Vancouver Info if needed

[bigmjh]

From reading most of this thread ... it looks like using the SkyTrain would be the most convenient and economical way to get from the airport to Canada Place. I have a question regarding the "terrain" from the waterfront station to the dock. I walk with two braces on my lower legs and use a cane. I can handle level ground well and slight uphill inclines with no problem. How is the walk from the station to the dock ... also, since DW will be pulling luggage, how is the pavement, curbs, etc. Thanks.

[Tweedy]

VANCOUVER has the Third highest-priced real estate in the world.

Number 2 is Sydney, AU and Number 1 is Hong Kong.

I recently learned this when I took an on-line course in order to attend a FAM to Whistler and Vancouver. It is very lovely there and does not get to 105 degrees F. like it is here in L.A.

 

I couldn't agree more with you about Vancouver being wonderful. I'm born and raised in Vancouver. Those long grey dreary winter months can be tough to deal with. However, if you can get past that and when the sun shines, the city sparkles.

[ltdmcc]

Putterdude - glad you know the area so well and are willing to share! thanks

[ltdmcc]

very helpful too - is the 7-11 at the airport charge double anywhere else?

[scottbee]

From reading most of this thread ... it looks like using the SkyTrain would be the most convenient and economical way to get from the airport to Canada Place. I have a question regarding the "terrain" from the waterfront station to the dock. I walk with two braces on my lower legs and use a cane. I can handle level ground well and slight uphill inclines with no problem. How is the walk from the station to the dock ... also, since DW will be pulling luggage, how is the pavement, curbs, etc. Thanks.

 

There are two routed exiting Waterfront station;

exit 1, elevators/stairs/escalators right on the platform marked "Exit to Granville". This puts you at Granville & W.Hastings; from here it's a 3 block walk slightly downhill to Canada Place.

Google street view (station exit is under construction, but in on this corner, you can see it as the big steel/yellow styrofoam structure); https://maps.google.com/?ll=49.285293,-123.113844&spn=0.002635,0.006968&t=h&z=18&layer=c&cbll=49.285354,-123.113938&panoid=51y2joX9HbVfxfmdYQXEew&cbp=12,26.76,,0,4.99

 

 

exit 2, follow the long tunnel from the platform into the Waterfront station complex, and exit onto Cordova St (and turn right). From here it's a 3 block walk slightly uphill to Canada Place

street view: https://maps.google.com/?ll=49.285491,-123.112106&spn=0.000662,0.001742&t=h&z=20&layer=c&cbll=49.285491,-123.112106&panoid=LPzdrYiS5H7mwq5Czq6s8A&cbp=12,340.95,,0,7.48

 

Google street views of the two places you'd emerge (remember these photos are nearly 4 yrs old when Skytrain was still under construction)

Edited August 10, 2012 by scottbee

[Putterdude]

From reading most of this thread ... it looks like using the SkyTrain would be the most convenient and economical way to get from the airport to Canada Place. I have a question regarding the "terrain" from the waterfront station to the dock. I walk with two braces on my lower legs and use a cane. I can handle level ground well and slight uphill inclines with no problem. How is the walk from the station to the dock ... also, since DW will be pulling luggage, how is the pavement, curbs, etc. Thanks.

 

Basically you have what is a 3 block walk, slightly downhill toward Canada Place. There are sidewalk the whole way and when you reach an intersection there are letdowns or ramps from sidewalk to road. If you can handle the walk and DW can handle the luggage then you should be OK....if not then you may want to consider a cab at a cost of about $35 which will take you from curb to curb.

[cruising cockroach]

Still does the same thing and as a matter of fact Realty Link covers the whole province.....but you seem to know all about "crap" so I will leave it at that and consider the source.:eek:

 

Minus greater Victoria and Thompson Okanagan, it excludes most of the R/E market outside the Lower Mainland.

[Gig103]

Can anyone help clarify how YVR's arrival terminal is set up coming from the USA? The website map shows USA departures and US CBP, but where do Canadians handle customs?

 

I ask because we are meeting my father-in-law at YVR (flights are scheduled to land within minutes of each other) and we want to meet at his gate and go through customs and baggage claim together. Is this possible or are arrival gates segregated from each other and the terminal?

 

Thanks for this very helpful thread!

Edited August 14, 2012 by Gig103
clarification

[nails62040]

Thanks to those who helped me decide on a hotel. We're going to take your suggestions and stay at the Blue Horizon!

