Vancouver Info if needed

[Putterdude]

I think we have a few crews from the Sunshine Coast down there for the event, one of them from Sechelt was down in Australia this winter; I don't know how they did but from all accounts they had a good time.;)

[REDTOY]

You are very welcome, you are also within a block or so of Robson and Thurlow where you will find Starbucks on 3 of the 4 corners. But do try Tim Horton's, it is a bit of Canadiana.

 

We'll be at the Pan Pacific for a couple days. Can you recommend a nearby (walk) or short cab ride to a casual seafood restaurant, and also an early morning full breakfast?

 

Thanks,

 

REDTOY

[Putterdude]

There is a very good restaurant in the Pan Pacific that is seafoos based, it is called the 5 Sails, about 100 paces east of the PP is a great restaurant that is also seafood based called Aqua Riva. There is a super upscale mairne pub called Carderos that has a seafood menu; it would be about a $10 cab fare and over looks the Coal Harbour yacht basin. Then there is the Cannery which is in the east end of Vancouver, about a $15 cab ride from the PP, it is a great setting and has wonderful seafood. A full breakfast I would just do in the hotel but if not then maybe a walk to the White Spot at Georgia and Seymour would be a choice.

www.aquariva.com/

www.vancouverdine.com/carderos/

www.canneryseafood.com/

[JerseyJT]

Involved with a different kind of boat this weekend - once again volunteering with the dragon boat races - locals and visitors alike come on down to Science World to take in the action - it's free - there's a concert in the park tonight and the grand finale tomorrow - if you have a few moments to spare take a walk along the newly opened promenade on south side - you can't miss it - it's by all the cranes where they are building the athletes' village for the 2010 games. It also looks like the weather will be favorable.

 

Hope to see some of you down there.

 

Cheers and have a great weekend.

 

Dennis

 

Dennis

 

Just saw that you were volunteering at the Dragonboat races. As a participant in races here on the East Coast just wanted you to know how much we appreciate the volunteers who make the event go so smoothly.

 

What type of teams participated in the race? I paddle with a cancer survivors boat.

[REDTOY]

There is a very good restaurant in the Pan Pacific that is seafoos based, it is called the 5 Sails, about 100 paces east of the PP is a great restaurant that is also seafood based called Aqua Riva. There is a super upscale mairne pub called Carderos that has a seafood menu; it would be about a $10 cab fare and over looks the Coal Harbour yacht basin. Then there is the Cannery which is in the east end of Vancouver, about a $15 cab ride from the PP, it is a great setting and has wonderful seafood. A full breakfast I would just do in the hotel but if not then maybe a walk to the White Spot at Georgia and Seymour would be a choice.

 

www.aquariva.com/

 

www.vancouverdine.com/carderos/

 

www.canneryseafood.com/

 

 

 

Thank you, thank you, thank you! A "gold mine" of valuable information and advice! We appreciate you sharing it all with fellow cruisers!

 

REDTOY

[Urban trekker]

Thanks for remembering us volunteers - the Vancouver dragon boat festival is one of the largest outside of Hong Kong - this year is the 20th anniversary edition - yes there were a number of breast cancer survivor teams - someone reminded me that it was the breast cancer cause that was responsible for the dragon boat competition here in Vancouver in the first place - there are at least 150 teams paddling the 250 meter course on the tranquil waters of False Creek under cloudy but pleasant skies - my job was to help load and unload the boats - they use both Gemini and Buk style of boats if that means anything to you. I also know of a long time booster and director who invited me to the VIP lounge - so had a chance at an Asian themed lunch and adult beverage free of charge - the volunteers were well fed with sandwiches, pop, water, granola bars etc. They are planning a BBQ for us in a couple of weeks.

 

Here's a link to there web site:

 

http://dragonboatbc.ca/

 

Cheers

 

Dennis

[TCF]

On the Cannery....I saw a news story a few weeks ago on CTV that the Cannery is closing/relocating but I can't remember when, so you may want to check before you go.

It's a real shame because it is/was a beautiful restaurant, with really good food, but apparently because it is on Ports Canada land and the Ports Police are all twisted up about security and people have to cross into a 'secure' area they aren't happy with having a restaurant there. Its been there for about 30 years I think.

[ell52]

On the Cannery....I saw a news story a few weeks ago on CTV that the Cannery is closing/relocating but I can't remember when, so you may want to check before you go.

 

It's a real shame because it is/was a beautiful restaurant, with really good food, but apparently because it is on Ports Canada land and the Ports Police are all twisted up about security and people have to cross into a 'secure' area they aren't happy with having a restaurant there. Its been there for about 30 years I think.

