't be as good if it is very cloudy/foggy/rainy, IMO.

[NJ2WA]

Other than a taxi, is there any transportation to get us from Ballantyne Pier to Amtrak station? Can we check our baggage early in the day and leave it there till our train in the evening? If not, any other suggestions? Our ship gets in early in the AM but our train to WA state isn't until about 6PM, so we'd love to "tour around" without our luggage.

 

Thanks!

 

Connie

[a&w]

gratefulguy, thanks so much for the information. Another question about the Landis...are there any restaurants nearby? Any grocery stores nearby? Thanks again!

[weathermom]

Hi A&W

there are lots of restaurants a few blocks in either direction on davie.

+ you're not far (3 or 4 blocks) from "yaletown" a very trendy/hip part of town & there's a "choices" food market on Richards..it's got quite good selection.

the only "sights" that are within walking distance are the beaches & the cute little ferries that take you across to granville island.

the rest you can do on public transit - or there are a couple of hop on hop off tourist bus companies that take you to most things that you mentioned... bigbus & the trolley company.

looks like big bus stops close to your hotel (near stop #7 on this map) http://bigbus.ca/staticpages/index.php?page=route probably the vancouver trolley company does too.

[a&w]

weathermom...thanks so much for the great information! We can hardly wait for our Alaska cruise, and I am so excited that after we get off the ship, we still have three days to enjoy Vancouver!

[DedeM]

First, is the YVR shuttle..you can't miss it as it's a big ugly green bus that runs from the airport (www.yvrairporter.com for schedule) about every twenty minutes to most downtown hotels including the Renaissance.

 

Can you also get the shuttle from the hotels to the airport?

 

This is a reasonably priced alternative to a cab. Is it easy to get on and off of it when you have a bunch of luggage?

 

BTW, this thread is fantastic. Thank you Canadians for answering all these questions. :)

[LeftcoastBC]

Other than a taxi, is there any transportation to get us from Ballantyne Pier to Amtrak station? Can we check our baggage early in the day and leave it there till our train in the evening? If not, any other suggestions? Our ship gets in early in the AM but our train to WA state isn't until about 6PM, so we'd love to "tour around" without our luggage.

 

Thanks!

 

Connie

 

Well you can lock up your baggage at the train station no problem.

 

Geting there other than a taaxi. I've been thinking and looking. If the other dock (Canada Place) is ship busy most of the taxi's like to go there so you could likely walk to the station quicker. (No don;t but you could) Check you date in port against the other dock.

 

Maybe try Limo-jet and set up a time in advance ? Look at the "YVR" (transportation area) website for their rates and contact.

 

Maybe a taxi company out in Burnaby (next city over) that doesn't have pick up rights in Vancouver ?? I'm kind of stumped actually. Waiting for a cab could be really frustrating.

[imogene]

Well you can lock up your baggage at the train station no problem.

 

Geting there other than a taaxi. I've been thinking and looking. If the other dock (Canada Place) is ship busy most of the taxi's like to go there so you could likely walk to the station quicker. (No don;t but you could) Check you date in port against the other dock.

 

Maybe try Limo-jet and set up a time in advance ? Look at the "YVR" (transportation area) website for their rates and contact.

 

Maybe a taxi company out in Burnaby (next city over) that doesn't have pick up rights in Vancouver ?? I'm kind of stumped actually. Waiting for a cab could be really frustrating.

 

We drove by Ballantyne on Saturday around 11:30 am and it was not too bad - Canada Place was still a mess though. Since there is only 1 ship disembarking/ arriving at Ballantyne you should be okay with a taxi. You may want to check with your CL to see if they have a shuttle available that will drop you off at the train station.

 

There are luggage lockers at the Pacific Central Train Station ($2 Cnd per day) - you have to go through customs before boarding the train - so there is no way you be able to check your luggage in advance.

 

Here is a link to a list of Taxi companies that should service Ballantyne. I would keep the numbers with you just incase. http://www.bcpassport.com/vancouver-public-transportation/vancouver-taxi-cabs.aspx

 

Ballantyne really is in a strange place - it is right in the middle of the industrial area of the Port of Vancouver, and I would not recommend walking away from the terminal - it is not the best neighbourhood - although there is a very nice new Starbucks with a great view of the pier close by.

