Vancouver Attractions??

[AlanUK]

Hi All,

I am coming to Vancouver next week for business at short notice, but as I arrive on Saturday I have a day free on Sunday to do a bit of sightseeing

I was wondering if anybody here had any ideas what I could do on that day to fit the maximum amount in?? I wont have any transport so ideally everything will need to be accessable either by foot or on public transport.

Any ideas??

Thanks in advance

Alan.

 

[yxe dad]

Although I don't live in Vancouver, I have friends that I visit often so I can give you some insight. The Downtown area is fairly large but still can be done on foot. I always like starting the morning walking around Stanley Park, It's a huge forest with bike,rollerblading and walking/jogging path's going around and through it. Also located in the park is the Vancouver Aquaruim, it's not seaworld but it has some great things to see.
Robson Street is one of the best shopping districts in Canada. With all the major stores and some independant stores compacted in with great bars and restaurants, it's a must just to people watch.
Granville Island is also a good place to visit. You can take a water taxi from the shore if you don't want to walk across the bridges and double back, they'll drop you off right in the heart of the area. Granville Island has a little of everthing from a huge food market to independant artist's shops and restaurants.
The best place for me to spend a few hours is in Yaletown. It is FULL of great restaurants and bars with the shopping in the area being amazing. Maybe finish your afternoon shopping/walking aroung here and then try some of my favorite places to have snacks and beers. The Yaletown Brewery has great pizza deals on Sunday and try some of their micro brews . We always sit at ther bar on the restaurant side, the bartenders are great and make you feel like a regular. Rodney's oyster bar is also a great place to go. Fresh oyster's and steamed mussels are a must on the west coast and right around the corner from the Yaletown Brewery.
If your looking for a quiet place try, Brix or Bluewater Cafe. Both great restaurants with a great selection of drinks and food.
I can keep going on about Vancouver so let me know what your interest's are and I might be able to help.

 

[lisaviolet]

Beautiful!!! Beautiful!!! Beautiful!!!!

I assuming you are downtown.

The hop on hop off buses are available from many of the major hotels and in front of Canada Place. (and at all jump off points). This would allow you to do whatever you choose. Two of my favourites are Granville Island and walking the seawall around Stanley Park. They are both stops on the tour. You asked how to get the most out of one day. These buses give you the best overview in a short amount of time.

The above poster told you about the small transportation boats that go to Granville (mere minutes). They are great b/c you can see Yaletown before you get on and the beach when you get off if you want.

Actually the earlier post gave you a fantastic overview.

I love Storyeum. It's a "living" museum about the history of British Columbia. "Living" in the sense that it is an ongoing play. I really enjoyed it. Storyeum is in Gastown which is an interesting historic area in itself. Chinatown is also near this area.

Okay, Gastown. I love Vancouver...it is beautiful. But the area near Gastown saddens me. I am just giving you this information b/c it can be shocking especially at night. It is like all the forgotten people are in an area (Downtown Lower Eastside) near Gastown. I don't mean to be negative. It is just sad. I wish we would figure out a better way to help these people. Complicated.

And don't let my social rambling stop you from touring Gastown. It's great.

If urban planning/development interests you the Concord Pacific sales office near Yaletown gives you a nice overview of how this company has changed and will change the False Creek landscape.

Also, don't underestimate taking public transportation to many places. Vancouver has an excellent system. You can take a boat to West Vancouver (nice view of city skyline as you pull away). And take public transportation to Grouse Mountain (lookout of the city). Skytrain/Seabus/buses......great system.

Have a wonderful time. I am envious.

 

[AlanUK]

Thank you both for the excellent information

I am really looking forward to going. From the pictures I have seen on various websites and what I have read Vancouver looks and sounds like a really beautiful city

One of my interests is photography and I am hoping to spend Sunday exploring and taking some great shots of the city. The areas you have highlighted sound really picturesque

I think the trolley system is a great idea for the day as it will allow me to travel around the city hopping on and off the buses when I like and should help me to get the maximum amount of sightseeing in.

Thanks again for all the great help.

I am off to get packed now

Alan.