Vancouver post cruise stay

[rachelfran]

My husband and I are staying three nights, starting 8/5, in Vancouver after our cruise ... Leaving on a red eye, that fourth night... That will give us 4 days and three nights and neither of us have ever been there before..

 

Any suggestions for a hotel under $200/night.. Seems all the best downtown hotels come up higher. Should I consider a different location? We aren't renting a car and we're from NYC so I like the idea of being in a central area where we can easily access restaurants or nightlife...

 

Would love to hear of the best ways to pass the time in Vancouver... We're coming off an Alaska cruise... Love nature, wildlife...

 

Thanks!!

 

 

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[scottbee]

My husband and I are staying three nights, starting 8/5, in Vancouver after our cruise ... Leaving on a red eye, that fourth night... That will give us 4 days and three nights and neither of us have ever been there before..

 

Any suggestions for a hotel under $200/night.. Seems all the best downtown hotels come up higher. Should I consider a different location? We aren't renting a car and we're from NYC so I like the idea of being in a central area where we can easily access restaurants or nightlife...

 

Would love to hear of the best ways to pass the time in Vancouver... We're coming off an Alaska cruise... Love nature, wildlife...

 

 

Unless you're traveling a distance out of Vancouver, I'm not sure a car is always the best idea. Downtown is very compact, and even those sights to visit outside of downtown there is excellent transit service to. Most of the larger downtown hotels are also charging $15-30/night to park your car, and downtown parking is equally expensive ($4-5/hr) in most places.

 

Certainly a visit to Capilano Suspension Bridge, and Grouse Mountain would be worthwhile; along with Stanley Park.

[rachelfran]

Unless you're traveling a distance out of Vancouver, I'm not sure a car is always the best idea. Downtown is very compact, and even those sights to visit outside of downtown there is excellent transit service to. Most of the larger downtown hotels are also charging $15-30/night to park your car, and downtown parking is equally expensive ($4-5/hr) in most places.

 

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Yes - I believe I stated that we would not be renting a car. Thanks.

[martincath]

I assume you mean August 5th rather than May 8th for your stay - hotels under $200 should be readily available on the latter date. If you are willing, check Hotwire for bargains - anywhere West End/Downtown 4* or more should always be decent.

 

If you need to know exactly where you'll be staying, then the you can certainly find a selection of downtown hotels for under $200 a night - a quick Expedia search is showing refundable rates of under $150 at the Comfort Inn, Days Inn, Best Western Sands; if you're willing to go to $200 a night many more options appear like the other BWs, Coast Coal Harbour, Listel, or Rosedale (some rates non-refundable to get under $200)

 

Sutton Place and Georgian Court, both quite swanky, are showing rates just at the $200 mark (nonrefundable). If you need a more luxurious hotel than those, you're looking for a Hotwire type bargain or going outside Vancouver - someone mentioned recently getting a $149 rate at the Pinnacle over in North Van, very convenient for Grouse Mountain/Capilano and just a 15 min Seabus ride away from Vancouver proper.

 

As to what to do - as well as the already-mentioned G Mtn/Cap Bridge/Stanley Park, you can go whale watching out of Vancouver with 100% chance to see Orcas, so depending what you did in Alaska that could be a good wildlife-oriented option.

[Putterdude]

If you watch Hotwire or bid on Priceline you should have no trouble getting a 3*+ hotel in downtown Vancouver for under $150/n. In fact right now on Hotwire there is a 4* hotel listed for the week you are here at $156/n. Like others I would recommend the avoidance of a car unless you want to take a drive up to Whistler for a day. At great way to see a lot of Vancouver sights, including Stanley Park and Granville Is., is via a HOHO, the Vancouver Trolley is the service I recommend as it has live narration and they often offer two days at a discounted price if you book online. Attractions like the Capilano Suspension Bridge and the Grouse Mountain SkyRide can be had via their free shuttles from convenient stops in the downtown area.

[scottbee]

Yes - I believe I stated that we would not be renting a car. Thanks.

 

Totally read that backwards; sorry.

[Atlantis Aura]

Hello! We are staying at Bestwestern Sands, as mentioned above, Pre-Cruise, and they have been very helpful and certainly under $200 a night. They are considered on the west side of downtown and are right on English Bay by Stanley Park. They are right by bicycle rentals and the sea wall, so walking or biking to Stanley Park or Granville Island would be convenient...also I have read on the boards that if you can get to Canada Place that the suspension bridge offers free bus transportation from there to the bridge....

[Brig273]

I am staying in Vancouver for one night on May 10th. I have my hotel search narrowed down to Best Western Sands or Comfort Inn Downtown. It seems like BW is near the water with lots of scenery. And CI is more of a hustle and bustle in the middle of everything location. Am I correct? I've never been to Vancouver, I would appreciate any suggestions.

[Putterdude]

I am staying in Vancouver for one night on May 10th. I have my hotel search narrowed down to Best Western Sands or Comfort Inn Downtown. It seems like BW is near the water with lots of scenery. And CI is more of a hustle and bustle in the middle of everything location. Am I correct? I've never been to Vancouver, I would appreciate any suggestions.

 

I have a fair history with the Comfort Inn and would not choose to stay there which kind of leaves the BW-Sands. The issue with the Sands is that it is a bit out of the loop and once you have seen English Bay you are a bit removed from a lot of the attractions of the city. My recommendation would be to continue to watch Hotwire and Priceline or look at something like the Blue Horizon, BW-Downtown or the Sandman Inn on West Georgia

[BCHappyGal]

For things to do check out my list below. Buy yourself an all day bus pass for $9 and you can ride the city bus, sea bus & sky train to your hearts content = cheap transportation

 

Below is a list of some of my favorite things to do in Vancouver. The FREE walking tours item #21 are excellent - Also don't miss Capilano Suspension Bridge, Grouse Mtn (the 2 attractions for me = a full day I would suggest taking the city bus it is very easy take bus from your hotel to the Sea Bus station ride the Sea Bus to North Vancouver = Lonsdale Quay which is a public market. walk thru the public market to the norht end and there catch the Capilano Road bus to the Capilano Suspension Bridge. This attraction usually takes me 2 hours to tour with visitors. When finished reboard the Capilano Road bus going uphill and ride it to the end of the route - you are now at the Grouse Mountain Air tram station - take this up the mountain and enjoy - wonderful restaurant for dinner with marvelous views out over Vancouver.

 

Also don't miss Stanley Park, China Town, Gas Town, Granville Island

 

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) 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

21) Enjoy a FREE walking tour of Vancouver. The Gastown tour starts in front of the Vancouver Art Gallery and ends at the Steam Clock in Gastown. The Downtown tour starts at the Vancouver Art Gallery and ends at the Olympic Cauldron. There is also a China Town tour and a Granville Island Tour. Check these tours out at http://www.tourguys.ca

[QueScaisJe]

If you do decide to go see the North Vancouver sights, you may want to rent a car just for that one day. It makes the touring much easier.

 

Also if you book in advance for the Observatory restaurant at Grouse Mountain, the skylift going up is included. The food there is not the best that Vancouver has to offer (Vancouver has some world-class restaurants) but on a clear day the views are stunning.