 

The train station is walking distance to Chinatown, but if you want to see the city you should cross the street and catch a Sky Train to Pacific Center (for shopping and access to Robson) or to Waterfront to get to the Sea Bus and the Lonsdale Quay or for access to Gas Town.

 

You could also take a False Creek Ferry or the AquaBus from Science World to Granville Island or any of the other stops.

 

Vancouver is a great city I hope you have fun while your here.

[Native New Yorker]

weathermom, leftcoastBC, and imogene,

 

I know this question has been asked to death but I would love your opinions.... Hubby and I will be on th 6/29 Summit and staying for 2 nites in Vancouver at the end of our cruise. We are currently booked at the Sutton Place but it has been getting not so great reviews lately on line so I am a bit worried. Our other 2 choices are the Westin Grand or the Fairmont on Georgia St. Luxury and location are my big things, we decided to end our trip on a bang and stay at a high end propertywhere cost would not be an issue. Any input would be greatly appreciated, I'm more confused by the moment about which to choose.

 

Thank you so much for your time. Native New Yorker

[darcyj]

Shoppie : Question for you on the city layout. How difficult would it be to walk with luggage from Canada Place to the Sheraton Wall Centre Hotel? I am not concerned about the distance which appears to be much less than a mile, as I am the possible hills etc or construction/ traffic etc.

We are getting off the ship on a Friday morning and wanted to avoid long taxi lines if possible....

 

thanks !

[LeftcoastBC]

Shoppie or leftcoast....I didn't have time to read all 11 pages so if this q is a repeat, forgive me!!

 

We have a growing group (pre meet n mingle) that wants to get together downtown for dinner the night before our Sept cruise....can you suggest a restaurant that would be good for that??...cost (not high prefereably!), variety of food, and of course, drinks!!...

 

Thanks for any info y'all can help with....the hotels that we are staying at so far are Hampton, Hyatt, Sheraton, 4 Season. if that helps with proximity.

 

Jul :)

 

I would do again as a group of cruisers I associate with has done twice in the past.

 

"Steamworks" they can handle groups with no problem and the food and beer is great. Make reservations.

[LeftcoastBC]

We will be in Vancouver all day and overnight in early June. We can stay at any of the Starwood hotels using points, so price doesnt matter. The major advantage of the Four Points is that it's close to the airport. We take off at 7:30am on a Tuesday. We will have a car, so how long will it take to get from the hotels up by Stanley Park to the airport? Any recommendations between the Sheraton or the two Westins?

 

Hotel in Richmond (near airport) should be fine. With the YVR the way it is for security and immigration I'd finish up my tours of Vancouver and stay out there. Richmond has some great restaurants (esp. Asian) and being closer in the morning with a shuttle will be a good thing.

 

I agree though that the Westin would be nicer :)

[LeftcoastBC]

Shoppie : Question for you on the city layout. How difficult would it be to walk with luggage from Canada Place to the Sheraton Wall Centre Hotel? I am not concerned about the distance which appears to be much less than a mile, as I am the possible hills etc or construction/ traffic etc.

We are getting off the ship on a Friday morning and wanted to avoid long taxi lines if possible....

 

thanks !

 

I guess it could be done if you are 20-30 yrs & in great shape. It's a fair hike and up hill all the way sometimes more than others. All downtown ped and vehicle traffic.

 

TAxi problem = Make a reservation with Limo jet. Info available on "YVR" website.

[LeftcoastBC]

weathermom, leftcoastBC, and imogene,

 

I know this question has been asked to death but I would love your opinions.... Hubby and I will be on th 6/29 Summit and staying for 2 nites in Vancouver at the end of our cruise. We are currently booked at the Sutton Place but it has been getting not so great reviews lately on line so I am a bit worried. Our other 2 choices are the Westin Grand or the Fairmont on Georgia St. Luxury and location are my big things, we decided to end our trip on a bang and stay at a high end propertywhere cost would not be an issue. Any input would be greatly appreciated, I'm more confused by the moment about which to choose.

 

Thank you so much for your time. Native New Yorker

 

This of course is a no win question. :)

We all have different idea's of "High end property where cost would not be an issue"

 

So just based on those three. I would stay at any of them without hesitation. Sutton and Fairmont (Hotel Vancouver) are close to shopping. Fairmont is an older classic type. Have had friends that have stayed at Sutton recently.. it's fine. Westin is near Stanley park and not as rushed. Make me choose. The Westin Bayshore.

 

good luck. Oh and there are lots of hotels better. :D