Vancouver - Hop On Hop Off Bus or Trolley?

[cindy7371]

We are looking for recommendations of which to take the trolley or the bus that goes around Vancouver? We will be there one whole day and one evening.

[chinacat62]

I can't offer you a comparison, but I can say we took the Big Bus and thought it was good. I was actually surprised at how quickly we caught one when we wanted it. I think the longest we waited was about 10 minutes to get on at Granville Island. We also did the Stanley Park loop and enjoyed that as well (same ticket, same company, different bus).

[scottbee]

We are looking for recommendations of which to take the trolley or the bus that goes around Vancouver? We will be there one whole day and one evening.

 

Depends what you want to do. If you have a couple of tourist destinations in mind, you're better off with a day transit ticket (which also would include Skytrain from the airport), and just head to those places. It's also a LOT cheaper than a HoHo ticket; but you wont get the chitchat along the way (except from the local bus riders).

[AnakeRose]

Buy a Translink day pass (about $9) and get on SkyTrain. The Waterfront Station is right beside the docks and it runs every few minutes. It's really easy to find your way around. If you want, get on the SeaBus and go over to North Van and walk around the Lonsdale Quay (a large market). If you want to go out to Granville Island, get off SkyTrain at the Granville Station and find Bus 50, it'll take you right there. There's so much to see in the Vancouver area.

[fleckle]

Our favorite is the open bus when the weather is nice because your view is not cut off at the roof line. It is like riding around in a huge convertible with the top down.

 

Vancouver has lots of great architecture and you get wonderful unobstructed views up above and all around from the open bus.

[New York Nana]

We are looking for recommendations of which to take the trolley or the bus that goes around Vancouver? We will be there one whole day and one evening.

We took the Vancouver Trolley. Had 4 different driver/guides throughout the day and they all offered their own unique perspective to different sites. They run about 20 minutes apart at most of the stops - depending on the traffic and we were there the day of the Stanley Cup finals, so several downtown streets were starting to be closed to traffic. I liked that they had TWO routes - Red and Blue (or West and East). Never a problem getting a seat. We easily did what we wanted to in a day's time - but had we more time, we would have gone out to Grouse Mtn and the Capilano bridge.

[laughing husky]

I agree with New York Nana,,,We had much different cometary and learned a lot about Vancouver...We also oversaw much of Vancouver...If you are going to be there for 2 days, the second day on the HoHo is almost free...I think it is an extra 3 bucks or so...It stopped outside of our hotel...(The blue Horizon)and that was an extra bonus....It took you to every tourist area in town...

[shutterbug285]

I also hihgly recommend stanley park, there are some huge trees and well as beautiful walks, the aquarium ect we walked from the pan pacific down to the park along the shore walkway, gorgeous views although it is a bit of a walk from the pan pacific if your planning on walking around the park and then going back :)

[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 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 – 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

[Putterdude]

The advantage of the Vancouver Trolley over the Big Bus is that the Trolley's narration is live whereas the Big Bus's is canned. But either is a great way to see a lot of the city in a little time.

[Rysam]

We are looking for recommendations of which to take the trolley or the bus that goes around Vancouver? We will be there one whole day and one evening.

 

We had a bad experience with the trolley - left waiting b/c they had no seats on two occassions - several other people were left waiting when we finally did get a trolley - for every one trolley - 2 -3 hoho buses passed by. I cannot reccomend the trolleys especially if your time is limited - they all (Trolleys, hoho, pink bus) go to the same places - and the live narration isn't worth waiting 40 - 60 minutes to get the next trolley. :(

[denatravels]

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 – 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

 

I know this thread is very old-- but such awesome advice!!

[Urban trekker]

Just a note - #21 tour Minter Gardens is not available anymore as the family has closed the attraction.

 

BC Happy may be along one of these days with an updated version of this older post.

 

There are some changes.

 

Cheers!

 

Dennis

[denatravels]

Just a note - #21 tour Minter Gardens is not available anymore as the family has closed the attraction.

 

 

 

BC Happy may be along one of these days with an updated version of this older post.

 

 

 

There are some changes.

 

 

 

Cheers!

 

 

 

Dennis

 

 

Good to know-- thanks!

[xlxo]

I miss Minter... it so easy to visit without the ferry.

http://www.mintergardens.com/mgardens.html

 

http://www.mintergardens.com/press.html

 

They still have the store... http://www.mintergardens.com/cgstore.html

[Putterdude]

I have known Brian Minter since the mid 70's and remember when he first floated his idea of the gardens. Most, including myself, thought he was crazy, however he was able to convince what was then the East Chilliwack Credit Union to buy into his plan. The rest is history, it was a wonderful attraction and Brian was generous to a fault in his support of the Chilliwack community. That all said, I am not certain that I would recommend to any cruiser that they should drive the 65 miles +/- to see what is a nursery.

Edited October 4, 2015 by Putterdude

[familycruzer]

I know this is an older post I am bringing to life but if we buy the hop on hop off I was told we can get to the Capilano Bridge using the free shuttle but need to use public transportation to get to Grouse Mountain.

They have a package that includes admission to both attractions.

