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

[Legend of Odon]

Have any of you used Air Canada? Any problems to report? Have any of you flown through the Toronto airport?

We live in Maine and are searching for a way to get to Vancouver for our Alaskan cruise. We thought about doing Portland to Boston (bus), then Boston to Seattle (plane), then Seattle to Vancouver (train), but it all got very confusing and expensive.

I found an Air Canada flight out of Portland, ME to Vancouver with a stop/change of planes in Toronto. It's reasonably priced and brings us direct to Vancouver. We've never done this before and are a bit nervous.

Any advice?

Hello Alaska Adventurers!
Just another quick tip about Air Canada---they allow 2 FREE checked pieces of luggage PLUS 1 larger and 1 smaller carry on per person. For a family traveling this saving could really add up. Watch carefully though, if you are on a US code share flight (ie) United, the United luggage fees will still apply.

I travel regularly, both internationally and domestically, on Air Canada through Toronto Pearson. Customs is usually very quick now (compared to 5 or 6 years ago) but I always give myself 2 - 2.5 hours for connections. This takes into account a possible LONG walk from one gate to another, washroom break, bite to eat before boarding, Customs, and if my first flight is a bit late getting in I have a little extra time to spare. I have never missed a connection with Air Canada in Toronto winter or summer keeping to this time frame (though luckily have avoided airport closures due to blizzards!). The airport has excellent signage and a lot of counter personnel to ask if you feel you are a little lost.

Hope this helps a little
Cheers

 

[kgsmith]

Hello Alaska Adventurers!
Just another quick tip about Air Canada---they allow 2 FREE checked pieces of luggage PLUS 1 larger and 1 smaller carry on per person. For a family traveling this saving could really add up. Watch carefully though, if you are on a US code share flight (ie) United, the United luggage fees will still apply.

I travel regularly, both internationally and domestically, on Air Canada through Toronto Pearson. Customs is usually very quick now (compared to 5 or 6 years ago) but I always give myself 2 - 2.5 hours for connections. This takes into account a possible LONG walk from one gate to another, washroom break, bite to eat before boarding, Customs, and if my first flight is a bit late getting in I have a little extra time to spare. I have never missed a connection with Air Canada in Toronto winter or summer keeping to this time frame (though luckily have avoided airport closures due to blizzards!). The airport has excellent signage and a lot of counter personnel to ask if you feel you are a little lost.

Hope this helps a little
Cheers

Thank you for the Air Canada & Toronto airport advice!

 

[GrtWtNorth]

Artist Point is not just a restaurant at the Wilderness Lodge. It's a real place, high on a mountain in northern Washington, easy driving distance from the Port of Vancouver. For Google Map directions from Canada Place port, click here.

Artist Point is the eastern terminus of SR542, at a lookout 5,140 feet above sea level. From this perspective, you can enjoy spectacular views of Mount Baker and Mount Shuksan, as well as all the surrounding terrain (360 degrees). There are several hiking trails that start from this point. Sorry, no Disney signature restaurant. (Mount Baker ski resort, a couple miles away, has some facilities open for summer tourists.)

Because of it's location high on the mountain, Artist Point is subject to substantial snow and remains open (weather permitting) mid-July to late-September.

Source: Washington DOT.

Washington DOT also posted some amazing pictures of how they cleared the snow to open the parking lots in July 2010.

 

[jlmarr]

Does anyone have info about storing luggage at the train station before your train departs?

We have decided to take the evening train into Seattle, which leaves at 5:45 pm. I know we can keep the luggage stored at the pier, but I think it might be easier to have the luggage stored at the train station, and find things to do in that area for the afternoon.

My two bits - resist the urge to take the Amtrak bus to Seattle. We did that last trip, not realizing that everyone on board would have to get off the bus at the border, grab their bags, and proceed through customs there. Must have added an hour to the trip, not to mention the hassle of dealing with the bags yet another time. Never again.