[scottbee]

Can anyone help clarify how YVR's arrival terminal is set up coming from the USA? The website map shows USA departures and US CBP, but where do Canadians handle customs?

 

I ask because we are meeting my father-in-law at YVR (flights are scheduled to land within minutes of each other) and we want to meet at his gate and go through customs and baggage claim together. Is this possible or are arrival gates segregated from each other and the terminal?

 

It depends which set of the E [uSA] gates you arrive at;

the main E gates (jetbridges for airliners) you arrive, go up one level and walk along a platform elevated over the main departure waiting area (glassed in, very nice), then drop down (stairs/escalators/elevators) into the main immigration hall. Probably one of the nicest Intl arrivals you'll ever see. Photo: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Vancouver_Airport_Inside.jpg

 

The commuter gates (E94-96 smaller prop planes form SEA/PDX); you walk along an older walkway at ground level (for what seems like a long time), and eventually end up in the same immigration hall. (sneaking in from the left hand side on the above photo)

 

Once in the immigration hall, you line up for passport check. Separate line ups for Canadians, non-Canadians, and Nexus card holders.

 

Once through immigration, you pick up your luggage at the carousels, prior to the customs check. This would probably be a better place to meet.

 

After grabbing luggage, you clear customs (the clearance of goods), and generally that just means handing your declaration card to a guy at the exit. Once past this final checkpoint, you make a right turn, and toward the main exit and that's the main passenger meeting area (as it's after all the inspections). This would also be a good place to meet, there's a large tourist information booth here too.

[Gig103]

It depends which set of the E [uSA] gates you arrive at;

the main E gates (jetbridges for airliners) you arrive, go up one level and walk along a platform elevated over the main departure waiting area (glassed in, very nice), then drop down (stairs/escalators/elevators) into the main immigration hall. Probably one of the nicest Intl arrivals you'll ever see. Photo: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Vancouver_Airport_Inside.jpg

 

The commuter gates (E94-96 smaller prop planes form SEA/PDX); you walk along an older walkway at ground level (for what seems like a long time), and eventually end up in the same immigration hall. (sneaking in from the left hand side on the above photo)

 

Once in the immigration hall, you line up for passport check. Separate line ups for Canadians, non-Canadians, and Nexus card holders.

 

Once through immigration, you pick up your luggage at the carousels, prior to the customs check. This would probably be a better place to meet.

 

After grabbing luggage, you clear customs (the clearance of goods), and generally that just means handing your declaration card to a guy at the exit. Once past this final checkpoint, you make a right turn, and toward the main exit and that's the main passenger meeting area (as it's after all the inspections). This would also be a good place to meet, there's a large tourist information booth here too.

 

Thank you for the description. We'll both be arriving by small aircraft (PDX and SEA) so it sounds like we should just meet him in immigration instead. Thanks also for the heads up about the walk; he's older and might need a wheelchair.

[bigmjh]

Thanks scottbee and Putterdude ... great info. A couple other questions - approximately how long does it take for the HOHO bus to make a complete loop (without getting off)?

 

Also, somewhere in this thread (can't find it now) there was a post about how to purchase SkyTrain tickets somewhere in the terminal at YVR without having to pay the $5 add-on.

[Putterdude]

Thanks scottbee and Putterdude ... great info. A couple other questions - approximately how long does it take for the HOHO bus to make a complete loop (without getting off)?

 

Also, somewhere in this thread (can't find it now) there was a post about how to purchase SkyTrain tickets somewhere in the terminal at YVR without having to pay the $5 add-on.

 

The Vancouver Trolley HOHO has two loops, a Red loop and a Blue loop. Each loop begins and ends at Canada Place in front of the Pan Pacific at each take about 1hr and 20 mins. You can avoid the airport convenience fee ($5.00) by purchasing a book of 2 zone commuter tickets for $31.50 which gives you 10 tickets or an all day pass for $9.00; these can be purchased at either the Pharmasave or the 7-11 in the domestic area of YVR. However, as the fare with the convenience fee is $8.75 pp neither of these options are economic for a single trip from YVR and even if you are returning from your cruise from Canada Place your fare is only $3.75.

[Desert Cruizers]

Friend of mine will joining me for the Sept 2013 Coastal Cruise from Vancouver and looking for a nice place to stay for two women precruise in a nice area, with restaurants nearby. Thank you

[scottbee]

Also, somewhere in this thread (can't find it now) there was a post about how to purchase SkyTrain tickets somewhere in the terminal at YVR without having to pay the $5 add-on.

