Vancouver Info if needed

[scottbee]

Just booked the River Rock Casino for 8/9 before the Mel sails. We got a pretty good deal that included breakfast. It was $123 plus tax for a total of $141. I know I will take the Train downtown around 10:30am. When I get off the train at Waterfront Station is there a store that I can buy two nice bottles of wine? $20 H

 

Best method would be get off Skytrain at "Oakridge Station" (a few stops from River Rock/Bridgeport), and pop into the Liquor store there (largest liquor store in the province). Exit the station, cross 41st Ave and walk just under a block, and you're right there.

 

Your Skytrain ticket is good for 90 minutes, so you can exit and reboard, without buying anotehr ticket.

[kenmii]

Hi There-

We will be in Vancouver for the first time in September. How difficult would it be for us to rent a car (or two) and visit all the sights on our own? We would probably follow the itinerary for other city tours with a stop at the cap bridge? Is parking difficult and expensive?

 

Also how long will it take to get from Canada Place to YVR to rent a car? I assume we take the public transportation? We would then return to pick up the rest of the group and luggage.

 

Any suggestions are appreciated!

[Urban trekker]

A few comments about the wine - if you do PD's option which is the one that makes the most sense - re the store across the street from the station - it is not opened on Sundays.

 

Re ScottBee's suggestion - the store is closer to 37th and the station is at 41st - so you want someone with one or two pieces of luggage to get off of the Canada Line and walk from one to three blocks with their luggage and then walk back with their luggage and additional bottles of wine from one to three blocks - go down into the station and hope that the first or second train that comes isn't fill of people and then when you get on you hope there is room for them to store their luggage.

 

Re: the car rental - I find your post a little confusing - are you getting off the ship at Canada Place and wanting to rent a car at YVR and then returning to pick up the remainder of your party - if that is the case there is no need to do that as all the major car rental companies have kiosks at Canada Place and will shuttle you a few blocks to pick up a car.

 

Cheers

 

Dennis

[Putterdude]

Ut, I had checked Tallcva's post and they are in the city during the week so that is not a problem.:)

[Urban trekker]

Good point but others reading the post might not have realized that they are traveling mid-week and that store is closed on Sundays.

 

A few rain drops here in downtown Vancouver this morning - hopefully just a little passing morning cloud.

 

Cheers

 

Dennis

[Putterdude]

Hi There-

We will be in Vancouver for the first time in September. How difficult would it be for us to rent a car (or two) and visit all the sights on our own? We would probably follow the itinerary for other city tours with a stop at the cap bridge? Is parking difficult and expensive?

 

Also how long will it take to get from Canada Place to YVR to rent a car? I assume we take the public transportation? We would then return to pick up the rest of the group and luggage.

 

Any suggestions are appreciated!

 

We don't ordinarily suggest renting a car as the city is becoming less car friendly by the month. However that said, if there is a gang of you the rental of a mini-van might make some sense. All of the international car rental companies have locations downtown with National having a location in the Pan Pacific hotel at Canada Place. Downtown to YVR is about 30/35 mins. Parking in the downtown area is expensive (unless your are from NYC) and yes it can be difficult to find at some attractions. Parking at parks will run you $3/hr, at parking meters if you can find one $1 to $6/hr., in parking lots plan on $6 to $8/hr and at your downtown hotel something in the range of $23 to $25/night.

[tallcva3344]

A few comments about the wine - if you do PD's option which is the one that makes the most sense - re the store across the street from the station - it is not opened on Sundays.

 

Re ScottBee's suggestion - the store is closer to 37th and the station is at 41st - so you want someone with one or two pieces of luggage to get off of the Canada Line and walk from one to three blocks with their luggage and then walk back with their luggage and additional bottles of wine from one to three blocks - go down into the station and hope that the first or second train that comes isn't fill of people and then when you get on you hope there is room for them to store their luggage.

 

Re: the car rental - I find your post a little confusing - are you getting off the ship at Canada Place and wanting to rent a car at YVR and then returning to pick up the remainder of your party - if that is the case there is no need to do that as all the major car rental companies have kiosks at Canada Place and will shuttle you a few blocks to pick up a car.

 

Cheers

 

Dennis

 

OK. I am with you. I am staying at the River Rock Casino. I always buy my wine in Charlotte NC at Costco. Does the Costco near the hotel (3 blocks)sell wine. Seems like my research shows; wine making kits??? I assume it is safe to walk to Costco from the casino?? H

[scottbee]

Re ScottBee's suggestion - the store is closer to 37th and the station is at 41st - so you want someone with one or two pieces of luggage to get off of the Canada Line and walk from one to three blocks with their luggage and then walk back with their luggage and additional bottles of wine from one to three blocks - go down into the station and hope that the first or second train that comes isn't fill of people and then when you get on you hope there is room for them to store their luggage.

