Vancouver answers from a Vancouverite (part 2)

[xlxo]

Capilano is a marquee attraction in Vancouver and for some it's like a needing to visit the Great Wall. Operates say one in twenty is unable to make the crossing.

 

So your options are....

-let him go on the shuttle while you explore a different attraction or activity

-pay the admission and wait in the gift shop area while he explores the park for an hour or so. But research the admission charge before committing to this option

 

BTW.... Are you planning to visit Grouse? You can ride the gondola, but ask he wants to ride the roof!

 

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[rgmacm]

 

So your options are....

-let him go on the shuttle while you explore a different attraction or activity

-pay the admission and wait in the gift shop area while he explores the park for an hour or so. But research the admission charge before committing to this option

 

BTW.... Are you planning to visit Grouse? You can ride the gondola, but ask he wants to ride the roof!

 

/QUOTE]

 

So....everyone must pay whether they actually cross the bridge or not... ugh! That's a deal breaker for us I guess because I already KNOW what the admission charge is. I hadn't really considered Grouse, but will research that tomorrow. Thanks for the info.

[xlxo]

So....everyone must pay whether they actually cross the bridge or not... ugh! That's a deal breaker for us I guess because I already KNOW what the admission charge is.

yep at $40 ($30 USD) you want to think hard if fall into the 1 in 20 that are unable to do the walk. Most spend 90 minutes in the park.

 

Looking at the entrance.... there is seating at the bus stop.... not sure you want to sit there for 90 minutes....

https://www.google.ca/maps/@49.3416166,-123.1139074,3a,75y,6.43h,82.37t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sR6Vndny_jnOHAU-W9NevBg!2e0!7i13312!8i6656

 

There used to be a restaurant across the street from the bridge entrance, but from internet reports that has closed.

 

Here's the details on Grouse if you want walk into a gondola. Put your husband on the VIP roof....

 

[YOUTUBE]rx-ClLHK3Yg[/YOUTUBE] [YOUTUBE]j1CrFihPqP0 [/YOUTUBE]

[xlxo]

Hello,

My DH wants to see and cross Capilano Bridge. he was really excited when he saw the advertisement.

Not sure what advertisement he saw.... but here's what Capilano has to offer. As mentioned.... you might want to let him loose in the park as you return downtown on the Grouse shuttle.

 

[YOUTUBE]pJdkKFNLYOE[/YOUTUBE]

 

Here's a bonus video on winter evenings....

 

[YOUTUBE]KkohpnJ-Zxs[/YOUTUBE]

Edited October 22, 2016 by xlxo

[grak]

I'm sure it's here somewhere but just can't find it.....will Vancouver cabs accept USAdollars for fare? Specifically from Canada Place to airport. Thanks.

[Kamloops50]

I'm sure it's here somewhere but just can't find it.....will Vancouver cabs accept USAdollars for fare? Specifically from Canada Place to airport. Thanks.

 

Yes they will . The exchange won't very good. Change will be given to you in Canadian Currency. Use a US CC if you can for the best exchange.

[Putterdude]

I'm sure it's here somewhere but just can't find it.....will Vancouver cabs accept USAdollars for fare? Specifically from Canada Place to airport. Thanks.

 

Yes they will be happy to. However, if the exchange rate remains as it is the approximate fare will be about $35 CAD so $35 USD will represent the fare as well as a very nice tip....do not be tempted to give an additional tip. I would NOT use your US credit card without checking with the issuer about their foreign transaction fee for using it in Canada.

[Putterdude]

By way of a footnote to my post above, I would advise keeping your US banknotes small as you most likely will receive any change in CAD.

[Gallivanting Souls]

We(myself, DH, adult son, and girlfriend) will be in Vancouver for one day/night after cruise on Oct 1-2. Need two beds. Presently have Best Western Plus Sand booked at $87.00 total for one night. Need something clean and quiet and close and walk-able to a variety of things as we will be getting back on the plane Oct 2 afternoon. If you have any better ideas, please let me know. I realize it is early. I only book cancel able hotels this far out.

