Days Inn Vancouver/Getting to Port

[StlCruisingFool]

Hello,

 

We have a reservation booked next August for the Days Inn for the 2 days leading up to our cruise to Alaska. We will be flying into YVR and I am thinking taking the Canada Skytrain. How far of a walk is the skytrain exit to the Days Inn Downtown Vancouver? It doesn't look like a long walk, but what doesn't look long on paper may actually be a long way. Also, is the Days Inn in an okay area to stay in? The Days Inn has a shuttle for us to take to the port.

[operabob]

3 easy blocks to the cruise ship terminal. Probably 2 blocks from sky train.

[BCHappyGal]

Yes a very easy walk -

 

You are in the financial district and very close to Pacific Centre Mall one of Vancouver's large shopping Cts.

[BCHappyGal]

AS you have 2 days in Vancouver here is my list of FUN things to do

 

Info on Vancouver from a local!

 

My favorite must do attractions are

 

1) Grouse Mountain – http://www.grousemountain.com – this is a wonderful scenic mountain only about 15 mins from downtown Vancouver. Ride the airtram to the top for lots of fun activities that include a loggers show, birds of prey show, 2 movies (1 about the Vancouver area and 1 about the 2 Grizzly Bears who make their home on Grouse Mtn) ride a chair lift higher up the mountain to visit the wind turbine that generates approximately 30% of the power required for Grouse Mountain Resort and visit with 2 live Grizzly Bears. Thrill to a 2 hour Zip Line Tour. Enjoy a meal in any of the restaurants. Caveat only spend the money to go up on a clear day.

2) Capilano Suspension Bridge – http://www.capbridge.com – this is Vancouver’s oldest tourist attraction and I still enjoy visiting it! Located on Capilano Road just before you reach the Grouse Mountain parking lot. Walk across a suspension Bridge over the Capilano Gorge, wonder the trails thru the rain forest, walk thru the treetops on the new Tree Top Adventure, visit the trading post for a huge selection of souvenirs, watch native weavers and/or carvers at work.

3) Capilano Fish Hatchery is also located on Capilano Road and is a great place to view salmon jumping up the fish ladders to get around the Cleveland Dam. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Capilano_River_Regional_Park

4) Lynn Valley Suspension Bridge – http://www.lynncanyon.ca - is also located in North Vancouver and is much less touristy than Capilano but it also is not as spectacular. The bridge is slightly higher above the water but much shorter in span. Located in a Provincial Park this bridge comes with some nice hiking trails and you will find an ecology centre in the park as well as picnic tables and a food concession outlet. Should you choose to enjoy the Lynn Valley Suspension Bridge always cross the suspension bridge first and then hike down the trail to the lower (Twin Falls wooden) bridge to cross back over the Lynn Valley River and return to your car – that way you are hiking downhill rather than uphill. It is also free to visit this suspension bridge!

5) Stanley Park – http://www.vancouver.ca/parks/parks/stanley/ - is the crown jewel of Vancouver's parks. As one of North America's largest urban parks, covering over a 1000 acres and offering an abundance of activities. Enjoy the totem pole collection near the Brockton Point Light House, hiking trails, beaches, water parks for the kids (young & old), rose gardens, miniature train, petting zoo, aquarium –http://www.vanaqua.org – many view points, and several restaurants. During the summer months there is a free shuttle bus that you can ride around the park on.

6) Vancouver Aquarium – http://www.vanaqua.org – is Canada’s largest aquarium and is committed to the conservation of marine life and education. Located in Stanley Park this is a fun place for the family to visit.

7) Gas Town – the location where Vancouver originated. The name is derived from a very colorful character named Gassy Jack who was one of the first settlers in the area and a salon keeper – while in Gas Town don’t miss your photo op with the statue of Gassy Jack and by the Steam Clock. During the summer months there is a free walking tour of Gas Town for times call 604-683-5650

8) At the start of Gas Town is the Harbor Centre Tower http://www.vancouverlookout.com a great spot to start your tour of Vancouver with a birds eye view of the city. Either take the elevator up to the lookout level or go to the top and enjoy a meal in the revolving restaurant.

9) China Town is only about 6 blocks over from Gas Town and is the largest China Town north of San Francisco. While in China Town enjoy a visit to the Dr Sun Yat Sen Classical Gardens http://www.vancouverchinesegarden.com and also make sure you visit the world’s thinnest building it is only 6’ wide!

