Planning a trip to the west coast in April 2001. Here are some of the B&B's I'm choosing between in Vancouver - any opinions? <BR>Also, how convenient will they be for visitors without a car? <BR> <BR>Arbutus House B&B <BR>Columbia Cottage <BR>Apricot Cat & Black Dog B&B <BR>Cambie Lodge <BR> <BR>Thanks!

Hello Island Girl, <BR> <BR>I was able to find the websites for the Apricot and the Arbutus House B+Bs....given the prices it's a tough call. <BR> <BR>It would be helpful to know what you intend to do while in Vancouver. Do you want nightlife? culture? just to poke around the city? beaches? <BR> <BR>The Arbutus House is in a MUCH nicer residential area, and is quite close to one of the city's trendier shopping areas (Kerrisdale), featuring upscale coffee houses, specialty shops, and services. You will need at least 20 minutes to reach downtown by public transit. <BR> <BR>The Apricot Cat and Black Dog, while a lot closer to the downtown core, is not situated in the nicest of surroundings. The house looks beautiful, and I'm sure the proprieters do a wonderful job, but the area immediately east of downtown isn't an area I'd look to live/work in. <BR>That said, the price sure is attractive at 45 US a night. <BR> <BR>If you're not worried about staying in a slightly "seedy" part of town, I guess the Apricot is the choice for you. However, I don't know what your transit options are from there. Being so close, foot might be the best option. <BR> <BR>Sorry I can't help more, but it's a start. <BR> <BR>R. <BR>

Hi Rob, <BR> <BR>Thanks for your input. We are Canadians who've never seen the West Coast (although we currently live in Alberta). We would be most interested in poking around the city and seeing the top highlights, as we wouldn't have more than 1.5 days there, before heading over to Vancouver Island. I appreciate your input, as I know nothing about Vancouver, where the good and bad parts are, etc. You say that Arbutus House is 20 minutes from d/t by transit...do you have any B&B suggestions nearner downtown? I'd like to stay under $100 CDN per night. Thanks!

After some looking around, I've found a couple of good options that would put you about 5 minutes outside of downtown, close to some of the nicer beaches (of course it'll be too cold for swimming, but they're great places to get some good photos of the Vancouver skyline, English Bay, and the coast mountains. <BR> <BR>These two B+Bs are also within 15 minutes walk of Granville Island, one of Vancouver's attractions (not just for tourists either!). <BR> <BR>They are: <BR> <BR>1)walnuthousebb.com <BR>2)Maplehouse.com <BR> <BR>Just by happenstance, they are a stone's throw away. Tough choice again but the Walnut one is the better location (RIGHT AT the beach), and a little less noisy. <BR> <BR>Just a final note -- I noticed that the winter rates end at the end of March... you might save some $ if you bumped your trip up to the end of March instead of April. <BR> <BR>Also, one other thing.. the two recommendations are based on their proximity to downtown, and are more or less in your price range. I can't vouch for the services at all. Finally, though you are very close to downtown, and some fine dining (Granville Island), you're not that close to other (potential) sites of interest... Q.E. Park, UBC, Van Dusen Gardens. <BR> <BR>The Arbutus House is the most central of the locations, but indeed a bit further from downtown. <BR> <BR> <BR>Cheers, <BR>R.

I think Douglas House, O Canada Houes & Windsor House are all situated downtown too. I'll see if I can find their websites. Rob has some good advice!

O Canada House: <BR> <BR>http://www.ocanadahouse.com/ <BR> <BR>My boyfriend lives a few blocks away from that B&B so I'm very familiar with it. In fact, I'm looking down to that general area right now from his window. It's in a great area. You're located a stone's throw away form Stanley Park, and you're also a close walk to English Bay & Robson Street. (Robson street being the main shopping/restaurant area). <BR> <BR>http://www.barclayhouse.com (Barclay House) is located in the same area of downtown. Very cute, quaint resedential part of the city, sort of like an oasis in the middle of downtown Vancouver. <BR> <BR>Another idea is the Langry. Once again, it's located in the same downtown area. http://www.thelangtry.com/ <BR> <BR> <BR>Unfortunately Douglas/Windsor aren't located downtown, but here's the Douglas/Windsor website anyway: <BR> <BR>http://www.dougwin.com/ <BR> <BR>Here's another good site I've found on Vancouver B&B's: <BR> <BR>http://www.bakerservices.com/bytype.htm

Thank you all for more advice. I don't like to rely only on the B&B's website for info, so it's great to have personal opinions to help. I will check out the sites that have been mentioned. I know that I've looked at O Canada House and Barclay House, and if I remember correctly, they were both quite a bit above my price range, although they looked lovely. <BR> <BR>What are the must-sees if we have 1.5 days? We're interested in museums (to a certain point), historical sites, and would also like to see Stanley Park. Any suggestions?

