Vancouver touring weekend of BC day

[SDJen]

Need some advice from locals please. We will be arriving late on Friday 7/31 and embarking on the Disney Wonder on Monday 8/3. This happens to be the weekend of the BC day holiday from what I understand.

 

We have reservations at the Hyatt on Burrard. We definitely want to visit Grouse Mountain, Stanley Park and probably Granville island. It will be me and my 9 year old daughter. ( we also have tickets to see Taylor Swift on Saturday night).

 

Because of the BC day events, would there be one day better than the other to hit the sights that we want to see? From my research it sounds like the earlier we get to grouse mt the better, is that correct?

 

Any advice or tips would be appreciated. And if there is anything else we should make sure to see?

 

Thanks in advance.

[xlxo]

BC Day weekend???!!! First thing I'm going to say is TRAFFIC planning!

• Saturday night is one of the annual firework competition night. Roads around English Bay are closed creating huge gridlock. Taylor and her Swiftee's are your least concerns. Best to "walk" from your hotel to the stadium and back.
  http://hondacelebrationoflight.com/
  
  
  
• Sunday morning and afternoon? It's Pride Festivities. Typically the Hyatt is the start of the family Pride parade (bring your water guns!). Again expect heavy gridlock.
  
  
  
  
  

Here's a suggested itinery....

• when are you arriving on Friday? if not jet lagged, try hitting some of the gelato places (LaCasa? Bella?) for the kid. Find a good restaurant for dinner.
  
• Saturday, Perhaps get up and make your way over to Stanley Park (Aquarium? Miniature Railway? What's your plan?) Afterwards.... Granville Island? You want to be back near your hotel around 4:30pm for start looking for an early dinner. 6:30pm... Start walking over to BC Place as a Swiftee for 7pm. If you want... walk over to the Burrard Bridge and/or English Bay to see the fireworks at 10pm (25 min show).
  
• Sunday... Pride parade is has traffic gridlocked 11am to 4pm. Up early and walk over Canada Place/Cruise terminal to catch a free shuttle to Grouse. You could be there for 1 to 3 hours depending how much mountain activities you participate in (Logging show? Bears? Eye of the Wind? Born to Fly? Beaver Tails?). Yes an early visit to Grouse is preferred to avoid the hot afternoon sun. On the return trip? Ask for the complimentary stop at the Capilano Suspension Bridge to save time in not needing to return downtown. You are likely going to be at the Bridge for 2 hours.
  

Check Grouse and Capilano's website for hourly events to plan your visit for best value closer to your arrival date.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=txO8VK4LaLQ

Edited January 5, 2015 by xlxo

[SDJen]

Thanks for the info and all of the links.

 

We wont arrive at the hotel until after 10 PM Friday night so that day is gone.

 

It looks like Saturday might be the day to hit Stanley Park and the aquarium and then the concert. And, maybe try to squeeze in Granville too. Can you estimate how long of a walk it would be to BC Place from the Hyatt and if the neighborhoods are okay enough? It looks like maybe 15-20 blocks?

 

I think we will try to get out of town for Grouse and maybe Capilano on Sunday. I am also thinking of trying to do Flyover Canada at the Pier the morning we get on the ship (once we drop off the luggage).

 

Thanks for all your help!

[martincath]

Thanks for the info and all of the links.

 

We wont arrive at the hotel until after 10 PM Friday night so that day is gone.

 

It looks like Saturday might be the day to hit Stanley Park and the aquarium and then the concert. And, maybe try to squeeze in Granville too. Can you estimate how long of a walk it would be to BC Place from the Hyatt and if the neighborhoods are okay enough? It looks like maybe 15-20 blocks?

 

I think we will try to get out of town for Grouse and maybe Capilano on Sunday. I am also thinking of trying to do Flyover Canada at the Pier the morning we get on the ship (once we drop off the luggage).

 

Thanks for all your help!

Here's a Google map with the walking route selected (~3/4 of a mile). Robson is pretty much the busiest street you can walk along so you shouldn't have any issues of dodgy neighbourhoods en route to BC Place.

 

Flyover Canada is ideal to do before boarding - especially if you book in advance (saves about a buck a ticket). You can also specify a 30min time block to get a jump on the queue if you're worried about the timing, for another couple of bucks.

 

I would plan a few alternatives in case the weather is poor - the Aquarium is mostly indoors, but the park, Capilano, Grouse are all very much outdoor attractions (and the latter is something best done on a clear, not just dry, day as the views make up a big chunk of the value IMO).

 

Science World is a convenient walk from BC place as an indoor alternative before the concert; or from Granville Island you could enjoy a lovely meal before the gig then get one of the little ferries to the Casino/Plaza of Nations stop and only face a 500 yard walk over to the stadium, on a route that avoids most of the crowds.

[SDJen]

Thanks again. Counting the days!

[Langley Cruisers]

It will be me and my 9 year old daughter. ( we also have tickets to see Taylor Swift on Saturday night)...

 

So cool! What a great start to a vacation! You girls will have a fabulous time. Enjoy yourselves!! :D

[xlxo]

Flyover Canada is ideal to do before boarding - especially if you book in advance (saves about a buck a ticket). You can also specify a 30min time block to get a jump on the queue if you're worried about the timing, for another couple of bucks.

 

I recommend FlyOver Canada Sunday night if you have time (open til 9pm). Away from the busy afternoon, it would be a great finale for the night. Then hit Bella's Gelato on the way back to the hotel.

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fpVgUwVE4HQ
  
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[SDJen]

That might work for Sunday also. Looks like fun!