I did note that the SkyTrain stop is very close by, and thought it would have been fun to hop on that, perhaps heading down to the Metropolis mall at the Metrotown station.

 

[Weedy]

Did you know that it is daylight for almost 18 hours a day in Juneau Alaska in June. Here is ahttp://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/astronomy.html?n=112&month=6&year=2011&obj=sun&afl=-11&day=1 link that shows the hours:

 

[pillow]

Artist Point is not just a restaurant at the Wilderness Lodge. It's a real place, high on a mountain in northern Washington, easy driving distance from the Port of Vancouver. For Google Map directions from Canada Place port, click here.

Artist Point is the eastern terminus of SR542, at a lookout 5,140 feet above sea level. From this perspective, you can enjoy spectacular views of Mount Baker and Mount Shuksan, as well as all the surrounding terrain (360 degrees). There are several hiking trails that start from this point. Sorry, no Disney signature restaurant. (Mount Baker ski resort, a couple miles away, has some facilities open for summer tourists.)

Because of it's location high on the mountain, Artist Point is subject to substantial snow and remains open (weather permitting) mid-July to late-September.

Source: Washington DOT.

Washington DOT also posted some amazing pictures of how they cleared the snow to open the parking lots in July 2010.

These are beautiful pictures!! Unfortunately, I think we have decided NOT to do the Alaska cruise. We are now thinking about flying to Seattle and spending about 10 days touring around on our own. I was thinking that Mt St Helens and Rainier would definitely be on our itinerary, but WOW, Mt Baker looks beautiful as well. If you had to pick, would you recommend Rainier or the northern Washington mountains?? Thanks in advance!

Jodie

 

[Weedy]

I copied this from another cruise line board:

Info on Vancouver from a local!