Funny...my full name's Robin too <BR> <BR>Stanley Park really IS a must (weather dependent of course). Nothing beats a walk around the scenic Seawall, but be forewarned that it's something like 11km all the way 'round, so take comfortable shoes, and dress warm enough. Don't forget your camera, either. <BR> <BR>You could opt to rent a bike (corner of Georgia St. + Denman) for the outing. Rates are actually pretty reasonable. I did it last summer, and it didn't break my meager piggy bank. <BR> <BR>Again, if the weather's nice, a trip to Granville Island would be good. Lots of local artisan's workshops, huge public market featuring everything fresh under the sun: fruit, vegetables, flowers, bread, seafood, specialty items, fresh pasta, lots of great restaurants there to relax indoors/outdoors. <BR> <BR>I haven't been to the Vancouver Art Gallery in a long time -- but the last time I was there I was overwhelmed by the (personal opinion here) volume of overly dark, depressive and brooding works of Emily Carr. Of course, lots more to see besides her work. <BR> <BR>The Museum of Anthropology (UBC) is worth a vist, especially if you're into aboriginal art, but to get there you'll be facing a 40 minute ride by bus from downtown, and then a 10-15 minute walk thru the University campus. <BR> <BR>Gastown is the heart of the "old" city. Features some unique architecture, cobble stoned streets, and a change in atmostphere from the glass towers of downtown. It's nice to breeze thru -- esp. if you ignore all the souveneir shops that cater mostly to the cruise ship trade. <BR> <BR>BTW, you mentioned going over to the Island -- are you planning to take the ferry, or fly? If you're taking the Ferry, PCL (Pacific Coach Lines) takes you to either downtown Victoria or Nanaimo). <BR> <BR>Anyways, I'm sure Robyn has more great ideas to help you out. <BR> <BR>Regards, <BR>Rob <BR> <BR>

Hi Rob, <BR> <BR>Thanks for all the info! Do you have any similar suggestions for Victoria, and the southern end of Vancouver Island? I must admit I was very ignorant about the size of that Island until I got a tourist guide book in the mail yesterday - it's huge! We are looking at exploring within 200 km of Victoria, probably with a rental car unless there's other good transportation. Is Ucluelet worth the drive or are there other, hidden treasures?

Rob has some great advice! In fact, he said exactly what I would say. <BR> <BR>By all means, Stanley Park is a must. It's Vancouver's pride (in my opinion). Of course, it's better on a sunny day because the clouds aren't covering the view of the mountains, but either way, it's enjoyable. Even the Vancouver Aquarium is quite enjoyable (more educational, less Disney-fied entertainment). <BR> <BR>All our family friends from out of town, whether they're from Edmonton, or Adelaide Australia love Granville Island because it offer a lot in a small area, and it's a unique part to Vancouver that no other city really has. <BR>It's also pedestrian friendly. <BR> <BR>I was recently at the Vancouver Art Gallery to see the Impressionists (Van Gogh, Monet, etc), but I was actually more impressed by the Emily Carr work, lol. It was very vibrant, quite unique. <BR> <BR>You can even walk this entire trip. Start off the morning at Granville Island. Take the little "AquaBus" across False Creek to downtown. Get off just under the Burrard Street Bridge, and walk westbound along the seawall, by English Bay, along Beach Avenue. Walk up Denman street, by all the restaurants/shops. Enter Stanley Park from Georgia Street. Walk through Stanley Park (you can peek into the Aquarium's beluga tanks/seal tanks for free), continue walking around the seawall. Take a bus/trolley/taxi back into downtown, or just plain walk back downtown to Robson Street and have dinner. <BR> <BR

Island Girl, unless you have at least a couple of nights to spend there, I wouldn't recommend driving all the way out to Pacific Rim National Park (Ucluelet area). It's a long, exhausting drive from Victoria (five hours, but the last couple hours are on a very twisty, stressful mountain road). It's gorgeous out there, but unless you have time to do it justice, I would save it for another trip. Also, I much prefer Tofino to Ucluelet...it has a more counter-cultural flavor to it, whereas Ucluelet is more traditional. <BR> <BR>The area to the west of Victoria (Sooke and beyond) is worth exploring, especially if you don't have time to go to Pacific Rim. There are terrific hikes and beach walks out there. <BR> <BR>In Victoria itself, aside from walking around the Inner Harbour and Beacon Hill Park, my favorite things to visit there are the Royal BC Museum (very worthwhile) and the Butchart Gardens.

