Astoria, Victoria, Vancouver

[Ben Lomond 10]

We just returned from a 5 night cruise to BC. Hope this info helps someone.

If there are two ships in Astoria at the same time, only 1 will dock in the west mooring basin. A shuttle for 6.00 a person will take you into town. Included in the cost is a trip up to the column (highly recommend the views are beautiful) If you are going to be tendered in which we were, you are dropped along side the maritime museum. This is very convenient because it's about in the middle of town. If you turn left in front of the museum you will be walking along the river walk way. About half way down there is a Safeway if you need a store. If you continue on you will see hundreds of sea lions sunning themselves. Across the street and kitty corner from the Maritime Museum is Bow Pickers fish and chips. It's in a small boat. It was by far the best fish and chips we had the whole trip! If you are tendered in and just want to shop the 6.00 shuttle is not necessary. Down town is just a couple of blocks away. There are volunteers with blue vests on that are very helpful and friendly and will answer all your questions.

Victoria is beautiful. We were a party of 6 so the taxi was the most economical way to get into town. It was 10.00 Canadian one way. We did the Eagle Wings whale watching tour. We saw 7 whales including a mother and her baby. The boat was really nice, it had an inside and outside that we all used. Then we walked from there into town and shopped on government street for souvenirs. We took a taxi back to the ship.

In Vancouver we stayed 1 night. If you are going to stay the night and stay right in Vancouver allow plenty of time to get to the airport in rush hour. If you want a car and they are all taken at the port you can rent from Hertz at the Landmark Hotel. It's only a mile away from the port. I would take a taxi to it. It's walk-able but with the luggage it wasn't fun. They let us drop the car off at the airport with no extra charge. We rented bikes and rode around the sea wall. It was great fun. We rented from Yes bike rental on Denman street. We choose them because they have free underground parking while you bike. They supply the helmets, bike baskets, and bike locks at no extra charge and it was very reasonable. We shopped and ate dinner on Robson street. There is so much there it's not just high priced shops it has lots of good restaurants and reasonably price stores as well. We shopped for souvenirs in the Gastown area on water street. We found that area had the best souvenirs, and lots of good restaurants as well. I hope you have as much fun as we did, cruising is great!

[AryMay]

Thanks for the information on Astoria...there isn't much on these boards about this port.

[trophy_23]

We really enjoyed Astoria also. We have been there both from a cruise ship and on a road trip. Very nice area to explore!