My favorite must do attractions are

1) Grouse Mountain – www.grousemountain.com – this is a wonderful scenic mountain only about 15 mins from downtown Vancouver. Ride the airtram to the top for lots of fun activities that include a loggers show, birds of prey show, 2 movies (1 about the Vancouver area and 1 about the 2 Grizzly Bears who make their home on Grouse Mtn) ride a chair lift and visit with 2 live Grizzly Bears. Enjoy a meal in any of the restaurants. Caveat only spend the money to go up on a clear day.
2) Capilano Suspension Bridge – www.capbridge.com – this is Vancouver’s oldest tourist attraction and I still enjoy visiting it! Located on Capilano Road just before you reach the Grouse Mountain parking lot. Walk across a suspension Bridge over the Capilano Gorge, wonder the trails thru the rain forest, walk thru the treetops on the new Tree Top Adventure, visit the trading post for a huge selection of souvenirs, watch native weavers and/or carvers at work.
3) Capilano Fish Hatchery is also located on Capilano Road and is a great place to view salmon jumping up the fish ladders to get around the Cleveland Dam. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Capilano_River_Regional_Park
4) Lynn Valley Suspension Bridge is also located in North Vancouver and is much less touristy than Capilano but it also is not as spectacular. The bridge is slightly higher above the water but much shorter in span. Located in a Provincial Park this bridge comes with some nice hiking trails and you will find an ecology centre in the park as well as picnic tables and a food concession outlet. Should you choose to enjoy the Lynn Valley Suspension Bridge always cross the suspension bridge first and then hike down the trail to the lower (Twin Falls wooden) bridge to cross back over the Lynn Valley River and return to your car – that way you are hiking downhill rather than uphill. www.lynncanyonparkguide.bc.ca It is also free to visit this suspension bridge!
5) Stanley Park – www.city.vancouver.bc.ca/parks/stanley/ - is the crown jewel of Vancouver's parks. As one of North America's largest urban parks, covering over a 1000 acres and offering an abundance of activities. Enjoy the totem pole collection near the Brockton Point Light House, hiking trails, beaches, water parks for the kids (young & old), rose gardens, miniature train, petting zoo, aquarium –www.vanaqua.org – many view points, and several restaurants. During the summer months there is a free shuttle bus that you can ride around the park on.
6) Gas Town – the location where Vancouver originated. The name is derived from a very colorful character named Gassy Jack who was one of the first settlers in the area and a salon keeper – while in Gas Town don’t miss your photo op with the statue of Gassy Jack and by the Steam Clock. During the summer months there is a free walking tour of Gas Town for times call 604-683-5650
7) At the start of Gas Town is the Harbor Centre Tower www.vancouverlookout.com a great spot to start your tour of Vancouver with a birds eye view of the city. Either take the elevator up to the lookout level or go to the top and enjoy a meal in the revolving restaurant.
8) China Town is only about 6 blocks over from Gas Town and is the largest China Town north of San Francisco. While in China Town enjoy a visit to the Dr Sun Yat Sen Classical Gardens www.classicalchinesegarden.com and also make sure you visit the world’s thinnest building it is only 6’ wide!
9) The city of Vancouver has laid out self guided walking tours of 4 distinct historical neighbourhoods in Vancouver – Gastown; Chinatown; Yaletown; & Shaughnessy – these walking tours along with a historical introduction to each neighbourhood can be found at http://vancouver.ca/commsvcs/plannin...alks/index.htm
10) Granville Island – www.granvilleisland.com – is a huge public market area which not only sells fruit & veggies but you can also buy frozen fish to be shipped to your home. May artists make this their home and you can watch them at work in their studios – making this a great place to buy unique souvenirs. The Granville Island Brewery is also located here and you can stop in for a free tour & tastes. There are theatres for live performances and many fine restaurants. A fun way to get to Granville Island is via the Aquabus – www.theaquabus.com
11) Burnaby Village Museum – www.city.burnaby.bc.ca – is an open air museum with over 30 restored homes, shops, school, church and a 1912 carousel situated on 10 acres
12) Gulf of Georgia Cannery – www.gulfofgeorgiacannery.com – is a restored fishing cannery located in the historic fishing village of Steveston (part of Richmond). Here you see exhibits that showcase the history of the fishing industry in British Columbia. Once finished in the museum it is great fun to walk along the fishing docks and see the fishing boats which are selling their catch. There are also some excellent restaurants located here.
13) The Vancouver Maritime Museum located on the shore of English Bay is fun for the whole family with lots of hands on exhibits for the kid in all of us. Here to you will find the ship St Roch which the RCMP sailed from Vancouver to Halifax via the Northwest Passage and then completed the return journey in 1944. You actually get to tour this ship. www.vancouvermaritimemuseum.com
14) Queen Elizabeth Park – www.greatervancouverparks.com/QEPark01.htm -The 130 acre (52 hectare) park is one of the most beautifully maintained public parks in the world. Second only to Stanley Park in annual visitations, it receives nearly 6 million people a year who marvel at its superior standard of garden plantings.
The park was originally quarried for its rock which served to build Vancouver's first roadways. In 1929 the Board proceeded to acquire the property which had become an abandoned eyesore but still served as the site for two holding reservoirs for the City's drinking water. Dedicated as a park by King George VI and his consort, Queen Elizabeth (the present Queen's mother) on their much lauded visit to Vancouver in 1939.
15) Fort Langley is the restored wooden fort built by the Hudson’s Bay Company as a trading post. It is the origin of British Columbia and was the first capital. This Fort is operated by the Federal Parks Board. www.pc,qc.ca/fortlangley
16) If you are a wine lover you might want to rent a car and spend a day visiting a few of the many excellent wineries located in the Fraser Valley only about a 1 hour drive from your hotel. Almost all of the wineries offer free tastes & tours. Two of the wineries have excellent restaurants on the premises. This makes for a very fun and relaxing day.
17) If you are a real animal lover than don’t miss “Mountain View Conservation & Breeding Centre” It is located in Fort Langley about an hour drive from downtown Vancouver. Mountain View Conservation and Breeding Centre is a leading non-profit Canadian facility that breeds endangered species in family groups for re-introduction back into their natural habitat in Canada and around the world. This facility is not a zoo their goal is to breed rare and endangered wildlife and re-introduce these animals back into their natural habitats. Presently Mountainview hosts over 50 species of the world’s most threatened animals and birds. See animals such as the spotted dog from Africa, Giraffes, and much much more. Here you do not wonder around as in a zoo rather you are given a guided tour with commentary on each animal group. Check it out at www.mtnviewconservation.org
18) VanDusen Botanical Garden is a scenic 55- acre garden of international renown – a living museum of plants collected from around the world and artistically displayed amidst rolling lawns, woodlands and five tranquil lakes, all in the heart of Vancouver and just 15 minutes from downtown.
Due to Vancouver’s mild climate, plants bloom at the Garden year-round. This same climate creates a unique environment where plants from varying climate regions thrive and grow – at VanDusen you will see plants from the southern hemisphere, tropical areas and the high Arctic tundra along side native species. The Elizabethan Maze (one of only six in North America) provides year-round fun.
19) UBC Botanical Garden located at the University of British Columbia covers 110 acres and includes an Alpine, Asian, Native, Food, and Japanese Gardens. www.ubcbotanicalgarden.org
20) Dazzle your senses when you visit Minter Gardens nestled against 7000 foot Mt. Cheam in beautiful 'Super Natural' British Columbia. One of the most spectacular show gardens in the world! Eleven themed gardens are designed to dazzle the senses with massive displays of artistic floral designs.
Minter Gardens is located 90 minutes east of downtown Vancouver just off the Trans-Canada Hwy. #1 at exit #135. www.gardeningbc.com
21) The Architectural Institute offers walking tours of Vancouver during the summer months – they have 6 different tours – Gas Town. Chinatown, Strathonca, West End, False Creek North & Yaletown, and the Downtown Business Core. The cost for these tours is $10. and they meet each day at 12:50 pm but depending on the tour being offered that day the location changes. www.aibc.ca