 

It's halfway between 39th and 41st (40th doesnt go through) https://maps.google.com/?ll=49.234298,-123.116269&spn=0.002725,0.003294&t=m&z=18 , not 'closer to 37th'. Hence my "one block" from the Skytrain station

[tallcva3344]

Best method would be get off Skytrain at "Oakridge Station" (a few stops from River Rock/Bridgeport), and pop into the Liquor store there (largest liquor store in the province). Exit the station, cross 41st Ave and walk just under a block, and you're right there.

 

Your Skytrain ticket is good for 90 minutes, so you can exit and reboard, without buying anotehr ticket.

 

I was on google earth looking for the the ABC store at the Oakridge Station. I could clearly see the liquor store but could not find the train platform. Is it underground??? Will there be a problem with my wife watching the luggage while I hop accross the street? H

[scottbee]

I was on google earth looking for the the ABC store at the Oakridge Station. I could clearly see the liquor store but could not find the train platform. Is it underground??? Will there be a problem with my wife watching the luggage while I hop accross the street? H

 

 

The Canada Line is relatively new, and the Google street view of Vancouver is a few years old, hence the street view doesn't show the completed station entrance (the station is below ground). The station is on the SW corner of 41st & Cambie, the liquor store is on the west side of Cambie at what would be 40th, so cross 41st and stay on that side of the street. Contrary to another poster, it's only a block, not three as they implied.

 

Google Street View which shows station entrance under construction: https://maps.google.com/maps?hl=en&ll=49.233433,-123.111806&spn=0.005535,0.016512&sll=49.201897,-123.253555&sspn=0.334244,0.471039&t=m&z=17&layer=c&cbll=49.233587,-123.116386&panoid=H4SwPsUs3WTVv-Thb8VyhQ&cbp=12,198.95,,1,6.02

Finished Station: http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/6d/Oakridge-41st_Avenue_Station.JPG/300px-Oakridge-41st_Avenue_Station.JPG

 

 

Also, re: Costco, groceries and places like Costco don't sell beer/wine/liquor in BC, it's only available at liquor stores.

[april47]

How many blocks from Canada Place to Westin Bayshore and is it a safe neighborhood?

[tallcva3344]

The Canada Line is relatively new, and the Google street view of Vancouver is a few years old, hence the street view doesn't show the completed station entrance (the station is below ground). The station is on the SW corner of 41st & Cambie, the liquor store is on the west side of Cambie at what would be 40th, so cross 41st and stay on that side of the street. Contrary to another poster, it's only a block, not three as they implied.

 

Google Street View which shows station entrance under construction: https://maps.google.com/maps?hl=en&ll=49.233433,-123.111806&spn=0.005535,0.016512&sll=49.201897,-123.253555&sspn=0.334244,0.471039&t=m&z=17&layer=c&cbll=49.233587,-123.116386&panoid=H4SwPsUs3WTVv-Thb8VyhQ&cbp=12,198.95,,1,6.02

Finished Station: http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/6d/Oakridge-41st_Avenue_Station.JPG/300px-Oakridge-41st_Avenue_Station.JPG

 

 

Also, re: Costco, groceries and places like Costco don't sell beer/wine/liquor in BC, it's only available at liquor stores.

 

Thanks. H

[westcoasttech]

How many blocks from Canada Place to Westin Bayshore and is it a safe neighborhood?

 

It's a very safe neighbourhood. The Westin sits at the begining of the Stanley Park section of the seawall and at the base of Denman Street (variety of restaurants). The quickest way there from Canada Place is along the seawall, but it's not particularly luggage friendly - there's a few stairs, depending on which way you go - I would guess the equivalent of about 8 - 10 blocks, so possible, but a bit of a "hike". Unless you are travelling extremely lightly, I would recommend a taxi to the hotel, probably only around $10 - $15 at the outside. Once you've got rid of any luggage, it's easy to walk back to downtown, or into the park. Make sure you get a waterview - either facing the park or facing out to the harbour - I would recommend a higher floor for the view (but it's not a particularly tall hotel).

Edited July 15, 2012 by westcoasttech

[westcoasttech]

Oops - computer glitch created double post...

Edited July 15, 2012 by westcoasttech
Oops - computer glitch created double post...

[Putterdude]

I was on google earth looking for the the ABC store at the Oakridge Station. I could clearly see the liquor store but could not find the train platform. Is it underground??? Will there be a problem with my wife watching the luggage while I hop accross the street? H

 

Sorry, do what you want but getting off the Canada Line to go to the Oakridge makes no sense at all. You are disrupting your trip, walking a block plus in either direction to the store and then taking a chance that you may miss a train and may not have a seat on the train just doesn't equate. The store I described in my earlier post is all but kitty corner from the Waterfront station. However if you do choose to make the Oakridge stop then certainly your wife will be fine left with the luggage at the station. While there is a Costco store in downtown Vancouver sadly it does not sell any alcoholic products, in BC they are only available in BC Liquor Stores and a few licensed private liquor store.