10) The city of Vancouver has laid out self guided walking tours of 4 distinct historical neighborhoods in Vancouver – Gastown; Chinatown; Yaletown; & Shaughnessy – these walking tours along with a historical introduction to each neighbourhood can be found at http://vancouver.ca/commsvcs/planning/heritage/walks/index.htm

11) Granville Island – http://www.granvilleisland.com – is a huge public market area which not only sells fruit & veggies but you can also buy frozen fish to be shipped to your home. Many artists make this their home and you can watch them at work in their studios – making this a great place to buy unique souvenirs. The Granville Island Brewery is also located here and you can stop in for a free tour & tastes. There are theatres for live performances and many fine restaurants. A fun way to get to Granville Island is via the Aquabus – http://www.theaquabus.com

12) Burnaby Village Museum – http://www.burnabyvillagemuseum.ca – is an open air museum with over 30 restored homes, shops, school, church and a 1912 carousel situated on 10 acres

13) Gulf of Georgia Cannery – http://www.gulfofgeorgiacannery.com – is a restored fishing cannery located in the historic fishing village of Steveston (part of Richmond). Here you see exhibits that showcase the history of the fishing industry in British Columbia. Once finished in the museum it is great fun to walk along the fishing docks and see the fishing boats which are selling their catch. There are also some excellent restaurants located here.

14) The Vancouver Maritime Museum located on the shore of English Bay is fun for the whole family with lots of hands on exhibits for the kid in all of us. Here to you will find the ship St Roch which the RCMP sailed from Vancouver to Halifax via the Northwest Passage and then completed the return journey in 1944. You actually get to tour this ship. http://www.vancouvermaritimemuseum.com

15) Queen Elizabeth Park http://www.vancouver.ca/parks/parks/queenelizabeth The 130 acre (52 hectare) park is one of the most beautifully maintained public parks in the world. Second only to Stanley Park in annual visitations, it receives nearly 6 million people a year who marvel at its superior standard of garden plantings.

The park was originally quarried for its rock which served to build Vancouver's first roadways. In 1929 the Board proceeded to acquire the property which had become an abandoned eyesore but still served as the site for two holding reservoirs for the City's drinking water. Dedicated as a park by King George VI and his consort, Queen Elizabeth (the present Queen's mother) on their much lauded visit to Vancouver in 1939.

16) Fort Langley is the restored wooden fort built by the Hudson’s Bay Company as a trading post. It is the origin of British Columbia and was the first capital. This Fort is operated by the Federal Parks Board. http://www.fortlangley.org

17) If you are a wine lover you might want to rent a car and spend a day visiting a few of the many excellent wineries located in the Fraser Valley only about a 1 hour drive from your hotel. Almost all of the wineries offer free tastes & tours. Two of the wineries have excellent restaurants on the premises. This makes for a very fun and relaxing day. Check out the Fraser Valley Wine Association web site for a map of winery locations and a brief description of each winery http://www.fvwa.ca

18) If you are a real animal lover than don’t miss “Mountain View Conservation & Breeding Centre” It is located in Fort Langley about an hour drive from downtown Vancouver. Mountain View Conservation and Breeding Centre is a leading non-profit Canadian facility that breeds endangered species in family groups for re-introduction back into their natural habitat in Canada and around the world. This facility is not a zoo their goal is to breed rare and endangered wildlife and re-introduce these animals back into their natural habitats. Presently Mountainview hosts over 50 species of the world’s most threatened animals and birds. See animals such as the spotted dog from Africa, Giraffes, and much much more. Here you do not wonder around as in a zoo rather you are given a guided tour with commentary on each animal group. Check it out at http://www.mtnviewconservation.org

19) VanDusen Botanical Garden is a scenic 55- acre garden of international renown – a living museum of plants collected from around the world and artistically displayed amidst rolling lawns, woodlands and five tranquil lakes, all in the heart of Vancouver and just 15 minutes from downtown.

Due to Vancouver’s mild climate, plants bloom at the Garden year-round. This same climate creates a unique environment where plants from varying climate regions thrive and grow – at VanDusen you will see plants from the southern hemisphere, tropical areas and the high Arctic tundra along side native species. The Elizabethan Maze (one of only six in North America) provides year-round fun.

20) UBC Botanical Garden located at the University of British Columbia covers 110 acres and includes an Alpine, Asian, Native, Food, and Japanese Gardens. http://www.ubcbotanicalgarden.org

21) Dazzle your senses when you visit Minter Gardens nestled against 7000 foot Mt. Cheam in beautiful 'Super Natural' British Columbia. One of the most spectacular show gardens in the world! Eleven themed gardens are designed to dazzle the senses with massive displays of artistic floral designs.

