Vancouver may 31, 2013

[sittielinda]

We will be arriving in vancouver May 31 for 3 nights before our June 3 sailing.

Any suggestions on tous of Vancouver and best way to see Victoria.

[Putterdude]

IMO the very best way to see the sights of Vancouver is via a HOHO. Vancouver boasts at least 4 such services during the summer but the best one operates year round and unlike the other offers live narration....it is the Vancouver Trolley and offers 2 day passes online. An other thought would be a trip over to North Vancouver and take in the Capilano Suspension Bridge and Grouse Mountain Skyride....both of these operate free shuttles to and from convenient locations in the downtown core however GMS shuttle may not be operating until June. If GMS shuttle is not operating then you can take the CSB's and when finished there you can catch a #236 transit bus to the GMS then reverse the process for getting back.

[sittielinda]

Thanks. Any suggestions for Victoria?

[mapleleaves]

Victoria is a long day trip. I think the coach tours to Butchart Gardens are a 12-14 hr day. It requires a 1/2 hr drive from Vancouver to Tsawwassen where you catch a ferry for an 1 1/2 hr trip to Sidney, then another 1/2 hr drive from Sidney to Victoria.

Google Pacific Coach for info on the tours or their transfer service to Victoria. Give some thought to overnighting in Victoria.... spend an entire morning at the Gardens then catch an afternoon bus back to Vancouver.

Also check out the Vancouver forum of Tripadvisor for alternate transportation to Victoria ... it's possible to use public transportation to get there.

[Tweedy]

If you do decide to stay overnight in Victoria as mapleleaves suggested, I highly recommend Pagliaccis if you like Italian food. A coworker of mine took us there when we had a business trip to Victoria. Their bread is to die for and the pasta was fresh and delicious. So good. The place is busy!

[rachelfran]

Thanks. Any suggestions for Victoria?

 

tripadvisor has a page devoted to this :http://www.tripadvisor.com/Travel-g154943-c5611/Vancouver:British-Columbia:Getting.From.Vancouver.To.Victoria.html

 

 

We are also staying in vancouver for 3 nights after the tour and i'm thinking about whistler for a daytrip.

[Northern Aurora]

While we love Stanley Park, the Vancouver Aquarium and just walking along the sea wall, I also think that the Vancouver Art Gallery is at times ignored by visitors. It is a wonderful art gallery, and well worth a visit.

[Glaciers]

Lynn Canyon Park & Suspension Bridge is nice and free. It's just east of North Vancouver and is accessible by bus although a rental works better. We went last year and will do it again if we have more time to spend on the trails.

http://lynncanyon.ca/

[sittielinda]

Thanks for all the great information. So much to do in such short time. Probably will do some tours as not to waste time. One whole day planned for Victoria.

[scottbee]

Thanks for all the great information. So much to do in such short time. Probably will do some tours as not to waste time. One whole day planned for Victoria.

 

While you can take a direct coach from Vancouver to Victoria; you can ride the local transit system and get there in exactly the same amount of time for a lot less. Skytrain/Bus to get to Tsawwassen ferry terminal, walk on the ferry, and then bus to either Butchart (who operated a free shuttle last year), or bus to downtown Victoria.

[aohkay]

While you can take a direct coach from Vancouver to Victoria; you can ride the local transit system and get there in exactly the same amount of time for a lot less. Skytrain/Bus to get to Tsawwassen ferry terminal, walk on the ferry, and then bus to either Butchart (who operated a free shuttle last year), or bus to downtown Victoria.

 

Could you elaborate on the Skytrain/ bus to the ferry route. Do you know what Skytrain stop to get off in order to get the bus?

[Tweedy]

Do you know what Skytrain stop to get off in order to get the bus?

 

 

You would take the Canada Line to the Bridgeport Station. This is the station where they announce on the to get off to change trains for either the airport or Richmond (depending on which train you are on). It is the 1st stop after going over the river. You can take either the Richmond or YVR train if you will be getting off at Bridgeport and during the week the trains run every 3 minutes.

