Pre/post Alaskan cruise touring Vancouver

[lovetotraveltx]

Now that the Alaskan Cruise season has begun, what have you booked for your pre or post time in Vancouver?

 

Thinking of hop on/off bus or Vancouver trolley? Will do complete tour then use it for transport.

 

Thoughts?

 

Thank you!

[lovetotraveltx]

Anybody?

[martincath]

You also asked this - and had one answer - in your other post from today about money which seems to have gotten more traction.

 

Bumping your own post the same day you ask a Q, which incidentally there are reams of info about simply by browsing thread titles on West Coast departures or Canada boards, will probably *not* make anyone more inclined to answer than they already were.

 

If you had just a handful of posts I'd throw out some suggestions - but with 1,000 posts and three years on the boards I expect you to be able to manage at least a token search and basic message board etiquette so instead I'm engaging <Snark mode>.

 

Go browse the more relevant boards and if you have Qs which don't already have good answers available by all means ask again. </Snark mode>

[4cats,1dog]

Now that the Alaskan Cruise season has begun, what have you booked for your pre or post time in Vancouver?

 

Thinking of hop on/off bus or Vancouver trolley? Will do complete tour then use it for transport.

 

Thoughts?

 

Thank you!

 

Look for a groupon, The trolley company has an Internet special, buy one day get the second for free. I found the trolley to be expensive if you only have a few hours. There is a free shuttle bus that goes to Capilano Suspension Bridge-well worth half day trip.

 

You can walk to Stanley park from downtown or rent bikes and ride the Seawall.

Or the other direction you can walk to Gastown to see the Steam Clock.

One great thing about Vancouver- it's very walkable.

[tx_jackie]

We are probably just going to do a hop-on bus tour and walk around town. We aren't spending much time in Vancouver, unfortunately, and I'd really like to budget some time to see the Capilano Suspension Bridge. Maybe next trip?

 

I'd be interested in hearing other suggestions though. :)

[lovetotraveltx]

You also asked this - and had one answer - in your other post from today about money which seems to have gotten more traction.

 

Bumping your own post the same day you ask a Q, which incidentally there are reams of info about simply by browsing thread titles on West Coast departures or Canada boards, will probably *not* make anyone more inclined to answer than they already were.

 

If you had just a handful of posts I'd throw out some suggestions - but with 1,000 posts and three years on the boards I expect you to be able to manage at least a token search and basic message board etiquette so instead I'm engaging <Snark mode>.

 

Go browse the more relevant boards and if you have Qs which don't already have good answers available by all means ask again. </Snark mode>

 

I never have much luck on searches. Didn't mean to post it on my money thread but couldn't take it off when I accidentally posted it there.

 

I just figured since Alaska is "opened" again people would have 2015 information that they booked. Don't think a scolding was warranted. Just don't reply instead!

[lovetotraveltx]

Look for a groupon, The trolley company has an Internet special, buy one day get the second for free. I found the trolley to be expensive if you only have a few hours. There is a free shuttle bus that goes to Capilano Suspension Bridge-well worth half day trip.

 

You can walk to Stanley park from downtown or rent bikes and ride the Seawall.

Or the other direction you can walk to Gastown to see the Steam Clock.

One great thing about Vancouver- it's very walkable.

 

Thank you. We have two days in Vancouver.

[xlxo]

Thank you. We have two days in Vancouver.

Hmm.... two full days...

• Day 1.... what time are you landing? Which hotel have you chosen? I would try to fit in Fly Over Canada before they close around 9pm.
  
• Day 2... Grouse Mountain and Capilano
  
• Day 3... Hop on service for Stanley Park (aquarium? train?), Granville Island, Gastown....
  
• Day 4... board ship
  

Post cruise? How about Victoria? Whistler? Banff?

 

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Edited May 8, 2015 by xlxo

[4774Papa]

Here is some of my research

 

 

PRE/POST CRUISE CITY HIGHLIGHTS TOUR

10am

 

MAY 2 - OCT 12

4 HRS

 

Approx., Fully Narrated

 

Adult $75 | Child $45

 

Tour, Luggage Handling, Admissions & Tax Included.

