Rod Hoots

My wife and I (seniors) will spend two days in September on our first visit to Vancouver. We usually start city visits with a Grey Line tour and go from there. Friends have recommended a day trip to Victoria but it takes about 12 hours - is it worth that much time? Any suggestions concerning other tours, dining, etc.?

Chris Rauenbusch

The ferry trip from near Vancouver to Victoria is only about 3 hours. If you are in a hurry, a round trip airline ticket is only about $100 to return on the same day (Air Canada or Canadian Airlines). Victoria is very much worth the visit. Go for tea at the Empress Hotel by the waterfront.

Anne

Victoria is well worth the visit, and the ferry ride over is spectacular! Too bad you couldn't stay overnight, because there is a lot to see and do. Try the 'High Tea' at the Empress Hotel.

Dennis Holland

Don't, please don't do high tea at the Empress. The price is too expensive and the food, quality and amount poor. I went last year after having it there in 1984 and 1991 and was very disappointed. There are other places, check with a local and save your money.
Dennis

Ronald Dobrydnio

Victoria worth a visit - be sure to stop by the Burchard Gardens - they are spectacular! In Vancouver visit their park on the peninsula (Fraser?) and have lunch at a restaurant - Japanese Tea Garden if I'm not mistaken. Good food, lovely ambiance and attentive service, plus a nice view.

SGorcester

You would enjoy Victoria but I think you would be disappointed by a day trip. The ferry starts a ways south of Van and ends up quite north of Victoria. It's doable, particularly on a tour, but you will be exhausted. Really folks, only do this if you are very hearty seniors. Otherwise, Vancouver will keep you more than busy. Be sure to visit the Queen Elizabeth Park atrium. As a lessor site (according to guidebooks) this spot is often skipped, don't skip it. Try the Dim Sum (Chinese lunch) at the Pink Pearl. Like Indian food? Try Rubina Tandoori. Don't like Indian food? Try Rubina Tandoori and you suddenly will. The Anthropolgy Museum at UBC (university) is an inspiration. You can get to UBC easily on a city bus, and you'll enjoy the bus trip for its route through residential Van. Want to take one of the most beautiful tours in the Canadian West, head up Squamish Inlet (you can do this as a day trip instead of Victoria). One of the best restaurant views in North America, head up the Gondola to the top of Grouse Mountain. You'll fall in love with Vancouver and maybe even with eachother (again?) Do Victoria as an overnight trip or skip it. Have a great time in one of my favorite cities!