Vancouver Info if needed

[orchid72]

double post - deleted

Edited July 18, 2009 by orchid72

[scottbee]

Hi Shoppie,

I found this old post of yours about your knowledge of Vancouver. My wife and I will be leaving next Saturday out on the Sapphire. I was wondering we will be flying in Friday night. We will be staying at the Westin Bayshore. What is the best way to get from the hotel to the cruise terminal? Also, wanted to know once at the terminal, since we came in on Friday, will we need to go through Canadian Customs before boarding the ship? What is that process like?

 

You will clear Canadian Immigration & Customs at the Vancouver airport when you land, and you'll pre-clear US Immigration & Customs before you board (after you check in) so you don't have to clear at your 1st port of call (Ketchikan).

 

As for the Bayshore to Canada Place, it's a 1 mile cab ride, $10 (incl tip) will more than cover it.

[verdl]

I have been up to Bear Mtn and looked at the course but haven't played it. I had a number of invitations to play it but its funny how those invites disappear once you have retired. However it is the hot ticket in Victoria. Another that he might care try is the Victoria Golf Club, it is private but they do accept some limited green fee play. What I like about it is the holes that are against the ocean, it is not modern golf course architecture but a great play if he can get on.

 

To the topic of fishing guides in Vancouver, the email address of the fellow is nvfishing@yahoo.ca ; I try very hard not to use names on these boards so you can tell him that you were refered to him by "Fish Assassin" in Courtenay and I think he will connect the dots.

 

Hi Putterdude,

Yep, no need to post personal info for sure!! Thanks for the email address, I will be in touch. I forwarded a copy of your response re: golf to my brother, thanks for that as well.

 

Coincidence that you are in Cortenay, as in today's mail I rec'd a map of Mt. Washington that included a map of downtown Courtenay. I am unfamiliar with the area -- we will be at Brentwood Lodge and Spa outside Victoria for a few days in August. Would you recommend a day trip your way? We are thinking of spending time in Sidney and Victoria and then heading for a day on Salt Spring Island. Opinions suggestions appreciated.

 

Thanks again.

 

Best Regards,

jj

[scottbee]

Hi Putterdude,

Yep, no need to post personal info for sure!! Thanks for the email address, I will be in touch. I forwarded a copy of your response re: golf to my brother, thanks for that as well.

 

Coincidence that you are in Cortenay, as in today's mail I rec'd a map of Mt. Washington that included a map of downtown Courtenay. I am unfamiliar with the area -- we will be at Brentwood Lodge and Spa outside Victoria for a few days in August. Would you recommend a day trip your way? We are thinking of spending time in Sidney and Victoria and then heading for a day on Salt Spring Island. Opinions suggestions appreciated.

 

Actually Putterdude is on the mainland, on what is called the sunshine coast (due east of Courtenay). Courtenay is about a 3 hour drive north of Victoria, remembering that Vancouver island is small on a map, it's larger than Vermont.

 

I think you'll be quite busy between Victoria, Sidney and Salt Spring but if you do want a nice drive, take the other ferry off Saltspring (to Crofton) and head back to Victoria from there.

[Urban trekker]

It's PD's son who lives in Courtenay - that area is becoming a popular retirement community as the ones further south are becoming too busy - it neighbouring community of Comox is home to our Air Force on the West coast and is a major search and rescue center.

 

A nice drive is to take the new Inland highway #19 from Parksville to Courtenay - a quick trip up to Mt Washington and the beauty of Strathcona Park and then return by the Seaside route #19A back to Parksville and down island to Victoria.

 

Cheers

 

Dennis

[Putterdude]

I am lurking here but am just too busy with golf, company, gardens and now the Sea Cavalcade Parade in Gibsons to get involved in any serious posting.

As pointed out above, don't live on Vancouver Is. but rather on the mainland and more correctly a peninsula of land know as the Sunshine Coast, the town is called Sechett which comes from the Sechelt Indian language meaing "a land between two waters". To get here one has about a 20 min drive from downtown Vancouver to the Horseshoe Bay ferry terminal in West Vancouver and then a forty min ferry trip that crosses Howe Sound and then a 30 min drive from the ferry terminal on this side of Howe Sound. You will pass me on your cruise on the starboard side about an hour after you pass under the Lions Gate bridge.