Here is the link if you want to go there

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1254323

 

[mmouse37]

We have a very informative thread going on Vancouver with many tips from locals.....much of the same info but I will merge your thread with the established one.

Thanks...

MJ

 

[GrtWtNorth]

If you had to pick, would you recommend Rainier or the northern Washington mountains?? Thanks in advance!

Unfortunately, I cannot comment as I have yet to explore Ranier or Mount St. Helen's yet. (I need to spend more time exploring my own back yard.) But I also know that some locals absolutely love spending time in the Olympic mountains, on the Olympic peninsula northwest of Seattle.

Here's a link to information about the Cascade mountain range (including Mount St. Helens, Mount Ranier, and Mount Baker).

Here's another link to information about the Olympic mountain range.

 

["Got Disney"]

This website is great....has lots of info.....you can also find some more links like this at http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2294276
And i will be adding more as we move right along.


PLAN YOUR TRIP.....http://www.tourismvancouver.com/
Maps of Vancouver
Order your free Visitors Guide
Download Discount Coupons
View our Vancouver virtual guides
Visit our Visitor Centre
Half-price entertainment tickets
Passport requirements for U.S visitors

 

["Got Disney"]

A Near-Perfect 48-Hour Itinerary


You have two days in Vancouver. That’s it. How can two days possibly be enough time to experience this amazing city, you ask? We’ve got a fail-proof way to make the most of your visit in just 48 hours.
See the map for Day One below
See the map for Day Two below
Day One

