Vancouver, BC Day Trip is it worth it?
Jun 13th, 2003, 06:58 AM
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2003
Posts: 99
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Vancouver, BC Day Trip is it worth it?
Hello,
We are thinking of doing a day trip to Vancouver from Seattle in July. Would this be worth it. We know we can't see everything but would like to get a quick look. What would you think would be good to give us a taste of the city? My daughter is dying to go on that suspension bridge and we would probably do the Aquarium. Also, I'm guessing that it stays light until around 10pm at this time of year, am I right?
We had thought of Victoria first but the ferry schedule and cost makes it prohibitive for a daytrip. We will save that for another time.
Thank you for any advice.
We are thinking of doing a day trip to Vancouver from Seattle in July. Would this be worth it. We know we can't see everything but would like to get a quick look. What would you think would be good to give us a taste of the city? My daughter is dying to go on that suspension bridge and we would probably do the Aquarium. Also, I'm guessing that it stays light until around 10pm at this time of year, am I right?
We had thought of Victoria first but the ferry schedule and cost makes it prohibitive for a daytrip. We will save that for another time.
Thank you for any advice.
Jun 13th, 2003, 07:21 AM
#2
Join Date: Jun 2003
Posts: 4,426
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Would you be driving or ....? Take into account that the border crossing can hold you up a bit, but yes, I think you can do a day trip if you are willing to start early and travel late -- worth doing, esp. if you don't think you'll be back there any time soon.
I would recommend Granville Island -- options for eating, shops, art studios with people working in them as you watch, open market, and decent view back to the city and up to the mountains.
Also recommend going up the tower at Harbour Center for a great panoramic view.
A quick way to get a literal overview is to take the Sky Train between the train station and Harbour Center. Although it goes underground beneath the center of the city, you get to see plenty otherwise.
Stanley Park is pretty but can't be walked in a short time -- there are some buses.
If you want to see something of the downtown area, you might find the West End and Yaletown more interesting that the over-hyped Gastown, which is gimcracks and mediocre restaurants, mostly.
I would recommend Granville Island -- options for eating, shops, art studios with people working in them as you watch, open market, and decent view back to the city and up to the mountains.
Also recommend going up the tower at Harbour Center for a great panoramic view.
A quick way to get a literal overview is to take the Sky Train between the train station and Harbour Center. Although it goes underground beneath the center of the city, you get to see plenty otherwise.
Stanley Park is pretty but can't be walked in a short time -- there are some buses.
If you want to see something of the downtown area, you might find the West End and Yaletown more interesting that the over-hyped Gastown, which is gimcracks and mediocre restaurants, mostly.
Jun 13th, 2003, 07:26 AM
#3
A day trip is fine - get an early jump and be prepared for minor border delays going north, then, depending on the day of the week, time of day, and blind luck, for somewhat worse border delays re-entering the US. You might consider returning at the Abbotsford/Sumas crossing a ways east of the Blaine I-5/99 crossings, or else make sure you use the you-know-what before you get stuck in the lineup. Figure 2 1/2 hours city center - city center, plus the border. It can be done faster, but not a lot. Allow 3 1/2 hrs. northbound, 4 - 4 1/2 SB. Bring passports or birth certificat copies just in case they ask. If you waive rental car CDW insurance, make sure your own policy covers you in Canada. A lot of BC drivers seemed to have learned how to drive in Boston. ;-)
For an easier time, but not cheaper and more time sensitive, you might think about the train - NB departure at 7:45 AM, SB around 7:30 PM (I think) - lovely trip; I think the return fare is under $35, might be worth it to avoid border discomforts.
The aquarium and Stanley Park are must-dos; the Capilano bridge IMO is a brilliant success of marketing hype.
Spend an hour or two on Granville Island - fun market, shops, cafes; you can rent a little motor boat and putt around False Creek. Wander through Chinatown and grab some dim sum for lunch. Watch the cricketers at Stanley Park (if on a weekend). If you like botanical gardens (great in July) try the Van Dusen and/or Queen Elizabeth II Park gardens, which IMO are almost as nice as Butchart Gdns in Victoria, minus the cost and hype. Walk along the beach at English Bay or out at the Spanish Banks for great views; if you like museums the Anthropology museum at the Univ. of BC is great. Stroll along Robson, Denman, or through Yaletown for trendy/funky shopping and cafes. Drive through Gastown and note how much more inviting Seattle's Pioneer Square is. Second ;-)
It's light until 10 or later, but by then you'll either be through the border or waiting.
For an easier time, but not cheaper and more time sensitive, you might think about the train - NB departure at 7:45 AM, SB around 7:30 PM (I think) - lovely trip; I think the return fare is under $35, might be worth it to avoid border discomforts.
The aquarium and Stanley Park are must-dos; the Capilano bridge IMO is a brilliant success of marketing hype.