A trip up to Mt. Washington is a nice junket but I don't know how you will fit it all in the few days that you have on the Island. But good luck on your fishing trip. By the way "Fish Assassin" in my son. You can also tell your brother that Olympic View and Cordova Bay are also good plays but if I was only going play 2 courses then Bear Mountain and Victoria would be my choices.

[newhips]

Can you buy liquor at the airport after you arrive and before you take your shuttle to the hotel?

[orchid72]

Can you buy liquor at the airport after you arrive and before you take your shuttle to the hotel?

 

Yes you can. There is a liquor store in the domestic terminal building (in the arrivals area).

 

Alternatively - I am assuming you are staying in downtown Vancouver or in Richmond - you can go get your liquor at any of the provincially-operated liquor stores close to your hotel (where you'll probably get a better deal).

[Putterdude]

Can you buy liquor at the airport after you arrive and before you take your shuttle to the hotel?

 

The liquor store at the airport is very definitely an option however as it is a private liquor store you will pay a premium for the product and convenience. I would seriously consider buying some duty-free liquor at the airport you depart from. You are permitted to bring into Canada 1.14 litres of spirts or 1.5 litres of wine for each adult.

[newhips]

The liquor store at the airport is very definitely an option however as it is a private liquor store you will pay a premium for the product and convenience. I would seriously consider buying some duty-free liquor at the airport you depart from. You are permitted to bring into Canada 1.14 litres of spirts or 1.5 litres of wine for each adult.

 

Hi putterdude - we are planning on bringing in a couple of bottles of wine and I was wondering what the duty and other charges would be on a couple of 750ml bottles each of both bourbon & vodka.

[Putterdude]

Hi putterdude - we are planning on bringing in a couple of bottles of wine and I was wondering what the duty and other charges would be on a couple of 750ml bottles each of both bourbon & vodka.

 

The charges are outrageous; in most cases will exceed what you will pay in a liquor store in BC. I would be inclined to bring in my bourbon and vodka in my duty free allotment, buy a bottle or two of wine in Vancouver and then head for a liquor/wine store as soon as I set foot in Alaska to refill the ready use locker.:D

If your first stop is Ketchikan then there is a great little wine shop just a couple of blocks from the pier...International Wines at 108, Salmon Landing.

[newhips]

The charges are outrageous; in most cases will exceed what you will pay in a liquor store in BC. I would be inclined to bring in my bourbon and vodka in my duty free allotment, buy a bottle or two of wine in Vancouver and then head for a liquor/wine store as soon as I set foot in Alaska to refill the ready use locker.:D

 

If your first stop is Ketchikan then there is a great little wine shop just a couple of blocks from the pier...International Wines at 108, Salmon Landing.

 

Sounds like the smartest thing would be to stop at a liquor store in BC on the way to the hotel or after check-in!

[Putterdude]

That's what I would do....but do take advantage of your duty free alotment.

[verdl]

I am lurking here but am just too busy with golf, company, gardens and now the Sea Cavalcade Parade in Gibsons to get involved in any serious posting.

 

As pointed out above, don't live on Vancouver Is. but rather on the mainland and more correctly a peninsula of land know as the Sunshine Coast, the town is called Sechett which comes from the Sechelt Indian language meaing "a land between two waters". To get here one has about a 20 min drive from downtown Vancouver to the Horseshoe Bay ferry terminal in West Vancouver and then a forty min ferry trip that crosses Howe Sound and then a 30 min drive from the ferry terminal on this side of Howe Sound. You will pass me on your cruise on the starboard side about an hour after you pass under the Lions Gate bridge.

 

A trip up to Mt. Washington is a nice junket but I don't know how you will fit it all in the few days that you have on the Island. But good luck on your fishing trip. By the way "Fish Assassin" in my son. You can also tell your brother that Olympic View and Cordova Bay are also good plays but if I was only going play 2 courses then Bear Mountain and Victoria would be my choices.