They are a much too popular and excellent restaurant to just close. They are moving in 2010:

 

Announcement from: their website

[LeftcoastBC]

They are a much too popular and excellent restaurant to just close. They are moving in 2010:

 

Announcement from: their website

 

I agree a great restaurant BUT very expensive...... just a FYI

[Urban trekker]

Thanks Ell52 for the update - we did discuss it somewhat a few pages back but your link is the first to the actual story.

 

Cheers

 

Dennis

[JerseyJT]

Thanks for remembering us volunteers - the Vancouver dragon boat festival is one of the largest outside of Hong Kong - this year is the 20th anniversary edition - yes there were a number of breast cancer survivor teams - someone reminded me that it was the breast cancer cause that was responsible for the dragon boat competition here in Vancouver in the first place - there are at least 150 teams paddling the 250 meter course on the tranquil waters of False Creek under cloudy but pleasant skies - my job was to help load and unload the boats - they use both Gemini and Buk style of boats if that means anything to you. I also know of a long time booster and director who invited me to the VIP lounge - so had a chance at an Asian themed lunch and adult beverage free of charge - the volunteers were well fed with sandwiches, pop, water, granola bars etc. They are planning a BBQ for us in a couple of weeks.

 

Here's a link to there web site:

 

http://dragonboatbc.ca/

 

Cheers

 

Dennis

 

Thanks for the link. I shared it with my fellow dragonboaters.

[EJNutz]

Hi

 

Can anyone tell me if The Georgian Court Hotel at 773 Beatty Street V6B 2M4 Vancouver is situated in a good area and within easy access to restaurants,shops and the usual tourist sites.

 

Thanks

[Urban trekker]

Yes the Georgian Court is in a good area - it's at the east end of the Robson street corridor and across the street from BC Place stadium which is our football stadium - you are only a couple of blocks from all the delights of Yaletown and you can walk up Robson to the entertainment and shopping districts in the downtown - you are also only a couple of blocks from a new COSTCO if you have any shopping that you might want to do.

 

As for restaurants - lots in Yaletown - the William Tell is an upscale eatery right in the hotel - there is a Moxie's restaurant in the Sandman Hotel which is one building away and then there is Rosie's on Robson which is a block away.

 

If you want some lighter pub style fare - there is the Shark Club in the Sandman or the Library pub in the uniquely designed Central library building.

 

The Georgian Court doesn't get a lot of mention probably because I don't believe that it is associated with any of the chains - intercontinental, starwood etc.

 

You can walk to Yaletown - Gastown is about six blocks away as is Chinatown - you can walk about three blocks down to the Plaza of Nations where our Edgewater Casino is located and catch one of the small water taxis that will take you to Granville Island.

 

Hope this helps

 

Cheers

 

Dennis

[EJNutz]

Dennis

 

Thanks for your help and all the information. It has been a real help. I have been offered a good deal on the hotel and I think it is one that I will now book.

[Nana4x]

We have one day in Vancouver (staying 2 nights but arriving around 11PM on day 1 - then we head off to Alaska on the Volendam).

 

How does one get to the following from the Blue Horizon hotel?

Stanley Park

Calipano Suspension Bridge

 

If we want to see a bit of Gas Town, China Town or Robson are they on the way to Stanley park and how long a walk to the park from the hotel.

 

For later in the day a few hours at Calipano park and perhaps dinner there would make for a good day.

 

Am I being too ambitious?

[benolathe]

 

How does one get to the following from the Blue Horizon hotel?

Stanley Park

Calipano Suspension Bridge

 

If we want to see a bit of Gas Town, China Town or Robson are they on the way to Stanley park and how long a walk to the park from the hotel.

 

For later in the day a few hours at Calipano park and perhaps dinner there would make for a good day.

 

Am I being too ambitious?

 

Don't know where your hotel is, but I know that I was able to find some real nice maps of downtown Vancouver before our trip last year. Maybe it was an "official" site for the City of Vancouver? Google and you should be able to find a good map.

 

Anyway, I highly recommend visiting the Calipano Suspension Bridge park. Just a wonderful nature area. From downtown Vancouver, we walked to the Seabus station and took the ferry across the water to North Vancouver. The city buses stop there at the Seabus station and we boarded a bus to the top of Grouse Mountain. Calipano has a nice website with lots of info, including "how to get there." Allow about half a day to travel to the park and walk through it. However, there really isn't anything to eat nearby, so you will need to go back to North Van or back downtown to find someplace to eat.

 

We were staying at a Marriot Pinnacle in downtown Vancouver. Stanley Park was visible and walkable from our hotel. We simply walked toward the water and then walked along the nice paved path along the waterfront to the park.

[Urban trekker]

"If we want to see a bit of Gas Town, China Town or Robson are they on the way to Stanley park.

