Vancouver answers from a Vancouverite (part 2)

[martincath]

MartinCath"Inconsiderate cyclists is one of my biggest peeves in Stanley Park" - agree but how about those pedestrians who walk on the dedicated bike path and give you the finger when you tell them to move over.

 

Never seen a speed trap at Siwash Rock but have seen the Rangers at both Lumberman's Arch and Prospect Point.

 

Cheers!

 

Dennis

Sorry for delay - just home from SF on Golden (and looks like all the hassles of that boarding were already covered by kiwimum and others).

 

Yes, when I'm cycling inconsiderate pedestrians move up on my peeve list! Pictures of little people and little bikes are language-independent and extremely frequent, there's no excuse not to be aware of which pathway you're meant to be on...

[weatherboy80]

As an avid runner, I was thinking of getting in some runs (5-8 milers) from the Pan Pacific each morning while in Vancouver. Looking at the map it appears there is a trail along the harbor that heads out towards Stanley - is this pretty continuous?

[Urban trekker]

Yes - it is easy to run from the Pan Pacific each morning.

 

Here's a link to a web site that might help you plan your runs - while it is bike themed the routes are the same and for the most part the paths are separate.

 

http://www.letsgobiking.net/2010/05/10-seaside-four-routes.html

 

If you need any further info don't hesitate to post - there are many locals reading these threads who do these activities.

 

Cheers!

 

Dennis

[weatherboy80]

Fantastic - looks very nice - thanks!

[VibeGuy]

Our boarding Saturday at Canada Place was actually one of the best we've ever had: here's what I said in the Princess forum:

 

"This was the single best three-ship day we have ever had boarding at Canada Place and ranks in the top couple overall, and it was *still* two and a half hours from sidewalk to promenade deck.

 

For the first time in the 25 years I've been cruising from Vancouver, they are trying new things. Some of them are working: all five x-Ray machines were running. They have added much-needed holding space between the exit from security screening and the U.S. CBP queues. They have eliminated the vast majority of the "snake" lines that often filled the lobby all the way to the pedestrian ramp and replaced it with seated waiting areas in Hall C, one floor up. These are all hugely positive steps.

 

We were fortunate to avoid CBP as our first port was Victoria. So once we left Hall C, we were onto the ship in 20 minutes - security and Princess check-in were prompt and Princess had a priority check-in line that did cut off a few minutes.

 

The Hall C thing mostly works. There were passed chairs and wide aisles, and it was easy for families and friends to sit together. The HVAC was fine and there was cold water and restroom availability. This all sounds like basic hospitality to visitors and it largely worked.

 

Getting into the hall is a long schlep - about double the distance walking. The queue splits into two queues - one for passengers that want to throw bags and one for carryon. The two queues get a boarding number and sit until the number is called. Working OK so far; we spent about 20 minutes in queue at 1:15 PM until we were seated.

 

They were drawing groups out of the hall from two directions. One group in the northwest corner of the room, one in the southeast. The NW queue had to cross the queue of people waiting to enter the hall. The SE queue had to traverse bags and people standing up along the folding wall despite constant announcements to sit down until the number was called. I actually admired the curt tone of the woman on the PA. It was downright un-Canadian, but sadly her entreaties were ignored. She was particularly adamant about checking luggage. We were soon to know why.

 

There is supposed to be a new escalator from Hall C to the cruise level. It is not finished yet. Groups departing via the SE door faced the steepest, shallowest set of stairs I have seen in years - I'm a fully-abled youngish guy relative to HAL and Princess passengers as a whole, and I had to use both handrails to climb down. It was slow going and I am certain there were injuries. There is no earthly way anyone with so much as a rollaboard could have taken those stairs safely.

 

Once this is fixed, three-ship days may be able to work. But with the stairs as a major choke point, there will always be two-hour waits in Hall C."

[emeraldcity]

We have booked 2 nights at the Rosellen Suites at Stanley Park. I'd appreciate the view of the locals as to whether this hotel is a good choice. The objective was to get something relatively reasonable, but in a safe area and close to Stanley Park.

 

We will arrive in Vancouver about noon so we will have much of the day to explore the area ... with Stanley Park being at the top of the list. The plan for the next day is to spend it at Capilano and I found some information earlier today on the free shuttles from downtown ... I just haven't gotten a good idea yet as to how close the stops are to the hotel we booked. I'd appreciate any information you can give me to fill in the gaps.

 

We are a mother and her adult daughter and walking distances are an expected part of our adventure.

