3 days in Vancouver... opinions please!!!

[QuasiTova]

My daughter and I will be staying in Vancouver for three days, post Alaskan cruise, and would like any comments you have on my proposed itinerary while we are there.

 

I have already booked the first two nights at the Buchan Hotel before I joined this site, but I would like to know if that is a good place or not.

 

After booking with them, I decided to add a third day to my trip, so I need suggestions on where to stay the final night. Should I just add another night to the Buchan, or consider someplace else for that last night maybe closer to the Airport, or should I consider someplace else altogether for the whole three nights?

Also, should I get a Transit Day Pass for the 3rd day as well? We will be on a whale watch tour for most of that day.

 

[url=http://www.vancouverwhalewatch.com/][/url]------------------------

Friday, September 5

Cruise docks Vancouver 7am

Hopefully check in Buchan Hotel by 10am

Transit Day Pass

Vancouver Aquarium 11am-2pm

Sea Bus

Capilano Suspension Bridge 4pm-7pm

Stanley Park (skate) in the evening

 

Saturday, September 6

Transit Day Pass

Buchan Hotel

Yaletown

Robson Street

Gastown

Sky Train to Main Street to shop in the antique stores

China Town Night Market 6:30-11:30pm

 

Sunday, September 7

Lookout 8:30am

Whale Watch Tour (I am still open to which one, but I would prefer it to leave from Vancouver)

1. Wild Whales Vancouver (on Granville Island)

http://www.whalesvancouver.com/

2. Vancouver Whale Watch (shuttles to Stevenston)

http://www.vancouverwhalewatch.com/

3. What do you think?????

Lookout (again) 10pm

 

Monday, September 8

Fly from Vancouver to DFW 8:55am

Should I take LimoJet or Taxi?

 

------------------------

As far as restaurants, I am think I would like to try:

Pink Pearl

The Naam

Lilliget Feast House

Any other suggestions for unusual or unique eating establishments?

[Acey]

May I suggest Tripadvisor to search out hotel review/info:

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g154943-d184872-Reviews-Buchan_Hotel-Vancouver_British_Columbia.html

If I were you, I would stay at the Buchan for third night as it would be a hassle to go somewheres else just for one night and it's very near Robson and Denman Streets which are good to explore.

 

As for restaurant suggestions - a great dessert restaurant is True Confections on Denman St. a couple blocks from your hotel: http://www.trueconfections.ca/ They have amazing mile high cakes, etc...

 

I also enjoy the Banana Leaf Malaysian Restaurant on Denman St also:

http://bananaleaf-vancouver.com/

 

There is a cupcake store on Denman also.

 

A suggestion I have would be to rent a bike at the end of Denman St. and bike the "seawall" or you could walk it. A taxi will run you approx. $30 to airport and are quick and fine - personally I would see no need to stay near the airport - rather be were the action is.

Lastly when you tour gastown, know exactly where you are because if you walk to far you'll be in area you should not do (Downtown Eastside).

 

Have a great trip! I know you'll love Vancouver.

[QuasiTova]

I also enjoy the Banana Leaf Malaysian Restaurant on Denman St also:

http://bananaleaf-vancouver.com/

 

A suggestion I have would be to rent a bike at the end of Denman St. and bike the "seawall" or you could walk it.

 

 

Oh... the Banana Leaf looks wonderful! I will definitely be adding it to our list of places to eat.

 

Do you know anything about these places:

Pink Pearl

The Naam

Lilliget Feast House

 

We are already planning to skate around Stanley Park on Friday (in the evening) :)

[Urban trekker]

"From the owner:

 

Liliget Feast House - the only First Nations fine dining restaurant of its kind is now closed. I have been in business for 12 years and I have now retired."

 

I was pretty sure that the business was closed as the site is being redeveloped and this link confirms that.

 

The Pink Pearl is a ways out of the downtown core - a taxi ride through the rougher side of the downtown core.

 

Here's a link to the Naam:

 

http://www.thenaam.com/naam/

 

Hope this helps

 

Cheers

 

Dennis

[QuasiTova]

"From the owner:

 

Liliget Feast House - the only First Nations fine dining restaurant of its kind is now closed. I have been in business for 12 years and I have now retired."

 

I was pretty sure that the business was closed as the site is being redeveloped and this link confirms that.

 

The Pink Pearl is a ways out of the downtown core - a taxi ride through the rougher side of the downtown core.

