ksniegoc

We are planning a 3 day trip to Vancouver with our family of 5 - 2 adults and 3 kids ages 11, 9 and 4. We are contemplating buying a hop-on-hop-off tickets for the Vancouver trolley to get to all the major sights, but were wondering if it would be more cost efficient to just get taxis and/or walk to get around, considering our large group. We are planning on visiting Canada Place, Granville Island, Chinatown, Gastown, Capillano Suspension Bridge, Grousse Mountain and Stanley Park. We are staying at Hampton Inn on Robson street in downtown Vancouver. There are also free shuttles provided by companies for Capilllano Suspension Bridge and Grouse Mountain but I was wondering how reliable they are. Can anyone suggest what should our prefered transportation option be. I should also mention that we will not have a car while visiting. Thank you in advance for any feedback.

Southam

Scrunched between the ocean and the mountains, Vancouver's integrated mass transit system is designed to get cars off the crowded streets. Trip planning details here http://www.translink.ca/ The commuter ferries across the inner harbour and the elevated SkyTrain are joyrides even if you have no particular destination.

amer_can

HOHO is a good idea.. We have been to Vanc. many times but the last time was off an Alaskan cruise and we did the HOHO bus.A nice surprise for an overview that after years of visiting we had never had..We do HOHO every city we visit , especially on the first day..Like I said an overview and welcome. a car would be a great nuisance.. What you don't see on HOHO you can walkto, ferry to or shuttle to..Have a good time..Vanc. is an awesome city!!!

klam_chowder

If your family is used to taking transit in the city and travelling, then I think walking and translink will suit you very well with the major tourist attractions you listed. For instance, if they know things like stay together, move quickly on and off the busses/transit vehicles, keep moving, do not block exits/stairs/escalators, etc. If you go this route, for convenience, be sure to look for a pass (as opposed to paying each trip).

However, if your family has not had the opportunity to travel much yet, I'd go HOHO with kids. It will be a lot less stressful trying to find your way with this service, and less walking.

BTW, if you decide to go the transit route, you may want to take the Seabus (same transit system and tix) across the harbor from Vancouver to North Van (where Cap/Grouse are located). It's a scenic fun, short, very reliable ride - actually a commuter route - but it gives great views of the city skyline. It stops at Lonsdale Quay which is fun place to do a bit of shopping and grab a bite in their extensive and delicious 'food court'; the bus depot is also right there for a transfer to Cap/Grouse bus. I am unfamiliar with the free shuttles you mentioned but you might catch the free shuttle one-way and this the other.

Whatever you decide have a fab trip to a beautiful city!

Enjoy-la!

ksniegoc

Thanks for everyone's replies - I think we will probably do HOHO our first day and then take public transportation on the remaining three days. Seabus trip sounds really fun - thank you for the suggestion!

sunbum1944

The problem I had with the HOHO bus was that frequently the bus was full and you had to wait for the next one - and then sometimes it was full too.

There were only 3 of us- and I think it was around Granville that we had the most trouble- but we did get to see everything we wanted to see

AndrewDavid

Lynn Canyon hasa suspension bridge and it's a whole lot less expensive i believe that Capilano esp for a large family i believe

never bring my car to vancouver; public transit is excellent. sadly bicycle rental is prohibitively expensive w/ no relation ot actual costs of bicycles! imo

cheers

AndrewDavid

Francewithfive

I live in Vancouver and we have three kids around the same age as yours. I would definitely suggest public transit. Between the Seabus, Skytrain, Aquabus at Granville Island, and regular old bus, your kids will be happy and you won't have to deal with mass crowds of tourists. Our public transit is really efficient plus many of the sites are close together and you can throw on your running shoes and walk! Bike rentals around Stanley Park would be a really fun activity for your family (they rent trailers for the little ones). Feel free to message me for any more ideas.

ksniegoc

Thanks again for everyone's replies. We will definitely use public transit as suggested by many of you.

MissGreen

I'm an Aussie. I found scooting around Vancouver on public transport very easy. So easy that after a few visits I have dispensed advice to folks on the street! Vancouverites are very friendly. If I was standing on a corner thinking where I'd go next someone often asked if I needed help.