Visiting Vancouver-Need Suggestions

[nemofans]

HI! I would like to ask for some advice. I am planning our 1st trip to Vancouver for next summer. Our plan is to fly into Seattle & stay for a few days, then travel by train to Vancouver. We will be in Vancouver for 4 full days. I am thinking about using Westjet to fly home.
So, between the 2 suspension bridges, which one do you recommend we see or should we do both? We will have 2 boys (ages 9 & 5) with us. We also really want to do whale watching. Can you recommend a reputable company or 2 for this? We would love to see killer whales too.
I am still trying to pick a hotel. L'Hermitage is high on my list. Are there any other hotels I should take a look at?
Thanks for your help!!

 

[sechelt]

Our son and his friend rented a lovely apartment when they visited from Australia. The Company is mentioning rates by the month on their home page but they do rent for shorter terms. The pricing was better than a hotel room, their suite was beautiful, and from the 17th floor they had a breathtaking view.

http://modesuites.com/

It's been a long time since I've done the suspension bridges but I'd choose Lynn Canyon simply because it's free.

http://lynncanyon.ca/

Sorry, can't help with the killer whales but there are belugas at the Aquarium.

 

[peace_all]

Not sure about the bridges or whale watching, but was down back in June. Quite enjoyed staying at the Westin Bayshore, as it was walking distance to Stanley Park, and on the waterfront. There are also several bike rental places not far from it on Denman street.

The hotel concierge may know of a good whale watching tour, they were quite knowledgable when I talked to them. Also if you are interested in something cultural, Baird on the Beach (Shakespeare play's) is usually on in the summer months, there is a bit of a modern edge to their plays but are quite enjoyable.

Hope you have fun in your planning!

 

[Camshell]

I'd do Lynn Canyon Suspension Bridge over Capilano, but most locals would feel the same. Capliano is nice but it is where the tourists go and is fairly commerical. The trails and bridge around Lynn Canyon are beautiful. I think you would have a nice time there.

 

[lifeguardette]

Hi, I live in Vancouver, and Lynn Canyon is the way to go. If its hot out, bring your bathing suit and there is a spot that you can swim in the water and watch people cliff jump.

 

[PinkMagnolia]

2 summers ago, my DH worked in downtown Vancouver, and the company he worked for put us up in the Carmana Plaza - My boys (twins) were 7 at the time. It was *amazing*. Staff were fabulous, room (and views) were stunning. Directly across from a grocery store - Great location, close to Stanley Park (but not the cheapest place in town).

Another vote for Lynn Canyon here! Great suspension bridge, great wilderness hike, nice place for a light lunch.

I would also really recommend the Vancouver Aquarium, and plan a day around Stanley Park on your Aquarium day. Science World was OK. I've been to a lot of Science Centers (Montreal, Toronto, Sudbury, Ottawa) and this was as good as those.

Another activity my boys liked to do was grab a picnic at Whole Foods (or wherever), and head over to Spanish Banks (beach, close to University of BC) to look at the bottom of the ocean when the tide was out. Beautiful views of the city and very relaxing.

Their favourite restaurant in the WHOLE WORLD is Moderne Burger on Broadway. Must. Eat. There. We went three times that summer, and they still talk about the shakes and burgers.

I'd suggest a day trip to Whistler - There is a whole summertime activity center for kids there at the base of the mountain (like rock wall climbing) You pay a flat fee and have X number of activities - they really liked that.

If you want whales, go to Tofino! It's on the west coast of Vancouver Island -- so beautiful and fabulous whales!

Before our trip, I really researched a lot, and got several really good guidebooks, My favorite was: Northwest Kid Trips by Lora Shinn from Amazon, and it was really useful (although you can get other good guidebooks, I liked this one)

We did a ton that summer as I had to get out of our apartment or I'd go nuts. Haha! I used to live there in the early 2000s and the friends I had said I did more there in 8 weeks with my kids then they had ever done living there. Haha!

Hope this helps - it's a beautiful city!