 

Here's a link to the Naam:

 

http://www.thenaam.com/naam/

 

Hope this helps

 

Cheers

 

Dennis

 

 

Thanks Dennis... bummer about the Liliget :(

Have you actually eaten at the other two places?

 

Do you have ideas or suggestions about my original post?

Whale watching? limojet vs taxi? transit day pass? hotel? other eating places?

[Urban trekker]

The only time that I have eaten at the Pink Pearl was a $100.00 a plate political fund raising dinner - so it was a special menu and between having to act as a host at one of the tables etc I don't remember too much about the meal - that was about 12 years ago. There are lots of good Chinese restaurants in Vancouver.

 

Haven't eaten at the Naam so can't offer an opinion.

 

I am sure that some of the other locals can offer you some excellent ideas on where to dine - is there any particular type of food you are interested in - there is just about every type available in the downtown core.

 

As for whale watching - once again never done that.

 

As for getting to the airport - the Airporter bus is $13.50 per person and the pick up would be close by. A taxi is around $35.00.

 

Hope this helps

 

Cheers

 

Dennis

[QuasiTova]

is there any particular type of food you are interested in - there is just about every type available in the downtown core.

 

Thanks again, Dennis :)

 

I am interested in unique dining experiences. I like "authentic ethnic" foods. I do not mind little hole in the wall places as long as the food is good. I prefer places that are just a little off the beaten path.

 

For example:

One of my favorite restaurants in Corpus Christi, Texas was a two table "room" attached to this hispanic woman's house. It was certainly not fancy, but it was the BEST Mexican food I have ever eaten (and I live in Texas). Both tables were ALWAYS full... and people were always waiting in line for takeout :)

 

Another example:

One of my favorite restaurants in Dallas, Texas is the Magic Time Machine. Fun, funky, great food... a little touristy, but I just love it when my waiter is dressed like Superman... lol

http://magictimemachine.com/

 

So, any suggestions? ;)

[Fore67]

Surprisingly, I dined at the Naam just last week. It is a very busy vegetarian restaurant on 4th (a taxi ride out of downtown, but not too far). Lots of tofu and many tastes, plentiful portions and a quaint atmosphere. Reasonable prices too. I am not a vegetarian, but had no issue with the menu. I would not hesitate to choose the Naam on a regular basis for my restaurant $.

 

Regards,

Mike

 

PG 2001, 2004

[scottbee]

Also, should I get a Transit Day Pass for the 3rd day as well?

Probably wont need a pass on your last day, and also buses are cheaper weekends (you only pay one zone $2.50), whereas the daypass is still $9.

 

 

Friday, September 5

Cruise docks Vancouver 7am

Hopefully check in Buchan Hotel by 10am

Transit Day Pass

Vancouver Aquarium 11am-2pm

Sea Bus

Capilano Suspension Bridge 4pm-7pm

Stanley Park (skate) in the evening

Might be easier to take the bus straight from the aquarium (Stanley Park) across the bridge to the Capilano Bridge (North Van) rather than coming back downtown for the seabus

 

 

Transit Day Pass

Buchan Hotel

Yaletown

Robson Street

Gastown

Sky Train to Main Street to shop in the antique stores

China Town Night Market 6:30-11:30pm

 

Your 1st few stops are all downtown so you'll probably just end up walking. Also, the antique shops (Main @ 10th) are somewhat south of the Main St skytrain station (Main @ terminal), you might want to check if there's a bus that does a more direct routing

 

Lastly, try the RICHMOND Night Market. Richmond, (the area near the airport) is about 60% chinese and the market is way way bigger. It's more of a slog on the bus, but worth it. http://www.targetevent.com/home.html

 

for all the transit info, maps costs etc http://translink.bc.ca/

 

 

Lookout 8:30am

Whale Watch Tour (I am still open to which one, but I would prefer it to leave from Vancouver)

1. Wild Whales Vancouver (on Granville Island)

http://www.whalesvancouver.com/

2. Vancouver Whale Watch (shuttles to Stevenston)

http://www.vancouverwhalewatch.com/

3. What do you think?????

Lookout (again) 10pm

I have no experience with the various whale watching tours, sorry, can't help here.

 

 

Fly from Vancouver to DFW 8:55am

Should I take LimoJet or Taxi?

