Vancouver Island - worth a visit??

[shipfriend_max]

Hi @all,

 

in July/August 2015 we plan to do an Alaska cruise.

Prior to that, we plan to do a 10 night trip from Calgary to Vancouver + 3-4 nights for Vancouver.

We are not sure whether we also should visit Vancouver Island?

Since the Rocky Mountais, Vancogver and Alaska are a highlight, should we also think anout Vanc. Island?

 

Are there also nice beaches in Vancouver??

Help would be great!!! :)

[LiftLockCouple]

Hi @all,

 

in July/August 2015 we plan to do an Alaska cruise.

Prior to that, we plan to do a 10 night trip from Calgary to Vancouver + 3-4 nights for Vancouver.

We are not sure whether we also should visit Vancouver Island?

Since the Rocky Mountais, Vancogver and Alaska are a highlight, should we also think anout Vanc. Island?

 

Are there also nice beaches in Vancouver??

Help would be great!!! :)

 

Vancouver Island??? Absolutely. It would be a big miss to not go to the Island. We love Victoria and the area. Burchart Gardens is not to be missed. Hope you make it a part of your Itinerary.

[CGYCruisingFamily]

There are lots of beaches in Vancouver to enjoy.

 

While I like the island, if you only have 3 days in Vancouver I might think about skipping it this time as it will be a full day trip there and back. However if you are keen in going, you will want to go to the Tsawwassen ferry terminal to sail directly to Victoria. If you are planning on going, I would also recommend per booking a sailing online. It cost a bit more but to be guaranteed a sailing time is good, otherwise you might have to wait for a few sailings if it is busy. Alternately there are also sea planes which fly from downtown Vancouver to Victoria which might be another option.

 

If you have the time and your cruise returns to Vancouver, I would consider going over after the cruise and staying a night there.

 

Ultimately it depends how much you want to see in Vancouver as 3-4 days will go by fast in my hometown.

 

pS- I live in Calgary now and there is also lots to see here and in Banff :)

Edited June 28, 2014 by CGYCruisingFamily

[no fuss travel]

Vancouver Island is definitely worth a visit. The ferry ride is beautiful and will show you an area that the cruise ships are not allowed to sail through. If you are coming in July or August your chances of seeing orcas increases from the ferry. We frequently see them just before the ferry enters Active Pass. Victoria is quaint but quite interesting to walk around. Tea at the Empress is usually a highlight for most tourists. Buchart Gardens are definitely worth a visit. Different than your parks in Germany, but somewhat similar to the one we wandered through in Hamburg. The ferry ride is one hour 40minutes each way. Now that we are at summer season, the ferries are getting busier. This weekend is one of our long weekends, so ferries are working on overload, so reservations are necessary. Our next long weekend is the first Monday in August. That is another heavy usage weekend.

[shipfriend_max]

Thank you all for your help!

 

While I like the island, if you only have 3 days in Vancouver I might think about skipping it this time as it will be a full day trip there and back.

If you have the time and your cruise returns to Vancouver, I would consider going over after the cruise and staying a night there.

 

Ultimately it depends how much you want to see in Vancouver as 3-4 days will go by fast in my hometown.

 

pS- I live in Calgary now and there is also lots to see here and in Banff :)

 

Yeah, to be honest, we planned to skip the island since we think we will have enough highlights in the Rocky Mountains and Vancouver - I think there is enough to do.

Great that there is a lot to do in Calgary and Banff - that's where we start our tour.

 

We do not plan to do a cruise which starts and ends in Vancouver - we plan to do a one way trip from Vancouver to Seward.

[CGYCruisingFamily]

There is lots to do as well in Calgary and in Banff (I would say especially Banff, Lake Louise and Jasper). It just depends on what you want to see and when you will be here. At the beginning of July every year (July 3-12 next year) is the Calgary Stampede. I am not sure your dates and if that might be during that time.

 

I am not against the idea of the island but given your timing, it might just be a bit of a stretch to get it all done.

[Rickey 88]

Thank you all for your help!

Yeah, to be honest, we planned to skip the island since we think we will have enough highlights in the Rocky Mountains and Vancouver - I think there is enough to do.

Great that there is a lot to do in Calgary and Banff - that's where we start our tour.

 

We do not plan to do a cruise which starts and ends in Vancouver - we plan to do a one way trip from Vancouver to Seward.

 

If you are sailing one-way Vancouver to Seward, how do you plan on getting back from Seward? Perhaps I misunderstand, but Seward is in Alaska and the trip back to Vancouver by land is very difficult, if not impossible....

