Vancouver decisions . . . Capilano Suspension Bridge/Park -vs- Grouse Mtn.

[Disneyfriend]

I'm hoping I can ask for some help from some of you Vancouver/B.C. natives, or those of you who have been lucky enough to do a good amount of sightseeing in and around Vancouver.

We have two and a half full days in Vancouver before our Alaska cruise, plus a half day afterwards. Trying to make some tough decisions since I want to see it all, ha! (I do know that I can't . . . hence the trouble narrowing it down.)

It will be two adults plus an almost 10 year old boy and an 11.5 year old girl. None of us has ever been to Vancouver, and we are unlikely to have the opportunity to do so again in the foreseeable future.

On arrival day we're going to do a half day overview city tour, so that's covered for sure.

I thought we'd see Flying Over Canada on embarkation day, maybe circa 9 or 10 am with a timed ticket. We're staying near Canada Place.

I'd like to see Capilano Suspension Bridge/Cliff walk/Tree top adventure, although I am a bit worried since my knees are starting to act up. (I'm middle aged and pretty healthy. One flight of stairs is fine, but too much more than that and my knees could start to complain.) I also want to stop at the salmon hatchery. Mama is all about looking for educational opportunities whenever possible!

But I'd also like to go to Grouse Mountain, specifically to the Breakfast with the Bears (this would appeal very much to the 11 yo girl) and the lumberjack show (which would appeal to my son, and which we are not planning to see in Alaska). Also perhaps the raptor show, etc.

And I'm strongly considering the Sea to Sky tour offered by Landsea, which goes along the Sea to Sky highway and stops at Shannon Falls, Horseshoe Bay, the (newer) gondola, and the Brittannia Mine Museum. (My son is interested in mining and metals.) If we take this tour, it would be pretty much a full day.

I'm asking advice on how to narrow our choices down. Ideally, I'd like a nice mix of scenic/historical, educational, and fun. I am especially wondering:

1. If I choose between the Capilano Suspension Bridge and Park and Grouse Mountain, which should I pick and why?

2. Should our group make time to tour Granville Island, or is that something that we can skip?

Other things to note - we have a very nice science museum and aquarium where we live, so probably would skip both of these destinations in Vancouver and try to focus on something more unique (to us).

Thanks in advance for any help you can give!

 

[anricat]

We did both, I'm no help with picking one or the other, but I will tell you that there are a LOT of stairs at Capilano. And the bridges, especially on the way down, can get rough on the knees. I probably wouldn't have breakfast with the bears, but that's just me. The bears were sort of cool, but they were just...bears. I dunno. They don't do a whole lot

We went to Capilano first thing in the morning and spent maybe a couple hours there, then we took the city bus up to Grouse ate lunch and spent a couple hours there. We were back late afternoon. I have really specific timing in my trip report if you want more details. I also have a lot of photos of both places in the trip report linked from my signature if you want to see which sights look more interesting.

I preferred Capilano slightly, but my DD really liked the falcon show and lumberjack show at Grouse. I'm glad we got that lumberjack show knocked out in Vancouver and didn't need to tack it on somewhere in Alaska.

 

[Geomom]

Of the ones you listed, we only did the Landsea Sea to Sky Tour on debarkation day (as we had a 10:30PM flight home)--had a great time! Pics of it are near the end of my trip report, also in my signature. There is a suspension bridge up at the top where the Sea to Sky Gondola lets you off--a nice non-bouncy one as it's so new.

I'd suggest Grouse if you want to do the raptor show and lumberjack show, especially if you're not doing a lumberjack show at any other point in your trip. The breakfast with bears sounds like fun--if we weren't doing a lumberjack show later in the trip, as well as the Sea to Sky Gondola at the end of our trip--we might have done that. We were trying to get a mix of all kinds of experiences and not duplicate too much.

I think you could skip Granville Market--we didn't go to it, but we did walk around Lonsdale Quay market after going to the free Lynn Canyon State Park suspension bridge. Lonsdale Quay market was a bunch of shops, food, etc--fun to go to as we were already there (we took the seabus over to North Vancouver, then a bus to Lynn canyon State park.), but I wouldn't have gone to it otherwise. We also managed to catch the end of a live music act, so that was nice.

 

[Disneyfriend]

We did both, I'm no help with picking one or the other, but I will tell you that there are a LOT of stairs at Capilano. And the bridges, especially on the way down, can get rough on the knees. I probably wouldn't have breakfast with the bears, but that's just me. The bears were sort of cool, but they were just...bears. I dunno. They don't do a whole lot

We went to Capilano first thing in the morning and spent maybe a couple hours there, then we took the city bus up to Grouse ate lunch and spent a couple hours there. We were back late afternoon. I have really specific timing in my trip report if you want more details. I also have a lot of photos of both places in the trip report linked from my signature if you want to see which sights look more interesting.

