Vancouver
#1
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Vancouver
I already posted questions under Seattle but thought I'd also post here. I am traveling to Seattle, Victoria and then Vancouver in three weeks. My husband has a conference in Vancouver so part of the time we only have afternoons free. We will be coming from a two nights in Seattle and one night and full day in Victoria. We are renting a car for a full day trip to Whistler's Mountain and then we have 3 afternoons free. We like to be outdoors so we'll go to Stanley Park. Has anyone been to Capilano Suspension Bridge & Park-there's an excursion there through the conference. There's also another excursion to Lynn Canyon Valley. I've also heard that Vanier Park is worthwhile to see also. What would you recommend for afternoon excursions?
#2
Join Date: May 2003
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Lynn canyon, is the free version of capilano
the museum of anthropology at UBC is a treasure house of west coast aboriginal/ first nations art in a beautiful building. the exquisite nitobe japanese garden is nearby.
walk around the seawall @ stanley part is a great way to spend an hour or so depending on your pace
enjoy
AndrewDavid
the museum of anthropology at UBC is a treasure house of west coast aboriginal/ first nations art in a beautiful building. the exquisite nitobe japanese garden is nearby.
walk around the seawall @ stanley part is a great way to spend an hour or so depending on your pace
enjoy
AndrewDavid
#3
Join Date: Jul 2013
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I agree with AndrewDavid that the anthropology museum is marvellous. You can get there by public transit.
Capilano is a stunning location, but pricey. I've never been to Lynn Canyon but sounds like you'd get better value there.
You can rent bikes to ride around Stanley park, or take an inexpensive hop on, hop off bus. There are lots of interesting restaurants in the area on Denman and Robson street. Check out Hon's, a popular and lively place for a huge variety of Asian food.
The aquarium at Stanley park is nice but often overrun with groups of school children, so if that is likely to bother you put it a little lower on your list.
Gastown is a pleasant area to walk around. Don't stray too far, or you will get into the downtown east side , infamous as the home to an entrenched drug culture. I've never seen such a sad collection of humanity anywhere else in Canada.
There is a conservatory which I found somewhat disappointing as it much smaller that I was expecting.
Capilano is a stunning location, but pricey. I've never been to Lynn Canyon but sounds like you'd get better value there.
You can rent bikes to ride around Stanley park, or take an inexpensive hop on, hop off bus. There are lots of interesting restaurants in the area on Denman and Robson street. Check out Hon's, a popular and lively place for a huge variety of Asian food.
The aquarium at Stanley park is nice but often overrun with groups of school children, so if that is likely to bother you put it a little lower on your list.
Gastown is a pleasant area to walk around. Don't stray too far, or you will get into the downtown east side , infamous as the home to an entrenched drug culture. I've never seen such a sad collection of humanity anywhere else in Canada.
There is a conservatory which I found somewhat disappointing as it much smaller that I was expecting.
#4
Join Date: Mar 2004
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take a look at www.vancouvertrolley.com this is the hop on/hop off tour around the city that gives you the options you are looking for... we enjoyed the narration, plus not having to drive and park at the various attractions... have fun!
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sesjazz01 - we are on the final days of our British Columbia vacation (started 9/20). Make sure you bring rain gear, as the rain/storm season has already kicked in. For the most part, we have found the temps in the 40's. Warmer here in Victoria right now (will be mid 50's tomorrow).
If you are ok with cool rainy weather, pack to dress accordingly (layer, layer, layer - and waterproof) and go for the outdoor experiences like Lynn Canyon, Capilano, Stanley Park, etc. But I would also suggest you have other indoor activities on your list.
Gastown - Rodneys Oyster House has opened a restaurant at 52 Powell. It is a wonderful stop if you like seafood and especially oysters. Not as busy as the one in Yaletown. Stop in and sit at the bar, if you can. The chowder is good, the steamed clams or mussels are wonderful with huge portions. The oysters (try the Kumamoto or Kusshi) are so fresh. We enjoyed browsing the shops there much more than the Robson Street area (but we weren't looking for fashion, really).
If it is raining, I would recommend you skip the drive to Whistler. We just made that drive (south, from Williams Lake) in the rain, and in the rain is just a headache. Not that I am a big fan of Whistler anyway, but there is some pretty scenery on the drive if it is clear.
If you are ok with cool rainy weather, pack to dress accordingly (layer, layer, layer - and waterproof) and go for the outdoor experiences like Lynn Canyon, Capilano, Stanley Park, etc. But I would also suggest you have other indoor activities on your list.
Gastown - Rodneys Oyster House has opened a restaurant at 52 Powell. It is a wonderful stop if you like seafood and especially oysters. Not as busy as the one in Yaletown. Stop in and sit at the bar, if you can. The chowder is good, the steamed clams or mussels are wonderful with huge portions. The oysters (try the Kumamoto or Kusshi) are so fresh. We enjoyed browsing the shops there much more than the Robson Street area (but we weren't looking for fashion, really).
If it is raining, I would recommend you skip the drive to Whistler. We just made that drive (south, from Williams Lake) in the rain, and in the rain is just a headache. Not that I am a big fan of Whistler anyway, but there is some pretty scenery on the drive if it is clear.
#6
Join Date: Oct 2003
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On your way to Whistler, stop here for lunch in Squamish:
http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/85/14431...Grill-Squamish
It is really good. Skip breakfast in Van and just go here. Large portions!
http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/85/14431...Grill-Squamish
It is really good. Skip breakfast in Van and just go here. Large portions!
#7
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Hi sesjazz01,
You'll have more than enough to keep you busy in Vancouver. I will chime in that I think Lynn Canyon, Anthropology Museum, Seawall & interior of Stanley Park are fantastic. Have some sushi while in Vancouver, it's incredible. If you find you have some time left after this, the Van Dusen Gardens and Queen Elizabeth Park are wonderful, as is hiking on Bowen Island and taking the cable car up Grouse Mountain. Vancouver's really an embarrassment of riches, you truly won't be lacking for things to do.
Bon voyage! Daniel
You'll have more than enough to keep you busy in Vancouver. I will chime in that I think Lynn Canyon, Anthropology Museum, Seawall & interior of Stanley Park are fantastic. Have some sushi while in Vancouver, it's incredible. If you find you have some time left after this, the Van Dusen Gardens and Queen Elizabeth Park are wonderful, as is hiking on Bowen Island and taking the cable car up Grouse Mountain. Vancouver's really an embarrassment of riches, you truly won't be lacking for things to do.
Bon voyage! Daniel
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I second the recommendation for Bowen Island. You can get to the ferry (and just about anywhere else) by public transit.
Has anyone mentioned Granville Island? A quick ride on a cute little ferry. Lots of good eats, art galleries and fun stuff. Easily doable in an afternoon.
Has anyone mentioned Granville Island? A quick ride on a cute little ferry. Lots of good eats, art galleries and fun stuff. Easily doable in an afternoon.
#9
Join Date: Oct 2013
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Capilano Suspension Bridge Park is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Vancouver, British Columbia. The reason is simple, there are so many things to see and do!
Stanley park is great park for time spent , you can enjoy walking.
Stanley park is great park for time spent , you can enjoy walking.