 

Vancouver Island is very beautiful and there are a number of excellent beaches, my favorite from my childhood in B.C. is Qualicum.

[shipfriend_max]

Hi,

 

maybe I expressed it not clear enough:

Our plans:

-10 night Rockies Calgary --> Vancouver

-3-4 nights Vancouver

(maybe Vancouver Island)

-7 night Vancouver --> Seward cruise

-post cruise stay in Seward with Fjord Tours and Exit Glacier (maybe 2 nights)

-flying back to Germany from Anchorage... :)

[shipfriend_max]

There is lots to do as well in Calgary and in Banff (I would say especially Banff, Lake Louise and Jasper). It just depends on what you want to see and when you will be here. At the beginning of July every year (July 3-12 next year) is the Calgary Stampede. I am not sure your dates and if that might be during that time.

 

I am not against the idea of the island but given your timing, it might just be a bit of a stretch to get it all done.

 

Hi,

 

no, we can not start our journey prior to 25th of July 2015, since we are dependent on school holidays...

I also think it could be a little stressful to cover Vancouver Island on our trip, and it also gets not cheaper when including it... :D

 

I think in the neighborhood of Vancouver there is also a lot to see - but if we find time, maybe we consider the island as well... :)

[CGYCruisingFamily]

Airfares will be cheaper to Calgary after Stampede and hotels mor available too. I just mentioned the dates of Stampede in case that was when you are travelling.

 

I see you are from Germany. Just FYI, there are direct flights from Frankfurt to Calgary daily, I know as we are taking one this summer.

[Rickey 88]

Hi,

 

maybe I expressed it not clear enough:

Our plans:

-10 night Rockies Calgary --> Vancouver

-3-4 nights Vancouver

(maybe Vancouver Island)

-7 night Vancouver --> Seward cruise

-post cruise stay in Seward with Fjord Tours and Exit Glacier (maybe 2 nights)

-flying back to Germany from Anchorage... :)

 

Thank you and now it's clearer to me as to what you want to do....

 

1. You will enjoy your time in the Rockies and the train to Vancouver. Spectacular scenery!!

2. Should you decide to visit Vancouver Island, you need to rent a car in Vancouver, take one of the ferries to V.I. and enjoy more scenery. But it can take up more time that you have allowed for just Vancouver...

3. I grew up in Vancouver and there are a number of beaches for you to enjoy - especially those down below the Univ. of B.C. (However. the water may be chilly)

4. Your plans for Alaska from Seward will provide you with some wonderful scenery - if it doesn't rain!

 

Here's my wish for a wonderful vacation! :)

[shipfriend_max]

Okay... So I think when visiting Rocky Mountains, we will have enough impressing scenery to see! :)

Thanks, Rickey, for your wishes!

 

Hopefully we will not have any rain on our Alaska cruise.

But Millennium has nice viewing points, either inside and outside.

 

Yeah we have Seen the flight from Frankfurt to Calgary.

On top of that, there is a flight back to Frankfurt from Anchorage. :)

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums mobile app

Edited July 1, 2014 by celebrity_fan

[Alberta Quilter]

I think you made the right decision. Save Vancouver Island for your next visit to Canada! To do it justice, you'll need way more time than a day or two. More like a week or two!

 

Enjoy your visit to our country (and province)!

[BCHappyGal]

Below is a list of fun things to do and see in Vancouver

 

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) Enjoy a FREE walking tour of Vancouver. The Gastown tour starts in front of the Vancouver Art Gallery and ends at the statue of Gassy Jack in Gastown. The Downtown tour starts at the Vancouver Art Gallery and ends at the Olympic Cauldron. The China Town tour starts at the Vancouver Art Gallery and ends at the Chinese memorial statue. All of these tours start at 11am. The Granville Island Tour starts at 3pm at the bus stop just at the entrance to Granville Island. Check these tours out at http://www.tourguys.ca The Tour Guys have added an afternoon walking tour of Granville Island and 2 evening tours….

21) A new addition I have just found for the FOODIES in the gang! Check out http://www.offtheeatentrack.com this company offers culinary tasting tours of various areas of Vancouver. I did the Railtown Urban Eats tour and it was Fabulous! This tour would blend well with the free walking tour offered by http://www.tourguys.ca … you could easily do the free walking tour and then meet up with this tour company for this tour for your lunch - the food is plentiful & wonderful you will not leave this tour hungry!

 

 

 

 

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/