Minter Gardens is located 90 minutes east of downtown Vancouver just off the Trans-Canada Hwy. #1 at exit #135. http://www.mintergardens.com

22) Enjoy a FREE walking tour of Vancouver. This 2 hour tour starts in front of the Vancouver Art Gallery and ends at the Steam Clock in Gastown. This tour runs Tuesdays & Saturdays at 1pm and reservations are required. Check it out at http://www.tourguys.ca

[StlCruisingFool]

Seems like I picked a good location. Good to hear.

 

Thank You for your help! :)

[Tweedy]

Hello,

 

We have a reservation booked next August for the Days Inn for the 2 days leading up to our cruise to Alaska. We will be flying into YVR and I am thinking taking the Canada Skytrain. How far of a walk is the skytrain exit to the Days Inn Downtown Vancouver? It doesn't look like a long walk, but what doesn't look long on paper may actually be a long way. Also, is the Days Inn in an okay area to stay in? The Days Inn has a shuttle for us to take to the port.

 

It's a 5-minute walk, maybe. I work across the street from the Days Inn and commute using the Canada Line weekdays. It's an easy walk to Canada Place as well. Just make sure when you exit the train, you head towards the Granville Street exit (use either the escalator or the elevator). When you get to street level, go straight ahead and the intersection in front of you is Pender and Granville. Hang a right at the Pharmasave and just past the 2nd set of intersection lights, you'll see the sign for the Days Inn.

[Desert Cruizers]

I am looking at the Days inn for a possibly Pre cruise stay, and have read the reviews online, but would like to know from some of our CC members who stayed there, what their opinion is of the Hotel. It looks like a nice location for a 1 night precruise stay. Thank you.

[operabob]

It's in the heart of the business district. An older hotel that's been updated as I recall. You shouldn't have to worry about crime but when wandering about I suggest you keep more to the South West. Head to Granville & Georgia and then over to Robson Strasse. The main shopping mall (Pacific Centre) is just a couple of blocks away. Very high end.

 

If I was concerned about cost and coming from the airport I'd be looking to stay at some of the Richmond Hotels (Best Western, Holiday Inn, etc.) near a skytrain station. The Canada Line, very modern, new and spacious, takes 18 minutes from the airport to the cruise ship terminal for about $2.50. It would be about 45 minutes by taxi and a heck of a lot more expensive.

 

Note: The Canada line costs around $5 right at the Airport but drops to around $2.50 one stop out. This was after the cabbies complained about all the business they were losing when people figured out the Canada line was faster and cheaper so they raised the price at the Airport Station.

[Desert Cruizers]

Thank you, I have also been looking at the Best Western and Holiday as alternatives. Some fo the online reviews, despite it being a great location were negative. I am not looking for the cheapest place being two ladies are traveling but not about to pay $250 + for 1 night either. I would rather stay at a nicer hotel and pay a little more then get the cheapest out there. You get what you pay for.

[Tweedy]

Thank you, I have also been looking at the Best Western and Holiday as alternatives. Some fo the online reviews, despite it being a great location were negative. I am not looking for the cheapest place being two ladies are traveling but not about to pay $250 + for 1 night either. I would rather stay at a nicer hotel and pay a little more then get the cheapest out there. You get what you pay for.

 

Have you looked at the River Rock Hotel & Casino? It is right on the Canada Line (easy access) and one to maybe consider.

[Desert Cruizers]

No I hadn't how far is it from the Cruise Terminal

[scottbee]

If I was concerned about cost and coming from the airport I'd be looking to stay at some of the Richmond Hotels (Best Western, Holiday Inn, etc.) near a skytrain station. The Canada Line, very modern, new and spacious, takes 18 minutes from the airport to the cruise ship terminal for about $2.50. It would be about 45 minutes by taxi and a heck of a lot more expensive.

 

Note: The Canada line costs around $5 right at the Airport but drops to around $2.50 one stop out. This was after the cabbies complained about all the business they were losing when people figured out the Canada line was faster and cheaper so they raised the price at the Airport Station.

 

Canada Line is $8.75 ($3.75+$5 airport surcharge) from the airport and the next two stops (Sea Island, Templeton), the 1st station w/o the surcharge is Bridgeport (where River Rock Casino is). Note; evenings and weekends; price is $7.50/2.50. Still, at just over 20 minutes it's generally faster and much cheaper than a taxi.

