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

[Lollipop's Mom]

I like it all, quite honestly--my one "must see" would probably be the sea otters.

As to how to get there, try this link: http://tripplanning.translink.bc.ca/

Here are the famous Vancouver Aquarium Holding Hands Otters!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=epUk3T2Kfno

 

[mmmears]

Here are the famous Vancouver Aquarium Holding Hands Otters!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=epUk3T2Kfno

Very cute!

 

[mellers]

Here are the famous Vancouver Aquarium Holding Hands Otters!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=epUk3T2Kfno

So cute! That made my day. Life is always better with a friend.

 

[littleprince]

anyone know of a reasonable priced taxi/shuttle/limo service from the port to the airport for 10 people?

 

[mellers]

anyone know of a reasonable priced taxi/shuttle/limo service from the port to the airport for 10 people?

http://www.ridebooker.com has a 10 passenger van available for about $89 + tax and gratuity. You might need to pay a little extra for a luggage trailer, though.

 

[Candy Apple]

I had been thinking of booking here for our 3 nights prior to our July cruise but I looked at the "terrible" reviews on trip advisor and a few mentioned it was in a high crime area. The address is 8811 Bridgeport Road, Richmond. Is this a bad area? They have a rate of around $160 US which is about the most I usually spend for hotels. I'd like to stay in downtown Vancouver but the hotel rates seem quite high. For you locals who have been so helpful in our planning, what is the best plan for a moderately priced hotel that is not in a bad location? TIA!

 

[smeecanada]

I had been thinking of booking here for our 3 nights prior to our July cruise but I looked at the "terrible" reviews on trip advisor and a few mentioned it was in a high crime area. The address is 8811 Bridgeport Road, Richmond. Is this a bad area? They have a rate of around $160 US which is about the most I usually spend for hotels. I'd like to stay in downtown Vancouver but the hotel rates seem quite high. For you locals who have been so helpful in our planning, what is the best plan for a moderately priced hotel that is not in a bad location? TIA!

It is a few hotels in what is mainly an industrial area. Costco, etc. If you are just going for a night a the hotel and not looking to walk around, it should be okay. I'd try and get something downtown, if you can find something affordable. Will alleviate the hassle of try to get there to do things.

There a few hotels downtown that are not so expensive. Go to tripadvisor.ca
and type in Vancouver, BC and select hotels. It'll come up with a little google map with a search the interactive map icon below. It'll give you an idea where all the hotels are located. Anything in the main downtown area is fairly accessible to all activities.

 

[mellers]

I had been thinking of booking here for our 3 nights prior to our July cruise but I looked at the "terrible" reviews on trip advisor and a few mentioned it was in a high crime area. The address is 8811 Bridgeport Road, Richmond. Is this a bad area? They have a rate of around $160 US which is about the most I usually spend for hotels. I'd like to stay in downtown Vancouver but the hotel rates seem quite high. For you locals who have been so helpful in our planning, what is the best plan for a moderately priced hotel that is not in a bad location? TIA!

You might try the Four Points Vancouver Airport hotel or the La Quinta Vancouver Airport hotel. My family and I always stay there, and we have never had a problem. The hotels are next door to a large shopping centre (Lansdowne), which sometimes has neat cultural events put on by local organizations. The mall is also right next door to the Lansdowne Canada Line station, so it's easy to get into Vancouver proper. We find it to be a pleasant neighborhood.

 

[mellers]

You might try the Four Points Vancouver Airport hotel or the La Quinta Vancouver Airport hotel. My family and I always stay there, and we have never had a problem. The hotels are next door to a large shopping centre (Lansdowne), which sometimes has neat cultural events put on by local organizations. The mall is also right next door to the Lansdowne Canada Line station, so it's easy to get into Vancouver proper. We find it to be a pleasant neighborhood.

One other item of note--the FourPoints Vancouver Airport has a "Park and Fly" option which might be helpful to those who need to park during the cruise. It's easy to drop the family off at the Canada Line station at Lansdowne, go park the car, and walk back.