Edited January 8, 2017 by familyoutdoors

[martincath]

We(myself, DH, adult son, and girlfriend) will be in Vancouver for one day/night after cruise on Oct 1-2. Need two beds. Presently have Best Western Plus Sand booked at $87.00 total for one night. Need something clean and quiet and close and walk-able to a variety of things as we will be getting back on the plane Oct 2 afternoon. If you have any better ideas, please let me know. I realize it is early. I only book cancel able hotels this far out.

Even in USD that's a pretty good rate and worth keeping, especially if specified it's 4 adults in 2 beds (many BW hotels charge extra per person over 2 - and always do if the rate includes breakfast or other per person perks).

 

Sands is very convenient for walking around thew West End and English Bay, one of the closer hotels to Stanley Park too. You're further from Yaletown/Chinatown/Gastown than other hotels, but we have such a compact downtown core you may still find it easily walkable - end to end it's only ~two miles. Frankly EVERY downtown hotel is walkable to variety of sites, so which is locationally best strongly depends on you researching which sites you definitely plan to visit, and then figuring the closest hotel.

 

I haven't stayed in the Sands, but Tripadvisor etc. should help verify they justify their '+' with cleanliness etc. I'd say that it's a bit quieter than the other BWs downtown, but still close to a pub/club/resto heavy area along Davie St (this is our local 'Gay Village' so if anyone in your party is homophobic go eat and drink elsewhere) and Denman St giving many dining options across a broad price range.

[jasper19]

Hi Vancouver People!!

 

The only information I can find on this is a year old....so I thought I would ask again for up to date information.

 

There are 6 adults flying into yvr the evening before our cruise. We were thinking of staying out at the airport since it would be cheaper than staying downtown - it will be dark when we get there anyway...so no sense in paying the extra money for a view we cannot see.

 

We were thinking of taking the hotel shuttle back to the airport the morning of the cruise and either taking a cab or the Sky Train to the port.

 

How much is the Canada Line per person now? From what I can understand...there is a "new" $5 per person extra fee from the airport. What does that bring a single ticket to now? The 3 block walk at the other end (with luggage) is not a problem for any of us.

 

I understand a taxi is $35 flat rate....would there be a vehicle big enough for 6 (with luggage) or would we be best to get 2 cabs ($70 plus tip)?

 

Which way would be best?

 

Thank you so much for all your help.

[martincath]

Hi Vancouver People!!

 

The only information I can find on this is a year old....so I thought I would ask again for up to date information.

 

There are 6 adults flying into yvr the evening before our cruise. We were thinking of staying out at the airport since it would be cheaper than staying downtown - it will be dark when we get there anyway...so no sense in paying the extra money for a view we cannot see.

 

We were thinking of taking the hotel shuttle back to the airport the morning of the cruise and either taking a cab or the Sky Train to the port.

 

How much is the Canada Line per person now? From what I can understand...there is a "new" $5 per person extra fee from the airport. What does that bring a single ticket to now? The 3 block walk at the other end (with luggage) is not a problem for any of us.

 

I understand a taxi is $35 flat rate....would there be a vehicle big enough for 6 (with luggage) or would we be best to get 2 cabs ($70 plus tip)?

 

Which way would be best?

 

Thank you so much for all your help.

No new Canada Line fee - it's been there all along (well OK, it wasn't billed due to political paperwork from August 2009 to Jan 2010...). Only difference now is that with the new ticketing method there's no longer a way around it by pre-buying packs of 10 tickets.

 

Price is $4+5 = $9pp inbound, $4 outbound. Seniors (65+) pay $2.75 base (still the same $5 AddFare). If it's a weekend, all travel is counted as a single zone so base prices drop to $2.75/$1.75, but still with $5pp added inbound. So depending on your ages and the date, somewhere from $40.50-$54.00 would be your total spend.

