Vancouver Info if needed

[trophy_23]

Thanks so much for the quick response!

 

Yes the fall has worst weather ( we're in saanich) for sure. Hopefully all will go well! :)

 

 

Sorry I was on mobile so I couldn't see that you were local. You are obviously familiar with the ferries then. They don't get cancelled often. Check out PCL (pacific coach lines), I think they used to run a shuttle from Victoria right to the cruise terminal. They have been talking about a strike, but Im sure that will all be sorted by the time you sail.

[xlxo]

The travel agent is trying to scare us with "what if" scenarios.

She wants us to book a room overnight in Vancouver. EXPENSIVE.

She says, what if the ferry from Victoria is unable to sail so you miss your cruise to Alaska from Vancouver.

This is in May.

we were planning to take the Greyhound first thing on the day and catch the earliest ferry (probably 8 am)

Has anyone here had any trouble with doing this?

thanks in advance

Thoughts...

• which hotel is she suggesting in Vancouver. Check out the rates for rooms a few blocks away from the cruise terminal as a good alternative. The Blue Horizon is popular on this forum for budget travelers.
  
• Yep... May can have storms that shut the ferry down. Mechanical issues is another problem. There was an outage few weeks ago.
  
• Vancouver is a great city to be stuck in without a cruise ship for the week. We will be happy to provide day to day itinery suggestions.
  

http://www.cheknews.ca/bc-ferries-cancellations-on-the-duke-point-to-tsawwassen-route-127694/

http://www.cheknews.ca/128774-128774/

Edited January 13, 2016 by xlxo

[Alianthia]

Thoughts...

• which hotel is she suggesting in Vancouver. Check out the rates for rooms a few blocks away from the cruise terminal as a good alternative. The Blue Horizon is popular on this forum for budget travelers.
  
• Yep... May can have storms that shut the ferry down. Mechanical issues is another problem. There was an outage few weeks ago.
  
• Vancouver is a great city to be stuck in without a cruise ship for the week. We will be happy to provide day to day itinery suggestions.
  

http://www.cheknews.ca/bc-ferries-cancellations-on-the-duke-point-to-tsawwassen-route-127694/

http://www.cheknews.ca/128774-128774/

 

Ha ha, thanks I know Vancouver pretty well (have relatives there but unfortunately can't stay with them)

The Blue Horizon is a lovely hotel but $$$ .

I guess I sound cheap but after paying for the ferry one is loathe to pay more.

Different if we weren't from the west coast and wanted to see Vancouver

I looked up the Pacific coach lines and they don't leave Victoria until 9:30 am which cuts it a bit close as then we don't arrive in Canada place until almost 2 pm.

It also looks like they haven't resolved their contract yet...(

My husband said "if the worse came to the worse, we could fly".... (yes there can be snags any time of year with the ferry mechanics and indeed we could even get wind storms ...

thanks for the help! :)

[Alianthia]

Sorry I was on mobile so I couldn't see that you were local. You are obviously familiar with the ferries then. They don't get cancelled often. Check out PCL (pacific coach lines), I think they used to run a shuttle from Victoria right to the cruise terminal. They have been talking about a strike, but Im sure that will all be sorted by the time you sail.

 

Yes I guess I let her rattle me. thanks for your help! :)

[martincath]

Seems appropriate to link to the revised Fixed Rate cab zones from YVR here - only a couple of days old, started on Jan 11th. No difference for going to the pier at $35 (though NB: this only applies from the airport itself, not hotels near the airport - take the free hotel shuttle back to YVR if you want to guarantee your fare...) but for those in e.g. the Delta Suites or other hotels on Hastings now the cabbies can't rip you off an extra $4 by strategically using different sides of the street... all boundary streets are now officially charged the LOWER zone fare on both sides.

 

For us actual locals, 3 new zones divide up chunks of downtown a bit more accurately - and folks in East Van see several big price drops.

[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 originally erected in 1889 over the Capilano Gorge. This bridge stretches 450’ end to end and hovers 230’ above Capilano River. 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, 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) Fly Over Canada incorporates state of the art technology in an Imax theatre to show you supernatural Canada, Fly from coast to coast taking in breath stealing views of Niagara Falls, Lake Louise, The Rockies & more. Spectacular! http://www.flyovercanada.com

8) 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.

9) 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.

10) 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!

