What would be good in Vancouver?
Jun 24th, 2007, 12:32 PM
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What would be good in Vancouver?
I will be arriving in Vancouver on 10/4/07(thursday) and want to spend 4 nites. I like scenic views, gardens, parks but no nite life-bars etc. Las Vegas is an eyesore to me.I like to photograph people so I'll need an open market or crowded square.
Basically I just like to walk around.
Hotels on the internet were Plaza 500 on w.12th, Sylvia Hotel Gilford St,and the Buchan Hotel on Haro.
I thought about renting a car but I don't know whether I'll need it-but there could be some spectacular island etc.a few hours away that I don't know about.
There were lots of excellent posts here. I need some specific advice from those who know the area. Thanks in advance.
Basically I just like to walk around.
Hotels on the internet were Plaza 500 on w.12th, Sylvia Hotel Gilford St,and the Buchan Hotel on Haro.
I thought about renting a car but I don't know whether I'll need it-but there could be some spectacular island etc.a few hours away that I don't know about.
There were lots of excellent posts here. I need some specific advice from those who know the area. Thanks in advance.
Jun 24th, 2007, 09:16 PM
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Vancouver has a hop-on-hop-off bus which takes you around in vancouver. this option is like killing 2 birds with a stone.....get around easily and not having to deal with expensive downtown parking.
these are the places which i'd highly recommend in particular:
-granville island
-stanley park (by english bay)
-richmond night market (ends oct8)
-chinatown
-Queen elizabeth park (for the view)
Public transportation is very convenient and distances are not far and beyond here in vancouver. a car is not a must.....more convenient yes, necessity not.
enjoy our city.....vancouver is beautiful
these are the places which i'd highly recommend in particular:
-granville island
-stanley park (by english bay)
-richmond night market (ends oct8)
-chinatown
-Queen elizabeth park (for the view)
Public transportation is very convenient and distances are not far and beyond here in vancouver. a car is not a must.....more convenient yes, necessity not.
enjoy our city.....vancouver is beautiful
Jun 26th, 2007, 07:55 PM
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Scenic drives - drive thru or walk the seawall in Stanley Park and or drive to Locarno beach, Spanish Banks in Vanc. continue then on to UBC (university), Nitobe Gardens,along Marine drive then on to an area in Vancouver called the Southlands. Southland has lots of upscale homes and wonderful riding stables. There is a little known island called Deering Island. People watching downtown Vanc. on a weekday, Granville Square, Robson Street. Ethnic areas you could take a bus or Skytrain to ( not at night)- Commercial drive.
Jun 27th, 2007, 05:43 AM
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Silvia might be a good choice for a photographer -- not for its views or architecture, but just because it is an arty kind of a place. It's popular with authors and writers on budgets.
Sea-bus takes you from downtown to North Vancouver for very little money, and provides a mini-tour of the harbout at the same time.
BAK
Sea-bus takes you from downtown to North Vancouver for very little money, and provides a mini-tour of the harbout at the same time.
BAK
Jun 27th, 2007, 02:49 PM
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A strong vote for the Sylvia Hotel - your interests reflect mine, and I would far rather stay at the Sylvia than the Plaza. (If you can't get into the Sylvia, the Buchan would be a good substitute - they are just a few blocks from each other, quiet and peaceful).
Jul 4th, 2007, 09:05 AM
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I've stayed in Vancouver several times:
Once with my friend from Japan, and her boyfriend (Yumi, if you're out there call me!) Haven't really seen them since.
Twice, as I slept at the Hyatt and ran in the Vancouver Marathon. That is a great way to see a city, once you've been before.
John, humble one, I too, like the views, not necesarily the party scene. Lordy lordy, there is more to life than the party scene.
There was a lovely little church that had an awesome saying on the outside of it....I've written it somewhere, but if you have a chance to swing by the Hyatt, take a minute to read what was written. Its more of a philosophical saying. Good for the soul.
Let's see, Chinatown was neat. I bought a wonderful bamboo windchime there. (back in 2000) Stanley Park is tremendous. In fact, Stanley Park was the 13.5 mile point in the marathon, and that is where I began my walk. (I walked the second half of it) (finished by walking.....fbw) Yumi had taken me there by bike before. We had a great time. If you are on the path by the water you might be tempted to jump in to experience the glorious water, view, etc. (there is a big bridge overhead on one part, that is the way to Whistler, and that is a whole different story altogether)
The area with the boats, the green-windowed (and very tall) condos, and views is amazing. I haven't been to Vancouver in the fall, so I don't know what that will be like for you, but in the spring, the flowers are amazing.
Gramville Island was a fun place to grab a beer. That would be a great place to photograph people.
Humblejohn, how do you photograph people without irritating them? Do tell.
Thanks for letting me re-live my time there.
Once with my friend from Japan, and her boyfriend (Yumi, if you're out there call me!) Haven't really seen them since.
Twice, as I slept at the Hyatt and ran in the Vancouver Marathon. That is a great way to see a city, once you've been before.