[xlxo]

• if the park is important to you. It is a good choice. But what do you want to see in the park? Beaches are close. So is the Parks Board. Davie/Denman activities are also close. I would not say the Aquarium, nor the railway is close. It's a significant walk.
  
• Transit is a two block walk to Denman. For some it's OK, others may feel it's too far.
  
• Expedia also talks about the great location, however it is an older building.
  http://www.expedia.ca/Vancouver-Hotels-Rosellen-Suites-At-Stanley-Park.h184933.Hotel-Information
  
• Popular budget alternative nearby hotels are the Blue Horizon and Empire Landmark.
  

[Urban trekker]

Vibe guy - thanks for the review on the three ship day - sounds like once the escalators are running things should run fairly smoothly.

 

Also it was on the news the other day about the automated passport machines at the cruise port - looks like another positive.

 

Now if we could only find a way of people following directions and staying put until told to move.

 

Cheers!

 

Dennis

[martincath]

Vibeguys post is an accurate summary of our experience too (we arrived at 2pm, since I expected the lines to have begun dying down - it took us until 4pm to get on-board so we did take a bit less time than him, and once we hit the stairs it was likewise under 20mins to get onto the ship). By the time we were called the incoming queue was nonexistent, and less than half the chairs were filled. Next time I'm forced to board on a 3 ship day I'll be showing up at 3 to 3:30pm.

 

It was also a nice co-inky-dink to bump into you at tea VibeGuy.

 

Emeraldcity - I think xlxo pointed you at the most relevant source of info for Rosellen in Expedia reviews (only actual guests get to leave them). No elevator and no AC is also worth mentioning. In terms of location, I think it's always best to ask where you're going to spend most of your time - even if the park is your priority you're only going once. You'll have to walk to the Blue Horizon for the closest Capilano shuttle stop, and the Grouse shuttle only goes from Canada Place (where you might also have to go to to actually get a seat on the Cap shuttle, if it fills at CP there won't be room at the hotel stops...)

 

Assuming your budget allows I'd suggest moving closer to the other end of downtown - in fact IMO the best value accommodation in the city is found there at the YWCA hotel. If you're out and about you don't need a fancy room, and YWCA offers the same extra facilities (kitchens, laundry) as Rosellen for even less $. Unless you go a heckuvadeal at Rosellen, I wager an en-suite 2 person room at YWCA will still be less, and it's a great location (easy walk into Chinatown, Yaletown, Gastown, and you can catch multiple buses running to the Park entrance from just around the corner).

[jaspercat]

One place that is fairly close to your hotel and along the Seawall - just before the Westin Bayshore is Cardero's - myself and some cruising friends from San Francisco have been there twice and really enjoyed ourselves.

 

There is also Cactus Club and Tap and Barrell at Jack Poole Plaza - which is the site of the Olympic Cauldron - any easy stroll from your hotel.

 

The other locals will be along with their recommendations - also let us know what type of food you like.

 

Cheers!

 

Dennis

 

Food -- just about anything but raw fish; curry; and super-super spicy food. Do love Thai. Went to a Cactus Club on the last visit - enjoy microbrews/gastropubs; burgers are fine, but prefer a nice (small) steak, chicken, or fish over them.

 

Cardero's looks interesting / great view! Thanks for that suggestion.

[jaspercat]

I'm boarding the Jewel on the 22nd (next Friday!!!) - believe there are only 2 ships there that day. Hopefully the delay to board isn't long. I need to be on-board (out of the terminal) rather quickly as I'm surprising my older sister and her husband. They will be sailing with two of their daughters and one daughters boyfriend. One niece knows and we've been planning this for months -- hate to have it ruined by her spotting me in the terminal:D

[jaspercat]

 

Into a holding room, assigned a group number and the down the steep stairs to the lower level, no elevator in sight. Those requiring assistance boarding where taken to another area when their group was called. Embarkation was over 2 hours plus. All ships processed together thru security and then separated. Cruising status with ships did not come into play until after Security. One good thing was with slow embarkation luggage was in our cabin on arrival.

 

Do you have to still manage your luggage down those stairs?

[kiwimum]

Do you have to still manage your luggage down those stairs?

 

 

Yes, if you choose to carry in your luggage. Many people did not check their bags and were required to navigate the stairs with bags. No assistance available.

[martincath]

Do you have to still manage your luggage down those stairs?

Carry-ons, yes. Large suitcases - or even small bags if you want to keep your hands free - are handed over to the longshoremen (literally into the back of a truck at the moment while renos are still underway, looks super-classy!)