I preferred Capilano slightly, but my DD really liked the falcon show and lumberjack show at Grouse. I'm glad we got that lumberjack show knocked out in Vancouver and didn't need to tack it on somewhere in Alaska.

Thank you for taking the time to reply! I had read your trip report a couple days ago and really enjoyed it. Tons of beautiful pictures!

 

[Disneyfriend]

Of the ones you listed, we only did the Landsea Sea to Sky Tour on debarkation day (as we had a 10:30PM flight home)--had a great time! Pics of it are near the end of my trip report, also in my signature. There is a suspension bridge up at the top where the Sea to Sky Gondola lets you off--a nice non-bouncy one as it's so new.

I'd suggest Grouse if you want to do the raptor show and lumberjack show, especially if you're not doing a lumberjack show at any other point in your trip. The breakfast with bears sounds like fun--if we weren't doing a lumberjack show later in the trip, as well as the Sea to Sky Gondola at the end of our trip--we might have done that. We were trying to get a mix of all kinds of experiences and not duplicate too much.

I think you could skip Granville Market--we didn't go to it, but we did walk around Lonsdale Quay market after going to the free Lynn Canyon State Park suspension bridge. Lonsdale Quay market was a bunch of shops, food, etc--fun to go to as we were already there (we took the seabus over to North Vancouver, then a bus to Lynn canyon State park.), but I wouldn't have gone to it otherwise. We also managed to catch the end of a live music act, so that was nice.

Ahhhhh, I loved your trip report as well, Geomom! I found it looking for information on the Sea to Sky tour; I think you were the only family I found who gave such a great description about the tour. Or really *any* description.

I know just what you mean about trying to get a mix of experiences. That's my goal too, but it's hard to squeeze everything in!

Thanks again for your reply.

 

[xlxo]

Thoughts....

• I think it's great that you are embracing your bonus port and spending 2.5 days to explore it.
• The outdoor activities you identified (Capilano, Grouse, Sea 2 Sky Gondola, Shannon Falls) all involve some significant incline walking that may affect your knees. If it's a concern..... trekking poles might help give your knees more stamina and you more balance.
• I recommend Grouse over Capilano for you at this point. As mentioned Capilano's stairs and sudden shifts in the bridges will be uncomfortable for you.
• how do you plan to get to the hatchery? There is no public transit, so it's a cab or a long walk there
• I have a loved one with balance issues... a transport wheelchair meant she did not get left out when we were travelling. If you don't have a wheelchair now... I wonder if there is an opportunity to rent one
• Be prepared for a few hours of standing when boarding the Wonder. A wheelchair will have you expedited through the lines.
• Use caution between Port Hardy and Kechikan.... the cruise ship can feel like you are on the suspension bridge.
• might want to load up on pain killers

Here's a possible itinerary if you wanted to cram everything in and your knees are holding on....

Day 1

• arrive at YVR in the morning
• half day overview tour

Day 2

• Breakfast with the Bears (hope you have your reservations, you will likely need a cab to get there for the meal as the shuttles are not running)
• board the free shuttle back to the city.... but instead request to be dropped off at the Capilano Suspension Bridge if your knees are still strong
• cab over to Capilano Hatchery?
• cab back to the suspension bridge for the shuttle back to the city
• go to Fly Over Canada as they are open til 9pm each night

Day 3

• Sea 2 Sky tour

Day 4

• board the Wonder with dreams on returning to Vancouver to do the things you ran out of time for.

 

[tigerchic89]

We loved the Capilano bridge. We went in the afternoon, and the lines were really long. For your knees, you could walk over the bridge, and there are benches on that side. your family could go through the tree top trail without you (stairs) and you guys can cross back across the bridge together.

 

[IBelieveInTheMagic]

I feel like a broken record when Vancouver comes up (or Alaska!) and I have to start by saying how much we ADORE Vancouver, we really do so I'm glad you are spending time there!

This past August, we actually visited Capilano Suspension Bridge and Granville Island as we didn't get a chance to do those in 2013. Of the two, we *loved* Capilano Suspension Bridge. We loved the experience, fresh air, smelling the trees, the views, etc. It does have some walking but I personally didn't feel it was too bad and there are plenty of places you can sit down and relax and wait for the family if you needed to. Our friends @anricat actually met us on the bus that departed from Pan Pacific (first stop) and their hotel was only about 2-3 stops away as I remember. I definitely recommend getting there when they open or I've read later/closer to the evening. The bus was packed and by the time we got to their bus stop, they were telling others the next bus would get them. It was nice getting there as they open and by the time we left, it was indeed very crowded and the line to cross the bridge was in a snake line where we had just walked across it (and back) with no wait really. We did not go to Grousse Mountain afterwards as they did - next time, lol.

