S_G

Hi: We are flying into Vancouver on July 1st evening. We are staying on Robson Street. Next day we plan on spending the day at Victoria. July 3rd, we have until noon before we board the ship to Alaska. Questions: 1)Should we rent a car 2) We want to see Stanley park, Chinatown on day 1, can we acomplish this without a car? 3) What can we do for half a day on July 3rd?

Thanks.

maryann

A little confused You are arr. July 1-evening-Go to Chinatown for dinner, by taxi.

July 2-Victoria-will take allll day if you take the ferry (if you fly, much better)near Pan Pacific are the shuttle seaplanes.

July 3-only have until noon-the Stanley Park shuttles start at 10am, double decker-buses at 9. I would see about 3 hours with a car service to see Stanley Park.

You could be dropped at pier with luggage.

For all you want to do , to see it all more relaxed, you probably need an extra day.

My confusion was your arrival in Evening of day 1-it's all but over by then-with arrival, check-in, etc. just go to dinner but cab back after you walk around for a bit (not a good neighborhood in between).

GaryA

First, you're not spending nearly enough time in Vancouver to really see it properly. The North Shore attractions alone would take a whole day. I'd forget Victoria this time and spend the time in Vancouver visiting the multitude of things here.

Second, Vancouver's Chinatown is not really representative of Vancouver's huge and varied Chinese community nor are the best Chinese restaurants found there.

Third, Stanley park is very large but can be 'seen' on your own with a rental car, the free shuttle that goes from the Miniture Railway depot or with one of the various for hire tours such as the Stanley Park horsedrawn tour.

But as i said - you're not giving Vancouver enough time to do it justice.

ginocat

From your accommodation walk down to English Bay and around the sea wall. Either walk or take a taxi and (having first made reservations) have dinner in either The Fish House in Stanley Park or The Tea House at Ferguson Point (also in Stanley Park). I would probably skip Victoria this trip and come back and see it properly another time. Day 2 I'd take a trolley tour of Stanley Park or maybe rent a car for the day and tour the North Shore, go up to Grouse Mountain, etc.

waltd

I agree that with such a short time trying to take in Victoria is too rushed, esp. if you opt for the ferry there and back. But if you want to go, flying (either jet copter or seaplane) is best, and then renting a car upon arrival.

sunnybvi

And don't forget, July 1st is Canada Day....so everyone will be on holiday, downtown will be busy and lots of activity. I agree with the others - you don't need a car - you can walk and cab OR the Trollley - buy a pass for a full day (July 2?) and get on and off it all day at major attractions around town; skip Victoria on this tight timetable and enjoy the many activities in Vancouver before your cruise!