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

[Lollipop's Mom]

Looking for suggestions for our upcoming trip. We are sailing on the August 16th Alaska cruise. We are flying into Seattle on Sat. Aug. 13th and taking Amtrak to Vancouver on Sunday. We should arrive in Vancouver around noon on Sunday. We are staying at the Marriott Pinnacle.

1) What is the best way to get to our hotel? I'm thinking a taxi probably?
2) What would you say are the not to be missed things while in Vancouver?
3) Best options for getting around? I'm thinking public transportation and good old fashioned walking?
4) Best way to get to port on Tuesday? Taxi?

Any and all suggestions are appreciated.
Thanks-
Kelly

1 - yes probably a taxi
2-4 - see the very first post of this entire thread - lots of info on all of these questions. (And yes, Marriott Pinnacle is a short taxi ride to the port)

 

[LocustPoint]

My family is on the inaugural cruise and staying at the Fairmont Waterfront upon our arrival in Vancouver on 4/30. My question is regarding the Vancouver Marathon the next day. How is traffic around town on the day of the marathon. I'm trying to figure out what attractions we are going to visit that day, but I'm unsure of how the marathon will affect our plans. I live in Baltimore City on the marathon route and we know on marathon day not to plan anything until the afternoon. Any insight will be appreciated.

 

[goslingl]

My family is on the inaugural cruise and staying at the Fairmont Waterfront upon our arrival in Vancouver on 4/30. My question is regarding the Vancouver Marathon the next day. How is traffic around town on the day of the marathon. I'm trying to figure out what attractions we are going to visit that day, but I'm unsure of how the marathon will affect our plans. I live in Baltimore City on the marathon route and we know on marathon day not to plan anything until the afternoon. Any insight will be appreciated.

I hope youwill do a trip report! We are on the August 23 cruise and would appreciate any info and tips.

 

[Lollipop's Mom]

My family is on the inaugural cruise and staying at the Fairmont Waterfront upon our arrival in Vancouver on 4/30. My question is regarding the Vancouver Marathon the next day. How is traffic around town on the day of the marathon. I'm trying to figure out what attractions we are going to visit that day, but I'm unsure of how the marathon will affect our plans. I live in Baltimore City on the marathon route and we know on marathon day not to plan anything until the afternoon. Any insight will be appreciated.

Here is the website for the marathon and there are some maps on there.
http://www.bmovanmarathon.ca/race_info/marathon.php
You will still be able to travel around, just might be a big slower getting to places.

 

[BelleProfHP]

First, I have to thank everyone that has posted. I'm leaving for Vancouver in less that 2 weeks to spend Spring Break in Vancouver and Whistler. I found DISboards thanks to my DH who recommended them for planning for our Fantasy Cruise in 2012 and I just stumbled onto this thread. But you guys have been INCREDIBLY helpful and I've spent the past two days immersed, soaking up your collective knowledge and wishing that I could go with you.

However, one thing that I haven't seen too much discussion on is the zip line tours. We have been debating whether or not to go. If it were just us, we would go - no problem. But our DS, who is 8, is very timid and so we can't decide. One thing that would help is if we knew for sure if there was a way to slow down the speed as you're traveling across the zip line. Anyone have any experience with these?

Also, any locals with recommendations?

Thanks in advance for all your help!

 

[mellers]

First, I have to thank everyone that has posted. I'm leaving for Vancouver in less that 2 weeks to spend Spring Break in Vancouver and Whistler. I found DISboards thanks to my DH who recommended them for planning for our Fantasy Cruise in 2012 and I just stumbled onto this thread. But you guys have been INCREDIBLY helpful and I've spent the past two days immersed, soaking up your collective knowledge and wishing that I could go with you.

However, one thing that I haven't seen too much discussion on is the zip line tours. We have been debating whether or not to go. If it were just us, we would go - no problem. But our DS, who is 8, is very timid and so we can't decide. One thing that would help is if we knew for sure if there was a way to slow down the speed as you're traveling across the zip line. Anyone have any experience with these?

Also, any locals with recommendations?

Thanks in advance for all your help!

The first thing I would look into is whether or not an 8 year old will meet their minimum age requirements--if not, that may make the decision for you right there.

 

[nanaguide]

We are going to do ziplining with our grandson in Whistler before we go on our August 2 cruise. I'm sorry I don't know the name of the company recommended here in this thread. I did all my research on them way back in January but have been so busy haven't gotten back to it. My grandson is 8 and he qualified for 2 of their adventures. We are excited about it. He isn't really athletic but he does swim and snow skis so I think he'll do OK - there was a minimum weight limit. Hope you can find it in this thread. It would be back at the beginning. We love Whistler and right now I'm looking for lodging for our 2 nights there. Have a great time!