Spend an hour or two on Granville Island - fun market, shops, cafes; you can rent a little motor boat and putt around False Creek. Wander through Chinatown and grab some dim sum for lunch. Watch the cricketers at Stanley Park (if on a weekend). If you like botanical gardens (great in July) try the Van Dusen and/or Queen Elizabeth II Park gardens, which IMO are almost as nice as Butchart Gdns in Victoria, minus the cost and hype. Walk along the beach at English Bay or out at the Spanish Banks for great views; if you like museums the Anthropology museum at the Univ. of BC is great. Stroll along Robson, Denman, or through Yaletown for trendy/funky shopping and cafes. Drive through Gastown and note how much more inviting Seattle's Pioneer Square is. Second ;-)
It's light until 10 or later, but by then you'll either be through the border or waiting.
Jun 13th, 2003, 07:55 AM
#4
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2003
Posts: 99
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Thank you for the great suggestions! We are driving and planning on leaving EARLY. It would be midweek so would that make a difference with the border crossing?
Also, how do you get to Granville Island? Is it a bridge or ferry?
I was a little dissapointed in missing the Butchart gardens, so the other two suggestions are really appreciated!
Thanks again!
PS I was actually thinking the Lynn Canyon Park bridge instead of Capilano.
Also, how do you get to Granville Island? Is it a bridge or ferry?
I was a little dissapointed in missing the Butchart gardens, so the other two suggestions are really appreciated!
Thanks again!
PS I was actually thinking the Lynn Canyon Park bridge instead of Capilano.
Jun 13th, 2003, 08:08 AM
#5
Yea! Lynn Canyon is mo betta.
Granville Island is via bridge and loop-de-loops under the Granville St. Bridge on the s. side of False creek. Prepare to get lost (follow the traffic.) Alternatively you can park on the n. side of False Creek and take the adorable wee ferries ($1 still?) across to the island.
Granville Island is via bridge and loop-de-loops under the Granville St. Bridge on the s. side of False creek. Prepare to get lost (follow the traffic.) Alternatively you can park on the n. side of False Creek and take the adorable wee ferries ($1 still?) across to the island.
Jun 13th, 2003, 11:16 AM
#6
Join Date: Jun 2003
Posts: 46
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
In MY humble opinion, NO, I would NOT go.
We had planned to spend three nights there and canceled two. We ended up spending the rest of the time in Victoria, which is beautiful and WORTH the extra cost and effort!!
We stayed in the Pacific Palisades Hotel in downtown Vancouver, and it hotel was very nice.
However, the city did NOT live up to what we had expected through the Fodors Canada Board.
Granville Island is mostly typical shoppes and little restaurants, NOTHING you haven't seen a zillion times within any decent sized city in America.
Downtown Vancouver has upscale shoppes, but again, those are found everywhere.
Stanley Park was the worst disappointment. It greatly paled in comparison to other parks we've seen, but AGAIN, this is MHO.
IMHO, I would call Seattle a world class ciy compared to Vancouver, with ALL of the above features, AND MUCH MORE. Stay in Seattle, or go to Victoria.
We had planned to spend three nights there and canceled two. We ended up spending the rest of the time in Victoria, which is beautiful and WORTH the extra cost and effort!!
We stayed in the Pacific Palisades Hotel in downtown Vancouver, and it hotel was very nice.
However, the city did NOT live up to what we had expected through the Fodors Canada Board.
Granville Island is mostly typical shoppes and little restaurants, NOTHING you haven't seen a zillion times within any decent sized city in America.
Downtown Vancouver has upscale shoppes, but again, those are found everywhere.
Stanley Park was the worst disappointment. It greatly paled in comparison to other parks we've seen, but AGAIN, this is MHO.
IMHO, I would call Seattle a world class ciy compared to Vancouver, with ALL of the above features, AND MUCH MORE. Stay in Seattle, or go to Victoria.
Jun 13th, 2003, 11:42 AM
#7
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 4,713
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
We did a day trip to Vancouver from just N. of Seattle in July 2001. We weren't impressed. Went to Stanley park, thier Chinatown, a bit of shopping. Perhaps if we had more time.
We wished we had splurged for Victoria. Maybe next time....
We wished we had splurged for Victoria. Maybe next time....
Jun 13th, 2003, 11:55 AM
#8
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 13,407
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Wow! I have the exact opposite opinion of the poster above. While I found Victoria a pleasant enough destination, it was a little too cutesy, touristy for my tastes. On the other hand, I've always enjoyed my trips to Vancouver. It's a great city and IMO certainly holds its own compared to Seattle. Stanley Park is one of the best urban parks I've visited but you really need more time to fully enjoy. The Tea House at Ferguson point is a wonderful lunch spot in the park. Granville Island is more than just the typical stores. There are many artisans making handcrafted items with studios there including a luthier, a woodworker's co-op, and a shoemaker. I like eating at the market where I can pick and choose a little of everything. Terra Breads is a great bakery - my favorite is their apple foccacia.
I'd do an overnight instead of trying to get back and forth in one day. You won't feel so rushed and I think you'll enjoy it more. We've done overnights (driving from Seattle) and felt it was very worthwhile. Check Priceline for downtown Vancouver hotels. We were able to get the Hyatt for $48 over Memorial day weekend. Have fun!