 

No 6-seater cabs, at most 5 in a minivan - so you could take two cabs for $70+tip or treat yourselves to a limo for not much extra ($77+5% tax + tip). Personally I'd either do SkyTrain or spring for a limo depending how fancy you're feeling;-)

[xlxo]

I understand a taxi is $35 flat rate....would there be a vehicle big enough for 6 (with luggage) or would we be best to get 2 cabs ($70 plus tip)?

 

Which way would be best?

It depends on which airport hotel you are staying at and how close they are to the train station for my decision.

 

For a Vancouver Airport budget hotel suggestion.... click on this link and enter your dates for my fav hotel....

https://www.expedia.ca/Vancouver-Hotels-Radisson-Hotel-Vancouver-Airport.h14039.Hotel-Information

• Canada Line subway station across the street. No need to pay for extra transfers or wait for a shuttle. 20 minute ride from hotel's Aberdeen station to the cruise terminal station.
  
• No $5 per person subway surcharge as you are already off Sea Island. Just $4 per person ($2.75 weekends and evenings) on the subway to the Waterfront station.
  
• around $50/cab ($36 USD) if you want a door to door with luggage cab ride convenience from hotel to cruise terminal
  
• Airport to hotel shuttle is available. Call hotel to get details on frequency and operating hours
  
• you will be surrounded by countless Asian restaurants. It will be like you are in China, Taiwan, and/or Japan
  

Edited January 16, 2017 by xlxo

[Walleyetim]

We are scheduled to arrive at the Vancouver Airport at 10:30am on the day prior to our cruise next June. We are staying at Radisson Hotel Vancouver Airport. Hopefully we catch the hotel shuttle and drop off our luggage even if it is to early to check in. Then we would like to head over to explore the Gulf of Georgia Cannery National Historic Site and surrounding area. According to Google Maps it should be a easy bus ride. Would it be best to buy an DayPass? If so, were would we buy the DayPass? Is there plenty to do and see in the Richmond area to fill the afternoon and evening or should we plan on taking the Canada Line into Vancouver in the evening? Any recommendations for good eating places in Richmond? The following day we are planning on taking the Canada Line to get to Canada Place, dropping our luggage at the cruise ship and exploring Stanley Park before boarding. As long as we keep our passports and paperwork with us does it work OK to leave all of our luggage with the baggage handlers? What time is ideal for boarding the ship in order to avoid long lines. Thanks.

[Kamloops50]

We are scheduled to arrive at the Vancouver Airport at 10:30am on the day prior to our cruise next June. We are staying at Radisson Hotel Vancouver Airport. Hopefully we catch the hotel shuttle and drop off our luggage even if it is to early to check in. Then we would like to head over to explore the Gulf of Georgia Cannery National Historic Site and surrounding area. According to Google Maps it should be a easy bus ride. Would it be best to buy an DayPass? If so, were would we buy the DayPass? Is there plenty to do and see in the Richmond area to fill the afternoon and evening or should we plan on taking the Canada Line into Vancouver in the evening? Any recommendations for good eating places in Richmond? The following day we are planning on taking the Canada Line to get to Canada Place, dropping our luggage at the cruise ship and exploring Stanley Park before boarding. As long as we keep our passports and paperwork with us does it work OK to leave all of our luggage with the baggage handlers? What time is ideal for boarding the ship in order to avoid long lines. Thanks.

 

What day of the week are you arriving to Vancouver ? If mid week a day pass is probably the best. The Steveson area is about a 45 to 60 minute bus ride to the from your hotel. You'll have to back track to Hard Rock Casino. There is a bus loop there that will have the bus for the Steveson area.

 

Yes , you can leave luggage with the porters from above 10AM. I would come early or almost 2PM. You can check in and then go out and explore the city. Security and USCBP are after security . Allow an hour to process both.

[martincath]

Answers in red

Would it be best to buy an DayPass?

Best depends on you - cheapest depends whether nor not you go downtown (for 4 total trips, in which case a day pass wins) or stay in Richmond and walk around after your Steveston trip (in which case only 2 tickets each at $2.75pp are needed). Most convenient though, definitely - buses need exact fare in cash, so unless you already have a lot of small bills and coins or plan to do some shopping/hit a bank to make change, it could be tricky not overpaying on the bus.