 

 

Pick-up times are one half hour earlier at Richmond (Airport) hotels

This Pre-Cruise or Post-Cruise Vancouver City Highlights Tour shows everything described in the 10:00am Vancouver City Highlights Tour with the added benefit of a transfer to or from the cruise ship terminal. Start with a pick up from your hotel front door or from the Cruise Ship Terminal (all luggage handling is included) and see everything that makes Vancouver the most beautiful city in the world. See it all from high atop Harbour Centre Tower at the Vancouver Lookout (admission included) including a bird’s-eye view of your cruise ship. End the tour with drop off at your hotel, Ballantyne Pier, or Canada Place terminal to board your ship.

 

 

VANCOUVER CITY HIGHLIGHTS TOUR

10:00am

 

YEAR ROUND

2:00pm

 

MAY 8 - OCT 25

4 HRS

 

Approx., Fully Narrated

 

Adult $75 | Child $45

 

Prices effective: Today - April 30th, 2015.

Tour, Admissions & Tax Included

 

 

This City Highlights Tour is the best way to see our West Coast gem. A 4 hour excursion through the most beautiful city in the world with stops in Stanley Park, Granville Island, Vancouver Lookout (10AM Only) and Queen Elizabeth Park (2PM Only). WINTER TOUR Includes both Vancouver Lookout and Queen Elizabeth Park. Our award winning tour guides will also tour you through Gastown, Chinatown, Robson Street, English Bay Vancouver Harbour and more. For cruise ship passengers we will pick you up with your luggage and drop you off right at the terminal to board your ship.

 

 

 

SEA TO SKY TOUR

10:00am

 

MAY 2 - SEP 27

7 HRS

 

Approx., Fully Narrated

 

Adult $105 | Child $65

 

Tour, Admissions & Tax Included

 

 

Pick-up times are one half hour earlier at Richmond (Airport) hotels.

Vancouver’s rugged wilderness is literally right around the corner and now more accessible than ever before! Enjoy this fantastic new day tour to the Sea to Sky corridor. Take in the ocean-side town of Horseshoe Bay, feel the spray from British Columbia’s 3rd highest waterfall at Shannon Falls, rise 2800ft to the top of the Sea to Sky Gondola, cross the Sky Pilot Suspension Bridge (210 ft high, 325 ft long) and travel to the depths on the underground train at Britannia Mine Museum.

 

 

 

WHISTLER MOUNTAINS & ADVENTURE TOUR

8am

 

YEAR ROUND

11 HRS

 

Approx., Fully Narrated

 

Adult $139 | Child $79

 

Prices effective: Today - April 30th, 2015.

Tour, Admissions & Tax Included

 

 

Pick-up times are one half hour earlier at Richmond (Airport) hotels.

 

 

This is the best way to explore the “Sea-to-Sky Highway”; literally the road to the 2010 Olympics and to Whistler. Pass 7,000 foot mountains, the 3rd highest waterfall in BC and the 2nd largest granite monolith in the world. Experience this and more as your Guide brings the trip to life with history, current events and personal anecdotes. Stops include view points, Whistler Village, Shannon Falls and the new Aboriginal Cultural Centre and Museum.

 

 

 

Whistler Tour Details

This exciting, nature-filled day begins with you being met in your hotel lobby by your tour guide and escorted to the bus. Once all guests are on board you will head out of the city via Stanley Park and the Lion’s Gate Bridge. Beautiful harbour and bay views beckon as the sun climbs over the mountains to the east. Then it’s up the hill for a short ride on the longest paved road, the Trans-Canada highway. The road ends a short 10 km away beginning your journey into the “Sea to Sky” corridor.

The road winds it’s way perched on the side of the Coastal Mountains as they rise from the ocean depths and tower to your right. All the while the northern hemisphere’s most southern fjord stretches out to your left with a backdrop of forested islands and snow-capped peaks. Enjoy a quick coffee and restroom break at along the way to stretch your legs, smell the sea air, grab a cup of coffee and marvel at gorgeous scenery.

