Vancouver Info if needed

[operabob]

nails,

 

You're nearby a ton of good restaurants all price levels.

 

If you're thinking higher quality this was considered a top pick but it's been about 5 years since I've been so can't comment on it's current ratings:

 

http://www.joefortes.ca/

 

If you head just west of the BH there's a very good chinese retsaurant. I can't quite remember the name. Someting like "Ohoo". Looks like a giant diner from outside but it's an open kitchen so you can watch them cook and the food is good (IMO).

[Putterdude]

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!

 

You are in an area with a large number of dinner spots including Joe Fortes noted above. Below I will provide a link to Robson area restaurants but a couple that I can recommend would include Cardero's which is a casual upscale marine pub with great views of the Coal Harbour yacht basin, Raincity Grill, Cin Cin, Aki Japanese, and the old standby....The Keg.

 

http://www.urbanspoon.com/n/14/1319/Vancouver/Robson-Street-West-End-restaurants

[operabob]

Good Recs Put!

[ej22ndrow]

Hi, we will be arriving in Vancouver the afternoon of 8/31 and sailing out on 9/1. We are staying at the Hampton Inn & Suites across from the BC Center (staying free with points).

 

There is currently a Groupon offer that I am considering but would like some input from someone who has been there before or knows anything about the place:

 

Vancouver Players ChopHouse (seems to be right across the street from our hotel?). For $45, we would get 1 appetizer, 2 entrees, & 1 dessert.

 

Looking at the menu, it seems like a really good deal because without the Groupon deal, we could easily spend $45 on 1 appetizer & 1 entree. But is the food any good?

 

 

Thanks for any input.

[Putterdude]

about the place:

 

Vancouver Players ChopHouse (seems to be right across the street from our hotel?). For $45, we would get 1 appetizer, 2 entrees, & 1 dessert.

 

Looking at the menu, it seems like a really good deal because without the Groupon deal, we could easily spend $45 on 1 appetizer & 1 entree. But is the food any good?

 

 

Thanks for any input.

 

Great price.....but sadly very average food. If you are looking for something special Player's is not going to do it for you.

[Sandy R]

I have a Canadian passport, my DH has a US passport. Can we go through the "Canadian passport line" together?

[Putterdude]

I have a Canadian passport, my DH has a US passport. Can we go through the "Canadian passport line" together?

 

I don't think that this question has ever been asked in the forum before...there should be people you can ask as you enter the customs hall but to be safe (as to not get a lecture from a CBSA officer:)) I would be inclined not to use the Canadian line.

[scottbee]

Hi, we will be arriving in Vancouver the afternoon of 8/31 and sailing out on 9/1. We are staying at the Hampton Inn & Suites across from the BC Center (staying free with points).

 

There is currently a Groupon offer that I am considering but would like some input from someone who has been there before or knows anything about the place:

 

Vancouver Players ChopHouse (seems to be right across the street from our hotel?). For $45, we would get 1 appetizer, 2 entrees, & 1 dessert.

 

Looking at the menu, it seems like a really good deal because without the Groupon deal, we could easily spend $45 on 1 appetizer & 1 entree. But is the food any good?

 

 

Thanks for any input.

 

Player's Chophouse (right in front of BC Place), is OK; but a little overpriced for what they provide. The big advantage is it's next door to the stadium, so it's a popular place for VIPs pre/post game (and the expensive cars you see parked outside -- last couple of days it has been an Aston Martin Vantage).

 

From where you're staying, a few block walk into Yaletown would be a good choice, there are some much better restaurants in that price range, my pick would be Glowbal (Mainland St).

[scottbee]

I have a Canadian passport, my DH has a US passport. Can we go through the "Canadian passport line" together?

 

No; the line is designed to be expedient for Canadians returning to Canada.

 

It's the same reason that 3 nexus card holders in a car need to go through the regular line if there's a 4th non-nexus card holder in the car.

 

I've not seen it in lineups at the airport, but I've seen what happens if you try to take the nexus lane and aren't nexus -- secondary inspection (and it's not quick).

[Sandy R]

Would you believe I actually got through to someone in YVR customs. Not sure that could happen in the U.S. Was told that unless I'm a resident of Canada, I must use the "Visitor's" line. We'll be arriving YVR on Thursday, Sept. 27th, at 12:14pm. I'm hoping the line won't be too long.

 

Using info from this thread, we'll be taking the SkyTrain to the Waterfront Station and then walking to the Pan Pacific Hotel... unless of course, it's raining. Thanks to all who generously give their time to answer questions on this thread. It's much appreciative!

[Putterdude]

Would you believe I actually got through to someone in YVR customs. Not sure that could happen in the U.S. Was told that unless I'm a resident of Canada, I must use the "Visitor's" line. We'll be arriving YVR on Thursday, Sept. 27th, at 12:14pm. I'm hoping the line won't be too long.

 

 

Wow, that is amazing that you got a real live voice.....but at least you heard it from the horse's mouth....so to speak.;)

[jamesnnb]

Arriving early: We will be arriving at the (Canada Place) Cruise Terminal early (10am-ish) and wondered if you can get INside the terminal (knowing they won't be processing passengers that early) to sit and wait. ie is the terminal open and you allowed to go inside?

[LeftcoastBC]

It is open and you can get into the first line at "Security"

 

Seating in almost non existent however. But the first folks in line are usually pretty happy to be there and nice to meet.