If so, were would we buy the DayPass?

I'd buy at the airport before getting to the hotel, it will save any hassle. The 7-11 is still a FareDealer and can sell you one-shot DayPasses without you having to buy a reusable Compass Card. If you forget, you can also buy them at the CVMs (Compass Vending Machines) in any SkyTrain station - Aberdeen is just across the street from your hotel.

Is there plenty to do and see in the Richmond area to fill the afternoon and evening or should we plan on taking the Canada Line into Vancouver in the evening?

Richmond is a city in their own right, and they do have things to see/do - you can kill half a day no problem and still enjoy yourselves, but let's be honest, it's seriously lacking in all touristy stuff compared to Vancouver with the exception of Asian shopping and dining opportunities. I would never advise anyone to tour Richmond instead of coming downtown unless you had visited many times before.

 

Any recommendations for good eating places in Richmond?

Yes, many - but since you'll likely be done with Steveston and on your way downtown it would be silly to send you back out there to have dinner. Stay downtown for sightseeing and food, then go back well after rush hour. If you let us know what kind of food you love/hate and what kind of budget you're working with, happy to recommend restos downtown (or in Richmond if you do decide to hang out there).

 

As long as we keep our passports and paperwork with us does it work OK to leave all of our luggage with the baggage handlers?

Yeeeeess - but. Any bags you leave with porters, you have no access to until they arrive in your cabin. I'd definitely keep at least a small daypack with paperwork, medications, and also swimming costumes if you're planning to hit the pool as soon as you board (some folks like to sit in the hot tubs while leaving port). Also, if you're taking booze onboard, it has to be carried on by you (you're cruising Princess, so allowed 2 bottles of wine per person at no charge).

 

What time is ideal for boarding the ship in order to avoid long lines.

As late as possible. If you're early enough to be front of the line, before 10am, you'll wait for an hour or more before you even get to start the boarding process. Come late - at least 2pm, even later if it's a 3 ship day (ensure you arrive at least 90mins before departure just in case...) and the queues will be much reduced. Since we started boarding as late as possible we've found at times you don't even stop walking! The Princess 'real' lunch on embarkation day is not worth queuing for - eat a good lunch on land instead, or just hit the buffet.

And there's no need to backtrack - you can board the 410 less than 200 yards from your hotel which takes you down to Steveston, or else continue further our on SkyTrain to the end of the line at Brighouse then take the 401/2. Just the bus is faster, and if you do decide not to get a day pass also less hassle - you can't transfer from bus onto SkyTrain with your regular bus ticket any more Google Map.

Edited January 16, 2017 by martincath
Add bus route

[Kamloops50]

Well said.

 

 

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[Walleyetim]

Thanks for the prompt responses and excellent information. Sounds like the DayPass is the way to go for us. Convenience is a big plus. Are the passes sold from a machine at the airport? I am thinking Richmond is a good option until we can check into our hotel room. After getting settled in we can take the Canada Line into Vancouver. As far as eating goes we are celebrating our 25th wedding Anniversary with this vacation so are not apposed to splurging a little but at the same time always appreciate a good deal for the money. Neither of us drink and my wife is not a big fan of seafood. I like the idea of boarding as late as possible. I think we will have plenty of time on the ship anyway. Thanks again for the excellent advice.

[Kamloops50]

Not far from your hotel is a restaurant called " White Spot" . It is a local chain restaurant. The food is filling and reasonable in price.

 

 

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[Kamloops50]

We are scheduled to arrive at the Vancouver Airport at 10:30am on the day prior to our cruise next June. We are staying at Radisson Hotel Vancouver Airport. Hopefully we catch the hotel shuttle and drop off our luggage even if it is to early to check in. Then we would like to head over to explore the Gulf of Georgia Cannery National Historic Site and surrounding area. According to Google Maps it should be a easy bus ride. Would it be best to buy an DayPass? If so, were would we buy the DayPass? Is there plenty to do and see in the Richmond area to fill the afternoon and evening or should we plan on taking the Canada Line into Vancouver in the evening? Any recommendations for good eating places in Richmond? The following day we are planning on taking the Canada Line to get to Canada Place, dropping our luggage at the cruise ship and exploring Stanley Park before boarding. As long as we keep our passports and paperwork with us does it work OK to leave all of our luggage with the baggage handlers? What time is ideal for boarding the ship in order to avoid long lines. Thanks.