 

If you're going to be in town for a few days and using transit to visit places like Stanley Park, Grouse Mtm etc, consider buying a book of 10 two-zone transit tickets for $31.50, called a 'Faresaver' at the 7-11 or Pharmasave inside the airport, and then you avoid the airport surchage which only applies to single tickets bought on the platform.

[operabob]

I often stay at the BW Abercorn:

 

http://www.abercorn-inn.com/

 

It's older, tudor style and very close to the Bridgeport Skytrain station. About 2 blocks away.

 

The Bridgeport station was paid for by the company that owns the River Rock Casino which is built right next to it. I assume the River Rock being newer is more expensive.

 

You can take the Skytrain from the Airport to Bridgeport station or get the free BW shuttle if you stay there. Regardless, it's only minutes away from the airport.

 

To get to the cruise ship terminal just get back on at the Bridgeport station and head to Waterfront. It's about 15 minutes and a no-brainer (only one train at Bridgeport going that direction). There's a train about every 5 minutes.

[Susie51]

Thank you for the info. We are, also, staying at the Days Inn.

[Tweedy]

No I hadn't how far is it from the Cruise Terminal

 

 

A 20 minute Canada Line ride.

[Desert Cruizers]

Thank you everyone for the information, I think I have narrowed it down to the Days Inn & Susie51, may I ask where in Calif you are, we are in So Calif

[RAYJO]

Have you looked at the River Rock Hotel & Casino? It is right on the Canada Line (easy access) and one to maybe consider.

 

Has anyone stayed at the River Rock? Is it in a safe area? Are shuttles available. Any info would be helpful. Cruising on June 28 on the Radiance. Thanks in advance..

[operabob]

Has anyone stayed at the River Rock? Is it in a safe area?

 

Haven't stayed there but have been several times. It's situated in a light industrial area near the airport. There's really not much going on in that area. The most action you'll see there (outside the building) will be people navigating the Costco parking lot. Mostly small wharehouses, gas stations and Costco.

 

The casino is fairly new but not of the size of casinos in Vegas. The advantage is you can basically leave the hotel, walk through the parkade and climb on Skytrain (Canada Line to Waterfront).

 

Other than that there's nothing to do in the immediate area.

 

I'm going to take a guess here, in terms of cost thinking they might be similar you might consider this little gem:

 

http://www.hotellesoleil.com/

 

It's a boutique hotel on the back side of the Pacific Centre which has a Skytrain station one stop (????) away from the cruise ship terminal. It's a funky hotel that my wife would love to go back to (me too). If prices are similar, for me personally (perhaps not you) I'd pick Le Soleil. You'd be right in the middle of the action in Vancouver.

 

PS: I'm not sure what they're charging now. We stayed there when they had a special on and I used $US I'd purchased at $1.07 Canadian and we later dropped to $0.85. The end result was we stayed there for 3 days for less than I normally pay for Best Western.

[operabob]

Canada Line is $8.75 ($3.75+$5 airport surcharge)

 

Thanks Scott,

 

Born and raised in Vancouver but living on the Island now so wasn't quite sure.

[Victrola]

DW and I have been in pre planning mode for about 2 months now and could not decide what city to start our Alaska Cruise in June 2013, after reading all the great reviews and info we have decided on Vancouver for a few days before and after our cruise. Thanks again for any tid-bits of local info. :)

[cruising cockroach]

then over to Robson Strasse.

 

FWIW, the German character has long been eradicated. I think the last one I noticed was a conditerei (pastry and coffee shop) on the NW corner of Robson/Burrard but that's been gone for over 20 years.

[operabob]

Thanks Roach,

 

I was born and raised in Vancouver but have lived the last 20 years on the Island. I still visit a lot but just assumed everyone was still calling it Robson Strasse.

[Putterdude]

The Days Inn in the 900 W. Pender enjoys a great location and is just fine for a night or two. However it is a remodel of a much older hotel (circa 1918) known as the Abbottsford Hotel which really was an excuse for a beer parlour as we knew them prior to the advent of the "pub". Trust me, my first real job was in the building next door in 1964 and I spilled a lot of beer on the terry cloth topped tables in that hotel. So just be aware of this when considering the hotel. Often much better rates can be had for 4* and 5* hotels on the likes of Hotwire and by bidding on Priceline.

As for Robsonstrasse while no longer widely in use the name is certainly used by native Vancouverites and is certainly not politically incorrect....it is just that Robson over the past 20 to 25 years has positioned itself as a more urban upscale retail shopping district.