 

Individual tickets, will have $5 surcharge ($3.75 + $5), however both the 7-11 and Pharmasave (one level down from the domestic baggage claim); sell books of 10 tickets ($31.50 for 2-zone which is the M-F daytime rate for airport-downtown) called FARESAVERS. If you're only ever going to use Skytrain for the one way Airport-downtown; it's still (sadly) cheaper to just pay the extra $10 on the platform, but if you're in town for a couple of days and want to see tourist sites (and transit goes to a lot more sites than the HoHos), or need it to get back to the airport, buy the pack of 10.

 

Another option (if you intend to tour the day you arrive) are day passes (also only from 7-11/Pharmasave at airport) which are $9

[dundalkspur]

Hi -we are coming for 2 weeks .1 week cruise and 1 week stay in coal harbour and downtown. Would welcome any suggestions for day trips and sighteeing in our spare week .as we will be car less .

Thanks.

[BCHappyGal]

Info on Vancouver from a local!

 

My favorite must do attractions are

 

1) Grouse Mountain – http://www.grousemountain.com – this is a wonderful scenic mountain only about 15 mins from downtown Vancouver. Ride the airtram to the top for lots of fun activities that include a loggers show, birds of prey show, 2 movies (1 about the Vancouver area and 1 about the 2 Grizzly Bears who make their home on Grouse Mtn) ride a chair lift higher up the mountain to visit the wind turbine that generates approximately 30% of the power required for Grouse Mountain Resort and visit with 2 live Grizzly Bears. Thrill to a 2 hour Zip Line Tour. Enjoy a meal in any of the restaurants. Caveat only spend the money to go up on a clear day.

2) Capilano Suspension Bridge – http://www.capbridge.com – this is Vancouver’s oldest tourist attraction and I still enjoy visiting it! Located on Capilano Road just before you reach the Grouse Mountain parking lot. Walk across a suspension Bridge over the Capilano Gorge, wonder the trails thru the rain forest, walk thru the treetops on the new Tree Top Adventure, visit the trading post for a huge selection of souvenirs, watch native weavers and/or carvers at work.

3) Capilano Fish Hatchery is also located on Capilano Road and is a great place to view salmon jumping up the fish ladders to get around the Cleveland Dam. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Capilano_River_Regional_Park

4) Lynn Valley Suspension Bridge – http://www.lynncanyon.ca - is also located in North Vancouver and is much less touristy than Capilano but it also is not as spectacular. The bridge is slightly higher above the water but much shorter in span. Located in a Provincial Park this bridge comes with some nice hiking trails and you will find an ecology centre in the park as well as picnic tables and a food concession outlet. Should you choose to enjoy the Lynn Valley Suspension Bridge always cross the suspension bridge first and then hike down the trail to the lower (Twin Falls wooden) bridge to cross back over the Lynn Valley River and return to your car – that way you are hiking downhill rather than uphill. It is also free to visit this suspension bridge!

5) Stanley Park – http://www.vancouver.ca/parks/parks/stanley/ - is the crown jewel of Vancouver's parks. As one of North America's largest urban parks, covering over a 1000 acres and offering an abundance of activities. Enjoy the totem pole collection near the Brockton Point Light House, hiking trails, beaches, water parks for the kids (young & old), rose gardens, miniature train, petting zoo, aquarium –http://www.vanaqua.org – many view points, and several restaurants. During the summer months there is a free shuttle bus that you can ride around the park on.

6) Vancouver Aquarium – http://www.vanaqua.org – is Canada’s largest aquarium and is committed to the conservation of marine life and education. Located in Stanley Park this is a fun place for the family to visit.

7) Gas Town – the location where Vancouver originated. The name is derived from a very colorful character named Gassy Jack who was one of the first settlers in the area and a salon keeper – while in Gas Town don’t miss your photo op with the statue of Gassy Jack and by the Steam Clock. During the summer months there is a free walking tour of Gas Town for times call 604-683-5650

8) At the start of Gas Town is the Harbor Centre Tower http://www.vancouverlookout.com a great spot to start your tour of Vancouver with a birds eye view of the city. Either take the elevator up to the lookout level or go to the top and enjoy a meal in the revolving restaurant.

9) China Town is only about 6 blocks over from Gas Town and is the largest China Town north of San Francisco. While in China Town enjoy a visit to the Dr Sun Yat Sen Classical Gardens http://www.vancouverchinesegarden.com and also make sure you visit the world’s thinnest building it is only 6’ wide!