[jaspercat]

Yes, if you choose to carry in your luggage. Many people did not check their bags and were required to navigate the stairs with bags. No assistance available.

 

Carry-ons, yes. Large suitcases - or even small bags if you want to keep your hands free - are handed over to the longshoremen (literally into the back of a truck at the moment while renos are still underway, looks super-classy!)

 

Was hoping to ditch both bags - so that's nice to know I can do that prior to the stair trip. Are the stairs for both Royal Caribbean ships as well as Princess ships?

 

:D The loading into the back of a truck made me laugh --- many years ago, when my mom and I sailed on the Legend that's what it was like at Ballantyne! What I hole that pier was (1995).:)

[emeraldcity]

Looks like no availability at the YWCA Hotel for my dates ... Expedia is giving me a great rate for the Victorian Hotel ... your thoughts?

[Lulubelle45]

:D The loading into the back of a truck made me laugh --- many years ago, when my mom and I sailed on the Legend that's what it was like at Ballantyne! What I hole that pier was (1995).:)

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Dear Lord, Ballentyne was a hole in 95?? It was worse in 2011!!!!

[martincath]

Looks like no availability at the YWCA Hotel for my dates ... Expedia is giving me a great rate for the Victorian Hotel ... your thoughts?

I like the location for its convenience (Gastown on doorstep, Chinatown & Yaletown eminently walkable) but while it has good reviews I have two caveats:

First, there are two separate chunks of the building, the original and the nextdoor wing added later. Check reviews which mention which kind of room they had as there is a big difference in size and modernity.

 

Secondly, you're just a block from a Sally Army shelter so you will see folks who look a bit scruffy hanging around at all hours - but frankly with the shelter rules against booze & drugs you are *less* likely to see any drunk or high folks among these people than you will in more touristy parts of Gastown. I only mention it in case you're uncomfortable with the grittier side of urban life...

[emeraldcity]

I like the location for its convenience (Gastown on doorstep, Chinatown & Yaletown eminently walkable) but while it has good reviews I have two caveats:

First, there are two separate chunks of the building, the original and the nextdoor wing added later. Check reviews which mention which kind of room they had as there is a big difference in size and modernity.

 

Secondly, you're just a block from a Sally Army shelter so you will see folks who look a bit scruffy hanging around at all hours - but frankly with the shelter rules against booze & drugs you are *less* likely to see any drunk or high folks among these people than you will in more touristy parts of Gastown. I only mention it in case you're uncomfortable with the grittier side of urban life...

 

I appreciate your assessment.

 

I work in downtown Cleveland so I'm experienced with the reality that people who have fallen on hard times are not necessarily threatening.

 

They have several different rates and they clearly state that the lower rates are for rooms with shared bathrooms. I think I'll check into it.

[martincath]

I appreciate your assessment.

 

I work in downtown Cleveland so I'm experienced with the reality that people who have fallen on hard times are not necessarily threatening.

 

They have several different rates and they clearly state that the lower rates are for rooms with shared bathrooms. I think I'll check into it.

I love Cleveland! One of our few regrets about moving west is no longer being an easy road trip from your dining & art galleries - and the distinct lack of tourists was a nice bonus, nobody seems to get anywhere aside from the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and maybe the science centre on the waterfront.

 

Based on our experiences, you'll find Gastown very similar to your own warehouse district downtown (good restos, fancy stores & hipsters coexisting uneasily at times with lower rungs on socioeconomic ladder) although we have a more open drugtaking & fencing scene here.

[emeraldcity]

I love Cleveland! One of our few regrets about moving west is no longer being an easy road trip from your dining & art galleries - and the distinct lack of tourists was a nice bonus, nobody seems to get anywhere aside from the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and maybe the science centre on the waterfront.

 

Based on our experiences, you'll find Gastown very similar to your own warehouse district downtown (good restos, fancy stores & hipsters coexisting uneasily at times with lower rungs on socioeconomic ladder) although we have a more open drugtaking & fencing scene here.

 

Now I convinced that I want to be staying close to Gastown. I love Cleveland's warehouse district ... my personal favorite restaurant there is the Naughti Mermaid -- the perch dinner is unsurpassed.

 

I cancelled the Rosellen and booked the Victorian Hotel, springing for one of the rooms with a private bathroom. It's still cheaper than the Rosellen was.

 

I found an intriguing walking tour that I'm considering ... Forbidden City Walking Tour that takes place in the Gastown district. Sounds like it could be a fun way to kick off the evening. Has anyone had experience with it?