From here you drive through the pastoral growing town of Squamish and begin the “to Sky” portion of your journey. The road follows the Cheakamus river. First cresting high above the river, offering views of ice blue glaciers on the peaks of the Tantalus mountains, then plunging, low into the river canyon; carved by eons of meltwater. From here it is a slow climb to 2000 feet above sea-level and the Whistler Valley. Skiing, biking, hiking, volcanoes, glaciers, high alpine lakes and forests, world-class restaurants and amenities; these are what draw people here. Enjoy five hours here on your own, to grab a bite to eat and explore this mountain ski village or partake in one of our many Adventure PLUS options, call our Guest Services Toll Free for more details 1-877-669-2277.

Activities available in Whistler for day-trip guests – Before you arrive in Whistler Village your guide will inform you of the various optional activities available that fit into your tour’s schedule; the gondola ride up Whistler or Blackcomb mountains; bike rentals to cruise the Valley Trail or tackle the mountain bike park; or you may choose a scenic floatplane flight over ancient volcanoes to see the glaciers up close. Your guide will be happy to make activity arrangements, on board the bus, for you and your family.

A mid afternoon departure will take you to see and feel nature’s power at Shannon Falls – just a short trip down the Sea to Sky Highway, Shannon Falls is the third highest waterfall in the province at 335m or just under 1100 feet. Enjoy a short walk to the base for some great photos of nature’s erosive art or just drink-in the power and beauty of the cascading waters.

This marks the beginning of the end of your tour. Board your bus for the 45 minute scenic, fjord-side, return trip. The sun lowers below the distant mountains as the bus meanders along highway 99 back to the city and your hotel but not before one last stunning harbour view on a second crossing of the Lion’s Gate Bridge. You may even end your day with a parade of massive cruise ships as they pass under the bridge on their weekly journeys to Alaska.

VICTORIA & BUTCHART GARDENS TOUR

7am

 

MAY 1 - JUN 10

SEP 9 - OCT 4

8am

 

JUN 11 - SEP 8

9am

 

MAR 7 - APR 30

OCT 5 - NOV 15

13.5 HRS

 

Approx., Fully Narrated

 

Adult $199| Child $99

 

Victoria Tour Details

This exciting, fun filled day begins with your being met by your tour guide in your hotel lobby and escorted to your mini-coach. Once all guests are on board you will head south out of the city to Tsawwassen, the closest point of land between the mainland and Vancouver Island. Crossing the Fraser River Delta and through the agricultural land surrounding Metro Vancouver this short half hour drive ends at the BC Ferries Terminal where your mini-coach will drive right onto a ferry belonging to the second largest ferry fleet in the world.

At Sea during your 90 minute crossing, you will have a chance to enjoy the on board amenities such as full restaurant service, gift shops or video games for the kids. Mostly, you’ll be walking around deck, eyes on the water searching for orcas, eagles or seals and glancing up at the beautiful scenery as the ship winds it’s way through the Southern Gulf Islands to dock at Swartz Bay on Vancouver Island.

The City awaits now as you leave the ocean behind and drive down the Saanich Peninsula to the heart of Victoria. Once a small Fort, the city grew from the Gold Rush and then as the seat of provincial governmental power. The Inner Harbour is a legacy to one of Canada’s most notable architects, Francis Rattenbury, as the skyline is dominated by two of his most famous works the Parliament Buildings and The Empress Hotel. After your guide gives you an orientation tour of the downtown, you enjoy 3 hours of free time to explore this quaint city by the sea, have some lunch on your own, and take-in one of the varied local attractions.

Green thumbs and garden lovers – Those wanting less time in the city and more time in the Gardens are encouraged to take an earlier free shuttle service offered by your guide. Just let them know in the morning and they will cheerfully make arrangements with you.

Time for a garden stroll, as all our guests will meet back at a designated time and place in downtown Victoria. From there you will enjoy a 30 minute pastoral drive through the countryside arriving at a garden which leaves even the most avid horticulturalist in awe. Spread across 55 acres, the Butchart Gardens are truly a sight to be seen. You will find spectacular views as you stroll along meandering paths and expansive lawns. From the exquisite Sunken Garden to the charming Rose Garden, this show garden still maintains the gracious traditions of earlier times and boasts all the modern amenities to make your time there comfortable and enjoyable. Don’t forget your camera.