[aohkay]

You would take the Canada Line to the Bridgeport Station. This is the station where they announce on the to get off to change trains for either the airport or Richmond (depending on which train you are on). It is the 1st stop after going over the river. You can take either the Richmond or YVR train if you will be getting off at Bridgeport and during the week the trains run every 3 minutes.

 

Thanks Tweedy; going to the ferry terminal though. :)

[Tweedy]

Thanks Tweedy; going to the ferry terminal though. :)

 

Hi there;

 

Yes, I realize you are going to the ferries. Bridgeport is the station you would get off to catch the bus to the ferries. If you miss this stop, you'll either be heading to the airport or richmond centre depending on the train you are on.

[scottbee]

Could you elaborate on the Skytrain/ bus to the ferry route. Do you know what Skytrain stop to get off in order to get the bus?

 

3 zone ticket; $5.50

• Canada Line Skytrain heading south (either YVR or Brighouse), get off at "BRIDGEPORT STATION"; then
  
• Walk downstairs form the platform and get on a #620 "TSAWWASSEN FERRY" bus (same ticket); then
  
• Buy walkon at the ferry for "SWARTZ BAY" (generally it will be berth 5, but you don't need to know that)
  

 

On the Victoria side; walk off then either

• #70 DOWNTOWN bus or;
  
• #81 BRENTWOOD (to Butchardt Gardens). Note the #81 only meets every other (the odd hour) sailings; or;
  
• Last year the Saanich Penisula ran a free shuttle from ferry to Butchart Gardens
  

 

While it all sounds complicated, it saves a big chunk of money vs taking the Pacific Coach Line bus, and doesn't take any longer (actually faster into downtown Vancouver, because not all the coaches loop via downtown Vancouver).

 

Links with more info

BC Ferries: http://www.bcferries.com/

Translink (Vancouver Transit Skytrain/Bus/Seabus): http://www.translink.ca/

BC Transit (Victoria Bus): http://bctransit.com/regions/vic/

Free shuttle: http://www.cvscruisevictoria.com/PAC/indexpac.html

[BCHappyGal]

If it were me I would not spend a day going to Victoria as you will waste too much time travelling and not have enough time to see much once there... given that you have only 3 days and there is more than enough to do in Vancouver to fill 3 days... however if you really want to see Victoria than in the interest on time I would take a float plane both ways or at least 1 way - the float planes take you right into Victoria downtown whereas from the ferry dock you still have an hour drive into downtown Victoria....

Personnally I would save Victoria for another visit when I could spend at least overnight there....

 

below is a list of fun things to do in Vancouver and this list does not include a side trip to Whistler home of the winter olympics

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

[aohkay]

3 zone ticket; $5.50

• Canada Line Skytrain heading south (either YVR or Brighouse), get off at "BRIDGEPORT STATION"; then
  
• Walk downstairs form the platform and get on a #620 "TSAWWASSEN FERRY" bus (same ticket); then
  
• Buy walkon at the ferry for "SWARTZ BAY" (generally it will be berth 5, but you don't need to know that)
  

 

On the Victoria side; walk off then either

• #70 DOWNTOWN bus or;
  
• #81 BRENTWOOD (to Butchardt Gardens). Note the #81 only meets every other (the odd hour) sailings; or;
  
• Last year the Saanich Penisula ran a free shuttle from ferry to Butchart Gardens
  

While it all sounds complicated, it saves a big chunk of money vs taking the Pacific Coach Line bus, and doesn't take any longer (actually faster into downtown Vancouver, because not all the coaches loop via downtown Vancouver).

 

Links with more info

BC Ferries: http://www.bcferries.com/

Translink (Vancouver Transit Skytrain/Bus/Seabus): http://www.translink.ca/

BC Transit (Victoria Bus): http://bctransit.com/regions/vic/

Free shuttle: http://www.cvscruisevictoria.com/PAC/indexpac.html

 

Thanks for the detailed reply.

 

I'm a local, but live in Maple Ridge. My aging parents live in Victoria and I need to visit once a month.

 

With the info you provided, I can now get DH to drop me off at a Skytrain station instead of driving all the way to the terminal. Also eliminates the longterm parking fee.

[AndyB]

Thanks for the great tips! We're also planning a couple of days in Vancouver before our cruise in July, and these tips help immensely!