10) The city of Vancouver has laid out self guided walking tours of 4 distinct historical neighborhoods in Vancouver – Gastown; Chinatown; Yaletown; & Shaughnessy – these walking tours along with a historical introduction to each neighbourhood can be found at http://vancouver.ca/commsvcs/planning/heritage/walks/index.htm

11) Granville Island – http://www.granvilleisland.com – is a huge public market area which not only sells fruit & veggies but you can also buy frozen fish to be shipped to your home. Many artists make this their home and you can watch them at work in their studios – making this a great place to buy unique souvenirs. The Granville Island Brewery is also located here and you can stop in for a free tour & tastes. There are theatres for live performances and many fine restaurants. A fun way to get to Granville Island is via the Aquabus – http://www.theaquabus.com

12) Burnaby Village Museum – http://www.burnabyvillagemuseum.ca – is an open air museum with over 30 restored homes, shops, school, church and a 1912 carousel situated on 10 acres

13) Gulf of Georgia Cannery – http://www.gulfofgeorgiacannery.com – is a restored fishing cannery located in the historic fishing village of Steveston (part of Richmond). Here you see exhibits that showcase the history of the fishing industry in British Columbia. Once finished in the museum it is great fun to walk along the fishing docks and see the fishing boats which are selling their catch. There are also some excellent restaurants located here.

14) The Vancouver Maritime Museum located on the shore of English Bay is fun for the whole family with lots of hands on exhibits for the kid in all of us. Here to you will find the ship St Roch which the RCMP sailed from Vancouver to Halifax via the Northwest Passage and then completed the return journey in 1944. You actually get to tour this ship. http://www.vancouvermaritimemuseum.com

15) Queen Elizabeth Park http://www.vancouver.ca/parks/parks/queenelizabeth The 130 acre (52 hectare) park is one of the most beautifully maintained public parks in the world. Second only to Stanley Park in annual visitations, it receives nearly 6 million people a year who marvel at its superior standard of garden plantings.

The park was originally quarried for its rock which served to build Vancouver's first roadways. In 1929 the Board proceeded to acquire the property which had become an abandoned eyesore but still served as the site for two holding reservoirs for the City's drinking water. Dedicated as a park by King George VI and his consort, Queen Elizabeth (the present Queen's mother) on their much lauded visit to Vancouver in 1939.

16) Fort Langley is the restored wooden fort built by the Hudson’s Bay Company as a trading post. It is the origin of British Columbia and was the first capital. This Fort is operated by the Federal Parks Board. http://www.fortlangley.org

17) If you are a wine lover you might want to rent a car and spend a day visiting a few of the many excellent wineries located in the Fraser Valley only about a 1 hour drive from your hotel. Almost all of the wineries offer free tastes & tours. Two of the wineries have excellent restaurants on the premises. This makes for a very fun and relaxing day. Check out the Fraser Valley Wine Association web site for a map of winery locations and a brief description of each winery http://www.fvwa.ca

18) If you are a real animal lover than don’t miss “Mountain View Conservation & Breeding Centre” It is located in Fort Langley about an hour drive from downtown Vancouver. Mountain View Conservation and Breeding Centre is a leading non-profit Canadian facility that breeds endangered species in family groups for re-introduction back into their natural habitat in Canada and around the world. This facility is not a zoo their goal is to breed rare and endangered wildlife and re-introduce these animals back into their natural habitats. Presently Mountainview hosts over 50 species of the world’s most threatened animals and birds. See animals such as the spotted dog from Africa, Giraffes, and much much more. Here you do not wonder around as in a zoo rather you are given a guided tour with commentary on each animal group. Check it out at http://www.mtnviewconservation.org

19) VanDusen Botanical Garden is a scenic 55- acre garden of international renown – a living museum of plants collected from around the world and artistically displayed amidst rolling lawns, woodlands and five tranquil lakes, all in the heart of Vancouver and just 15 minutes from downtown.

Due to Vancouver’s mild climate, plants bloom at the Garden year-round. This same climate creates a unique environment where plants from varying climate regions thrive and grow – at VanDusen you will see plants from the southern hemisphere, tropical areas and the high Arctic tundra along side native species. The Elizabethan Maze (one of only six in North America) provides year-round fun.