Island Girl, <BR> <BR>More to come later, but I VERY, VERY highly recommend a whale-watching tour if you've never done it. <BR> <BR>For years, my wife nagged me about going, and being the stubborn goat that I often am, I shrugged it off. When we finally did go, I was the one standing on the top of the cabin having a fit of excitement at seeing these magnificent animals. <BR> <BR>There are a whole host of operators, but I suggest Orca Spirit -- fantastic service/staff, with a real concern for the well-being of all the marine life we encountered. The guides deliberately took approach routes that would ensure good views of the whales, while not interfering with them in any way -- quite impressive. <BR> <BR>More on the Island later....

Hi Island Girl <BR> <BR>I know you've had lots of advice so far .. but we stayed at Cambie Lodge in June and loved it. From what I remember it is part of the Dougwin B & B. although the location was a little out of downtown it is just around the corner from a bus stop, buses run all the time and you just jump on. We didn't have a car. It was so clean and well cared for; lovely breakfast and delightful people running it - I particularly remember Thomas - don't know if he is still there. Their web site is www.cambielodge.com as you probably know - I think we stayed in Room 1 or 2 (the cheapest!!) but was great. <BR> <BR>Stanley park is great - the aquarium's beluga whales are so cute. Very reasonable price we thought for the aquarium. <BR> <BR>If you like hiking try Lighthouse Park - you can catch a bus there easily. <BR> <BR>We are from Perth in Western Australia and to all you Vancouverites - you have a fabulous city. <BR>

Thanks to all for the continuing information, it's great to have all the perspectives. Another question: If we were driving to Tofino, would it be worthwhile to stop in Parksville/Nanaimo/Qualicum area for the night? Bear in mind, this is in April, so I know we won't be hanging out on the beach! Is there anything to stop for or should we keep going? Or stay in Port Alberni?

I would choose Nanaimo or Parksville over Port Alberni. I realize it is winter but your chances of having a sunny day or at least less rain are a lot better outside of Port Alberni.

I prefer Parksville to Qualicum Beach, Nanaimo or Port Alberni. <BR> <BR>In Parksville you can stay in a room overlooking the ocean and you can walk along the beach to Rathtrevor Park. If the tide is out and you have boots you'll be able to walk *way* out. <BR> <BR>We had a deer visit outside our cabin there and saw a pileated woodpecker, bald eagles, and black brants. In fact the Brant Festival takes place in early April, which may make it difficult to find accommodation, or better to get package deals. <BR> <BR>There are several resorts along this stretch of beach: Beach Acres, Gray Crest, Madrona Beach and Tigh-Na-Mara. I'm not familiar with the Maclure House B&B Inn as I believe it used to be just a restaurant. <BR> <BR>Englishman River Falls is not far away.

Sorry April, but the tides are different in the winter - you can't "walk way out" at this time of the year, it is high tide during the daylight hours.

Hello Island Girl <BR>I'd recommend a stay at the Shaughnessy Hotel on West 12th Avenue. The rooms are clean, private, well furnished and I think it costs $35 a night. Nice neighbourhood and right out the front door you have safe and dependable public transit to Granville Island (about a dozen city blocks north) and downtown. <BR>Where to go? I'd suggest you take 1 of 3 rail trips up the Coast (Squamish via steam locomotive or Whistler - or Lillooet - by diesel electric locomotive). Both are day trips and the scenery is spectacular - especially the latter. I have entertained literally hundreds of out-of-town visitors and the overwhelming majority say that their rail trip was the hilite of their visit here. Cost is very reasonable. You can get more info at http://www.bcrail.ca/bcrpass/ <BR>Incidentally, if you're into trains, one of the attractions at Granville Island is The Model Trains Museum which has the world's largest collection of model trains on public display. The diorama is truly impressive - I can't get my kids out to the place!! <BR>I also recommend a trip to Science World, a ride on the Seabus and The Skyride up Grouse Mountain <BR>You may get some other ideas of what else to do in the Vancouver area from: <BR>http://www.discovervancouver.com/ and <BR>http://www.cscprofilair.com/warlight...ern/places.htm <BR>If you'd like addtl info feel free to email me. <BR>Bill <BR>

Island Girl, <BR> <BR> I stayed at a wonderful bed and breakfast last May in Vancouver. The <BR>West End Guest House. It's about a block from Robson street ( a main shopping street) and we caught a grayline bus tour that takes you around the main hot spots of the city. The ticket was 25.00 for two days. WE saw quiet a bit and had dinner at a Thai and <BR>Greek resturant on Robson. WE only had 2 and 1/2 days, before we left on a cruise. The bed breakfast was very cozy with down comforters and fresh cookies at night.Very nice. I highly recomend <BR>staying there and the staff were very helpful. Breakfast was included in the <BR>price and was delicious. The bus tour was only a couple of blocks from the bed and breakfast. WE plan to go back for a week in April. Good luck and have fun

So, IG, where did you end up staying? My fiance and I are planning our honeymoon to Vancouver/Victoria and I'm very curious.