 

As an aside, the tourist quotient is rising in downtown Cleveland. The new convention center and the casino, coupled with serious investment in the art museum and the botanical gardens has had a noticeable affect. All the older hotels downtown have been getting renovations and additional ones are under construction ... most of the development targeted for completion before the Republican National Convention in June 2017.

[scottbee]

Now I convinced that I want to be staying close to Gastown. I love Cleveland's warehouse district ... my personal favorite restaurant there is the Naughti Mermaid -- the perch dinner is unsurpassed.

 

I cancelled the Rosellen and booked the Victorian Hotel, springing for one of the rooms with a private bathroom. It's still cheaper than the Rosellen was.

 

I found an intriguing walking tour that I'm considering ... Forbidden City Walking Tour that takes place in the Gastown district. Sounds like it could be a fun way to kick off the evening. Has anyone had experience with it?

 

As an aside, the tourist quotient is rising in downtown Cleveland. The new convention center and the casino, coupled with serious investment in the art museum and the botanical gardens has had a noticeable affect. All the older hotels downtown have been getting renovations and additional ones are under construction ... most of the development targeted for completion before the Republican National Convention in June 2017.

 

I would argue that Yaletown is much better than Gastown, especially for food. Gastown while nice enough is very tourist centric, whereas Gastown is really where the great small restaurants are.

[martincath]

Now I convinced that I want to be staying close to Gastown. I love Cleveland's warehouse district ... my personal favorite restaurant there is the Naughti Mermaid -- the perch dinner is unsurpassed.

 

I cancelled the Rosellen and booked the Victorian Hotel, springing for one of the rooms with a private bathroom. It's still cheaper than the Rosellen was.

 

I found an intriguing walking tour that I'm considering ... Forbidden City Walking Tour that takes place in the Gastown district. Sounds like it could be a fun way to kick off the evening. Has anyone had experience with it?

 

As an aside, the tourist quotient is rising in downtown Cleveland. The new convention center and the casino, coupled with serious investment in the art museum and the botanical gardens has had a noticeable affect. All the older hotels downtown have been getting renovations and additional ones are under construction ... most of the development targeted for completion before the Republican National Convention in June 2017.

Can't help with that walking tour I'm afraid - I've done Tourguys (the basic free one is an excellent intro to Vancouver) and a few architecture-specific ones that I enjoyed, but the more theatrical ghosty-ghouly-crimey tours don't do much for me personally as a genre. I know at least a couple of other local posters have taken other walking tours, hopefully you'll get some more relevant opinions soon.

 

Checking the menu at Nauti Mermaid I think you should try Calabash downtown or The Reef if you feel comfortable with transit or a loooong walk. Both Caribbean, the latter more seafood-focused but the former more authentic - it's the only place in town that addresses my occasional craving for good West Indian food.

 

Downstairs in the Victorian is one of the more exciting restos to open in the last couple of years - Cinara. Italian, but *real* Italian not pasta & pizza, very locavore sourcing and always a few obscure meats/cuts. Always seem to have some fluffy bunny dishes on so unfortunately my wife doesn't let me go much - it's the one animal she can't get over childhood memories of and realise they're tasty!

[martincath]

I would argue that Yaletown is much better than Gastown, especially for food. Gastown while nice enough is very tourist centric, whereas Gastown is really where the great small restaurants are.

I assume that last Gas should have read Yale SB? You may find Yaletown looks most like your haunts in Cleveland EC, as it's another area that was brick warehouses now converted to condos and stores.

 

I certainly agree there are plenty of good Yaletown eats, but feel the midrange is rather chain-dominated and the good stuff is pricey with a few exceptions like Hamilton St Grill or Flying Pig. Since Cache closed I've spent far more time grazing Yaletown - eating the best dish and a matching drink in three or four different places - than I have down sit-down meals in one resto, unless it's been a splurge in Blue Water.

 

I feel that Gastown is where far more innovation and definitely more-bang-for-your-buck interesting food happens - Pidgin, Blacktail when it was still appended by Florist, Wildebeest, Cuchillo... karmically I reckon these far outweigh the sin against tastebuds that is the Old Spaghetti Factory!

[pklein9747]

We're considering taking a 4-hour Vancouver City Highlights post-cruise tour with Landsea Tours. We have been told that the pickup point after the cruise is at the main street entrance to the convention center. How easy/difficult and how far is it to walk with all our luggage from the terminal to this pick up point?