Return to Vancouver when guests meet back at the mini-coach for a short, twenty minute, ride back to the BC Ferries terminal and the ferry ride back to the mainland. On the return crossing you can enjoy the restaurant facilities on board the ferry or grab a nap in the lounge before being driven from the ferry terminal back to Vancouver and your hotel.

 

 

 

 

Vancouver Trolley route map

 

http://www.vancouvertrolley.com/tours/route-map

 

Hop-On, Hop-Off

Tour at your own pace

Our Hop-On, Hop-Off City Attractions Tour is the easiest way to enjoy Vancouver’s most popular areas: Stanley Park, Chinatown, Gastown, Granville Island and more! Our tour features a live commentary so you’ll have the opportunity to learn what makes our spectacular city so special. We operate year-round, 364 days a year; please visit our e-brochure for our current schedule.

 

 

 

*our winter schedule is in effect october 13, 2014 - schedule is every 45 mins*

 

 

 

 

hop on hop off

 

Hop On Hop Off Pricing

Buy online and receive your second day FREE!

 

 

 

1 Day Fare

 

Adult (19 - 64)

 

Seniors (65+)

 

 

 

 

$40.00

 

$37.00

 

 

 

 

VIATOR Vancouver Tours

 

Vancouver City Sightseeing Tour $ 62.98

 

See all of Vancouver's most popular sites on this 4-hour sightseeing tour. Visit Stanley Park, Chinatown, Gastown, Granville Park and more, and learn about the places you see from your guide. This is a great way for first-time visitors and those short on time to get a great overview of the city.

 

 

Highlights

Vancouver sightseeing tour

Visit Vancouver's most famous sites including Gastown, Chinatown, Stanley Park and Granville Island

Learn about Vancouver's history, architecture and culture from your guide

Soak up 360-degree views of Vancouver from atop Harbor Center Tower

 

Hotel pickup and drop-off included

 

Whistler Small Group Day Trip from Vancouver $ 116.73

 

Leave the city of Vancouver behind and enjoy a full-day small-group tour to the famous resort town of Whistler! You'll journey past huge mountains, see the third-tallest waterfall in British Columbia, and have ample free time to sample the exciting year-round activities offered in Whistler Village. Scheduled tour stops include Squamish, Whistler Village, Shannon Falls and the new Aboriginal Cultural Centre and Museum.

 

With a maximum group size of 24 passengers led by a friendly and knowledgeable guide, you are ensured of a personal and intimate experience on this memorable day trip from Vancouver.

 

Highlights

Vancouver to Whistler full-day tour

 

Small group ensure personal experience

 

Visit Whistler Village, home of the 2010 Olympic Games

 

Keen to travel to Whistler in style? Check out the Vancouver to Whistler by Train tour!

See Shannon Falls, the third-tallest waterfall in Canada

 

Enjoy a wide range of possible add-on activities

 

Hotel pickup and drop-off included

Vancouver to Victoria and Butchart Gardens Tour by Bus $ 163.75

Explore Victoria's highlights on this small-group day trip from Vancouver. Enjoy a 1.5-hour cruise to Vancouver Island and then take a sightseeing coach tour of downtown Victoria, followed by free time to explore at your own pace by foot. Your highlight will surely be world-famous Butchart Gardens, a stunning 55-acre (22-hectare) sprawl of floral gardens and a National Historic Site of Canada.

 

Highlights

Day trip to Victoria from Vancouver

Enjoy a scenic 1.5-hour cruise to Vancouver Island

Take a sightseeing coach tour of downtown Victoria

Enjoy free time to explore Victoria at your leisure

Explore world-famous Butchart Gardens and capture photos of the impressive floral displays

Hotel pickup and drop-off included

 

 

http://keywesttravelandtours.com/rail-tours/

 

Bus tour is far cheaper

http://keywesttravelandtours.com/package/circle-west/

 

Highlights:

 

Round-trip Rocky Mountain Bus Tour (deluxe motor coach) from Vancouver

Duration: 4 Days / 3 Nights

Locations: Jasper, Banff, Lake Louise

Clientele: All ages, but mostly between 30 to 65 years

Hotels: Choose the tour based on moderate or premium accommodation

To book this tour a deposit is required; to find out more click on “Terms & Conditions“

