Trying to get excited about Vancouver...
 

We were hoping for a European vacation this July, but it may not work out. So, I've started to focus on Vancouver, We (couple in our 40's with teens) would fly into Seattle, spend two nights there, and then go to Victoria and Vancouver. We have seven nights. I've looked into things like foodie tours, walking tours, the bard on the beach and more. I would need to work in some active things (hikes in Whistler?) But, I would love to hear more to shift from my European dreams.

Thanks,

ttt

Hi misha2,

Even though the experience of visiting Vancouver is quite a different one from visiting Europe, it is one I would be equally excited about. I gather you're coming from the US, so Vancouver may not seem as different as going to Europe, what without thousands of years of recorded history and no foreign language predominating, but I'll attempt to tantalize here.

*You might be thinking you won't get your "different culture" fix going to Vancouver. The next three points were aspects I didn't think about before I went for the first time in 2005 that DID offer a different culture from eastern North America where I live:

1. Vancouver last I checked has approximately 25% of the population of East Asian extraction, giving the city a feel like a gateway to Asia, more than any other city I've been to in North America...one of the first things that struck me in Vancouver. This creates a fascinating Asian-North American hybrid, affecting culinary influences etc. in the city.
2. Related to this, the sushi in Vancouver I had was was better than I've had anywhere on the East Coast (and I've travelled a fair amount in the east). Freshness of fish? Higher demands due to a sizeable Japanese-Canadian population? I'm not sure why this is, but I found the sushi exceptional there!
3. The Royal BC Museum (Victoria), Museum of Anthropology (Vancouver) and Burke Museum (Seattle) have terrific exhibits on Pacific Coast First Nations. I learned so much and realized how woefully ignorant I was about these rich cultures!

Other terrific aspects:

*In my mind, Vancouver and Victoria are the two most beautiful Canadian cities.
*The coastal mountains nearby Vancouver create visuals I've not seen replicated anywhere.
* Strolling on English Bay Beach steps from downtown makes me feel delighted and happy.
* Varied outdoors activity is so accessible for even the most urban of Vancouverites. Delightful hikes (with few people around!) through primeval temperate rain forest (such different trees and vegetation) may be had even within reach of public transportation in Vancouver! (My experiences of this were Bowen Island and over by Wreck Beach for Vancouverites tuned in.)
*Butchart Gardens near Victoria is a superlative garden. There certainly are many amazing gardens in Europe too (Kew, etc...), but Butchart to my eyes is particularly special being found in a uniquely Pacific Northwest setting, a hollow in coniferous trees with incredible views of coves of water visible in spots. I'm not even a "big" garden person, but I was spellbound.

Enjoy whatever you do, whether it's Pacific Northwest or Europe! Daniel

How are you planning on getting around? Rental car from Seattle, into Canda and back to Seattle?

Drive from Seattle to Olympic peninsula and take car ferry to Victoria.

Depending on kids, consider tour of Boeing factory in Everett, Washington.

In Victoria, British Columbia museum is worthwhile for smart kids, Butchert Gardens good for most adults and some kids.

Depending on how much time you want to spend near Victoria, rent a kayak.

In Vancouver, rent a kayak in Deep Cove, on the north shore.

Granville Island is worth the better part of a day. I like it timed so I can buy ingredients and make myself lunch.

BAK

For a cultural (and artistic) experience - go to the Museum Of Anthropology at UBC (Vancouver). It really has the most amazing collection of West Coast native artifacts, beautifully display and the nearby (at UBC too) Botanical Gardens and Nitobe Japanese garden are lovely.

For an outdoor experience go to the Lynn Canyon in North Van.

Wow! Thanks. I think I'm going to go with this. It seems like we would have a great time between the food, gardens, outdoor activities and art.

I'm finding that flights into Seattle are about $150 cheaper. Now that I realize there are so many things to do around Vancouver and Victoria, I wonder if I should swallow the $600 difference and forget Seattle, even though we have never been there. We have 8 nights total. I've also heard that Tofino is well worth a night or two. Thoughts?

Although I lived in Toronto, I used to work for weeks at a time on the west coast, in Bellingham (near the border), in Seattle and in Vancouver.

Seattle is a great city, but you would use up the better part of a day geting between it and Vancouver, each way. But they would be interesting days.

Life would be easier getting a car in Canada and returning it in Canada, rather than crossing the border each way.

And Tofino is a never-forgotten experience, but quite a drive.

MY RECCOMMENDATION: fly to Vancouver and use the time you save to go to Tofino.

BAK

Our boys liked biking around Stanley Park so well, we did it a second day. Lunch at Granville Public Market is also a treat.

We flew into Seattle, because it was so much less expensive, but we had more time than you do. The drive from SEA-TAC to the Olympic Peninsula and then the ferry over to Victoria was very easy, but the drive back into the U.S. from Vancouver was a nightmare. There was a huge back-up, and cars would pass us ostensibly to go into the duty free shop, but really so that they could cut in front of everyone. It took forever! So with your limited time, I would fly into Vancouver.

Thank you. I think I will do that.

Your present lack of excitement about Vancouver may still prove more exciting than the locals come July, depending upon the result of ONE hockey game on Wednesday night.

Thanks Northwest -- good luck if you're a fan. Excuse my ignorance, but is this Wednesday the final game?

Yes, the final game... winner gets the thing most coveted by Canada and most Canadian citizens.

BAK's comments above are right on the money...Vancouver is a big bustling city with lovely parks and views, etc,but Tofino is so refreshing, being the surfing capital of BC, with great restaurants,beaches and that fabulous Pacific Rim Nat'l Park with its tide pools, beautiful sunsets and kayaks.We found it a few years ago: when planning a trip to Vanc&Whistler we heard folks raving about Tofino on this forum, so changed our plan to spend more time in Tofino and were not disappointed.

Hope Misha hasn't been discouraged by the Riot!

Must've been fun footage to see for anyone soon to visit Vancouver after having never done so previously!


At least "the kiss" photo was SOMEthing good which came of it all.

We are headed there on Tues. and a few other things I've found that you might enjoy with your teens:

The Peak2Peak from Whistler to Blackomb- http://www.whistlerblackcomb.com/tod...htm?aheading=0

Capilano suspension bridge- http://www.capbridge.com/

Lynn Canyon Park & suspension bridge - http://lynncanyon.ca/

If you have seven nights, and want to miss Victoria, then I would recommend four nights in Vancouver, two nights in Tofino, and then your last night back in Vancouver before flying home.

I just realized that you are planning on a July trip. Do you have dates yet? Tofino fills up quickly so you might have trouble finding a room on such short notice...again depending on when you are coming.

Do know that it will take about 5 hours from downtown Vancouver to get to Tofino. Ferry (1 1/2 hours) and about three hours driving from Nanaimo. The drive is easy, except for the last 40 km or so where the road gets quite windy. But the prize at the end of the road is soooo very worth it. In fact, we are heading over there for five days next Sunday...yahoo!

For Vancouver, I also recommend Lynn Canyon and the Museum of Anthropology. I used to go to the Museum on school trips and even years later (I won't age myself) I still find it humbling and fascinating. There is nothing better than ice cream at sunset on English Bay. There may also be firework nights while you are here (end of July). It is a firework competition that is 20 years strong. Throngs of people (up to 100K) come down to the beaches to watch the show..and though it can be crazy, it is a great summer event in Vancouver.

Vancouver in the summer is the best. I still sigh and marvel at the scenery when I am downtown at sunset. Really...no other place like it. Hope you enjoy our fair city!