Take the 'airporter' bus. http://yvrairporter.com/

 

As far as restaurants, I am think I would like to try:

Pink Pearl

The Naam

Lilliget Feast House

 

Pink Pearl is classic cheap chinese

The Naam is a well known vegan restaurant (however a friend of my wife's is a health inspector and said no way ever -- only place he would never eat at)

Lilliget is now closed

 

I would also recommend;

Bananna Leaf; Malaysian (downtown)

The Cannery; Seafood (near Ballantyne pier - but awkward to get to even with a cab)

Bombay Behl; Indian (North Burnaby)

Mauriya; Indian (Broadway -- not too far from Granville Island)

 

Best suggestion is visit http://www.dinehere.ca for Vancouver restaurant reviews written by Vancouverites.

 

It really all depends on budget & taste...

[QuasiTova]

Probably wont need a pass on your last day, and also buses are cheaper weekends (you only pay one zone $2.50), whereas the daypass is still $9.

 

That is what I thought. Thanks for confirming it :)

 

Might be easier to take the bus straight from the aquarium (Stanley Park) across the bridge to the Capilano Bridge (North Van) rather than coming back downtown for the seabus

 

Good idea! We can always just take the seabus on the way back (my daughter wants to ride it).

 

Or, do you think we should go to Capilano first, and then go to the Aquarium and Staley Park afterwards since we want to go rollerblading there in the evening?

 

Your 1st few stops are all downtown so you'll probably just end up walking. Also, the antique shops (Main @ 10th) are somewhat south of the Main St skytrain station (Main @ terminal), you might want to check if there's a bus that does a more direct routing

 

Of the places I mentioned wanting to go, do you have any suggestions about the order in which we should go? I know that Chinatown needs to be our last stop because of the night market, but I am unsure of what order to go to the others.

 

I realize that the antiques shops are further south that the skytrain, and was hoping to get suggestions on how to get there from the station. My daughter really wants to go on the skytrain too, and I want to give her the "city" experience. Even though we have lived in Houston and Dallas most of her life, we do not have a good public transportation system (it is very poor), and I thought it would be exciting for her to experience a good one... so, we want to do the seabus, skytrain, bus etc. :)

 

Lastly, try the RICHMOND Night Market. Richmond, (the area near the airport) is about 60% chinese and the market is way way bigger. It's more of a slog on the bus, but worth it. http://www.targetevent.com/home.html

 

I will definitely look into this. Thanks :)

If we choose to do this, do you think we should opt to stay in Richardson that last night and not even bother going back downtown after the whale watch?

 

for all the transit info, maps costs etc http://translink.bc.ca/

 

Is there any way I can buy transit maps and schedules before I get there, so I can plan my routes?

 

I have no experience with the various whale watching tours, sorry, can't help here.

 

Maybe not, but you have been TREMENDOUSLY helpful with everything else!

 

Take the 'airporter' bus. http://yvrairporter.com/

 

I will definitely look into this option :)

 

Pink Pearl is classic cheap Chinese

The Naam is a well known vegan restaurant (however a friend of my wife's is a health inspector and said no way ever -- only place he would never eat at)

Lilliget is now closed

 

Ew, I do not want classic cheap... I want good authentic Chinese food. Any other suggestions? How is Floata? Do they have food booths at the night market? I am betting they would be authentic if they do.

 

Did your wife's friend mention WHY he would never eat at the Naam? Is it dirty? Bad food? or what?

 

I am bummed about the Liliget :(

 

I would also recommend;

Bananna Leaf; Malaysian (downtown)

The Cannery; Seafood (near Ballantyne pier - but awkward to get to even with a cab)

Bombay Behl; Indian (North Burnaby)

Mauriya; Indian (Broadway -- not too far from Granville Island)

 

Best suggestion is visit www.dinehere.ca for Vancouver restaurant reviews written by Vancouverites.

 

It really all depends on budget & taste...

 

I have already added the Banana Leaf to our list... and I will check out the other places you mentioned.

 

Thanks again, you have been VERY HELPFUL!!!!

 

One last question... do you know anything about the Buchan Hotel? The staff was very friendly and helpful on the phone, but I just do not want any surprises when I get there, and not have an alternative plan to fall back on.

[scottbee]

Good idea! We can always just take the seabus on the way back (my daughter wants to ride it). Or, do you think we should go to Capilano first, and then go to the Aquarium and Staley Park afterwards since we want to go rollerblading there in the evening?

I don't think it makes much difference one way or the other.

 

Of the places I mentioned wanting to go, do you have any suggestions about the order in which we should go? I know that Chinatown needs to be our last stop because of the night market, but I am unsure of what order to go to the others.