[tallcva3344]

Sorry, do what you want but getting off the Canada Line to go to the Oakridge makes no sense at all. You are disrupting your trip, walking a block plus in either direction to the store and then taking a chance that you may miss a train and may not have a seat on the train just doesn't equate. The store I described in my earlier post is all but kitty corner from the Waterfront station. However if you do choose to make the Oakridge stop then certainly your wife will be fine left with the luggage at the station. While there is a Costco store in downtown Vancouver sadly it does not sell any alcoholic products, in BC they are only available in BC Liquor Stores and a few licensed private liquor store.

 

That is a bit of a detour for two bottles of wine each pulling a suitcase with carryon on top of each. I will do your suggestion after I get off at Granville and Hastings. What was the name of the street again? I have been looking for the store thru Google Earth. It is like walking down the street. H

[tallcva3344]

That is a bit of a detour for two bottles of wine each pulling a suitcase with carryon on top of each. I will do your suggestion after I get off at Granville and Hastings. What was the name of the street again? I have been looking for the store thru Google Earth. It is like walking down the street. H

 

Aren't there two exits for the station? H

[Putterdude]

The store is located at Seymour and Cordova Sts. in Harbour Centre. No need to enter the centre, you will see an exterior entrance off Cordova St.

[tallcva3344]

The store is located at Seymour and Cordova Sts. in Harbour Centre. No need to enter the centre, you will see an exterior entrance off Cordova St.

 

Thanks I found it. Picture below. Small sign I did not see before. H

[scottbee]

That is a bit of a detour for two bottles of wine each pulling a suitcase with carryon on top of each. I will do your suggestion after I get off at Granville and Hastings. What was the name of the street again? I have been looking for the store thru Google Earth. It is like walking down the street. H

 

From Granville & Hastings to the Harbour Centre liquor store is 2 blocks, I'm not sure why someone [who hasn't lived in Vancouver since before Skytrain's Canada Line was in existance] would be suggesting this is an ideal route, and claim it's less hassle than walking one block at Oakridge. Walking from Harbour Centre back to Canada Place is also slightly uphill.

 

Another idea not put forward here is there is also a small liquor store (about the size of the one at Harbour Centre) right in the airport, but over by the domestic arrival area; again this store might not have existed when PD last lived in the Vancouver area.

[Putterdude]

Thanks I found it. Picture below. Small sign I did not see before. H

 

Glad you found it.:) By the way although a native Vancouverite of some 60 years I now live about an hour after you pass under the Lions Gate Bridge, starboard side and I will be waving to you as you sail by....ok I will have a glass of Stoli in my hand raised to your good cruise.;) Have great cruise.

[Putterdude]

From Granville & Hastings to the Harbour Centre liquor store is 2 blocks, I'm not sure why someone [who hasn't lived in Vancouver since before Skytrain's Canada Line was in existance] would be suggesting this is an ideal route, and claim it's less hassle than walking one block at Oakridge. Walking from Harbour Centre back to Canada Place is also slightly uphill.

 

Another idea not put forward here is there is also a small liquor store (about the size of the one at Harbour Centre) right in the airport, but over by the domestic arrival area; again this store might not have existed when PD last lived in the Vancouver area.

 

Please don't try to discredit my familiarity with Vancouver, I was here long before you ever arrived and in the city today much more than you know about.

The walk between Harbour Centre, Waterfront Centre and Canada Place is about as level as can be except for a gentle slope downward from Cordova and Howe St. Further when you exit Waterfront Station onto Cordova St. you are less than 1/2 block to Harbour Centre.

For your information I have walked down Seymour St. to Waterfront Station many hundreds of times before and since the inception of SkyTrain and the Canada Line and am very familiar with how it all works.

I am also very familiar with the private liquor store at YVR and yes it is convenient if you wish to pay the prices that come with convenience.

Now back to Burnaby.

[karonius]

Thanks again for all the great info! So we will be taking the skytrain and bus from Canada place to the ferry. How do we pay for the tickets? Is there someplace to buy canadian $ or do we use a credit card? etc, thanks. Just want to be prepared!

[scottbee]

Thanks again for all the great info! So we will be taking the skytrain and bus from Canada place to the ferry. How do we pay for the tickets? Is there someplace to buy canadian $ or do we use a credit card? etc, thanks. Just want to be prepared!

 

At the Skytrain station there are ticket machines that take C$, Credit and Debit cards. Purchase a 3 zone ticket for your journey, which is $5.00 (less evenings, weekends, or for over 65). Take the Canada Line to Bridgeport (both the Brighouse and YVR trains stop there), and at Bridgeport ride the elevator (or escalator) down to bus level. You'll see a bunch of bus stops, and you want the #620 "Tsawwassen Ferry", ride it until the very end (you can't miss it -- everyone will pile off).

 

When you buy your ferry ticket, if you don't want to drag your luggage on board, there's a luggage drop area, and you can pick it up on the far side. Just make sure you drop it in the "SWARTZ BAY" section.

[tallcva3344]

If we leave River Rick Casino arount 10:00am on Friday morning and get the wine at Waterfront will we be at the pier around 11:00am? Will the Skytrain be busy at 10:00am from that area? H