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

[GrtWtNorth]

My questions now are
1: what airlines do not charge for luggage for the international flight and how many would be allowed?
2: can i pack a regular bottle of shampoo and conditioner in our checked luggage with out any problems?
3.since we will be doing a timeshare what is the price range of groceries?

we have not flown since 1998 so this is a whole new experience with the new rules and such.

1. Airline luggage fees change all the time. Westjet is a Canadian discount airline that serves many US destinations -- guests get 2 checked bags for free. However, consider this only if you can get a direct flight. If you have to connect in Toronto or Calgary, you will have to go through US customs at these airports (not Vancouver and not your US destination). This is a royal PITA with luggage and kids. Alaska Airlines charges only $15 for the first checked bag, which is marginally less than the $25 per bag charged by most other airlines. Even if you have to connect through Seattle or Portland, you will go through US customs in Vancouver, so there isn't the same connection hassle that you get when you connect through other Canadian cities.

2. Do problem with any non-flamable liquids in checked luggage.

3. The price of the cheapest groceries in Vancouver is marginally more expensive than Florida and about 30-50% higher than California prices. However, your biggest challenge may be finding a convenient grocery store. If your time-share is downtown, there are convenience stores or a few high-end grocers. For slightly more reasonable prices, there are Safeway stores outside downtown -- use Google maps to find the most convenient for you. For cheaper options, drive or take the Skytrain to Metrotown and shop at either Superstore (warehouse-style, bag-your-own) or T&T Supermarket (full-service asian grocer with excellent take-out meals). Most Vancouver grocery stores are open 8 am to 10 pm, seven days a week.

 

[GrtWtNorth]

Driving between SEATAC airport and Vancouver cruise ship terminals

I live in Vancouver and have made this drive several times, most recently last week.

From SEATAC airport...
From SEATAC airport, follow the signs for I-5 North. If you miss a turn, don't panic, there are several redundant routes from the main road outside the airport (International Blvd / Pacific Highway).

Through (or around) Seattle...
If it is remotely close to rush hour, consider taking I-405 around Seattle rather than I-5 through the city. It is slightly longer, but you will benefit from permanant car-pool lanes for the entire length of the highway. I-5 has reversable car-pool lanes, which flow into downtown in the morning and out of downtown at night, which will help you for only half of your cross-city drive.

Across the border...
Typical border wait times are 30-90 minutes, but can be 180 minutes (3 hours!) on long weekends. Plan accordingly. Remember that this is an international border and there are limits to what you can carry across. No fresh fruits or vegetables. One bottle of wine or liquor per adult (legal drinking age is 19 in BC). (Additional alcohol will be subject to duty, with rates as high as 100%.) No firearms. (Hunters need to do additional paperwork in advance.) No endangered species. No one with a criiminal (felony) conviction. Note: In Canada, drunk driving is a criminal offense (like a felony), not a misdemeaner. A DUI conviction may could be enough to deny entry to the country. Same with drug-related convictions. If this is an issue, check with immigration authorities in advance.
US government recommendations: http://www.consular.canada.usembassy.gov/enter_canada.asp
Canadian governemnt recommendations: http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/publications/pub/bsf5082-eng.html#s2x1
The sites above also include usefull information for traveling with their children. It is important that children have the consent of both parents to leave the country.

Approaching Vancouver....
As you approach Vancouver on Highway 99, consider the time-of-day you are arriving. If it is around rush hour, plan to use Highway 91 (Alex Fraser Bridge) to avoid Highway 99 (Massey Tunnel). The tunnel is prone to rush hour congestion, especially in the afternoon. If you are arriving mid-day or in the evening, the tunnel will be fine and you can stay on Highway 99.

Past Vancouver International Airport...
You will pass the airport on your way downtown. If you intend to park your car for the duration of your cruise, parking at the airport will be significantly cheaper than the cruise ship terminal (downtown parking rates).

Through the city to the downtown cruise ship terminal
There are no freeways through Vancouver. The city is essentially a grid-system, with several parallel routes that lead into the downtown core. I recommend Granville Street and Seymour Street. Google maps prefers Main street. Both are efficient to drive, but you will see more of Vancouver's charm and fewer of the city's notorious crack-heads if you take Granville / Seymour.

 

[trimix]

With no disrespect intended, I have to slightly disagree with GrtWtNorth:

Through or around Seattle: If close to rush hour, after getting on the freeway leaving the airport, continue east on I-405 and thake the very first exit after I-5. This puts you on West Valley Road heading south. Take the first right, Strander Bl, and continue to the end. Turn left at the T intersection with Southcenter Parkway, and you'll find a nice collection of decent restaurants south of the Southcenter Mall. Alternatively, turn left; there is a Rainforest Cafe in the mall between Nordstrom and Sears, and a Bahama Breeze in the mall parking lot. Relax and enjoy a nice dinner instead of facing evening traffic.

Across the Border: The border crossing is being rebuilt; the changes should be complete before the Olympics. After traffic returns to normal those of us living near the border will be able to give more accurate descriptions of what the situation will be like.
At this time, a crossing late at night or mid-day on weekdays usually takes ten minutes or less northbound, 15 to 20 minutes southbound. At the highest traffic times (Friday evening, Saturdays most of the day, Sunday evening) plan on at least 90 minutes to cross the border. And be aware: while the Canadian staff is usually polite and courteous, the US Customs and Border Patrol staff often act like you are guilty, they just can't prove it. Don't take their attitude personally - and be sure not to respond in kind!