John, humble one, I too, like the views, not necesarily the party scene. Lordy lordy, there is more to life than the party scene.
There was a lovely little church that had an awesome saying on the outside of it....I've written it somewhere, but if you have a chance to swing by the Hyatt, take a minute to read what was written. Its more of a philosophical saying. Good for the soul.
Let's see, Chinatown was neat. I bought a wonderful bamboo windchime there. (back in 2000) Stanley Park is tremendous. In fact, Stanley Park was the 13.5 mile point in the marathon, and that is where I began my walk. (I walked the second half of it) (finished by walking.....fbw) Yumi had taken me there by bike before. We had a great time. If you are on the path by the water you might be tempted to jump in to experience the glorious water, view, etc. (there is a big bridge overhead on one part, that is the way to Whistler, and that is a whole different story altogether)
The area with the boats, the green-windowed (and very tall) condos, and views is amazing. I haven't been to Vancouver in the fall, so I don't know what that will be like for you, but in the spring, the flowers are amazing.
Gramville Island was a fun place to grab a beer. That would be a great place to photograph people.
Humblejohn, how do you photograph people without irritating them? Do tell.
Thanks for letting me re-live my time there.
Jul 4th, 2007, 09:11 AM
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OH, the church that I spoke of is across from the Hyatt....
Yumi was only living there for a short while, not sure what was going to happen b/c she wanted to live in the US. On my second visit there, I returned to the apt, where they lived, left a note for anyone who might know them, and never heard back. Mysteries of life. People come into our lives and then flow out. All my best to her and her pursuit of her dreams!
(and) I ran the marathon with a different girl, who caught up to me, then passed me when I started walking. Very interesting convo with her as she said she was from Japan, she was 'illegal'in Canada, working as a waitress, and trying to live there....the stories that arise in travel and in running.....
Yumi was only living there for a short while, not sure what was going to happen b/c she wanted to live in the US. On my second visit there, I returned to the apt, where they lived, left a note for anyone who might know them, and never heard back. Mysteries of life. People come into our lives and then flow out. All my best to her and her pursuit of her dreams!
(and) I ran the marathon with a different girl, who caught up to me, then passed me when I started walking. Very interesting convo with her as she said she was from Japan, she was 'illegal'in Canada, working as a waitress, and trying to live there....the stories that arise in travel and in running.....
Jul 8th, 2007, 10:03 AM
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Stayed at the Sylvia Hotel in May and really enjoyed it there. I would recommend it because it is right on English Bay (great views) and next to Stanley Park -- talk about a great place to photograph people and some lovely gardens. An added bonus is the proximity to many great little ethnic restaurants just around the corner on Denman Street.
We also loved Queen Elizabeth Park and Gardens. The views from the Park toward Vancouver are amazing and the gardens themselves were so gorgeous.
We also loved Queen Elizabeth Park and Gardens. The views from the Park toward Vancouver are amazing and the gardens themselves were so gorgeous.
Jul 8th, 2007, 12:37 PM
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Dont know if it your thing but we loved the Anthropology Museum at UBC , look at their website www.moa.ubc I think anyone would enjoy it
Jul 18th, 2007, 04:57 PM
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We are East-coasters who will soon be returning to the Pacific Northwest for the third in five years.
In Vancouver I wouldn't miss:
*Stanley Park
*The BC Museum of Anthropology (make sure you go for the docent led-tour! Fab-u-lus!)
*The BC Rose Garden
*Van Dusen Gardens
*Nitobe Japanese Gardens
[all are located fairly near each other]
*Vancouver Aquarium
*Grouse Mountain (plan to spend an entire glorious day here...)[If you are a dedicated hiker, you can try the "Grouse Grind"]
*The Capilano Suspension Bridge or (if you are a bit more adventurous and can follow a road map, join the locals at nearby - and free!)*Lynn Valley Canyon Suspension Bridge
*Granville Island (In addition to all the food stalls, artist's shops and people watching, there is a bakery to die for! When I was last there, I told them their wares bordered on culinary pornography..)
*A Harbour cruise at sunset
*If you like art glass, consider stopping at Robert Held's art glass studio at 2130 Pine Street in Kitsilano. He is considered the "father" of Canada's art glass community. There is also great people watching all over Kitsilano.
*Filmmakers have long used Vancouver as a stand-in for many films and television shows. If you are a movie fan, consider taking a tour with Vancouver Movie Tours. You can see where many films and much of the "X Files" was shot...
We personally like having the freedom that a car provides. We had a rental car to drive along the shoreline out to BC's Museum of Anthropology and the aforementioned gardens, (and an added bonus is you can stop afterwards in Kitsilano) but most of the activities I described can be reached by Vancouver's excellent public transportation system.
Biggest Bargain hint:
If you are traveling with someone or will meet a friend while in Vancouver,
*Go to www.entertainment.com
You can buy a "Vancouver" Entertainment book right now for $7.98 plus $1 shipping and handling.(it's the end of the season and they want to unload them before they all expire on November 1.)