[martincath]

I know this is an older post I am bringing to life but if we buy the hop on hop off I was told we can get to the Capilano Bridge using the free shuttle but need to use public transportation to get to Grouse Mountain.

They have a package that includes admission to both attractions.

Not quite... whether or not you book the trolley you can still use the free shuttles to Grouse, Capilano or both. Yes, they are both currently run by the trolley people - but that's an entirely separate deal from their regular HOHO route.

 

You don't HAVE to use transit between the two sites, but frankly it's efficient to do so as they are on the same road! With three or more of you, odds are a cab would actually be cheaper than the $2.75pp cash fare for travel within the same zone (doesn't matter if it's a weekday or weekend, Grouse & Cap are both in the same zone anyway).

 

You can of course take the free shuttle back from whichever one you do second - it's just the getting-between-them-part that needs organizing. If you do Grouse first, you could always try asking the shuttle bus driver to drop you off at Cap - since they literally drive right past it, this is very likely to be agreed to (especially if you toss your tip in the buckets as you board and ask...); whereas doing Cap first you'd have to try flagging down the Grouse shuttle as it drives past - and even if the driver would love to pick you up, if it's already full he can't...

[xlxo]

I'll add that leaving Capilano to Grouse can sometimes be challenging on a busy weekend. Have this North Shore taxi dispatch on speed dial if the buses are not doing pickups. 604.987.7171 http://northshoretaxi.com/

 

Personally....

• one plan is to hit the Capilano bridge when it first opens at 9am before the morning tour buses and afternoon crowds show up. Then proceed to Grouse around 10:30am on public transit before the crowds get busy.
  
• 2nd strategy is to use the free shuttles to Grouse and be there when the shows start. When the Grouse shuttle returns downtown, ask to be dropped off at Capilano. The bridge closes at 8pm during the summer. Bonus to go to the bridge the late afternoon/evening is the crowds are smaller. Return downtown on the Capilano shuttles. However pay attention to when the last shuttle departs, otherwise you will be using public transit to return downtown (good excuse to check out the Seabus ferry!).
  

[familycruzer]

Am I best off waiting until I arrive to make exact plans to go to the two attractions? I read that weather can effect your views.

I can have a few game plans in place.

I was going to do a few days in Seattle but Vancouver had more that interested me.

[martincath]

I don't believe there are any significant discounts available for either Cap or Grouse - they're both very popular and don't need to offer groupons and the like - so booking in advance or just paying on the day probably won't make any difference financially to you.

 

Personally I find both attractions overpriced unless you really make best use of ALL they have to offer - and especially for Grouse, if there are low clouds or fog not being able to see Vancouver from up top loses a big chunk of it's relative value IMO.

 

Unless you're really early or late in cruise season statistically you can expect the weather to probably be relatively dry and sunny - and we've had some annoyingly-dry summers the last few years with sometimes no measurable rainfall from April until October - but we are in a rainforest, so having alternate plans for rainy days is never a bad plan.

[xlxo]

Am I best off waiting until I arrive to make exact plans to go to the two attractions? I read that weather can effect your views.

I can have a few game plans in place.

I was going to do a few days in Seattle but Vancouver had more that interested me.

By early April.... Accuweather will give you a general idea of temperatures and rain in the area. So I would start planning my city itinery then. If rain is in the forecast, it is generally only part of the day. Plan to check out destinations for those dry periods.

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I don't believe there are any significant discounts available for either Cap or Grouse - they're both very popular and don't need to offer groupons and the like - so booking in advance or just paying on the day probably won't make any difference financially to you.

 

Personally I find both attractions overpriced unless you really make best use of ALL they have to offer - and especially for Grouse, if there are low clouds or fog not being able to see Vancouver from up top loses a big chunk of it's relative value IMO.

 

Unless you're really early or late in cruise season statistically you can expect the weather to probably be relatively dry and sunny - and we've had some annoyingly-dry summers the last few years with sometimes no measurable rainfall from April until October - but we are in a rainforest, so having alternate plans for rainy days is never a bad plan.

While not Disney prices, I agree those marquee attractions command the highest admission charges in the area. Tips to maximize value...

• Capilano
  
• use the free shuttles. Why pay extra for a car rental and parking.
  
  
• Plan to be there for 90 minutes.
  
  
• Some only walk across the main bridge and back. Do check out Tree top adventures and Cliffwalker segments.
  
  
• save travel time by visiting Grouse Mountain first and then ask the shuttle to be dropped off at Capilano.

  
  

• Grouse Mountain
  
• Again, skip the car rental and use the free shuttles.
  
  
• Unless you are there for the Bear breakfast, don't show up until 11am when the shows begin. Perhaps go to Capilano first if you are an early bird and trying to get there before the tour bus crowds.
  
  
• Don't go there for just the gondola... plan to check out the wildlife (bears! birds! wolves!) and lumberjack show. The mountain labels itself as a "resort". In addition to hiking, there are several outdoor activities.
  
  
• you can get gondola and admission waived if you plan to have dinner at the Observatory. Warning.... the observatory meals are premium priced.
  http://www.observatoryrestaurant.ca/menu/

  
  

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Don't forget all admission prices are discounted to American residents with the currency collapse. $38 is really $26 USD! Huge savings!

Edited January 17, 2016 by xlxo