Hi

We have just returned to the Uk from two weeks in Vancouver and Victoria as tourists : we thought

1. Gastown - very poor even for tourists
2. Stanley Park great place if it gets hot or too busy in the city

3.We stayed in Kitsilano - the place may well have been purpose built for thirty somethings - I have never seen so many quality independently owned shops/restaurants - are the corporates bnned? (thank god!) even Starbucks had a low profile in favour of character coffee bars.

4. Beg/ borrow/ steal enough for a sed plane ride to Victoria because a) it is post to post for the cities ie the ferry terminals are not at all close to either cities but the se plnes go right in and b) I can't think of anywhere else in the world that you could do this between two large cities

5. Butchart Gardens is out of town and very expensive for what it is - we maybe gardens snobs used to English grand lndscaped gardens and so biased but it was very busy and pretty but not particularly inspiring.

6. Grouse mountain has great views but the theme park on top is a bit of a let down.

7. Granville Island - good market and well above the usual tourist tat you could have expected. The indoor market has great atmosphere and good quality.

8. The Aquarium - should be closed down for the manner in which the Beluga whales are kept - if you want to see the wildlife - boycott them and go whale watching. Also although it has good representations of local sea scapes the rest of the exhibits have fallen behind world standards eg New Orleans.

9. Try to get to get to the West coast of Vancouver Island - feels like you have reached the end of the world.

Have fun !

Thank for the tips markrosy! I'm glad you enjoyed your vacation in the Vancouver area.

I suspect that ronabean meant that you should avoid West Hastings east of Abbott street - it can get a bit dodgy down there. I actually work on West Hastings, and other than east of Abbot it's quite a nice street, although a bit boring...

Thanks BikerScott...

Another hotel option for Victoria is the Best Western Inner Harbour. It is behind the Legislative Buildings and a quick one block walk to the Inner Harbour.

Thanks Cruiseryyc. I'll keep that hotel in mind for the future. I've decided not to visit Victoria this time. There is so much to see and do in Vancouver so I plan to spend the week there.

I was wondering if anyone is interested in planning a fodorite get-together while I am there? I know that I am the one on vacation with dispensible free time but if anyone is interested in meeting for coffee or something let me know.
I met a fellow fodorite in Rome for dinner in 2005 and it was a lot of fun.
I won't be offended if no one responds ;-)
Let me know, thanks!

Just a quick update on my recent trip to Vancouver. Had a wonderful time. It is a lovely, vibrant, multi-cultural city. The people were warm and friendly. I was there from 9-16 July, the weather was warm and sunny.

I stayed at the Sandman Suites on Davie and found it to be perfectly located to walk most everywhere downtown. The staff at the hotel were friendly and helpful. Room was clean, with a modern kitchen. Had a nice city view from the 10th floor and a partial view of English Bay. Felt very safe as a single female traveler.

Davie street has lots of coffeeshops, restaurants, markets and convenience stores. Enjoyed walking down the street and finding myself at English Bay Beach and the western edge of Stanley Park. Visited Granville Island, Stanley Park, Vancouver Aquarium, the Vancouver Art Gallery, Kitsilano Beach, Yaletown. Robson street for shopping. Denman street for ethnic restaurants, loved the Banana Leaf (Malaysian food). Took the skytrain to Commercial Drive. I really enjoyed the diversity of the people and hearing languages from all over the world. Stanley Park is stunning. I was drawn to the seawall nearly everyday. Glorious sunsets each evening over English Bay.

Thanks to each of you who replied to my questions. Your tips helped make my trip an enjoyable one.

I was sad to leave and hope to return to Vancouver again some day.

Thanks for reporting back in azure0327. I often wonder how somebody fares after reading through preplanning posts.

I hope you make it back to Vancouver soon. It's one of my favorites as well.

I saw very bad reviews for staying at Ramada on Granville. is it really so horrible? I have 2 night reservation there. Also I reserved Hyatt Regency.

Do you recommend staying overnight in Victoria? I hope I can leave my luggage at Hyatt for that night.

any review of Travelodge Lion Gate?

thanks

bookmarking

Info in this thread has been very helpful. I'm planning to extend a Feb Ski trip with 4-5 days in Vancouver. I realize a number of things like bus tours and markets don't operate in winter. In general, can I have a worthwhile visit that time of year? In addition to art galleries, museums, I like to walk around a City and get a feel for the non-tourist neighborhoods. Also like taking in whatever makes a City scenic, both natural and man-made. I don't mind being out and about in cold weather but am concerned mid-Feb may be still in winter rainy season?

Thanks.

I suggest you start a new thread for your inquiry. You'll get a far better response that way rather than inserting your query at the end of an old post.

Thanks mdn. I'll do that.

Great info. Bookmarking.