[Putterdude]

You will be able to give your luggage to the porters after about 0930 or so then you are free to go in and join the line. I would imagine that they will start processing pax about 1030. If you wanted, you could give your luggage to the porters then take a walk into historic Gastown or walk the other way (west) along the seawall toward Stanley Park.

[disneykins]

Booked the Hyatt downtown and are arriving by plane. Best bet is to take the skytrain to Vancouver City Centre. Is it worth it to transfer to the other line to go one stop to Burrard St station which is where the hotel is or better to walk?

 

If we buy the Faresaver 10 tickets for $31.50, they will cover the trip in from the airport (and we avoid the $5 surcharge). Can we then use the rest of the tickets for travelling around downtown? Through Stanley Park and use it like a hoho ticket?

 

Silly question, is it one ticket you get punched each time you use it or a book of tickets you detach and use? And we just buy one faresaver and share it, right?

 

Thanks,

Tony

[Putterdude]

Booked the Hyatt downtown and are arriving by plane. Best bet is to take the skytrain to Vancouver City Centre. Is it worth it to transfer to the other line to go one stop to Burrard St station which is where the hotel is or better to walk? You could transfer to the SkyTain and get off at Burrard station...but it is so much work you are better off to walk from Vancouver Centre station unless it is pouring rain.

 

If we buy the Faresaver 10 tickets for $31.50, they will cover the trip in from the airport (and we avoid the $5 surcharge). Can we then use the rest of the tickets for traveling around downtown? Through Stanley Park and use it like a hoho ticket? Yes you can, a ticket is good for 90 minutes but remember it is transit not a tour, there is no narration. Also transit will get you to the park but not around it.

 

Silly question, is it one ticket you get punched each time you use it or a book of tickets you detach and use? And we just buy one faresaver and share it, right? One tickets is validated at a time and yes you can share the tickets in the booklet.

 

Thanks,

Tony

 

Anymore questions just come on back.:)

[em-sk]

Arriving early: We will be arriving at the (Canada Place) Cruise Terminal early (10am-ish) and wondered if you can get INside the terminal (knowing they won't be processing passengers that early) to sit and wait. ie is the terminal open and you allowed to go inside?

 

If it is a nice day out .... there is an outside public observation deck all the way around the terminal (at street level) with benchs. You get a very good view of the ship and the harbour activities. Across the street and down the stair is a Tim Hortons and food court if you want to sit down and grab a drink etc.

[jamesnnb]

Thanks!

[DMKcruiser]

My girlfriend and I are flying into Seattle where we are renting a car. After a short visit we are planning to drive to Vancouver. After a two day visit we will be cruising out of Canada Place.

 

My question is returning the rental car. No particular car rental company

has been chosen yet. Is there any rental car return office near the Canada Place and a nearby hotel? I am trying to arrange this all together to make returning the car, staying in a hotel and getting to the port as quick easy as possible!

[scottbee]

My girlfriend and I are flying into Seattle where we are renting a car. After a short visit we are planning to drive to Vancouver. After a two day visit we will be cruising out of Canada Place.

 

My question is returning the rental car. No particular car rental company

has been chosen yet. Is there any rental car return office near the Canada Place and a nearby hotel? I am trying to arrange this all together to make returning the car, staying in a hotel and getting to the port as quick easy as possible!

 

All of the large rental car agencies have downtown offices (within 8 blocks for the pier); and almost all of them would also shuttle you down to the pier if necessary

[BCHappyGal]

If you find the rental car drop off fee too high to make the rental car idea economic you might try the following two options good ways to get to Vancouver from Seattle

1) the Amtrak train - there is a morning and evening train (other times Amtrak runs buses)

2) Quick Shuttle is an express bus service direct from the SEA airport to downtown VAncovuer hotels.... (the train is cheaper than the bus and very scenic)

 

For you time in Vancouver here is a list of fun things to do

 

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

[jill1349]

BCHappyGal, thanks for the great list of things to do in Vancouver. I had put together some ideas but your list was great in pulling them all together with web sites. Was interested in the walking tours that the city had put together but the link will not work for me. But did find some other information on walking tours.

 

Do have a question and I apologize if it has been addressed earlier. I understand that most places will accept US currency. But what about buses and the ferry? Will we need local currency or can we use US coins on the buses.

 

Thanks for the great information you have provided.

 

Jill

[disneykins]

We arrive Sunday, Sis is taking us to Capilano and Horshoe Bay, Whytcliffe park, I'm thinking that will be a pretty full day. What do we do Monday? We'll be on our own without a car. We're thinking city bus to Stanley Park and spend most of day there. What else can we do in downtown. We are staying at Hyatt Regency on Burrard. Cruise on Carnival Spirit on Tuesday.

 

Thanks,

Tony

[BCHappyGal]

Do the free walking tour with http://www.tourguys.ca - go to Granville Island the public market + lots more (artist studios, brewery, restaurants etc) Visit Gastown (the origin or Vancouver) and China Town (the largest north of San Francisco)

[ell52]

Do have a question and I apologize if it has been addressed earlier. I understand that most places will accept US currency. But what about buses and the ferry? Will we need local currency or can we use US coins on the buses.

 

Thanks for the great information you have provided.

 

Jill

 

Public transit will take only Canadian money. If you plan to buy a day pass or book of faresaver tickets from a merchant (eg. 7-Eleven), you might be able to use US cash (depending on the merchant). Otherwise, exact Canadian coins only.