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 (23 Licensed) 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. http://www.bcwine.com (click on the Fraser Valley button)

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 There is also a treetop walk which is great for “fit” explorers who are not afraid of heights – however I would not recommend it for anyone who has any mobility issues. Also these gardens are not as well maintained as I would expect a botanical garden to be!

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) For the FOODIES in the gang! Check out 2 companies that offer food tasting tours http://www.foodietours.ca and http://www.offtheeatentrack.ca – both offer an excellent tour!

http://www.foodietours.ca visit much more high end restaurants in the heart of the west end of Vancouver (tourist/hotel district)

while http://www.offtheeatentrack.ca concentrates on more casual independently owned eateries in various areas of Vancouver! (Gastown, Main Street Area, Vancouver East)

I just enjoyed Foodietours “Guilty Pleasures Gourmet Tour” and was very impressed with the organization, quality of restaurants & refreshments, guides knowledge of foods and the eateries we were visiting as well as the area we were walking in. Felt it was excellent value for the money provided you did not spend the extra $20. For the alcohol! This company also offers a tasting tour on Granville Island Public Market and of the Vancouver Street Food Carts.

As for Off the Eaten Track - this company offers culinary tasting tours of various areas of Vancouver. The brunch tour visits local establishments in East Vancouver while the dinner tour concentrates on the Main Street area and the Railtown Urban Eats tour is an area adjacent to GasTown. All are Fabulous! The Railtown Urban Eats tour would blend well with the free walking tour offered by http://www.tourguys.ca … you could easily do the free walking tour of GasTown and then meet up with this tour company for your lunch - the food is plentiful & wonderful you will not leave any of the tours hungry!

For the tourist in town you actually meet at Waterfront Station and the company drives you to the tour location and then of course back at the end. Just to give you a hint of what to expect - the Gems of Main Street tour started in a Chocolate Shoppe – how can it be anything but wonderful when one starts out with chocolate…. And of course we must mention the rum cocktail concoction at the Tiki Lounge paired with a pork slider & the Pizza Joint owned and run by a chef who actually worked at the Vatican making pizza for the Pope – now if it is good enough for the Pope it has to be good enough for us! After 5 great stops with the history of the area being shared by our guide Bonnie we were all absolutely stuffed! Great job Bonnie!

22) A new addition to the Vancouver scene. The Richmond Olympic Experience located at the Richmond Olympic Oval. Visitors are welcomed by a sculpture paying tribute to the volunteers who made the 2010 Vancouver Games possible. You will then be whisked away on an interactive journey that celebrates the Olympic spirit. A multimedia theatre takes you to the heart of the Olympic dream through a series of multimedia galleries evoking the triumphs, tragedies, controversies and celebrations of Olympic history. Thrilling interactive sport simulations including a virtual ski jump will get your heart racing. Outside the Oval, you can follow the incredible journey of the Olympic torch across Canada via a commemorative torch relay trail through the outdoor plazas.

23) Rogers Arena Get a behind-the-scenes look at one of the premier sports and entertainment facilities in North America with a Rogers Arena tour. See where, for over 15 years, we’ve thrilled and entertained fans from all over the world, staged the best of the best in entertainment and sports, and welcomed over 25 million fans through our doors. Experience first-hand the “cathedral of hockey” that brings in millions of fans coming to see the Vancouver Canucks live (Hockey), and where history was made when the Canadian women's and men's hockey teams marked their moments in history during the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games. Stadium behind the scenes tours are Wed – Sat at 10;30am, 12 (noon) and 1:30pm!

24) BC Place is BC’s Premier multipurpose stadium, hosting sport, exhibitions and live entertainment, right in the heart of Downtown Vancouver. Home of the BC Lions Football Club, Vancouver Whitecaps FC (Soccer) and the BC Sports Hall of Fame. This state of the art facility intrigues with its retractable roof, 800 WIFI ports and 1,100 digital screens. The 36’ façade is lit up by thousands of individually- addressable LED lights that create colour animations bringing life to the Vancouver skyline.

 

 

 

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/

[3Fluffies]

Are there any recommendations you have for a solo visitor? I'm staying overnight before my cruise departs on Memorial Day, should be arriving around noon, so I'll have some time for sight-seeing. Would it be feasible to get a ferry to Victoria on a Sunday afternoon, or would I be better off sticking to Vancouver itself?

