Vancouver theatre visit
 

Daughter and I are heading to Vancouver to see "Hello Dolly" late November; driving up from WA State. Any recommendations for parking close to theatre that will give us ability to walk to close shopping and perhaps dinner pretheatre? She is very much into tempura and sweet and sour at the moment - recommendations? Would really like to get up there mid afternoon, park, shop and eat, then theatre, before leaving town. Safe to walk in the area at night? Thanks.

What theatre is it at?

The Vancouver Playhouse. We saw "Phantom" at the QE theatre several years ago, so I basically know where it is. Just can't remember the area, although I do know Vancouver's downtown is relatively small. We wandered all over New York City recently together so are comfortable walking large cities.

The immediate area around the QE Theatre and the Playhouse is not loaded with restaurants and is quite a way, (i.e. around 4-8 blocks) from the best shopping areas. However Pacific Centre can be entered from the Bay or Scotia Centre and it's only about 4 short blocks from the Theatre.

There are a number of good restaurants in Yaletown which is directly South along Hamilton from the Theatre but no Japanese or Chinese that I'm aware of. I'ld combvine shopping and dinner aroundf the Pacific Centre, (Granville & Georgia) area. But if you want to move further afield there are some really good Asian restaurants around the areas of Robson and Alberni Streets just west of Burrard. From there though you are talking about a good 20 -30 minute walk to the Theatre which would not be too bad if it's a nice evening - a rarity in November. Also the real tony shops are located in the Robson Street area although Pacific Centre has some good ones as well.

The area is perfectly safe within reason. Our current City Council has been very permissive towards the street people lately and they can be a nuisance but almost never are they hazardous. Use common sence and stay on the main drags, (Granville, Georgia, Robson and Hamilton), and you'll have no problems.

Thanks for your input, the Pacific Centre sounds as if it might fit our needs. Where do you recommend parking the car to be convenient to both the Pacific Centre and the theatre? Thanks for your help.

Pacific Centre parking is pretty reasonable and open till midnight. Park around the Four Seasons Hotel entrance .so that your car won't be sitting alone. Also make sure that no valuables are visible because theft from cars with out of province plates is very common. In fact, after you've finished shopping it may not be a bad idea to rent a locker in Pacific Centre and store your purchases there rather than the trunk of your car.

This is great info, I will print it out. One more question if you have the time - we can either come up through the Lynden border crossing and over Highway 1 into the city, or up via the Peach Arch and into the city via Highway 99. Which do you think is the easiest and most direct way into the city for us? And the same going back out? I know that Howe Street is our way back out via 99, but not sure how to get back out via the Transcanada 1. Thanks for all your info, I really appreciate it.

Under normal circumstances in late November there should not be long waits at the Peace Arch crossing. If you turn your radio to 1130AM you will hear the border crossing wait times every ten minutes on the ones, (1.8 5:01, 5:11, 5:21, etc), and they will give the approximate wait times for each of the 3 or 4 main crossings. Usually if Peace Arch is busy the Truck Crossing or 'Pac Highway' which is less than a mile east is not. You definately wont have to go as far east as Lynden. So for the most part coming and going you use #99 which joins up with I-5.

By the way I was rethinking the best parking and there is the Bay parkade which is only about three short blocks from the Playhouse but I'm not sure if it stays open late. It probably does and will be less expensive than the Pacific Centre. I'll check tomorrow and let you know.

OK I've thought it over and the best place to park is in the Scotia Tower which is on the corner of Georgia & Seymour. Take the Seymour street exit off the Granville St. Bridge and the entrance to the Parkade is on your left just before Georgia Street. It's open late because there's a cineplex there and you can walk inside from there through to the Pacific Centre. Again try to park near and entrance and rent a locker near the parkade for your shopping stuff or take them with you to the theatre - an easy three short blocks away down Georgia to Hamilton.

When returning to the states just turn left on Georgia and left again on Howe and then accross the Granville bridge and follow the signs to Hwy 99 South. Border crossings will be quiet after 10PM so there should be no wait.

Gary-this info on your last post is exactly what I needed, the directions are perfect! And I'm assuming since you are pointing us in that direction, that it is safe to walk in the area after the play? (We always use our common sense, but thought I'd ask nevertheless). I can thank you enough for helping me out! (These boards are quite useful, don't you agree? ---most of the time! haha)

inthechips, I walk in that area after plays quite often and I feel safe.