Vancouver airport to Whistler--What to do/see on the way???
 

Hello.<BR><BR>My wife and I will be driving to Whistler from the Vancouver airport. Any ideas on what to see along the way? Photo ops, sights, and of course, a nice place to stop for lunch?<BR><BR>How about the Calistano (sp?) bridge. Is it worth it (and how do I get there?)<BR><BR>Thanks!<BR><BR>Matt

I think you may be the one that asked about the golf clubs and I responded. I will try to answer this question as well. First stop: Queen Elizabeth Park. I will take you by the most direct route: out from the Airport follow the signs to Vancouver (you'll be in Richmond at the Airport); travel along Granville Street past 70th Ave., 49th Ave., to 33rd Avenue. Make a right and head up the hill through Cambie Street into the Park. If you want to splurge there is a wonderful restaurant called Seasons (Clinton and Yeltsin had their summit dinner there). If you only want a photo op there are beautiful gardens, a great view of Vancouver. If you're still looking for a different place for lunch I take guests to Yaletown (continue back on Cambie going right onto Cambie (heading north towards the Mountains)and over the Cambie Street bridge. Turn left onto the Maitland just over the bridge and choose a restaurant in that area. Or head to Bridges on Granville Island. Or head to Horseshoe Bay on the way to Whistler and eat on the water watching the ferries and boats pull out. Is the bridge you mentioned the Capilano Suspension Bridge? If I was going there in North Vancouver I would do the salmon hatchery, Capilano Dam, the Suspension Bridge, and Grouse Mountain. You can eat at the top of Grouse of course but I'd rather wait for Christine's on the Blackcomb Mountain.Hope this helps. It really is hard to do justice to Vancouver only on route to Whistler. There's so much to do there.

The Capilano Suspension Bridge is distinctive only for being poor value.<BR><BR>Avoid at all costs.

If it is a clear day, I would drive into the West End, park the car at English Bay and walk along the beach. Then I would drive THROUGH Stanley Park, have lunch at The Tea House. Then over The Lions Gate Bridge to take the gondola up Grouse Mountain for a wonderful view of the City. I might stop at Horseshoe Bay for an ice cream cone on the road to Whistler. There is so much to do and see in Vancouver...on a clear day.

Thank you! And yes, Bonnie, I'm the same guy.<BR><BR>I'd actually like to clarify my question. I'm already going to spend a few days in Vancouver when I return from Whistler. My question was pertaining more of what to do on the road FROM Vancouver to Whistler--ie on the Sea to skyway highway, as opposed to Vancouver itself. sorry for the confusion.<BR><BR>Any further help would be appreciated.<BR><BR>Thanks!<BR><BR>Matt

The scenery - especially from West Van to Squamish is breathtaking and there are a number of photo op areas on the route. There are also a few areas of particular interest including the old Brittania Mines which has a museum of mining and Bridal Veil Falls. The Chieftan Mountain just before Squamish is a popular place for Climbers. After Squamish there are some nice forest, river and mountain views but IMHO nothing compared to the first half of the trip. <BR><BR>The trip is short and frankly the best place for a nice lunch is before you start the Sea to Sky Highway at Trolls in Horseshoe Bay. If you go there you don't take the Whistler exit and follow the Trans Canada highway to the end and turn off just before the ferry Terminal. After your meal there you follow the signs to Hwy 99 North.

You definatley have to stop at Furry Creek for lunch or brunch. It is the best! My dad and I go almost every weekend!