 

[jlwhitney]

In Regards to the zipline....

Www.ziptrek.com
Www.wildplay.com

Are the two companies in whistler. We r going to so the one with zip trek in may and can not wait.

Ziptrek has two courses bear and eagle. Bear has the training course part of it and better for people who aren't as sure about it.

There is a zipline on grouse mt. In Vancouver as well.


In terms of speed: you can't control it and you do not have to worry About breaking yourself (which is a good thing). Something to consider is that a small kid that just makes the weight requirement will not go as fast as an adult.

 

[BelleProfHP]

The first thing I would look into is whether or not an 8 year old will meet their minimum age requirements--if not, that may make the decision for you right there.

We've already checked out that part. Thanks though!

We are going to do ziplining with our grandson in Whistler before we go on our August 2 cruise. I'm sorry I don't know the name of the company recommended here in this thread. I did all my research on them way back in January but have been so busy haven't gotten back to it. My grandson is 8 and he qualified for 2 of their adventures. We are excited about it. He isn't really athletic but he does swim and snow skis so I think he'll do OK - there was a minimum weight limit. Hope you can find it in this thread. It would be back at the beginning. We love Whistler and right now I'm looking for lodging for our 2 nights there. Have a great time!

Thanks so much! My DS swims as well, and will be learning to ski on this trip. When I get back, I'll try to remember to let you know how he did. We leave in 11 days.

(SNIPPED to remove links)
In terms of speed: you can't control it and you do not have to worry About breaking yourself (which is a good thing). Something to consider is that a small kid that just makes the weight requirement will not go as fast as an adult.

Thanks for the note about the weight. He's pretty light for his age (although he's gotten heavier through the winter), so that might help to reassure him.

Next question for those in the know...

I've looked all over and can only find full-day or longer ski lessons at Whistler. Do they offer any drop-in lessons or half-day lessons? We had thought that we might sign up DS8 for a morning half-day lesson and me for a drop-in refresher (since it's been 10+ years since I've been skiing and that was in North Carolina - completely different ski conditions!). But no matter how many Google searches I do, I still get the same results.

 

[mellers]

Next question for those in the know...

I've looked all over and can only find full-day or longer ski lessons at Whistler. Do they offer any drop-in lessons or half-day lessons? We had thought that we might sign up DS8 for a morning half-day lesson and me for a drop-in refresher (since it's been 10+ years since I've been skiing and that was in North Caroline - completely different ski conditions!). But no matter how many Google searches I do, I still get the same results.

Have you tried Grouse Mountain?--I can't tell exactly from the web page, but it looks like it may be what you're looking for: http://www.grousemountain.com/Winte...ool/ski-snowboard-lessons-drop-in-lessons.asp

They also have a zipline, if your son is 70 lbs. or greater:

http://www.grousemountain.com/Winter/adrenaline-adventures/mountain-ziplines-vancouver.asp

 

[mellers]

For those heading to Seattle before Vancouver, there's a group offering discounted rafting tours in the Seattle area:

http://www.groupon.com/deals/the-ou...=seattle&d=deal&s=featured_deal&date=20110323

But it's a Groupon, so it only lasts for 14 more hours.

 

[animalx]

Check this link http://www.whistlerblackcomb.com/lastminute/index.htm
When we usually go we book from this site. I got the Chateau Whistler for $149.00 reg $299.00 last year.

Regarding Ziplines. If your 8 year old is timid, i would NOT recommend this even if he meets the weight limit. I don't think you can do tandems on this but maybe check with them. I'm not sure.

Have Fun. Hopefully the Tube Park will be open still . Your 8 year old would love that.

 

[jodeja]

I tried to search this thread for info on this hotel, but couldn't find anything. Has anyone stayed at Coast Plaza Hotel & Suites? https://www.coasthotels.com/rates/results
Any reviews?


Thanks!

 

[jlwhitney]

Check this link http://www.whistlerblackcomb.com/lastminute/index.htm
When we usually go we book from this site. I got the Chateau Whistler for $149.00 reg $299.00 last year.

Regarding Ziplines. If your 8 year old is timid, i would NOT recommend this even if he meets the weight limit. I don't think you can do tandems on this but maybe check with them. I'm not sure.