We also went over to Granville Island one evening and had a great time shopping and hanging out there. We ate dinner at one of the many places there and enjoyed it. You can definitely squeeze that in and do just as a dinner, snack, and not worry about spending *hours* there if you don't have time. We also took the taxi from Pan Pacific to save time and it wasn't that much at all, no regrets.

Have fun planning!
Heather

 

[Disneyfriend]

Thoughts....

• I think it's great that you are embracing your bonus port and spending 2.5 days to explore it.
• The outdoor activities you identified (Capilano, Grouse, Sea 2 Sky Gondola, Shannon Falls) all involve some significant incline walking that may affect your knees. If it's a concern..... trekking poles might help give your knees more stamina and you more balance.
• I recommend Grouse over Capilano for you at this point. As mentioned Capilano's stairs and sudden shifts in the bridges will be uncomfortable for you.
• how do you plan to get to the hatchery? There is no public transit, so it's a cab or a long walk there
• I have a loved one with balance issues... a transport wheelchair meant she did not get left out when we were travelling. If you don't have a wheelchair now... I wonder if there is an opportunity to rent one
• Be prepared for a few hours of standing when boarding the Wonder. A wheelchair will have you expedited through the lines.
• Use caution between Port Hardy and Kechikan.... the cruise ship can feel like you are on the suspension bridge.
• might want to load up on pain killers

Here's a possible itinerary if you wanted to cram everything in and your knees are holding on....

Day 1

• arrive at YVR in the morning
• half day overview tour

Day 2

• Breakfast with the Bears (hope you have your reservations, you will likely need a cab to get there for the meal as the shuttles are not running)
• board the free shuttle back to the city.... but instead request to be dropped off at the Capilano Suspension Bridge if your knees are still strong
• cab over to Capilano Hatchery?
• cab back to the suspension bridge for the shuttle back to the city
• go to Fly Over Canada as they are open til 9pm each night

Day 3

• Sea 2 Sky tour

Day 4

• board the Wonder with dreams on returning to Vancouver to do the things you ran out of time for.

WOW . . . thank you for your thorough and very thoughtful reply! You were very kind to type everything out and even include some great video links. Many, many thanks!

I am actually not at all to the point of needing a wheelchair . . . I probably wasn't clear enough. I am ok with a moderate amount of walking and climbing, but let's just say that my jogging and stairmaster days are probably behind me. The only time my knee affected a vacation was two Walt Disney World trips ago. (Then again, WDW is pretty hard on the feet in general. After a week at the parks, one knee in particular was just DONE!)

You asked how we are planning to get around. I was looking at a mix of Landsea tours and cabs, mostly, or taking advantage of the various shuttles when feasible. I don't mind spending money for a cab to save time and/or frustration. Or a lot of shoe leather, ha!

Reservations for Breakfast with the Bears have not opened up yet, so I will keep checking as time goes on.

I really appreciate all the food for thought. Thanks again!

 

[Disneyfriend]

We loved the Capilano bridge. We went in the afternoon, and the lines were really long. For your knees, you could walk over the bridge, and there are benches on that side. your family could go through the tree top trail without you (stairs) and you guys can cross back across the bridge together.

That's a good point. I could always go, do the bridge, and if my knees are being ornery . . . I could just skip the tree top trail. Thank you!

 

[Disneyfriend]

I feel like a broken record when Vancouver comes up (or Alaska!) and I have to start by saying how much we ADORE Vancouver, we really do so I'm glad you are spending time there!

This past August, we actually visited Capilano Suspension Bridge and Granville Island as we didn't get a chance to do those in 2013. Of the two, we *loved* Capilano Suspension Bridge. We loved the experience, fresh air, smelling the trees, the views, etc. It does have some walking but I personally didn't feel it was too bad and there are plenty of places you can sit down and relax and wait for the family if you needed to. Our friends @anricat actually met us on the bus that departed from Pan Pacific (first stop) and their hotel was only about 2-3 stops away as I remember. I definitely recommend getting there when they open or I've read later/closer to the evening. The bus was packed and by the time we got to their bus stop, they were telling others the next bus would get them. It was nice getting there as they open and by the time we left, it was indeed very crowded and the line to cross the bridge was in a snake line where we had just walked across it (and back) with no wait really. We did not go to Grousse Mountain afterwards as they did - next time, lol.

We also went over to Granville Island one evening and had a great time shopping and hanging out there. We ate dinner at one of the many places there and enjoyed it. You can definitely squeeze that in and do just as a dinner, snack, and not worry about spending *hours* there if you don't have time. We also took the taxi from Pan Pacific to save time and it wasn't that much at all, no regrets.

Have fun planning!
Heather

Thank you, Heather - I really appreciate your thoughts! Sounds like you really enjoyed Capilano . . . love your description of the smells and fresh air.

Also good to know that you like Granville Island. I'm a big believer in taking cabs when it makes sense to do so . . . some leftover great advice from Tour Guide Mike as it pertains to WDW . . . sometimes being on vacation is not the smart time to save $10-15, you know?

Thanks again!

 

[bcwife76]

There's also a free suspension bridge in North Vancouver, about 15 minutes east of Capilano Suspension, in Lynn Canyon park.

http://lynncanyon.ca/

 

[xlxo]

I definitely recommend getting there when they open or I've read later/closer to the evening. The bus was packed and by the time we got to their bus stop, they were telling others the next bus would get them.

@Disneyfriend: What is your cruise date? Some weekends are much busier than others. By doing the bear breakfast... this gives you an early start for Grouse.... but you are likely arriving at Capilano for the peak rush.

Vancouver may be best explored POST-CRUISE on weekdays when crowds are lighter. Do the overview tour first pre-cruise.

 

[xlxo]

You asked how we are planning to get around. I was looking at a mix of Landsea tours and cabs, mostly, or taking advantage of the various shuttles when feasible. I don't mind spending money for a cab to save time and/or frustration.

If you see a multi-bus wait..... have the cab dispatch on your speed dial. Your Vancouver port time is too valuable.

• Vancouver 604-681-1111 http://www.yellowcabonline.com
• North Vancouver (Capilano/Grouse) 604-984-7171 http://northshoretaxi.com/

 

[xlxo]

There's also a free suspension bridge in North Vancouver, about 15 minutes east of Capilano Suspension, in Lynn Canyon park.

If Capilano's cost is a concern.... be aware Capilano offers discounts if you go after 5pm.

• They are trying to spread out the late afternoon crowds.
• you want to be heading there by 4:30pm to be ready when the discount is in effect
• be aware of the last shuttles back to the city.... I think it's around 6pm. Otherwise public transit and check out the Seabus ferry.

 

[Geomom]

There's also a free suspension bridge in North Vancouver, about 15 minutes east of Capilano Suspension, in Lynn Canyon park.

http://lynncanyon.ca/

That's the one we went to last August! We took public transit to get to it--walked over to the seabus station, got a transit daypass, took the seabus over to North Vancouver, then took a bus. My kids loved the fact that part of Disney's 'Descendants' was filmed there (and now every time they watch the movie they can say, we were there!)

 

[amberwc]

Just to chime in, the Lumberjack show on Grouse was way better than the one offered as a port excursion. So do the breakfast with bears, the lumberjack show, and the bridge. You drive by the bridge on your way to Grouse, so there's no reason you can't do both.
My mom was very weak from Chemo when we went last year, and she just took her time crossing the bridge. She didn't do all the stairs on the other side, but they have a scavenger hunt for the kids that we ran around and did. I highly recommend!

 

[Disneyfriend]

If you see a multi-bus wait..... have the cab dispatch on your speed dial. Your Vancouver port time is too valuable.

• Vancouver 604-681-1111 http://www.yellowcabonline.com
• North Vancouver (Capilano/Grouse) 604-984-7171 http://northshoretaxi.com/

You are the best! I am off to copy these numbers into my Alaska planning notes. Thank you!!

 

[Disneyfriend]

That's the one we went to last August! We took public transit to get to it--walked over to the seabus station, got a transit daypass, took the seabus over to North Vancouver, then took a bus. My kids loved the fact that part of Disney's 'Descendants' was filmed there (and now every time they watch the movie they can say, we were there!)

Saw this in your trip report . . . looked beautiful! Always fun to see a place in a movie that you've actually been to!!

 

[Disneyfriend]

Just to chime in, the Lumberjack show on Grouse was way better than the one offered as a port excursion. So do the breakfast with bears, the lumberjack show, and the bridge. You drive by the bridge on your way to Grouse, so there's no reason you can't do both.
My mom was very weak from Chemo when we went last year, and she just took her time crossing the bridge. She didn't do all the stairs on the other side, but they have a scavenger hunt for the kids that we ran around and did. I highly recommend!

Glad to know you liked the Lumberjack show on Grouse. I know it will be corny, but I'm almost sure my son will love it. (Maybe DH as well!)

Good for your mom!!