I'd do an overnight instead of trying to get back and forth in one day. You won't feel so rushed and I think you'll enjoy it more. We've done overnights (driving from Seattle) and felt it was very worthwhile. Check Priceline for downtown Vancouver hotels. We were able to get the Hyatt for $48 over Memorial day weekend. Have fun!
Jun 13th, 2003, 12:03 PM
#9
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 3,491
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Have to say that if it's too cloudy to see the mountains and you don't enjoy watching artists work and having a lunch on a dock near a waterfront and you figure if you've seen one tree you've seen them all, then it's maybe understandable to sound disappointed in Vancouver (although maybe the correct abbreviation is IMO rather than IMHO).
But this is just a day trip, and that is a city that -- if nothing else -- is situated in one of the most beautiful combinations of mountains and water I can think of. And I love Seattle, don't get me wrong.
My favorite museum would probably be the anthropological museum up at the University, but that's considerably out of your way for just a day trip, although there are some spectacular views from up that way.
Sure, skip Stanley Park -- but do choose activities that take advantage of waterfront views. I do think Granville Island is a pleasant place to have lunch in decent weather, but be aware that parking is hard to figure out and, in any case, tight. If you are good walkers, park on the outskirts (once you negotiate the off-ramp from the bridge down to the "Island" which seems more like a peninsula to me) and walk in.
Oh, yes, and do check the Canada board for their suggestions on the city.
But this is just a day trip, and that is a city that -- if nothing else -- is situated in one of the most beautiful combinations of mountains and water I can think of. And I love Seattle, don't get me wrong.
My favorite museum would probably be the anthropological museum up at the University, but that's considerably out of your way for just a day trip, although there are some spectacular views from up that way.
Sure, skip Stanley Park -- but do choose activities that take advantage of waterfront views. I do think Granville Island is a pleasant place to have lunch in decent weather, but be aware that parking is hard to figure out and, in any case, tight. If you are good walkers, park on the outskirts (once you negotiate the off-ramp from the bridge down to the "Island" which seems more like a peninsula to me) and walk in.
Oh, yes, and do check the Canada board for their suggestions on the city.
Jun 13th, 2003, 05:34 PM
#10
Join Date: Jun 2003
Posts: 57
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Seattle is a "world class city" and Vancouver isn't? Victoria is more interesting than Vancouver? Whoowee I be livin' on a different planet I guess.
Victoria is a very pretty place and "cute" is a good description for its character. Outside of town there are great coastal vistas/kayaking etc. In towne, many "Ye Olde English Tea Shoppes".
Vancouver on a sunny day is unbeatable and Stanley Park is fabulous. The city is geared to sporting/healthful types --- or at least it likes to think so --- so hiking, biking, skiing, boating are big. It has, in my humble opinion, better food than Seattle (Tojo's is a world reknowned Japanese resto and Kevin Feeney's restaurant is rated among top 10 in North Amer.) Nightlife exists but is not great --- I'd give Seattle the nudge here. Seattle will soon have a killer library but Vancouver has a hockey team!
Victoria is a very pretty place and "cute" is a good description for its character. Outside of town there are great coastal vistas/kayaking etc. In towne, many "Ye Olde English Tea Shoppes".
Vancouver on a sunny day is unbeatable and Stanley Park is fabulous. The city is geared to sporting/healthful types --- or at least it likes to think so --- so hiking, biking, skiing, boating are big. It has, in my humble opinion, better food than Seattle (Tojo's is a world reknowned Japanese resto and Kevin Feeney's restaurant is rated among top 10 in North Amer.) Nightlife exists but is not great --- I'd give Seattle the nudge here. Seattle will soon have a killer library but Vancouver has a hockey team!
Jun 13th, 2003, 10:46 PM
#11
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2003
Posts: 99
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Hi JohnC
Thanks for your insight. How sunny can I expect it to be in mid July?? I've never been north of SFO before so I really don't know how wet it will be up that way in the summer. I am from San Diego, so really do not know what to expect.
Thanks for your insight. How sunny can I expect it to be in mid July?? I've never been north of SFO before so I really don't know how wet it will be up that way in the summer. I am from San Diego, so really do not know what to expect.
Jun 14th, 2003, 05:29 AM
#12
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 1,739
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Hmm, interesting question. My response is somewhere between rockin and austin's...
We put it on our route from Banff and Jasper to the Olympic Pennisula. It wasn't anything out of the ordinary, similar to other waterfront cities, and we've been to MOST, with good points and bad. Not a place we'll visit again, but glad we saw it!! (i found my favorite jeans at the Bebe boutique, does that count?
)And yes, Victoria is 'cute' but touristy etc.
So is it worth it? Sure, but depends on where you've already traveled, and if you've done all you want in Seattle.
Thread
Original Poster
Forum
Replies
Last Post
TxTravelPro
United States
17
Jul 10th, 2005 07:32 AM