 

Your hotel is on Robson street right in the middle of the shopping and restaurant district.

 

Stanley Park would be about a 20 minute walk down Robson street to Denman and then north on Denman and into the Park.

 

Gastown and Chinatown are at the other end of the downtown core - walkable during the daytime but don't recommend walking into Chinatown at night - you have to pass through two or three blocks of Vancouver's worst area.

 

The answer below is a good one for getting to Grouse Mountain - it would be a short walk to the Seabus station.

 

Hope this helps

 

Cheers

 

Dennis

[Kamloops50]

We have one day in Vancouver (staying 2 nights but arriving around 11PM on day 1 - then we head off to Alaska on the Volendam).

 

How does one get to the following from the Blue Horizon hotel?

Stanley Park

Calipano Suspension Bridge

 

If we want to see a bit of Gas Town, China Town or Robson are they on the way to Stanley park and how long a walk to the park from the hotel.

 

For later in the day a few hours at Calipano park and perhaps dinner there would make for a good day.

 

Am I being too ambitious?

 

There is no easy way to get from your hotel on Robson to Capilano Suspension Bridge If you have only one day spend it by exploring the

downtown IE Stanley Park , Gastown etc

 

Here is a link that might help

 

http://www.vancouver.com/

 

There is a trolley that does a loop around the downtown and Stanely Park.

The above site will give you a lot of info imcluding maps of downtown/

 

Hope you enjoy Vancouver. If you really enjoy it , come back for a longer

visit.

 

:cool::cool:

[psblin99]

Back in May I had a cruise terminate in Vancouver and I spent 2 days there. Let me say anyone that just passes through is making a mistake. It is a beautiful city with much to see and do. We went to all the places mentioned and it was great.

 

Preston

[Retired 07]

Last year, we had one full day in Vancouver, and stayed at the Blue Horizon. We had no trouble going to Capilano Bridge, AND Stanley Park, having quality, unrushed time at both. We bought all-day transit passes at a local convenience store ($8 or $9). We walked to the Skytrain from the hotel, 3 or 4 blocks, and got to the seabus station. Once across the bay, we took the bus to the bridge, and stayed there 3-4 hours. Then back to Vancouver, hopped the trolley to the park, and spent the rest of the afternoon walking around there. It was a beautiful, memorable day, and we never felt rushed.

[WAVTAM]

Without reading 600+ post, looking for parking info for Vancouver pier. We are on a 2 week Alaska run. If I where to take train into Vacouver from Bellingham, is it just a short cab over to the pier. WAVTAM

[Putterdude]

Without reading 600+ post, looking for parking info for Vancouver pier. We are on a 2 week Alaska run. If I where to take train into Vacouver from Bellingham, is it just a short cab over to the pier. WAVTAM

 

Yes, if you departing from the Ballantyne Pier a cab is the only way to get there. If you are departing from Canada Place then in addtion to a cab you do have the option of catching our LRT system, Skytrain, which is located across the street from where Amtrak comes in. Skytrain will take you within a block of Canada Place at the Waterfront Station. Cab fares will be in the $10 to $15 range and Skytrain $2.50 (CDN) pp.

[barbevrn]

We will be coming in a day early for our cruise. Since I am just a tad impatient and also want to make the most of our day, we will probably take a cab from YVR to Sutton Place. For some reason, I was thinking that I had read that the cabs would rip you off if you pay cash. I can't seem to find it now. How do the cabs use credit cards and what makes it more difficult for them to rip you off?

[Putterdude]

We will be coming in a day early for our cruise. Since I am just a tad impatient and also want to make the most of our day, we will probably take a cab from YVR to Sutton Place. For some reason, I was thinking that I had read that the cabs would rip you off if you pay cash. I can't seem to find it now. How do the cabs use credit cards and what makes it more difficult for them to rip you off?

 

It is not so much that they will rip you off it is more of a matter that they won't give you the correct exchange on the US dollar. Today the the CDN and the US dollar are at par with each other. However as the cabby has to take your US dollar to the bank and pay a transaction fee he is probably going to to charge you and extra 10 to 15% on your dollar plus he is going to give you your change in CDN funds. So the best way around this is to go to a Royal Bank (RBC) ATM at the airport and take out some CDN dollars or use you credit card. Almost all of the cabs will take a credit car but ask him to be sure.

[Shopinpat]

Shoppie,

We will be in Vancouver in Sept what are your thought on going to Victoria for the day? I hear the place to get the Ferry is pretty far away.

We were thinking about staying at the Hampton Inn on Robson. Your thoughts on this hotel? Any suggestions on where to eat close to this hotel for dinner?

Thanks