Tour Rates (with Standard Hotels)

2015 Double Single Triple Quad

Apr 29 – May 16 $679 $979 $629 $599

May 20 – Sep 30 $699 $1,029 $659 $629

 

Standard Hotels*

 

 

– Jasper: Lobstick Lodge

– Banff: Banff Aspen Lodge / Banff Ptarmigan Inn (Superior Room)

– Lake Louise: Lake Louise Inn & Resort (Deluxe Room)

 

 

PHONE

CANADA & USA: 1-888-632-3757 (toll free)

UK: 08-08-101-4562 (toll free)

AU: 1-800-449-180 (toll free)

NZ: 0800-459-240 (toll free)

OTHER: 1-604-632-3757 (NOT toll free)

[martincath]

I never have much luck on searches. Didn't mean to post it on my money thread but couldn't take it off when I accidentally posted it there.

 

I just figured since Alaska is "opened" again people would have 2015 information that they booked. Don't think a scolding was warranted. Just don't reply instead!

You know what - re-reading my post, it really was unnecessarily stroppy. My apologies.

 

For reasons that shouldn't matter on here I've been having a rather crappy week but didn't realise my attitude had been spilling over onto posts until you called me on it - so thank you for that, and I'll have a ponder before any future critical replies to ensure they stay educational and productively critical rather than just plain rude.

 

In that spirit - while the basic Seach does continue to produce poor quality results, the default settings on the Advanced Search have been working consistently well for many weeks now. And it really is not in any way 'advanced' in terms of difficulty (directions are for website, if you're using tapatalk or other clients they won't be accurate):

 

Click the little dropdown arrow right next to the word Search above, click on the Advanced option, when the page changes type what you're looking for in the first box at the left labeled 'keyword(s)' - it will even helpfully pop up a list of similar terms in order of how often they are searched for, e.g. VAN is enough to bring up 'Vancouver' with 1700+ searches - and then click on the 'Search Now' button at the bottom.

 

You *can* further restrict by date and so on, but the default settings will pull threads from all parts of the site and display in order from newest to oldest, so it's really very simple.

[chipmaster]

Now that the Alaskan Cruise season has begun, what have you booked for your pre or post time in Vancouver?

 

Thinking of hop on/off bus or Vancouver trolley? Will do complete tour then use it for transport.

 

Thoughts?

 

Thank you!

 

Stanley Park, rent a bike and do the rounds and a stop at the Aquarium, perhaps including a ride across the Bridge.

 

Downtown is fun, many eating and shopping alternatives.

 

Whistler is just a hour and half drive and the site of the winter olympics. Makes for an easy full day trip where you can take the lift and experience the amazing peak2peak tram.

 

Richmond is a 45' drive away if you love Chinese food...

 

Victoria is also worth consideration with a stop at Butchart gardens.

 

Happy planning!

[lovetotraveltx]

Thank you for the apology and instructions on advanced. Have only attempted regular search by thread or post and never seem to see what I am looking for.

 

Thank you to all for your great suggestions.

 

Our two nights in vancouver will be after 6 nights on land in Alaska and a 7night southbound cruise. Should we just do the 2-day trolley and maybe add on a night tour or something. Or, venture to Whistler or Victoria for a day. Won't have a car so it will be a long, costly excursion. Willing if it's worth it!

[Gemlea]

Thank you for the apology and instructions on advanced. Have only attempted regular search by thread or post and never seem to see what I am looking for.

 

Thank you to all for your great suggestions.

 

Our two nights in vancouver will be after 6 nights on land in Alaska and a 7night southbound cruise. Should we just do the 2-day trolley and maybe add on a night tour or something. Or, venture to Whistler or Victoria for a day. Won't have a car so it will be a long, costly excursion. Willing if it's worth it!

 

We did the 2 day HOHO trolley for orientation tour, then used it to re-visit places we wanted to explore in more detail. We also caught the Aquabus from Hornby Street Docks over to Granville Island and then continued on its 7 stop loop for lovely views of Vancouver from False Creek. We can also recommend the Fly Over Canada ride at Canada Place. At night, we did the Capliano Suspension Bridge and Grouse Mountain Sunset tour and really enjoyed it. The tour gives you plenty of time to explore the Bridge and surrounding area, and then takes you up Grouse Mountain by cable car. There's plenty of time for a walk round on top, see the two resident bears, have dinner, and then enjoy fabulous panaramic views of Vancouver lit up at night - great way to spend an evening in Vancouver provided it isn't cloudy !!

