Julie

My husband, myself and 8 year old daughter are planning a trip over spring break, first week of April. We are staying at the Delta Pacific Resort & Conference Center. Any comments or reviews of the hotel? Also, what can be expect from the weather. We live in So. Cal. so we are used to mild weather. Suggestions on family things to do?<BR><BR>Thanks<BR>jf

gary

The Delta Pacific is a very nice convention/airport/family hotel with full facilities including three pools, (two indoor with big waterslides) and a small barely adequate fitness facility.<BR><BR>The main problem sith it is that it's pretty far away from the major tourist areas of the city and you will need a car. Richmond, the suburb where the hotel is located, is a very dull heavily Asian town whose main attraction is the Airport and the many Asian Malls, (very ethnic and quite interesting from a cultural viewpoint). There is also an old area very similar to Monterray's Cannery row called Steveston in Richmond but it's about 15 minutes from the Hotel as well.<BR><BR>The weather in April can be anything from warm and sunny to wet and blustery. Other than a guarantee of no snow you just never know what you're going to get but come prepared for the worst and hope for the best. In any event there is lots to do for families. Unless the weather is really bad places like Granville Island (park in the downtown area and take the little water taxis), Stanley Park, (don't miss the acquarium - not Seaworld but still very good), Capilano Canyon (which many call a tourist trap but kids love it), Grouse Mountain (on a clear day take the aerial tram in the afternoon - stay till after sunset), and if the 8 year old's attention span is up to it the Museum of Anthropology at UBC and the Science Museum are good rainy day things. Also the shopping, (like most things in Vancouver), is a great bargain. Robson Street and Gastown on a nice day and the many malls, (lots in Richmond), on a damp day should not be missed. <BR><BR> There are loads of restaurants - especially ethnic Asian and European - that cater to families and again you'll be amazed at how reasonable they can be. I also reccomend trying one of the West Coast Restaurants like Rain City for a real taste of local cuisine. <BR><BR>Finally while there are 'amusement' parks and stuff I think kids from S. Cal. would not be impressed so stick to our Natural wonders noted above because they are what people come to Vancouver for. If you have time a ferry ride to Victoria would also be great fun for an 8 year old. Enjoy your stay!

gary

By the way - two addendums to the above post. One is that Vancouver is currently undergoing the coldest March in over 50 years which is not necessarily a bad thing because lousy Marchs are usually followed by really nice Aprils. So don't despair. Nature is grand that way.<BR><BR>Second if your daughter has never seen snow my reccomendation for Grouse Mountain is expecially strong because there will be at least a few feet of snow there after this cold and dismal March. There are facilities for kids and adults on the Mountain. There are two other ski resorts in Vancouver, (Seymour and Cypress Bowl), but Grouse is the most tourist friendly especially with the Gondola lift. So while I guarantee no snow in the City proper there will be plenty on the City Mountains. Have a ball!

Robyn

Gary has excellent suggestions.<BR><BR>I was going to mention, there's a website out there called "Find Family Fun" - written by an entire family about things families can do in Vancouver. Pretty much every nook and cranny in Vancouver has been covered on this website, and their reviews of attractions have been written through the eyes of the parents and children. It's a great site!<BR><BR>http://www.findfamilyfun.com/

Bonnie

I just stayed at the Delta Pacific Resort. I love that hotel. It is at the base of the Oak Street Bridge which will take you into Vancouver. Since I grew up in Vancouver I usually find it faster to go on the bridge but get off at Marine Drive East (on the other side) and go east to the next main street which is Cambie Street. You can take Cambie right into downtown and on to other points. Hope you got a good price at the hotel. Are you a Delta Priviledge Member? Might be worthwhile becoming one. Email me if you want more info.