Go with the flow, you never know what might happen while you're here

 

I realize that the antiques shops are further south that the skytrain, and was hoping to get suggestions on how to get there from the station. My daughter really wants to go on the skytrain too, and I want to give her the "city" experience. Even though we have lived in Houston and Dallas most of her life, we do not have a good public transportation system (it is very poor), and I thought it would be exciting for her to experience a good one... so, we want to do the seabus, skytrain, bus etc. :)

Skytrain, Well, do the whole loop then if you're there for the experience. Do it mid day when it's quieter and you can go all the way out to New Westminister and back. takes maybe an hour to New Westminster and back.

 

 

Richmond Night Market....I will definitely look into this....

If we choose to do this, do you think we should opt to stay in Richardson that last night and not even bother going back downtown after the whale watch?

Not a bad idea if you don't mind changing hotels.

 

 

Is there any way I can buy transit maps and schedules before I get there, so I can plan my routes?

All the transit maps are on the Translink website under Maps http://translink.bc.ca/Maps As for timetables, you can also SMS text your stop number (located on every bus stop) to '33333' and you get a list of when the next buses are coming.

 

Ew, I do not want classic cheap... I want good authentic Chinese food. Any other suggestions? How is Floata? Do they have food booths at the night market? I am betting they would be authentic if they do.

There are tons of food booths at the night market. Definately DON'T have dinner before you go. You can get anything you can imagine, and a lot of things you never imaged. There are some great small places in Chinatown, or another option with lots of choice (for something casual), especially lunch, would be ride the skytrain to Patterson station, and walk a couple of blocks to the Crystal Mall (Kingsway @ Willingdon). The entire mall, including the food fair is Chinese, you may not believe you're in Canada.

 

If you're looking for a swisher, high-end Chinese experience, try Sun Sui Wah on Main street at 20th Ave (approx).

 

If you like Indian food, Bombay Behl (which is a longish bus ride to Hastings @ Gilmore) is my favourite. Be sure to try the cold appitizer platter, such flavours you may not have ever experienced.

 

Did your wife's friend mention WHY he would never eat at the Naam? Is it dirty? Bad food? or what?

He's a health inspector for the city. We'll leave it at that.

 

One last question... do you know anything about the Buchan Hotel? The staff was very friendly and helpful on the phone, but I just do not want any surprises when I get there, and not have an alternative plan to fall back on.

I know nothing about the Buchan itself (I actually just looked up where it is), and there is an excellent (but small and somewhat pricy) restaurant across the street called the "Parkside". I think one of the best restaurants in town, and you couldn't be in a better location to get to Stanley Park. You'll also be close to the other restaurant suggestion I made, the Banana Leaf.

[Urban trekker]

Here's a report from our local health authority on their most recent inspection of the Naam restaurant which goes back to last year.

 

http://www.foodinspectionweb.vcha.ca/Nav-Main.htm

 

Update - you will have to enter the name Naam in the box on the left to get the details - doesn't look like it will allow me to go to the exact page directly.

 

Hope this helps

 

Cheers

 

Dennis

[LeftcoastBC]

& I also recommend the Parkside :)

[QuasiTova]

& I also recommend the Parkside :)

 

What is the Parkside?

[LeftcoastBC]

I know nothing about the Buchan itself (I actually just looked up where it is), and there is an excellent (but small and somewhat pricy) restaurant across the street called the "Parkside". I think one of the best restaurants in town, and you couldn't be in a better location to get to Stanley Park. You'll also be close to the other restaurant suggestion I made, the Banana Leaf.

 

A great little restaurant tucked out of the way on a side street in the west end.

[QuasiTova]

I just got my Vancouver Entertainment Coupon Book in the mail this weekend.

 

I haven't looked to see if the Banana Leaf is in there, but there seems to be tons of restaurants that do have coupons.

 

I know we will only be in Vancouver for 3 days, but I got a heck of a deal on the book ($35, and they sent me a $25 gift certificate to a local restaurant here in Texas)... and since the Capilano Bridge and the Aquarium both have 2-for-1 coupons in the book, I am already ahead.

 

Just flipping through the book, I see the potential to save a few hundred bucks easy in only three days... and I figure I will just pass the book along to a local before I leave :)

 

I plan to go through the book tonight with a fine tooth comb, and come back tomorrow for opinions about the places that catch my eye.