Vancouver- hop on hop off bus or all day transportation pass.

[joetop2467]

We will be in Vancouver on September 2 following our Island Princess cruise. We have all day as we are flying out early the next morning. Trying to decide if we should splurge for the hop on hop off bus or just buy an all day transportation pass. We are three pretty with it 60 something's and would like to save the cash if it isn't going to make our life too difficult. Thoughts?

[scottbee]

We will be in Vancouver on September 2 following our Island Princess cruise. We have all day as we are flying out early the next morning. Trying to decide if we should splurge for the hop on hop off bus or just buy an all day transportation pass. We are three pretty with it 60 something's and would like to save the cash if it isn't going to make our life too difficult. Thoughts?

 

All day transit pass is great deal, and has the advantage it allows access to a lot more whereas HoHos just loop around downtown.

 

Grouse Mountain, Capilano suspension bridge, Lynn Canyon, QE Park etc etc etc are all pretty accessible via transit.

 

If you know what you want to see, I would say the transit pass is the way to go.

[Fizeau]

Groupon has a deal for the Big Bus in Vancouver. I got it for after our trip.

 

http://www.groupon.com/deals/big-bus-6

[ell52]

I think it depends on what kind of traveler you are.

 

If you'd rather leave the thinking to someone else and see the major sights with history and commentary, then the Hop-on/Hop-off is the way to go.

 

However, if you've got the time and are willing to do a bit more research regarding sights and transit, then a transit pass is a great, inexpensive option. Vancouver is a relatively safe, friendly place and you'll find lots of locals (and transit drivers) willing to help you out if you get stuck.

 

We're also 60-somethings, have used both options in different parts of the world and have enjoyed both. It really depends on what you're after and your own comfort level.

[ClaireAndMike]

I had planned on purchasing day passes for myself, my sister and my parents for our whole one day of sightseeing the day before our cruise leaves on September 21st.

 

I've been reading about the upcoming changes with the Compass card (we are about to go through a similar change here in Chicago) and I had a few questions.

 

Will the Compass thing be in effect by September 21st? Also, I was reading the day passes need to be validated but for whatever reason that is difficult to do with the pending changes? I read on TransLink's website that tickets purchased from a ticket vending machine do NOT need to be validated, so would we be okay? We would be purchasing them near the Amtrak station.

 

I am well-versed in public transit as I have lived in both Chicago and New York without a car but those fare cards are so simple to use. No talk of validating or anything like that. We have so little time and I don't want to spend it gaping at a ticket machine trying to buy transit passes.

 

I guess the validating thing is what befuddles me the most.

[ell52]

I had planned on purchasing day passes for myself, my sister and my parents for our whole one day of sightseeing the day before our cruise leaves on September 21st.

 

I've been reading about the upcoming changes with the Compass card (we are about to go through a similar change here in Chicago) and I had a few questions.

 

Will the Compass thing be in effect by September 21st? Also, I was reading the day passes need to be validated but for whatever reason that is difficult to do with the pending changes? I read on TransLink's website that tickets purchased from a ticket vending machine do NOT need to be validated, so would we be okay? We would be purchasing them near the Amtrak station.

 

I am well-versed in public transit as I have lived in both Chicago and New York without a car but those fare cards are so simple to use. No talk of validating or anything like that. We have so little time and I don't want to spend it gaping at a ticket machine trying to buy transit passes.

 

I guess the validating thing is what befuddles me the most.

The Compass card won't be ready to go until late 2013, so it doesn't affect you. There are kinks to still be worked out, so I wouldn't be surprised if it takes longer than they anticipate.

 

Ticket Validation is easy. The tickets that need to be validated are the Faresaver tickets that you buy in a book of tickets. They have no dates or times on them, so need to be validated on the first ride, then they're good for 90 minutes of transfers on buses,skytrain and seabus. If you pre-purchase a Day Pass at a vendor (e.g 7-Eleven) it's good for the entire day and only needs to be validated on your first ride. If you purchase the Day Pass at a ticket machine, it will already be stamped with the date, so no validation necessary.

[lamchops]

Groupon has a deal for the Big Bus in Vancouver. I got it for after our trip.

 

http://www.groupon.com/deals/big-bus-6

 

 

I would normally suggest DIY with a transit pass but at $75 for 4 people the HOHO would be my choice. I wouldn't pay the $39 per though. With only one day in town, you don't want to risk getting lost or delayed. I would do a full loop and stop off at the things that interest you on the second pass. You'll also get some commentary from the driver that may allow you to enjoy the city more.

[BCHappyGal]

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, traverse a Cliff Top walk, 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.

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.

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) 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

11) 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

12) 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.

13) 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

14) 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.

15) 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

16) 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

17) 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

18) 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.

19) 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

20) 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

21) Enjoy a FREE walking tour of Vancouver. The Gastown tour starts in front of the Vancouver Art Gallery and ends at the Steam Clock in Gastown. The Downtown tour starts at the Vancouver Art Gallery and ends at the Olympic Cauldron. There is also a China Town tour and a Granville Island Tour. Check these tours out at http://www.tourguys.ca

 

 

Vancouver has a bunch of hop-on hop-off buses

 

http://www.vancouverpinkbustours.com/

 

http://www.vancouvertrolley.com/tours/hop-on-hop-off

 

http://bigbus.ca/home/