20) UBC Botanical Garden located at the University of British Columbia covers 110 acres and includes an Alpine, Asian, Native, Food, and Japanese Gardens. http://www.ubcbotanicalgarden.org

21) Dazzle your senses when you visit Minter Gardens nestled against 7000 foot Mt. Cheam in beautiful 'Super Natural' British Columbia. One of the most spectacular show gardens in the world! Eleven themed gardens are designed to dazzle the senses with massive displays of artistic floral designs.

Minter Gardens is located 90 minutes east of downtown Vancouver just off the Trans-Canada Hwy. #1 at exit #135. http://www.mintergardens.com

22) Enjoy a FREE walking tour of Vancouver. The Gastown tour starts in front of the Vancouver Art Gallery and ends at the Steam Clock in Gastown. The Downtown tour starts at the Vancouver Art Gallery and ends at the Olympic Cauldron. There is also a China Town tour and a Granville Island Tour. Check these tours out at http://www.tourguys.ca

[Putterdude]

Hi -we are coming for 2 weeks .1 week cruise and 1 week stay in coal harbour and downtown. Would welcome any suggestions for day trips and sighteeing in our spare week .as we will be car less .

Thanks.

 

In addition to the exhaustive list provided above I would suggest that you may care to plan a day trip to Victoria and another to Whistler. Both can be accessed by coach or perhaps even a rental car.

[operabob]

In addition to the exhaustive list provided above I would suggest that you may care to plan a day trip to Victoria

 

I was born and raised in Vancouver but have lived the last 20 years in Victoria.

 

Plan for a long day in Victoria. People who only come for a few hours kick themselves later.

 

Really, you should stay over night!!!!!!! Minimum! :)

[operabob]

Friend of mine will joining me for the Sept 2013 Coastal Cruise from Vancouver and looking for a nice place to stay for two women precruise in a nice area, with restaurants nearby. Thank you

 

Someone mentioned the Blue Horizon on Robson Street a few posts back.

 

http://www.bluehorizonhotel.com/

 

It's a bit further from the Cruise Ship Centre (1/2 - 3/4 miles) but there are countless restaurants around it and a lot of foot traffic to keep you entertained.

 

The Westin Bayshore is probably the most famous hotel in Coal Harbour:

 

http://www.westinbayshore.com/

 

It's on the edge of Stanley Park (a must see) but there's not a lot of street activity unless you head over to Denman Street.

 

The BayShore is famous for a particular guest:

 

http://www.miss604.com/2012/03/howard-hughes-at-the-bayshore.html

[Putterdude]

I was born and raised in Vancouver but have lived the last 20 years in Victoria.

 

Plan for a long day in Victoria. People who only come for a few hours kick themselves later.

 

Really, you should stay over night!!!!!!! Minimum! :)

 

While it is a long day, the trip over on BC Ferries is very scenic particularly thru the Gulf Islands and Active Pass and forms part of the excursion. Many a person does it for the day using Pacific Coach Lines, take in Butchart Gardens and a walk around a very compact downtown Victoria then catch PCL back. As a native Vancouverite and now retired businessman I often did the round trip in a day with car and ferry.

 

http://www.pacificcoach.com/

[jamesnnb]

When arriving at Vancouver Airport from USA (Seattle, Washington) which 'line' do we follow? We want to catch a taxi once through Customs to Canada Place to board a Celebrity ship the same day. Can we pay for the taxi ride in US Dollars? Thanks!

[Putterdude]

When arriving at Vancouver Airport from USA (Seattle, Washington) which 'line' do we follow? We want to catch a taxi once through Customs to Canada Place to board a Celebrity ship the same day. Can we pay for the taxi ride in US Dollars? Thanks!

 

You will be directed into the customs hall where you will see several lines, one for non-Canadians, another for crew, another for NEXUS members and another for Canadians....they are well identified and it is pretty simple stuff. Yes, the taxis will accept $US but you will likely receive your change in $CDN so I would arrive with a few $1, $5 and $10 in anticipation of a fare of about $35.

[operabob]

While it is a long day,

 

Thanks Put,

 

I should have phrased that better.

 

By "long" I mean(t) you don't want to spend a few hours here. You want to spend many hours here.

[nails62040]

Will be arriving into Vancouver 1 day prior to our cruise and staying at the Blue Horizon. Thought about heading over to Granville Island for the afternoon since we're doing a city tour the morning of our cruise. Can anyone give me suggestions on where a great place would be for dinner on Saturday evening? We are a party of 6 adults.

 

Thanks!