 

 

If your arriving from outside of Canada . You'll have go thru customs at the airport. Depending on how many large planes from overseas arrive. Customs clearance can take an hour. You'll probably arrive at 12 noon.your hotel around 12 noon.

 

 

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Edited January 16, 2017 by Kamloops50

[martincath]

Thanks for the prompt responses and excellent information.

No problem.

 

Sounds like the DayPass is the way to go for us. Convenience is a big plus. Are the passes sold from a machine at the airport?

Yes, but it's on the SkyTrain platform - so it's probably more convenient to go to 7-11 (plus no machine to figure out, and if you have a non-CHIP credit card there's a person who can override the transaction to let you sign instead)

 

I am thinking Richmond is a good option until we can check into our hotel room. After getting settled in we can take the Canada Line into Vancouver.

I'd be very surprised if you couldn't check in as soon as you get back from Steveston. Even a whistle-stop walkaround will take you 3 hours - it's at least an hour round trip even if you get to the stops right as a bus comes, and the cannery guided tour is an hour+)

 

As far as eating goes we are celebrating our 25th wedding Anniversary with this vacation so are not apposed to splurging a little but at the same time always appreciate a good deal for the money. Neither of us drink and my wife is not a big fan of seafood.

While us Canadians find Vancouver pricey, with USD worth c. 1.35CAD you'll find that your money goes a long way. Food tax is low too - 5%, vs 15% on booze - so as non-drinkers it's even more of a bargain.

 

Not-seafood removes pretty much all the Sushi joints, but while we have a few seafoody restos there are very few that don't offer a reasonable selection of other proteins too. A straight-up Steakhouse seems a safe bet, but not a very unique or local choice. Since I have to type at least a few characters outside the quote box anyway, I'll just dump a list of favourite restos at the end which I think are high quality but also deliver value with views or some other good ambience factors - with links so you can check out their menus & prices.

Our current reccos for a celebratory meal include:

Lift - closest fine dining to Stanley Park, with views of North Shore mountains. You may love or hate the iPad menus, and their very extensive local wine list has tons by the glass in case your non-drinking is 'not much' as opposed to 'none ever.'

 

Not quite so swanky - but very good value - is the local chain, Cactus Club Cafe - the best ones for tourists are the English Bay (right on the Seawall) and Convention Centre locations. Always busy, so perhaps less-than-ideal if you wanted a quiet, romantic meal but tremendous views (especially sunset).

 

Wildebeest - as long as you're carnivores, this is an excellent resto. Caveat - chef change as of late last year so things are changing a little, but new guy seems to be working out well. If you want to eat as many different kinds of animals as you can at one sitting, this is the place - and since they got rid of their horrible big share tables, a much-improved experience IMO. Ask for Table 41 (or if they'll let you book it for just two the new 'gangster booth' #69).

 

L'Abattoir is French prep of mostly-local produce. While there's no dresscode for servers, they are all very competent and passionate about the food - if you want somewhere that you're treated like a pretty princess by men in penguin suits, not your scene. Don't leave without trying the sweetbreads!

 

Cinara is our personal fave right now, especially the tasting menu. Sometimes it's not listed on the menu, but if you ask nicely (esp. in advance) they'll do one for you. At $75pp for 5ish courses, damn fine value. Italian, in the same way that L'Abattoir is French - technique rather than produce - and similar on the service front. Expect magnificently-bearded men in loud shirts. The wine list here is magnificent and the somm one of the absolute best - if you don't drink much rather than being philosophically or medically non-boozers, I'd make an exception for the wine matches here!