There are coupons for Buy One / Get One free for almost every single museum in Vancouver, including the Aquarium (not valid only during July and August) plus the UBC Botanical Gardens, the Van Dusen Gardens, the Bloedel Conservatory, The Sun Yat Sen Chinese Gardens, the Capilano Suspension Bridge, Harbour cruises, bicycle rentals, carriage rides in Stanley Park, Lafflines Comedy Club, and many, many, very good restaurants, including the Cannery, Le Gavroche, Hermitage, Water Street Cafe, McQueens & Monk MQueens, Wild Rice, Borgo Antico, Amarcord, Stone Grill, The Stanley Park Fish House [Great for lunch after the Carriage Ride], and Death By Chocolate, plus many different coffee and ice cream shops. There are more restaurant coupons than you could use in a month of eating out everyday. You'll get back your 8.98 after the first coupon you use dining out...
And remember, whatever you miss doing, you can always go back!
Links You May Want to Check Out:
Trip Advisor Link to Vancouver Activities
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractio..._Columbia.html
August 2005 New York Times Article
http://travel.nytimes.com/2005/08/21...96&ei=5070
Discovery Channel Links for everything related to Vancouver
http://www.discovery.com/search/resu...uery=Vancouver
www.travelchannel.com Links for Vancouver:
http://search.travel.discovery.com/s...FormSubmit.y=2
All TravelChannel Links for Attractions and telephone numbers in Vancouver:
http://travel.discovery.com/destinat....html?id=30978
http://www3.oag.com/Cities/Guide?cat...=6&city=73
Vancouver Movie Tours
http://www.vanmovietours.com/
Hope this helps!
In Vancouver I wouldn't miss:
*Stanley Park
*The BC Museum of Anthropology (make sure you go for the docent led-tour! Fab-u-lus!)
*The BC Rose Garden
*Van Dusen Gardens
*Nitobe Japanese Gardens
[all are located fairly near each other]
*Vancouver Aquarium
*Grouse Mountain (plan to spend an entire glorious day here...)[If you are a dedicated hiker, you can try the "Grouse Grind"]
*The Capilano Suspension Bridge or (if you are a bit more adventurous and can follow a road map, join the locals at nearby - and free!)*Lynn Valley Canyon Suspension Bridge
*Granville Island (In addition to all the food stalls, artist's shops and people watching, there is a bakery to die for! When I was last there, I told them their wares bordered on culinary pornography..)
*A Harbour cruise at sunset
*If you like art glass, consider stopping at Robert Held's art glass studio at 2130 Pine Street in Kitsilano. He is considered the "father" of Canada's art glass community. There is also great people watching all over Kitsilano.
*Filmmakers have long used Vancouver as a stand-in for many films and television shows. If you are a movie fan, consider taking a tour with Vancouver Movie Tours. You can see where many films and much of the "X Files" was shot...
We personally like having the freedom that a car provides. We had a rental car to drive along the shoreline out to BC's Museum of Anthropology and the aforementioned gardens, (and an added bonus is you can stop afterwards in Kitsilano) but most of the activities I described can be reached by Vancouver's excellent public transportation system.
Biggest Bargain hint:
If you are traveling with someone or will meet a friend while in Vancouver,
*Go to www.entertainment.com
You can buy a "Vancouver" Entertainment book right now for $7.98 plus $1 shipping and handling.(it's the end of the season and they want to unload them before they all expire on November 1.)
There are coupons for Buy One / Get One free for almost every single museum in Vancouver, including the Aquarium (not valid only during July and August) plus the UBC Botanical Gardens, the Van Dusen Gardens, the Bloedel Conservatory, The Sun Yat Sen Chinese Gardens, the Capilano Suspension Bridge, Harbour cruises, bicycle rentals, carriage rides in Stanley Park, Lafflines Comedy Club, and many, many, very good restaurants, including the Cannery, Le Gavroche, Hermitage, Water Street Cafe, McQueens & Monk MQueens, Wild Rice, Borgo Antico, Amarcord, Stone Grill, The Stanley Park Fish House [Great for lunch after the Carriage Ride], and Death By Chocolate, plus many different coffee and ice cream shops. There are more restaurant coupons than you could use in a month of eating out everyday. You'll get back your 8.98 after the first coupon you use dining out...
And remember, whatever you miss doing, you can always go back!
Links You May Want to Check Out:
Trip Advisor Link to Vancouver Activities
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractio..._Columbia.html
August 2005 New York Times Article
http://travel.nytimes.com/2005/08/21...96&ei=5070
Discovery Channel Links for everything related to Vancouver
http://www.discovery.com/search/resu...uery=Vancouver
www.travelchannel.com Links for Vancouver:
http://search.travel.discovery.com/s...FormSubmit.y=2
All TravelChannel Links for Attractions and telephone numbers in Vancouver:
http://travel.discovery.com/destinat....html?id=30978
http://www3.oag.com/Cities/Guide?cat...=6&city=73
Vancouver Movie Tours
http://www.vanmovietours.com/
Hope this helps!
