**** Vancouver FAQ Thread **** A few updates in main post!

[Schachteles]

So what we are looking at doing is flying into Seattle on Saturday and renting a car...check out Seattle on Saturday and then head for the border on Sunday and drive up to Vancouver and take Sunday evening and all day Monday checking out Vancouver. Will we have problems getting across the border? What about renting a car in Seattle and taking it over the border?

[gmark2000]

Originally Posted by Schachteles

What about renting a car in Seattle and taking it over the border?

You have to make it clear to the rental company that this is what you are doing. There might be an additional charge but I think you get additional paperwork that illustrates that you aren't "importing" the vehicle.

[Schachteles]

Originally Posted by gmark2000

You have to make it clear to the rental company that this is what you are doing. There might be an additional charge but I think you get additional paperwork that illustrates that you aren't "importing" the vehicle.

HMMM...I feel this getting more and more complicated and in turn VERY VERY expensive.

[mrsmoore]

Originally Posted by Schachteles

So what we are looking at doing is flying into Seattle on Saturday and renting a car...check out Seattle on Saturday and then head for the border on Sunday and drive up to Vancouver and take Sunday evening and all day Monday checking out Vancouver. Will we have problems getting across the border? What about renting a car in Seattle and taking it over the border?

We tried to rent a car coming home from Vancouver, and were told there would be an extra $300 fee to drop it off in the US (we are in Seattle area), so we did a town car instead (I got sick unexpectedly). I would highly recommend Amtrak, then maybe rent the car when you get to Vancouver for getting around.

[Schachteles]

Originally Posted by mrsmoore

We tried to rent a car coming home from Vancouver, and were told there would be an extra $300 fee to drop it off in the US (we are in Seattle area), so we did a town car instead (I got sick unexpectedly). I would highly recommend Amtrak, then maybe rent the car when you get to Vancouver for getting around.

Good to know. How much time do you think someone could spend in Vancouver checking it out?

[gmark2000]

DCL might have shuttles from Sea-Tac airport in place by 2011. How do the other numerous cruiselines manage?

[Pinkgurlshubby]

Originally Posted by Schachteles

Good to know. How much time do you think someone could spend in Vancouver checking it out?

You could spend weeks in Vacnouver. I posted a bunch of links on another thread but I figure this is Lollipop's mom's thread and she can add any of the info and the mods can might it a sticky note as has been suggested.
You can spend a day at the Vancouver Aquarium, a day at Science World, I wouldn't even think of going to Vancouver without spending at least half a day at Granville Island and even take an Aqua Bus harbor cruise. All these places have links.

[Anj]

Originally Posted by Schachteles

Good to know. How much time do you think someone could spend in Vancouver checking it out?

Argh, I had typed up a thread and it has disappeared.

Here's my quick and dirty answer:
I've done the main city sites (meaning, not Grouse, Whistler, Capilano) in a day driving around and not getting out of the car. This would be my planned itinerary to actually see some of the city:
Day One - Grouse Mountain, Capilano Suspension Bridge and Lonsdale Quay
Day 2 - drive to Whistler and spend the day
Day 3 - Victoria
Day 4, 5 & 6 (and possibly more) (this is a bit more kid centered)- Stanley Park, Vancouver Aquarium, Science World, Planetarium, Granville Island, Gastown, Harbour Centre (go up to the observation platform), shop on Robson Street, Museum of Anthropology (if I had time), Chinatown. My kids even love just riding the skytrain, the last stop is at Waterfront (where the port is) and take the Seabus over to Lonsdale Quay. For antiques, I might even head to the New Westminster Quay area (on the skytrain route).

[pjacobi]

Originally Posted by Momrow

I would consider taking public transit to the bridge - a trip accross the water on the Seabus - which is at Canada Place - and then one bus.

Yes, this is the best option! You can buy a 1-day pass that covers Seabus ferry and the bus runs very frequently between ferry terminal, Grouse Mountain and the suspension bridge.

Grouse Mountain and the suspension bridge can be combined easily into a enjoyable 1-day excursion.