Time is short on this trip, so no sleeping in. Grab an early cup of joe at one of the many cafes on bustling Robson Street, which is the prime spot in town for window shopping and people watching. Once the caffeine has kicked in, head over to Robson Square for a stroll through the acclaimed Vancouver Art Gallery. The gallery features more than 9,000 pieces and great travelling exhibits.
The Vancouver Public Library's Central Branch is one of the largest public capital projects ever completed in the city, and it is magnificent. This complex is more than a simple library -- it is an architectural gem in Vancouver. The nine-story structure was built to resemble the Colosseum and features a massive and striking atrium covered by a glass ceiling. There’s a continuous piazza surrounding the complex, which proves to be a gorgeous outdoor public space.
After you’ve spent some time feeding your brain at the library, it’s time to feed your stomach. Don’t settle for an ordinary lunch experience. Try something with a little ethnic flair. Dim sum is a culinary adventure, featuring steamed treats of all types of imaginable ingredients. It can be difficult to find good dim sum, unless, that is, you are in a multicultural mecca such as Vancouver -- and particularly Vancouver’s Chinatown. North America’s third-largest Chinatown, the neighbourhood celebrates more than a century of heritage in the city and features plenty of authentic cuisine, including enough dim sum to hold you over until your next trip to China.
With a great Chinese meal devoured, it’s time for another authentic experience. Blending rock, water, plants and architecture into a serene landscape, the Dr. Sun-Yat Sen Classical Chinese Garden is reminiscent of a Ming Dynasty-era garden. Its tranquility and beauty have been Chinatown mainstays for almost three decades.
While Robson Street deservedly gets a whole lot of credibility as a shopping destination, the Gastown district, just a short jaunt from Chinatown, holds its own. The pedestrian-friendly district features fashion, galleries, specialty shops, and plenty of dining and drinking options for those who need a break from carrying a dozen bags full of goodies. Plus, there’s the Gastown Steam Clock, which as you may have guessed is a clock powered by steam. It’s one of the few in the world, making it a popular tourist draw.
Finish off the day with a late dinner in another one of Vancouver’s great neighbourhoods, The West End. With more than 40,000 people calling this mostly residential district home, the West End is Vancouver’s most populous area and its filled with numerous eateries ranging from coffee shops to great fine-dining options that are frequented by locals.

Day Two

Day two of this grand Vancouver adventure begins at Granville Island, which is connected to downtown via its namesake bridge. Wander through the massive Granville Island Public Market, overflowing with fresh produce, flowers, baked goods, and arts and crafts. Stop for breakfast in the food court, take in a few galleries and enjoy the spot that the Project for Public Spaces called “One of the World’s Great Places.” To think, this area was once home to little more than factories, industrial plants and sawmills.
Vanier Park is just a quick ferry ride from Granville Island, meaning it won’t take long to be whisked away to great attractions that tell the stories of Vancouver. The municipal park is home to the Museum of Vancouver, the Vancouver Maritime Museum and the H.R. MacMillan Space Centre.
The thing about sightseeing is it takes some serious energy. Sometimes a break is in order, which is where Kitsilano Beach, or “Kits” Beach to locals, comes in handy. One of the most popular beaches in the area, it faces the Burrard Inlet and is a great place to relax in the sun and take a deep breath of sea-filled air. The beach is also home to an outdoor saltwater pool, Kitsilano Pool, which at 137 metres (85 feet) is the longest pool in Canada. Don’t miss dining at the legendary Boathouse Kits Beach, a delicious seafood restaurant with unparalleled views.
Head back to Granville Island for an evening of live entertainment. Here you can choose from a cluster of community theatres, including The Arts Club Theatre Co., the largest company in Western Canada. Vancouver also has a diverse theatre community extending throughout downtown. Options include the Queen Elizabeth Theatre, Firehall Arts Center and Vancouver Playhouse.
After experiencing some of the best of Vancouver for very full two days, we’ll bet that the hotel bed is sounding pretty good. Or you may just be ready to extend your trip another day.

 

[GrtWtNorth]

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[GrtWtNorth]

Grouse Mountain[/URL] - Look down on the port and city from 4000 above sea level. Visit the grizzly bears in the alpine meadow, check out the wind turbine observatory, zip lines, or enjoy a quick bite in the cafeteria or a fine dining experience in The Observatory.

