semiramis

The windows seemed to be pretty soundproof when we were there I can't say that we noticed street noises - however we faced Robson which is actually a bit quieter than Denman.

Re: Skytrain from airport - you could take it Downtown and then catch a taxi to Times Square Stuites. The closest stop on the Canada Line would be Vancouver City Centre. If you pack VERY lightly and don't mind schlepping luggage you could walk from Skytrain stop to West Georgia and Richards and get the Westbound #5 Bus which takes you right to the hotel.

eliztravels

Times Square Suites is my favourite place to stay in Vancouver, so I think you've made a good choice. We too are seniors who love walking and can get around fine with public transit.

In Stanley park you can walk around the seawall until you get tired, then take the bus around the rest of the loop. Or you can rent bicycles just outside the park, if you dare. Regarding the aquarium, I also had an experience there with way too many noisy kids, so perhaps saving it as a substitute activity for a rainy day would make sense.

The museum of Anthropolgy is just stunning, IMHO, and Granville Island on the cute little ferry is good fun.

Check out Hon's restaurant just up the street from your accommodation. A huge menu of mainly chinese food, lively, often noisy, always fun. Service is fast so don't worry if there is a lineup.

I used to make frequent visits to Van. when our daughter lived there; nice to have the opportunity to share our favourites.

violetduck

outwest- how nice to live in such a beautiful place. The two tearooms seem perfect. Do you have any suggestions for accomodations? It would be really nice to have a harbor view but wonder if some of those places are too far from historic center with no car. Prefer price no more than $225.00 and lower even much better. We enjoy some updated vintage charm more than sleek modern. Many thanks!

outwest

Violet—I agree that the Surf Motel is not the most central location if you don't have a car. I'd stay at a hotel around the inner harbor. I know people who've stayed at the Hotel Grand Pacific which has a great location—very good for walking. People have also told me about the Royal Scott hotel—probably a bit cheaper and I think they have full kitchens—it's very popular with snowbirds who do longstays. The only hotel I've ever stayed at here is the Helm's Inn—it was a good value, full kitchen and a nice location directly across from Beacon Hill Park (a really nice park, definitely worth a visit). Another hotel in the same location is the Queen Victoria Hotel & Suites–right by Beacon Hill, across the street from the BC Museum. All of these hotels would be about a ten minute walk to the ocean but would be more central to downtown.

There are lots of character b&bs—the Beaconsfield Inn is lovely and a pretty good location.

Our transit is pretty good given the size of Victoria but you should definitely try to pick up a printed schedule—you can also get the same info online at the BC transit website. That way you avoid long waits.

I was also thinking that you might enjoy a day trip out to Sidney—it's easy to get there by bus and it's a nice place to spend a few hours. There are a lot of secondhand bookstores and some antique/vintage stores.

violetduck

Again, many thanks to all. All your thoughts and suggestions are very helpful.

outwest- Hotel Grand Pacific is calling to me at the moment. However, by the time I total up all the transportation costs I may need to bring a tent. : )

tansay

I really enjoyed the Dr. Sun Yat Sen Chinese Garden in Vancouver. It was amazing to walk inside the wall and suddenly you weren't in the big city anymore.

According to their website: "The Garden is a 15 –20 minute walk from Downtown. You know you’re in Chinatown when the street lamp posts are red and topped with dragons."

Their website also gives the following directions for public transit.

SKYTRAIN: The closest Skytrain Station is "Stadium - Chinatown". Walk east on Keefer Street for three blocks. We are inside the tall white walls, follow the signs.

BUS: #22 Knight or the #19 Metrotown from Downtown Vancouver.
The closest bus stop to the Garden is located on Pender St. near Carrall St.


I do hope the sun shines for you. When the sun shines in Vancouver it is truly the most beautiful city in the world. But there is a reason it is so green! Make sure you have an umbrella!

violetduck

tansay-did some reading about the Chinese Garden and it sounds like a lovely peaceful
oasis in the middle of the city. Will also put it on my hope to see list. Thanks.