 

Chambar has been right at the top of local dining for many years, and works really well for Vancouver. Their menu is Belgian/Moroccan - basically less fussy than French with a few interesting spices and almost certainly the best selection of bottled beers in the city (in case the 'not drinkers' is more 'no hard liquor'). Big portions of top-notch grub - and one of the best poutines in the city on the bar menu if you want to try some very Canadian grub.

 

If you want a place where fellow patrons are likely to dress up, and staff with be in dickie bows/penguin suits, there are a few options (no actual dress codes exist in Vancouver restos though, so no guarantees about your fellow patrons!).

 

Brix & Mortar has two very different parts - upstairs has a unique covered courtyard that is tremendously romantic in the evenings. Pre-theatre diners are common, and the spot nearest tends to attract the fur coat & tux crowd so a good chance the overall vibe will be very formal. If it's a clear night you can see the stars but still keep warm (and if it's not, you can dine outside without being rained on!) Very good value pre-theatre menu. I've found that the food has slightly declined since they amalgamated the downstairs bar into one restaurant, but the ambience remains superb.

 

Hawksworth remains the consistently-best kitchen in the city IMO, and one of the very few where you'll find close-to-invisible service. Matching napkin colour to your wife's clothes, water that magically refills itself, that sort of thing. Unfortunately the two-tops are close together, much like a Princess dining room.

 

Five Sails is inside the Pan Pacific hotel - great views, continental cuisine (some Germanic dishes sneak in with the French) and a beautiful room with starched white linens. If it seems too pricey, come have a sunset cocktail in the hotel bar instead for the same views at much lower price!

 

Lastly, a couple of quirkier suggestions:

Bao Bei is a pretty unique spot, leading the trend a few years back with their 'modern Chinese tapas' and family sharing style dishes. No resos, but if you dine early or late it's never a problem getting a seat. The bar is pretty loud, but tables near the back of the dining room are quieter and the food is excellent - Taiwanese/Shanghai regional Chinese in spice palate, so it can be a bit on the spicier side but, well-rounded flavours not just a ton of chili.

 

On the less-pricey end, Salmon & Bannock is about as original as it gets - a Native restaurant. Lovely people, very unique food, and INCREDIBLE value for money especially if you hit up their game dishes. Best value bison in town - and since you will have a day pass, getting to their Broadway location won't cost anything.

 

Mosquito is basically a 'champagne and dessert' spot in Gastown. It's dark and cosy, with (faux) fur throws to cuddle under. While it's very much a niche spot, for a couple celebrating an anniversary it might make a perfect nightcap visit before heading back to the hotel.

[jasper19]

Thank you very much Martincath and xlxo. That is the information I was looking for.

 

I was not looking for other sky train stations.....good Idea!

[xlxo]

Sounds like the DayPass is the way to go for us. Convenience is a big plus. Are the passes sold from a machine at the airport?

I would NOT buy the daypass at the airport subway machines. I would ride the shuttle to your Raddison airport hotel. Buying a daypass at the airport machines have a $5 per person surcharge! Instead I would purchase the daypass at the Aberdeen station machines across the street from your hotel.

 

The 410 bus runs from the Raddison Hotel to Storybrooke (Steveston).

 

If you didn't hear... Richmond is an incredible Oriental mosaic around your hotel. Lots of opportunities to sample Chinese, Japanese and other Asian cuisine around your hotel.

 

If you need supplies.... there is a supermarket behind your hotel (Osaka).

Edited January 17, 2017 by xlxo

[xlxo]

According to Google Maps... 410 Raddison to Storybrooke is a 30 to 40 minute ride with a frequency of around 10 minutes mid-day.

[Pretty Kitty]

I'm sure this question has been asked a zillion times but...not by me lololol

Could someone please tell me a good hotel to spend one night Pre-Cruise. I am sailing on NCL out of Vancouver, and not sure how far the port is from the Airport. Should I be looking at staying near the airport and getting transportation from there in the morning? Any thoughts-suggestions will be greatly appreciated. :confused: