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

[nemofans]

And those of us on the repo could book it the day we have Victoria as a port of call.

hmmmmmmmm Orcas in Victoria or Humpbacks in Juneau????

.

.

BOTH!

 

[nemofans]

Thanks for all the info! There are lots of options to get to Vancouver to consider. We would fly into Seattle. I would like to take the train to Vancouver, but the times are not the greatest. Taking the ferry to Victoria is a nice option.

 

[EastYorkDisneyFan]

anyone that flies to canada from the us..do you know if a pill box filled with prescription meds would pass security? it's one of those day type styles. or would we be better off empting it and just reloading after the security. i would think if the meds are with it then they wouldnt have a problem. but i haven't flown since pre 9/11 so not sure how picky they are.

also what is the money exchange rate between the us and canada now anyone know?

First for the prescription meds question all prescription meds must be in the original bottle and have the name of the person they are prescribed to on it.

As for the exchange rate it is roughly at Par right now. You really don't need to exchange US for Canadian any way as the vast majority of places will except US currency at some sort of exchange rate that will be displayed at the cash.

 

[GrtWtNorth]

anyone that flies to canada from the us..do you know if a pill box filled with prescription meds would pass security? it's one of those day type styles. or would we be better off empting it and just reloading after the security. i would think if the meds are with it then they wouldnt have a problem. but i haven't flown since pre 9/11 so not sure how picky they are.

When it comes to meds, they usually are not very picky. If I were you, I would not empty your one-a-day pill box, but I would be sure to carry the original pill bottles (with the prescription details printed on the bottle) in my carry-on just in case.

also what is the money exchange rate between the us and canada now anyone know?

It is very close to par. (Officially, $1US = $1.05 CDN, but with exchange fees, you will likely get $1.00 to 1.02.) If your credit card has reasonable exchange fees (2.5% or less), then it's probably cheaper to charge most purchases rather than to acquire lots of Canadian cash. In a pinch, many stores will accept US cash, but you will only get $CDN in change. Visa and Mastercard credit cards (not check or debit cards) are accepted virtually everywhere. American Express credit cards are accepted in hotels, plus high end stores and restaurants. If you have to use a check card or debit card in Canada, ask your bank first -- there may be limitations. (IMO, try to avoid using these, if possible. In Canada, debit cards do not have the same fraud protection as credit cards, so I use credit cards for most transactions.) Also, don't forget to give your credit card companies a heads-up that you are leaving the country. You wouldn't want them to freeze your credit because they noted suspicious out-of-country purchases just before you boarded your cruise.

 

[pillow]

When it comes to meds, they usually are not very picky. If I were you, I would not empty your one-a-day pill box, but I would be sure to carry the original pill bottles (with the prescription details printed on the bottle) in my carry-on just in case.


It is very close to par. (Officially, $1US = $1.05 CDN, but with exchange fees, you will likely get $1.00 to 1.02.) If your credit card has reasonable exchange fees (2.5% or less), then it's probably cheaper to charge most purchases rather than to acquire lots of Canadian cash. In a pinch, many stores will accept US cash, but you will only get $CDN in change. Visa and Mastercard credit cards (not check or debit cards) are accepted virtually everywhere. American Express credit cards are accepted in hotels, plus high end stores and restaurants. If you have to use a check card or debit card in Canada, ask your bank first -- there may be limitations. (IMO, try to avoid using these, if possible. In Canada, debit cards do not have the same fraud protection as credit cards, so I use credit cards for most transactions.) Also, don't forget to give your credit card companies a heads-up that you are leaving the country. You wouldn't want them to freeze your credit because they noted suspicious out-of-country purchases just before you boarded your cruise.

Also, check with your credit card company. Some companies charge quite a hefty conversion charge. When I last checked, Capital One was one of the few who didn't charge a fee at all. Some credit unions charge lower fees than the bigger banks.

Does anyone know if Discover is widely accepted in Canada?

Jodie

 

[pillow]

Yes, there is ferry service between Vancouver and Victoria. If you are coming via Seattle best bet is to take the Victoria Clipper from Downtown Seattle
to downtown Victoria. It's about a 2.5 hour ride. The terminal is on one side of the Inner Harbour and the whale watching tours go from the other side - about a 10 minute walk. Several hotels in the area as well. There is very good bus service from downtown Victoria to downtown Vancouver via BC Ferry. The depot is also very close to the Victoria Clipper and whale watching tours. If you want more detailed info just PM me.

. . .OR, we were thinking of driving over to the Olympic peninsula (couple hour drive) and spending a couple days. You can also take a ferry to Victoria from there.

Jodie

 

[Anjelica]

We grabbed one way tickets to Seattle for a few days stop before driving/riding up to Vancouver. We are looking at staying at the Inn at the Market but I was wondering what would be the best way to get there from SEATAC. We were thinking about renting a car and driving up to Vancouver but I wonder if Taxi, etc. would be easier overall.

Thoughts?

 

[poohj80]

We grabbed one way tickets to Seattle for a few days stop before driving/riding up to Vancouver. We are looking at staying at the Inn at the Market but I was wondering what would be the best way to get there from SEATAC. We were thinking about renting a car and driving up to Vancouver but I wonder if Taxi, etc. would be easier overall.

Thoughts?

I can't imagine a taxi from Seattle to Vancouver, Canada is feasible. If considering renting a car, be sure to investigate drop charges between countries. Many folks have mentioned taking the train.

 

[Anjelica]

I can't imagine a taxi from Seattle to Vancouver, Canada is feasible. If considering renting a car, be sure to investigate drop charges between countries. Many folks have mentioned taking the train.

Sorry - I guess I wasn't clear. I meant what is the best way to get from SEATAC to Pike Place Market. We still plan on either driving up to Vancouver or taking the train. But I was wondering if we should even rent a car to get from SEATAC to Pike Place Market (which is where the Inn at Market place is).

Has anyone had experience with any rental car company in particular on renting from SEATAC and dropping off at Vancouver?

 

[GrtWtNorth]

Does anyone know if Discover is widely accepted in Canada?

Just a few hotels and restaurants that cater to tourists. Most Canadians never use Discover.

 

[GrtWtNorth]

Sorry - I guess I wasn't clear. I meant what is the best way to get from SEATAC to Pike Place Market.

Depending on how much luggage you have, light rail might be your best choice. University Street station is just 2-3 blocks from Pike Place Market.

I'm not sure what the price or time difference would be compared to taking a taxi.

 

[smeecanada]

Sorry - I guess I wasn't clear. I meant what is the best way to get from SEATAC to Pike Place Market. We still plan on either driving up to Vancouver or taking the train. But I was wondering if we should even rent a car to get from SEATAC to Pike Place Market (which is where the Inn at Market place is).

Has anyone had experience with any rental car company in particular on renting from SEATAC and dropping off at Vancouver?

Taxi will be about $40US from the Airport to Downtown Seattle. Most likely cheaper than renting a car and also less stressful - let someone who knows the area do the driving. I've read about a new rapidtransit line that is in place now from the Airport to Downtown - maybe look into that.

 

[GrtWtNorth]

Translink (Vancouver's public transit operator) charges an additional $5 per person to all fares purchased at any of the 3 Skytrain stations in the vicinity of the airport. Click here for details. (This surcharge was politically motivated: some politicians wanted more tourist revenues, and others were swayed by powerful taxi operator lobby groups.)

However, there is a relatively simple work-around, intended to benefit staff working at the airport. If you purchase tickets in advance, you will not be charged the $5 per person surcharge. Tickets are sold in books of 10, and can be purchased at the 7-Eleven in the lower level of the domestic wing of the airport. Vendors usually require cash for purchasing transit tickets.

Translink's fare system is based on the number of zones you travel through. The airport is in Zone 2 and downtown is in Zone 1, so you need a 2-zone ticket (or a one-zone ticket plus an add-zone upgrade). However, on weekends (all day) and weekdays after 6:30 pm, 1-zone fares can be used for travel through all zones.

Cash fare at YVR-Airport Station:
2-zone fare: $3.75 ($2.50) + $5.00 Add Fare = $8.75 per adult($7.50 per child*)
1-zone fare (evenings and weekends): $2.50 ($1.75) + $5.00 = $7.50 per adult ($6.75 per child*)

Using pre-purchased tickets:
2-zone fare: $3.15 ($1.70 1-zone ticket + $1.00 add zone upgrade) + $0.00 Add Fare = $3.15 per adult ($2.70 per child)
1-zone fare (evenings and weekends): $2.10 ($1.70) + $0.00 Add Fare = $2.10 per adult ($1.70 per child*)
Even if you don't use all your tickets in your pack of 10 or you use adult tickets for children, this is a better deal than paying cash at the station.

* Child rates apply to riders aged 5-13. Ages 4 and under ride for free.

For comparison, "the approximate (taxi) fare to downtown Vancouver is between $28 - $32 (taxes included)." This does not include tip.

 

[discruiser]

Is anyone familiar with the Comfort Inn Downtown (654 Nelson St) or the Quality Hotel Downtown (1335 Howe St) in Vancouver? We are a family of 6 and both of these hotels have rooms which will accommodate 6 people. I am just looking for a clean hotel in a good neighborhood for one or 2 nights before our cruise next June. I can't see spending the higher rates (especially for 2 rooms) at some of the fancier hotels. Any opinions?

Thanks,
Kim

 

[tanyaewa]

discruiser - both hotels are in good downtown locations - check Tripadvisor for reviews.

 

[GrtWtNorth]

Is anyone familiar with the Comfort Inn Downtown (654 Nelson St) or the Quality Hotel Downtown (1335 Howe St) in Vancouver?

Caution! In Vancouver, you usually get what you pay for.

While I've never stayed at the Comfort Inn Downtown, I can tell you that it's in a neighbourhood that has issues with bar crowds (fights after last call). I have no opinion about the hotel room or management quality.

The Quality Hotel Downtown is in a slightly better neighbourhood, but personally, I've had a very bad experience there in fall of 2006. I actually requested Choice Hotels customer service to step in because trying to work out issues with the hotel management team was extremely challenging (almost abusive). At the time I also noted that most of the clientèle appeared to be foreign tourists -- no business travelers, and no locals enjoying a getaway weekend. This was a red flag that the hotel management were not attracting return customers. This was just my experience. Hopefully, things have improved over the years.

If you are looking in that same neighbourhood, I did have a pleasant experience staying at the Executive Inn at 1379 Howe Street, right next door to the Quality Hotel Downtown. This was back in spring 2006. (I actually reserved the Quality Inn because the Executive Inn was fully booked and I liked the location.)

 

[discruiser]

discruiser - both hotels are in good downtown locations - check Tripadvisor for reviews.

Caution! In Vancouver, you usually get what you pay for.

While I've never stayed at the Comfort Inn Downtown, I can tell you that it's in a neighbourhood that has issues with bar crowds (fights after last call). I have no opinion about the hotel room or management quality.

The Quality Hotel Downtown is in a slightly better neighbourhood, but personally, I've had a very bad experience there in fall of 2006. I actually requested Choice Hotels customer service to step in because trying to work out issues with the hotel management team was extremely challenging (almost abusive). At the time I also noted that most of the clientèle appeared to be foreign tourists -- no business travelers, and no locals enjoying a getaway weekend. This was a red flag that the hotel management were not attracting return customers. This was just my experience. Hopefully, things have improved over the years.

If you are looking in that same neighbourhood, I did have a pleasant experience staying at the Executive Inn at 1379 Howe Street, right next door to the Quality Hotel Downtown. This was back in spring 2006. (I actually reserved the Quality Inn because the Executive Inn was fully booked and I liked the location.)

Thanks for the advice.

I actually booked 2 nights at the Comfort Inn Downtown last night (since I know I can cancel them up until the last minute without a penalty). The reviews on Trip Advisor for this hotel weren't all that bad, and 88% of the travelers recommend this hotel. Noise was mentioned, but I'm hoping to get a room on an upper floor, where this seems to be less of a problem. I'm somewhat surprised as the room for 6 that I booked last night for $139.99 is now listed as $189.99 on their website! I also like that this hotel offers a continental breakfast, which is a huge deal when trying to feed 6 people!

I will check out the Executive Inn also. Not sure if they can acommodate 6 in a room, which I really need. I'll also keep my eyes open for other deals, but like I said, I can't see spending hundreds of dollars a night for 2 hotel rooms. I'd rather save that money to spend on the ship!

If we do stick with the Comfort Inn, what would be the best way to get from the Amtrak station to the hotel? Cab?

Thanks for your help!
Kim

 

[BLTOH]

Just a few hotels and restaurants that cater to tourists. Most Canadians never use Discover.

I just booked our hotel thru pan pacific and used my discover card. they had no problems with it. see as we are wanting most things booked before we even leave ( hotel, airline, etc) i had to use my discover.


we are only coming in the nite before the cruise. what would be an average
cost for a dinner for 5 people (one being only 8 at the time) ? would figuring &10 per person for a meal be a good amount?

 

[BLTOH]

Translink (Vancouver's public transit operator) charges an additional $5 per person to all fares purchased at any of the 3 Skytrain stations in the vicinity of the airport. Click here for details. (This surcharge was politically motivated: some politicians wanted more tourist revenues, and others were swayed by powerful taxi operator lobby groups.)

However, there is a relatively simple work-around, intended to benefit staff working at the airport. If you purchase tickets in advance, you will not be charged the $5 per person surcharge. Tickets are sold in books of 10, and can be purchased at the 7-Eleven in the lower level of the domestic wing of the airport. Vendors usually require cash for purchasing transit tickets.

Translink's fare system is based on the number of zones you travel through. The airport is in Zone 2 and downtown is in Zone 1, so you need a 2-zone ticket (or a one-zone ticket plus an add-zone upgrade). However, on weekends (all day) and weekdays after 6:30 pm, 1-zone fares can be used for travel through all zones.

Cash fare at YVR-Airport Station:
2-zone fare: $3.75 ($2.50) + $5.00 Add Fare = $8.75 per adult($7.50 per child*)
1-zone fare (evenings and weekends): $2.50 ($1.75) + $5.00 = $7.50 per adult ($6.75 per child*)

Using pre-purchased tickets:
2-zone fare: $3.15 ($1.70 1-zone ticket + $1.00 add zone upgrade) + $0.00 Add Fare = $3.15 per adult ($2.70 per child)
1-zone fare (evenings and weekends): $2.10 ($1.70) + $0.00 Add Fare = $2.10 per adult ($1.70 per child*)
Even if you don't use all your tickets in your pack of 10 or you use adult tickets for children, this is a better deal than paying cash at the station.

* Child rates apply to riders aged 5-13. Ages 4 and under ride for free.

For comparison, "the approximate (taxi) fare to downtown Vancouver is between $28 - $32 (taxes included)." This does not include tip.

thanks for posting this as i was just about ready to ask questions on this. We are planning on getting a faresaver card since with 5 of us it would cover us to the hotel and back to the airport after the cruise. my other questions are this.

1. how could we purchase in advance if from the US?

2. to go from the airport to the vancouver canada place area is considered a 2 zone?

you all are a great bunch of help to all of us trying to plan trips to your area. can't wait till ext year to be putting all this in motion.

 

[GrtWtNorth]

If we do stick with the Comfort Inn, what would be the best way to get from the Amtrak station to the hotel? Cab?

Cab would definitely be the fastest, and given the size of your group, probably cheapest. (The Skytrain is convenient to the Amtrak station, but will leave you 4-5 blocks short of the hotel.)