 

[GrtWtNorth]

With no disrespect intended, I have to slightly disagree with GrtWtNorth:

Through or around Seattle: If close to rush hour, after getting on the freeway leaving the airport, continue east on I-405 and thake the very first exit after I-5. This puts you on West Valley Road heading south. Take the first right, Strander Bl, and continue to the end. Turn left at the T intersection with Southcenter Parkway, and you'll find a nice collection of decent restaurants south of the Southcenter Mall. Alternatively, turn left; there is a Rainforest Cafe in the mall between Nordstrom and Sears, and a Bahama Breeze in the mall parking lot. Relax and enjoy a nice dinner instead of facing evening traffic.

trimix, I agree, there are a nice collection of decent restaurants at Southcenter mall. My family often stops there (recommend Olive Garden) if we made good time driving to the SEATAC airport. However, first-time visitors should be cautioned that driving around this mall is a bit confusing. I never knew about the West Valley Road entrance, having only used the Southcenter Parkway exit off I-5. map The mall area is immediately adjacent to the I-5 and I-405 interchange, so follow signs closely. I learned the hard way that if I followed the I-5 signs, I got on the interstate after the I-405 exit.

 

[Mulljac]

Hi. I have a question. We'll be flying in from NJ and was wondering if it is better to stay at a hotel near the airport and take a cab to the port in the morning or to stay at a hotel near the port? Which would be the cheaper option?
thanks for your help.

 

[jilljill]

Hi. I have a question. We'll be flying in from NJ and was wondering if it is better to stay at a hotel near the airport and take a cab to the port in the morning or to stay at a hotel near the port? Which would be the cheaper option?
thanks for your help.

Only take a cab if you are prepared to pay an arm and a leg - it's close to an hour's drive away.

 

[Mulljac]

Only take a cab if you are prepared to pay an arm and a leg - it's close to an hour's drive away.

what would be the cheapest way to get to the port then? because either way if you stay at a hotel at the airport or near the port you still need transportation from the airport. I'm not at all familiar with Vancouver. thanks.

 

[Lollipop's Mom]

Hey everyone...just checking in. I am going to do some updates soon on some airport hotels. We have 2 with indoor waterslides that I think you will like, and also lots others, and also a couple to RUN away from!
I have just had no time in October to even think about updates! I promise soon!

 

[Jessebuggy]

Lollipop's Mom -- Thanks for all the work you have done. You are awesome! Can't wait for Alaska cruise!

 

[Mulljac]

ok, I answered my own question. found out that you can take the Vancouver shuttle from the airport to Canada Place for $13 pp. each way. Now just to figure out which hotel to stay at.

 

[disneymath]

ok, I answered my own question. found out that you can take the Vancouver shuttle from the airport to Canada Place for $13 pp. each way. Now just to figure out which hotel to stay at.

This is good to know - thanks for posting it! (I'm not sure if it was posted elsewhere in this thread - if so, I missed it.)

 

[pomlover]

This thread is nice and informative, thanks!

 

[philnphyl]

If you have kids, and love airplanes, I would highly recommend staying at the Fairmont Airport hotel. The rooms face the runway and it's a ton of fun watching the jumbo jets come and go. They also have a hypoallergenic floor where it's super clean - they run hepa filters and have down free rooms if needed.

 

[aimay73]

Hi all,

I've been poking around, starting the process for scouting out Vancouver hotels for the Alaska cruise. I noticed the original post mentions Hotwire as an option to get lower prices for the hotels. My question is, I'm looking at the Westin Grand, so can anyone who's used Hotwire (maybe to book this hotel before), or who knows the Vancouver area, tell me the "area" I'd want to book on Hotwire (Downtown Entertainment District? Downtown West? Downtown South?)

I've never used Hotwire before and since Hotwire doesn't let you know the name of the hotel until after you actually book, I'm at a loss!

Thanks!

Aimee

 

[starwood]

DH has been doing some research. We were originally thinking of flying into Seattle but now he is thinking of using our airline mileage for free tickets to Vancouver and then use hotel points for the Marriott by the port - any opinions on the Marriott (I think it's a Fairfield)

 

[godalejunior]

I was looking at hotels too and boy are they spendy!!! Can you book this far out?

 

[aimay73]

I was looking at hotels too and boy are they spendy!!! Can you book this far out?

I'm pretty sure you can only book 12 months out at the most. I'm just looking around and trying to get a general
feel for pricing (and spendy is right!!). I'm glad I've started looking around now, because it looks like we'll want to
save more than originally planned to cover hotel costs.

Aimee

 

[Lollipop's Mom]

You are really best to go with hotwire/priceline in Vancouver! Good deals to be had.

 

[aimay73]

You are really best to go with hotwire/priceline in Vancouver! Good deals to be had.

Hi there, Lollipop's Mom! Did you see my earlier question about hotwire? Can you help me with an answer?

Thanks!

Aimee

 

[jilljill]

You are really best to go with hotwire/priceline in Vancouver! Good deals to be had.

Please give us some pointers for using hotwire/priceline...please, please please....