[lovetotraveltx]

We did the 2 day HOHO trolley for orientation tour, then used it to re-visit places we wanted to explore in more detail. We also caught the Aquabus from Hornby Street Docks over to Granville Island and then continued on its 7 stop loop for lovely views of Vancouver from False Creek. We can also recommend the Fly Over Canada ride at Canada Place. At night, we did the Capliano Suspension Bridge and Grouse Mountain Sunset tour and really enjoyed it. The tour gives you plenty of time to explore the Bridge and surrounding area, and then takes you up Grouse Mountain by cable car. There's plenty of time for a walk round on top, see the two resident bears, have dinner, and then enjoy fabulous panaramic views of Vancouver lit up at night - great way to spend an evening in Vancouver provided it isn't cloudy !!

 

Thank you! So, we can wait until our arrival for the night tour and check the weather?

[travgurl]

We are in Vancouver 2 post days. We are using http://vancouvertours.com/

We are going on the Sea to Sky tour and the 4 hour city tour the next day. They pick you right up from you location whether the hotel or ship dock. One couple is going on the Victoria the second day. Enjoy your trip. We are there in July, looking forward to it.

[Surfwench]

We arrive late Saturday, so all our sightseeing must be done on Sunday. Our hotel is a HOHO stop, (Hampton Downtown); that seems like a logical jumping off point. I've learned over the years nothing is so miserable as trying to do/see it all.... Stanley Park, maybe a bike ride if the weather is lovely, have a poutine, visit Granville Island, tour the traditional Chinese gardens, find a good Chinese restaurant in Chinatown, go to bed and catch a ship the next morning. :)

[Cornishpastyman1]

We are probably just going to do a hop-on bus tour and walk around town. We aren't spending much time in Vancouver, unfortunately, and I'd really like to budget some time to see the Capilano Suspension Bridge. Maybe next trip?

 

I'd be interested in hearing other suggestions though. :)

I just walked around, but was also lucky enough to be there for one of the 3 nights of the Honda Celebration of Light at English Bay (This year it is on 25 & 29 July and 1 August). All the best, Tony

 

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[AmberCascades]

We did the HOHO trolley the first time we went. We thought it was a great way to see a lot of the city and we hopped off in the places we were most interested in seeing "close up".

 

The second time we went we did the Capilano suspension bridge. The bus is free, but you kind of have to buy a ticket to get in. Otherwise, you will just be left standing at the side of a road in the middle of nowhere. :) We spent about half a day there doing the bridges and the various walks and looking at the various exhibits (loved the raptors).

 

Vancouver is so beautiful just to walk around. If we ever go back I'm hoping to walk along the sea wall and spend more time in Stanley Park.

 

(For those super-literal people around here, I don't think they would leave you at the side of the road. I don't think they would even let you on the bus. The bus transportation to and from Capilano is free when you buy an admission ticket.)

[Urban trekker]

The shuttle will take you up to the Bridge for free - haven't been asked for proof of purchase - to get back on for the return to Vancouver they will want to see your hand which will be stamped when you enter the Bridge Complex or show your annual pass that us locals can purchase.

 

Hope this helps.

 

Cheers!

 

Dennis

[xlxo]

At night, we did the Capliano Suspension Bridge and Grouse Mountain Sunset tour and really enjoyed it. The tour gives you plenty of time to explore the Bridge and surrounding area, and then takes you up Grouse Mountain by cable car. There's plenty of time for a walk round on top, see the two resident bears, have dinner, and then enjoy fabulous panaramic views of Vancouver lit up at night - great way to spend an evening in Vancouver provided it isn't cloudy !!

A little thought about going to Grouse for the evening.... I think the afternoon's Lumberjack and Bird shows are not offered in the evenings. I prefer going in the day if there is time. Check the grouse website for daily showtimes to confirm.

 

Also watch out for Grouse mosquitoes as it gets closer to sunset.