Food at top of Grouse Mountain was expensive, but reasonable. There was a better selection and was cheaper than at the suspension bridge.


-Paul

[northyvr]

Originally Posted by Anj

Argh, I had typed up a thread and it has disappeared.

Here's my quick and dirty answer:
I've done the main city sites (meaning, not Grouse, Whistler, Capilano) in a day driving around and not getting out of the car. This would be my planned itinerary to actually see some of the city:
Day One - Grouse Mountain, Capilano Suspension Bridge and Lonsdale Quay
Day 2 - drive to Whistler and spend the day
Day 3 - Victoria
Day 4, 5 & 6 (and possibly more) (this is a bit more kid centered)- Stanley Park, Vancouver Aquarium, Science World, Planetarium, Granville Island, Gastown, Harbour Centre (go up to the observation platform), shop on Robson Street, Museum of Anthropology (if I had time), Chinatown. My kids even love just riding the skytrain, the last stop is at Waterfront (where the port is) and take the Seabus over to Lonsdale Quay. For antiques, I might even head to the New Westminster Quay area (on the skytrain route).

I would actually suggest longer that just a day trip to Whistler. Whistler is a worthwhile destination of it's own. We love it so much we bought a vacation home there! Quick suggestions of summer activities at Whistler:

world class mountain biking, hiking, sightseeing by using the Peak 2 Peak gondola, glacier skiing, bear viewing, swimming in glacier fed lakes, canoeing, river rafting, taking Rocky Mountaineer train to/from Whistler, cycling the valley trail, ziptreking, golfing, people watching in the village.

Vancouver is great (we live there) but we absolutely LOVE Whister!

Here's a link to Whistler's official website:
www.whistlerblackcomb.com

[pillow]

Does anyone know if the port hotels will let you leave your car parked there while on the cruise (like the Port Canaveral hotels)? It sounds like the port parking is pretty high.

Jodie

[Momrow]

Originally Posted by pillow

Does anyone know if the port hotels will let you leave your car parked there while on the cruise (like the Port Canaveral hotels)? It sounds like the port parking is pretty high.

Jodie

I am sure the hotels would charge more than the port parking - which at current rates is $20/day.

http://www.vinciparkcanadaplace.com/...e-a-space.html

[Anj]

Originally Posted by northyvr

I would actually suggest longer that just a day trip to Whistler. Whistler is a worthwhile destination of it's own. We love it so much we bought a vacation home there! Quick suggestions of summer activities at Whistler:

world class mountain biking, hiking, sightseeing by using the Peak 2 Peak gondola, glacier skiing, bear viewing, swimming in glacier fed lakes, canoeing, river rafting, taking Rocky Mountaineer train to/from Whistler, cycling the valley trail, ziptreking, golfing, people watching in the village.

Vancouver is great (we live there) but we absolutely LOVE Whister!

Here's a link to Whistler's official website:
www.whistlerblackcomb.com

Absolutely, if people have more time, stay longer! We go up there for a three day weekend and don't 'see' everything. There's much more to see in Vancouver and the surrounding areas too. I was just trying to write up a few highlights that I would try to see if I was on a limited time schedule (even though I did write up 5 days!). Because I'd also want to stop in White Rock.

[pillow]

Originally Posted by Momrow

I am sure the hotels would charge more than the port parking - which at current rates is $20/day.

http://www.vinciparkcanadaplace.com/...e-a-space.html

Many hotels in Port Canaveral allow you to leave your car at the hotel for FREE if you stay there at least one night before or after your cruise. I'm wondering if any of the hotels at the Vancouver port offer the same deal.

Jodie

[Momrow]

Originally Posted by pillow

Many hotels in Port Canaveral allow you to leave your car at the hotel for FREE if you stay there at least one night before or after your cruise. I'm wondering if any of the hotels at the Vancouver port offer the same deal.

Jodie

I'm going to guess no, as the Cruise ship terminal is downtown and parking is at preimium there. It may be different if you stay closer to the airport in Richmond, that's probably worth checking out.