Stanley Park - Visitors can walk or bike along the infamous sea wall, or spend a few hours at the beach. The interior of the peninsula contains several trails leading visitors through the rain forest environments. Of course, there are giant ancient cedars and douglas fir trees. But there are some interesting areas of new growth -- parts of the park lost all the large trees in storms of December 2006 -- these new growth areas are fascinating examples of how nature reclaims the landscape. There are plenty of distractions for kids too, including massive playgrounds and splash parks as well as the infamous Vancouver Aquarium. More sophisticated visitors can experience fine dining too. (I'm taking guests to The Fish House later this week.)

Capilano Suspension Bridge - It is more than just a very tall bridge. The forest area on the opposite side of the gorge is filled with trout ponds, self-guided nature tours, bird-of-prey recovery experts (and their patients), elevated walkways (treetops adventures), as well as cliff edge lookouts.

UBC Museum of Anthropology - The native Indians of this region had a very sophisticated culture, unique in the world. People thrived in the immense natural resources, building large communities, trading empires, and managing rights of ownership / property rights, all without a written language. Potlatch rituals and festivities are incredible by today's standards -- how many of us would seriously consider paddling a canoe thousands of miles to California, to pick up delicacies for a party? These cultures were decimated by plagues and forced integration, but their history is undeniable and a new vibrant culture is evolving through the native descendants. This museum has an immense collection of totem poles and other coastal Indian artifacts, but you have get a guided tour to really appreciate their significance. (There are inadequate self-guided tour options.)

IMO, each of the above attractions is like Epcot. Sure, you could run through it in an hour or two, but you could just as easily spend a day just soaking it all in.

 

[MAGICFOR2]

Thanks for the touring info, both of you! I won't even need to buy a book - just print this out and explore!

 

[GrtWtNorth]

Ugly news for Amtrak Cascades users. The Canadian government wants to charge additional fees for the daily train which arrives in the evening, and Amtrak may cancel the train. I don't know the details about how the on-board inspections occur or why the train arriving in the evening is being charged fees while the morning arrival does not. All I know is that all the discussion is very political, with a lot of local and provincial politicians sniping at the federal government that charges the fee. It's just sad.

News link 1
News link 2
News link 3

 

[denise]

Anyone know of any ghost tours in the area? DD loves this type of thing and it would be a fun surprise for her....

 

[smeecanada]

All the talk on our cruise meet about booking hotels/flights etc. Reminded me that I took a few photos when we were over in Vancouver earlier this year.

This is Canada Place cruise terminal

This is the front of the Cruise Terminal

I took the first photo (the cruise terminal) to the lower right of this photo. It shows you how close everything is. To the right upper corner is the Cruise Terminal/Pan Pacific Hotel Entrance. To the left upper corner is the Fairmont Waterfront Hotel Entrance. To the lower left corner (not shown) is the exit from Waterfront Station - the ligth rapid transit that runs from the Airport to Downtown. Hope it helps put things in perspective for a few people.

 

[jilljill]

Wendy thanks so much for posting the pics, that makes it much easier to decide between the 2 hotels.

 

[piglet33]

All the talk on our cruise meet about booking hotels/flights etc. Reminded me that I took a few photos when we were over in Vancouver earlier this year.

This is Canada Place cruise terminal

This is the front of the Cruise Terminal

I took the first photo (the cruise terminal) to the lower right of this photo. It shows you how close everything is. To the right upper corner is the Cruise Terminal/Pan Pacific Hotel Entrance. To the left upper corner is the Fairmont Waterfront Hotel Entrance. To the lower left corner (not shown) is the exit from Waterfront Station - the ligth rapid transit that runs from the Airport to Downtown. Hope it helps put things in perspective for a few people.

Thanks for posting this. It makes it easier to see where things are. I made a ressie for Pan Pacific last week for our Aug. 23 cruise. All this stuff makes it seem much more real.

 

[Anjelica]

So have they officially come out and stated it will be Canada Place for the cruise terminal? I made ressies for Pan Pacific awhile ago but wanted to make sure we are as close to the terminal as possible.