What should we do in Vancouver

[squirrel]

White Spot is another place some like because you don't have it in the US. I would personally skip it. It's nothing special. Much rather eat at the Old Spaghetti Factory. I always get the spaghetti with Mizithra cheese. My dad even tried to find out where to buy Mizithra cheese because I really love it on pasta. Not easy to find. I have been able to purchase extra at the restaurant.

 

[xlxo]

fyi.... the Spaghetti Factory is haunted. http://www.vancitybuzz.com/2011/10/haunted-vancouver-the-old-spaghetti-factory-gastown/

Walking West... there's the Cactus Club.

White Spot would be a good family choice for a "pirate pack". https://www.whitespot.ca/menu/bc/kids

 

[lorimay]

We tried Spaghetti Factory after our trolley driver recommended it. It was not that great really, I'm sure there is so much better there. I say skip it and look for something else.

Our best meal there was at The Pan Pacific where we were staying, its their Sunday brunch, it was so delicious and we had a table outside near the water. It is not cheap but so worth it if you want a splurge. The choices are incredible, we thought it was up there with Palo. In 2013 they had opera singers performing during the brunch, very entertaining while we waited to be seated outside. If you sit inside its a great show.

 

[NJMermaid]

Our best meal there was at The Pan Pacific where we were staying, its their Sunday brunch, it was so delicious and we had a table outside near the water. It is not cheap but so worth it if you want a splurge. The choices are incredible, we thought it was up there with Palo. In 2013 they had opera singers performing during the brunch, very entertaining while we waited to be seated outside. If you sit inside its a great show.

We will be at the Pan soon, breakfast is included in our rate, so not sure about brunch but maybe the opera dinner on Saturday night, thanks for the good recommendation.

 

[Vegam060]

How long does the fly over Canada experience take??

 

[Dug720]

Is the Old Spaghetti Factory the same that we have here in the US? If so, definitely meh.

 

[bcwife76]

How long does the fly over Canada experience take??

Approx 30 minutes altogether.
http://www.flyovercanada.com/

Children must be at least 40inches tall to go on this.

 

[Kimberly1]

We are in a similar situation so thanks for this thread. We'll arrive at 11:45 via Amtrak and have just that half day before the cruise to explore.

 

[Ofinn]

I've done Vancouver several times, both pre and post cruise. It's one of my favorite cities. Fly Over Canada is a MUST....especially if you love Soarin'... Stanley park is within walking distance...but it's a long walk, and that park is HUGE... I'd suggest tickets on the HoHo bus or trolley. Ride it once for the full loop to get a great overview of the city, and decide what would be important to your crew. If you get the 2 day ticket, you will be able to dash down to the Canada Place on departure day..leave the luggage with the porter, and jump on the HoHo right there for some more exploring. There is a great brew-pub just up the street from Canada Place, at the edge of GasTown, calle Steamworks. We love the food there. Vancouver is a great walking city, head to Gastown and explore, you'll love it.

What hotels are close to Stanley Park? I'm a runner and I would like to be able to run there in the mornings. We plan on spending at least two days in Vancouver before our cruise. Thanks.

 

[jtba]

We are in a similar situation so thanks for this thread. We'll arrive at 11:45 via Amtrak and have just that half day before the cruise to explore.

you mean you arrive on the day of the cruise at 11:45? is there really much time to explore before you get on board at 4?

 

[Kimberly1]

you mean you arrive on the day of the cruise at 11:45? is there really much time to explore before you get on board at 4?

Ummm.. No. We will arrive at 11:45 the day before the cruise.

 

[jtba]

Ummm.. No. We will arrive at 11:45 the day before the cruise.

whew!

 

[Kimberly1]

whew!

I'm way too chicken to ever arrive the day of. To many factors could go wrong!!

 

[jtba]

same here!

 

[TutuWahineLV]

What hotels are close to Stanley Park? I'm a runner and I would like to be able to run there in the mornings. We plan on spending at least two days in Vancouver before our cruise. Thanks.

We've only ever used the Plaza and L'hermitage hotels. They're a short bus ride to the park. There is a great site that shows a map and the proximity of the hotels to the park ...at stanley park hotels (dot) net. Hope this helps.

 

[Carie Baker]

Thank you all so much. I love this site b/c talking things out with people who have done the trip before or just have great ideas makes traveling so much more fun. The videos that were sent are great... the short cuts too. I've already have a great list and I feel great about it b/c I heard from real people about them not some website. So, thank you and I'd love to see and hear anything else people would like to add... this is great.

 

[Ofinn]

We've only ever used the Plaza and L'hermitage hotels. They're a short bus ride to the park. There is a great site that shows a map and the proximity of the hotels to the park ...at stanley park hotels (dot) net. Hope this helps.

Thank you.

 

[xlxo]

I have heard wonderful things about the Museum of Anthropology at the University of British Colombia. They have an extensive collection of totem poles and native art.

If you have a strong interest in the First Nations people. The Museum of Anthropology will be worthy of a visit.

However...

• the Museum of Anthropology is not known as a marquee attraction compared to Grouse or Capilano. For those with limited time/days... you might be happier going to other attractions.
• Getting to the museum is not easy on public transit. It's almost a mile walk for young children from the transit loop to the museum. Then there is another long walk back.
  https://www.google.ca/maps/dir/Pan+...9457!2d49.269623!2m2!7e2!8j1431259200!3e3!5i2

 

[Karlzmom]

We really enjoyed the recommendation of Rogue just a short block from the Pan. Food was quite good, easy option for arrival day or after a day exploring. We made the trek to the brick and mortar Japadog for the fun of it. This year we intend to do a foodie walking tour of Granville Island and will likely take a pirate voyage.

Did the aquarium last trip. Will likely do Grouse Mountain this time around.

 

[xlxo]

.....................................

What hotels are close to Stanley Park? I'm a runner and I would like to be able to run there in the mornings. We plan on spending at least two days in Vancouver before our cruise. Thanks.

The seawall is a popular option for runners going around Stanley Park...

Depending on how much of a run you want...

• Westin Bayshore is the closest
• cruise hotels Pan Pacific, Fairmont Waterfront, Fairmont Pacific Rim if you want to extend your Seawall experience
• Empire Landmark and Blue Horizon for budget travellers
• there's also hotels around Denman and Davie that can be considered as you combine the seawall with the beaches around English Bay