 

Thanks again!!

[Kamloops50]

Below is the allowance for non canadians for alcohol free of duty.

 

You are allowed to import only one of the following amounts of alcohol free of duty and taxes:

 

• 1.5 litres (53 imperial ounces) of wine;
  
• 1.14 litres (40 ounces) of liquor;
  
• a total of 1.14 litres (40 ounces) of wine and liquor; or
  
• 24 x 355 millilitre (12 ounces) cans or bottles (maximum of 8.5 litres) of beer or ale
  

:cool::cool:

[Urban trekker]

Here's a little update regarding accessing the new Canada Line Waterfront Station stop - I have a chance today to walk around downtown and see if I could figure how how it fits in with the other routes and thanks to a nice Skytrain attendant at Waterfront Station I was able to get the following information.

 

1. The Canada Line level is one above the existing lines.

 

2. If you enter Waterfront station from the main entrance on Cordova - you will turn left and the stairs etc down are right there.

 

3. If you are coming from the Street by Canada Place - down the escalator to the exisiting platform - walk to the end of the platform and you will see the new stairwell/escalator to the Canada Line.

 

4. From the food court you will join #3 at the bottom of the escalator.

 

5. There is also street access on Granville between Pender and Hastings.

 

Hope this helps

 

Cheers

 

Dennis

[tutuwahineLV]

Thanks to all the locals who take the time to help all us planning on traversing through your beautiful city.

the help is really appreciated. And I can't wait to be back there in September....and keeping my fingers crossed for good weather.

 

TuTu

[Urban trekker]

Locals and visitor's alike - tomorrow from 2PM to 7PM you can have a chance to get a sneak preview of the new Canada Line Vancouver Center station - it is being open to the public as part of a street party in the 700 Block Granville to promote the completion of the route. Now if they would only get their rears in gear and finish the paving and construction on Granville so we can all once again enjoy the street.

 

Cheers

 

Dennis

[Putterdude]

I am still on this planet but have had a week of company and golf ... this next week will be the same .... so am on the shelf so to speak until at least Thurs or Fri.

Edited July 27, 2009 by Putterdude

[Urban trekker]

PD - see my comments on the other thread.

 

Yesterday I did take in the preview of the Vancouver Center ( Pacific Center ) Canada Line station - it will have direct connections to both Pacific Center and Vancouver Center Malls - the train cars are wider than the others in the system - they really do have a large spaces for luggage although you might have to share with bikes as well - the attendants were really helpful and when I mentioned about the luggage issue and cruisers coming into Canada Place she said yes that was expected and why they designed the cars that way - for the traveller.

 

Cheers

 

Dennis

[gardener718]

Hi Everyone:

 

Here it is, 4 weeks till cruise time and I still don't have a room in Vancouver for Saturday, Sept. 12. I am solo.

 

I have followed the suggestions. Started at $65, and am up to $100+ taxes (not accepted). Waited a few days and started again at $70. Started at 4 stars, then added 3 1/2 stars. Want downtown. I don't know if I should give up. Really don't want to spend $200 for a few hours. Have considered site seeing and then spending the night at the airport. (that would really be something to add to my bucket list).

 

Any other ideas? Do I just keep going until the bid is accepted? How close to the cruise should I really have to make a decision?

 

I also need to confirm how I will get from the air port to the cruise terminal. I think I read there is a cheaper way then a taxi. Reading back through all the posts is a chore, so, this time, I will be sure to write it down and thank you all in advance for your information and advice. I usually have everything arranged and written on a list, with all details by now. I hate to think it is a senior thing.....lol I was going to try and just do a carryon, but, with the heavier clothes, don't think that will be possible, even with getting my laundry done.

 

I have not even been assigned a cabin yet on the ship. Now, that could be a very good thing or a very bad thing. I'm hoping for the good thing. The ship is entirely wait listed (I booked long before it was) and I am elite and its my birthday. Ya think????????????????? Maybe a suite, or at least a balcony. Well, whatever, as long as its not under the buffet, the casino, or the dinning rooms, or near the anchor, or the elevator, ok, I'll stop........ Yikes, what a thought. Well it can't be less than an "I" category. So, it looks like it will be a surprise!!!!!!! I have never booked a guarantee before. Experiences anyone?