 

[jilljill]

I had been thinking of booking here for our 3 nights prior to our July cruise but I looked at the "terrible" reviews on trip advisor and a few mentioned it was in a high crime area. The address is 8811 Bridgeport Road, Richmond. Is this a bad area? They have a rate of around $160 US which is about the most I usually spend for hotels. I'd like to stay in downtown Vancouver but the hotel rates seem quite high. For you locals who have been so helpful in our planning, what is the best plan for a moderately priced hotel that is not in a bad location? TIA!

I used Priceline for our hotel in Vancouver. I bid $110US/night and got the Sheraton Vancouver Wall Center at 1088 Burrand Street. The rate I paid is less than half the price on their website. A friend was also able to get the same rate at the same hotel. They have even confirmed that both our rooms will have 2 beds since we are traveling with children.

 

[M&C]

I used Priceline for our hotel in Vancouver. I bid $110US/night and got the Sheraton Vancouver Wall Center at 1088 Burrand Street. The rate I paid is less than half the price on their website. A friend was also able to get the same rate at the same hotel. They have even confirmed that both our rooms will have 2 beds since we are traveling with children.

I'd like to try priceline. Can you tell me how many stars you bid on and how you got the 2 beds? We have 2 kids as well.

Thanks!

 

[poohj80]

We used Hotwire to get the Pan Pacific for $134 over the weekend which was $100 less per night than the AAA rate we had booked..

 

[msbiscuit]

Can anyone tell me if the stations have elevators? I'll be alone and would like to take the SkyTrain, but am worried about hauling my luggage around. Is it doable, or would I be better off taking a taxi? Thanks in advance!

 

[M&C]

We used Hotwire to get the Pan Pacific for $134 over the weekend which was $100 less per night than the AAA rate we had booked..

That's an awesome deal! How many stars was it? Any other clues to figure out you're getting Pan Pacific?

Thanks!

 

[mellers]

Can anyone tell me if the stations have elevators? I'll be alone and would like to take the SkyTrain, but am worried about hauling my luggage around. Is it doable, or would I be better off taking a taxi? Thanks in advance!

Depending upon how much luggage you have, it's probably worth considering taking a taxi. That said, the SkyTrain does have elevators, but riders with wheelchairs and mobility aids take precedence over strollers, luggage and packages. (As a wheelie, the courtesy is appreciated--I've had so many people crowd around me and keep me out of an elevator )

 

[PBader]

That's an awesome deal! How many stars was it? Any other clues to figure out you're getting Pan Pacific?

Thanks!

It was listed as 5 star in Downtown and had a 90% rating.

 

[msbiscuit]

Depending upon how much luggage you have, it's probably worth considering taking a taxi. That said, the SkyTrain does have elevators, but riders with wheelchairs and mobility aids take precedence over strollers, luggage and packages. (As a wheelie, the courtesy is appreciated--I've had so many people crowd around me and keep me out of an elevator )

I will go with the taxi or shuttle option then. Thank you!

 

[joycsk]

There are a couple of special things that happen in Vancouver that people might be interested in doing.....


Theater Under the Stars

Outdoor theatre performance in Stanley Park. Tickets are required. Plays and dates will be announce by Feb. 1

http://www.tuts.ca/content/2011-information


Celebration of Light

3 nights of incredible fireworks set to music in English Bay in Vancouver.
July 30 / Aug 3 / Aug 6. Free. Usually starts around 9:30/10. This is a competition that has been held annually for years.


In Victoria....

The Symphony Splash

The Victoria Symphony puts on a very popular outdoor concert. The Symphony performs on a floating barge in the Inner Harbour in front of the Empress Hotel.

Usually held the Sunday of the August Long Weekend. Which is July 31 this year. They plays various selections, a couple of young guest performers, and they finish with the 1812 Overture complete with canons. Free - they have donation barrels if you want to contribute to the Symphony.