Have Fun. Hopefully the Tube Park will be open still . Your 8 year old would love that.

Tandem zipping can be done with any kid over 6 and under 65 pounds on the bear course at ziptrek

 

[BelleProfHP]

Thank you to everyone who has responded to my various requests for information. We booked today with the company that has the Bear course - they actually do tandem zips for 2 of the 5 for those withing 5lbs of the weight requirement, so my DS may end up with someone for part of the ride.

Regarding ski lessons, we booked a day-long lesson for DS at Whistler and I will watch YouTube videos and then "throw myself down the mountain" for the first morning. If that doesn't seem to be working, then I'll see what I can do about joining the lesson that begins at 12h45...assuming I'm still around by that time.

Thanks again! I'm sure I'll have more questions before we actually leave. When I get back (April 10), I'll be sure to come back and repay the favor.

 

[poohj80]

Just booked our Amtrack tickets from Seattle to Vancouver. Now, to book the airline tickets to Seattle.

 

[everafter1]

We booked somehwat last minute for our Alaska cruise, so we chose DCL transfers and and hotel through DCL (I know it's more expensive, but it was what was easiest for us). Does anyone know the process for this? I'm just wondering if there is a set time they'll pick us up at the hotel for the port. We used DCL transfers in Spain, but went right to the port, so I wasn't sure how this worked outside of Florida.

 

[jodeja]

I've stayed at the Landis. Hotel itself was o.k. but the area i don't recommend. Depending on your budget, there would be better places to stay. When are you going? i can keep an eye out for any good deals.

I am wondering what is it about the area that the Landis is in that you do not recommend? Is it because of safety issues, or just lack of nearby things to do? Or something else? I have never been to Vancouver, so I only know what I've read online about the neighborhoods.
We are a party of 5 and I am finding it hard to find a room that will fit all of us. The ones I have found so far seem to have good-to-mixed reviews: The Landis and Coastal Plaza.
Of course the Pan Pacific would be most convenient and seems to be highly recommended, but I am worried about the size and would like to avoid getting 2 rooms, if possible. Pan Pacific would not even let me book the room for 5 online, but I called and asked if we could fit 5 in the Premium room with 2 double beds + the pull-out couch. He said "Yes, you can do that, but it will be tight!"

Thanks for any advice!

 

[nzdisneymom]

We booked somehwat last minute for our Alaska cruise, so we chose DCL transfers and and hotel through DCL (I know it's more expensive, but it was what was easiest for us). Does anyone know the process for this? I'm just wondering if there is a set time they'll pick us up at the hotel for the port. We used DCL transfers in Spain, but went right to the port, so I wasn't sure how this worked outside of Florida.

We've done the DCL transfers from airport to hotel to cruiseship (and back) both in Barcelona and London. We're doing it again for Alaska.

When you arrive at the hotel, you will have a packet from DCL (or else they will deliver it to you later that day) or check with the DCL people who usually have a desk in the lobby area (or just off) after you arrive - they will make sure you get the info you need about how to handle your luggage for cruise day and what time / where to be for getting to the port. They make it so easy. You can also do your cruise check-in at the hotel with them so you don't have to do that at the port that morning - which is a nice perk.

The pick-up at the airport is very similar to what you've experienced already - when you arrive, look for the DCL person(s) who will pick you up and take you to the hotel. You'll get your luggage yourself from the airport and meet your driver just after that. At least that's how it's worked for us both times we've done it in Barcelona and London.

FWIW, we've found that by the time we factored in transportation from the airport to the hotel and then the cruise terminal (and back) plus airfare, travel insurance (which you have to get separate for airfare from what you buy with DCL for the cruise if you don't do air with them), that it really doesn't cost that much more than doing it yourself - plus you don't have the headaches when the airlines change your "bargain flight" or the company you've arranged transportation with goes out of business or you have flight delays, etc. The no-headache part has been worth whatever extra $$ it has cost us to do air / hotel / transfers through DCL for our non-Florida departures.

 

[Flitter]

We are planning on arriving in Vancouver 4 days prior to our sailing on June 21st and I am looking for a hotel/motel, in a good area that could offer me 2 queen size beds and possibly a breakfast and close to public transportation. I have found 3 but, I'm not sure how good/bad they would be. I have been trying to stay with the "chain" type. The three are: Best Western Plus - Langley Inn, Howard Johnson's - No. Burnabys Botique Hotel and Days Inn - Vancouver Metro. Any input would be appreciated.