 

Well, its time to try on clothes and try to make a decision. The weather is a concern. I am thinking long pants and jeans. Rain jacket and fleece jacket, hat, gloves and scarf. Will gym shoes be ok, or do I need walking boots. (no plan to climb a glacier) I have tried to check and all I read is it can be anything. Suggestions here would also be welcome.

 

I'm sorry this is so long. That was really not my intention, but then my fingers took over.

 

Have a great day everyone and thanks again for listening and helping.

 

Marianne

[Urban trekker]

Marianne - here are some suggestions in response to your questions.

 

When booking on Price line or Hotwire - you want to use Vancouver Downtown.

 

As a solo female traveller have you thought about staying at the YWCA - they have a great hotel in a good location - here's a link to their web site:

 

http://www.ywcahotel.com/

 

As for transportation from the Airport - our new rapid transit line will be up and running - about 25 minutes from the Airport to downtown - the cars on this line were designed for travellers and have a fair amount of space for luggage. I viewed one of the new cars over the weekend and they are spacious and the luggage space is for real - your fare shouldn't be any more than $6.50 - trains will run every 6 minutes in peak hours. For more info check out:

 

http://www.translink.bc.ca

 

Hope this helps and have a good cruise.

 

Cheers

 

Dennis

Edited July 27, 2009 by Urban trekker
corrected link address

[ell52]

. . . I still don't have a room in Vancouver for Saturday, Sept. 12. I am solo.

 

I have followed the suggestions. Started at $65, and am up to $100+ taxes (not accepted). Waited a few days and started again at $70. Started at 4 stars, then added 3 1/2 stars. Want downtown. I don't know if I should give up. Really don't want to spend $200 for a few hours. Have considered site seeing and then spending the night at the airport. (that would really be something to add to my bucket list).

 

Any other ideas? Do I just keep going until the bid is accepted? How close to the cruise should I really have to make a decision?

 

Marianne,

 

Have you read up on how to bid at the bidding strategy sites -- e.g. Bidding for Travel or Better Bidding? Are you just making one bid per day, or are you using re-bids? What is the maximum you want to pay?

 

I wouldn't give up on Priceline yet. The bidding sites are showing people winning bids on and around your dates and there seem to be lots of rooms available.

 

You might want to try Hotwire. It is a little more transparent and you can see if there is something available right away. On Hotwire, you should use Downtown Vancouver West. They are currently showing a 4* for your dates at $117, and a 5* at $127 that, according to the icons, I'd guess to be Sutton Place (golf icon is the give-away, even though there's no golf nearby).

 

I wouldn't give up yet.

.

Edited July 27, 2009 by ell52

[csr221]

We are arriving in Vancouver on Aug24; 7:30 am according to the itinerary. So we're hoping we have enough time to do a quick city tour before we catch the plane at 2:30pm.

Are we being too optimistic about the amount of time to look around? we'll need to clear customs, right? does that take long?

Are there lockers to store luggage for a short time?

 

Thanks

Dan& Carol

[Putterdude]

We are arriving in Vancouver on Aug24; 7:30 am according to the itinerary. So we're hoping we have enough time to do a quick city tour before we catch the plane at 2:30pm.

Are we being too optimistic about the amount of time to look around? we'll need to clear customs, right? does that take long?

Are there lockers to store luggage for a short time?

 

Thanks

Dan& Carol

 

You won't have a great deal of time as even if you self-disembark you won't be off the ship much before 8:30 and thru customs much before 9. You need to be at the the airport a full two hrs pre-flight time to clear US customs and security and from downtown YVR is about 30 mins by cab so I would want to be in a cab and heading for YVR by 11:30. However those few hours will allow you to stroll into Gastown and go up on the View Point of Harbour Centre. You can store your luggage with CDS Baggage Services which are located at the pier.