Please forgive me. I am reading this thread in chronological order. I cannot believe the information in this post, since we are on the Aug 2 sailing. We are 2 parents and 2 kids - 7 and 10. We will arrive in Vancouver on July 30, just in time to see the Chinese fireworks. I had fully intended to put the kids (and myself) to bed early, but I think I'd kill myself if I didn't see these fireworks. We are staying at the Hotel at Terminal City near Canada Place. Can anyone local recommend a place from which to watch this firework extravaganza?

Second question. I had planned to spend Sunday July 31 at Grouse Mt and Stanley Island - and was trying to be out of town to avoid explaining the Pride Parade to my 7 yr old. (Please know that I personally support those who will be marching and celebrating, I'm just not ready to have this conversation with my not so mature 7 yr old.) Anyway, when I read this post, I nearly flipped. It is one of my "life goals" to see the 1812 performed live with bells and cannons. I had not intended to try to get to Victoria on this trip since there is so much to do in Vancouver. I think my questions are: Where do people go for this concert? Would I be able to get back to Vancouver when the concert was over if we took public transit? If I had to rent a car, where would I park?

I greatly appreciate any info and/or suggestions. I didn't expect to be considering the things I'm now considering.

 

[FergusBC]

It is one of my "life goals" to see the 1812 performed live with bells and cannons. I had not intended to try to get to Victoria on this trip since there is so much to do in Vancouver. I think my questions are: Where do people go for this concert? Would I be able to get back to Vancouver when the concert was over if we took public transit? If I had to rent a car, where would I park?

I greatly appreciate any info and/or suggestions. I didn't expect to be considering the things I'm now considering.

The Symphony Splash takes place down in the Inner Harbour (right downtown in Victoria) but it's in the evening/night. There are usually events that start earlier in the day. I've heard it's wonderful but it turns the inner harbour area into quite the zoo I've never had the ambition to brave the crowds to experience it myself. You would have to stay overnight in Victoria as there's no late night ferry back to Vancouver. I don't know if there's still flights at the time of the night but it'd be a 45 minute drive back to the airport in any case. There are buses that run right from the downtown bus terminal (very close to the Inner Harbour) to the Vancouver bus terminal so easy enough to get back the next day, and a chance to experience a no-frills cruise compliments of BC Ferries ...

 

[megsablue]

We will arrive in Vancouver on July 30, just in time to see the Chinese fireworks. I had fully intended to put the kids (and myself) to bed early, but I think I'd kill myself if I didn't see these fireworks. We are staying at the Hotel at Terminal City near Canada Place. Can anyone local recommend a place from which to watch this firework extravaganza?

Second question. I had planned to spend Sunday July 31 at Grouse Mt and Stanley Island - I think my questions are: Where do people go for this concert? Would I be able to get back to Vancouver when the concert was over if we took public transit? If I had to rent a car, where would I park?

I greatly appreciate any info and/or suggestions. I didn't expect to be considering the things I'm now considering.

1) One of the best places to watch is English Bay, but be aware that you'll be sharing the beach with up to 100k of your closest friends. (And just be aware, there are many teenagers and many people who "brown bag" their drinks during the event - but it's still considered a family event) We live 2 blocks away from the beach and usually the beach gets crowded several hours beforehand, so I'd recommend getting to the beach quite early. There's lots of places to eat on Denman St. that do take out, so you could make a picnic dinner of it.

2) I'd recommend renting a car to go to Victoria - but like FergusBC said there's no late night ferries, so you'd have to stay the night. I've never been brave enough to try taking public transit to Victoria, so I can't comment on that (usually in the interest of time, we just take our car). And just so you know, that Monday (if you stayed overnight) is BC Day (a long weekend in BC). If you do decide to drive, I'd highly recommend making ferry reservations ($15 each way through BC Ferries website) because the ferries can get VERY busy on long weekends. (Otherwise you may be waiting for several sailings until you can get on).