 

I'm staying in the Holiday Inn International Airport, and interested in semi-outdoorsy things like Stanley Park, or the gardens and castle in Victoria. Obviously, as a solo female traveler, I don't want to go too far off the beaten path, and also nothing terribly strenuous the day before I leave on the cruise!

 

Suggestions? Words of warning/caution? Fire away!

 

ETA: Are there any tours that go up into the mountains that can be easily joined? (Any of the hop-on/hop-off type rides?)

Edited January 27, 2016 by 3Fluffies
Additional thought/question

[martincath]

Are there any recommendations you have for a solo visitor? I'm staying overnight before my cruise departs on Memorial Day, should be arriving around noon, so I'll have some time for sight-seeing. Would it be feasible to get a ferry to Victoria on a Sunday afternoon, or would I be better off sticking to Vancouver itself?

 

I'm staying in the Holiday Inn International Airport, and interested in semi-outdoorsy things like Stanley Park, or the gardens and castle in Victoria. Obviously, as a solo female traveler, I don't want to go too far off the beaten path, and also nothing terribly strenuous the day before I leave on the cruise!

 

Suggestions? Words of warning/caution? Fire away!

 

ETA: Are there any tours that go up into the mountains that can be easily joined? (Any of the hop-on/hop-off type rides?)

INTO the mountains - no HOHOs. There is a shuttle bus, free, operated by one of the HOHO companies at the moment, that takes you to Grouse Mountain - one of the closest to the city, has various attractions like bears & wolves, great views in nice weather, ziplines, lumberjack show etc etc etc. Skiing with enough snow too - sometimes right into summer time!

 

Personally I'd weigh up the extra cost to stay in the downtown Holiday Inn, or Broadway, rather than the airport (assuming you want to earn/spend points). With the half-hour-plus of travel each way to downtown, you're sucking away at least an hour every trip. If you would take a cab rather than transit, you're also burning more than enough money to stay downtown instead at ~$35 each way...

 

With one day, frankly it is an utter waste of time to go to the Island. Organised tours are about 13 hours - long day. Going yourself by transit is cheap, but no faster. Flying there & back by floatplane is fantastic, and fast, but ka-ching!

 

We have better and bigger gardens here in Vancouver - they're just spread out more than Butchart is! But a day pass on transit and you can see much more, for much less time and money. I just posted a comparative list of local gardens for someone else here - go check it out.

 

The castle - well, actually there are two pretend castles, and it's probably the even-less-castley-one you've heard of - Craigdarroch. It's actually a Scottish Baronial style manor house - nice stained glass & furniture, worth seeing, but unless you've never been in an actual castle in your life you'll be greatly disappointed if you expect to see one...

[trophy_23]

INTO the mountains - no HOHOs. There is a shuttle bus, free, operated by one of the HOHO companies at the moment, that takes you to Grouse Mountain - one of the closest to the city, has various attractions like bears & wolves, great views in nice weather, ziplines, lumberjack show etc etc etc. Skiing with enough snow too - sometimes right into summer time!

 

Personally I'd weigh up the extra cost to stay in the downtown Holiday Inn, or Broadway, rather than the airport (assuming you want to earn/spend points). With the half-hour-plus of travel each way to downtown, you're sucking away at least an hour every trip. If you would take a cab rather than transit, you're also burning more than enough money to stay downtown instead at ~$35 each way...

 

With one day, frankly it is an utter waste of time to go to the Island. Organised tours are about 13 hours - long day. Going yourself by transit is cheap, but no faster. Flying there & back by floatplane is fantastic, and fast, but ka-ching!

 

We have better and bigger gardens here in Vancouver - they're just spread out more than Butchart is! But a day pass on transit and you can see much more, for much less time and money. I just posted a comparative list of local gardens for someone else here - go check it out.

 

The castle - well, actually there are two pretend castles, and it's probably the even-less-castley-one you've heard of - Craigdarroch. It's actually a Scottish Baronial style manor house - nice stained glass & furniture, worth seeing, but unless you've never been in an actual castle in your life you'll be greatly disappointed if you expect to see one...

 

 

I would agree with everything said above. Great advice.

[xlxo]

Are there any recommendations you have for a solo visitor? I'm staying overnight before my cruise departs on Memorial Day, should be arriving around noon, so I'll have some time for sight-seeing. Would it be feasible to get a ferry to Victoria on a Sunday afternoon, or would I be better off sticking to Vancouver itself?

 

I'm staying in the Holiday Inn International Airport, and interested in semi-outdoorsy things like Stanley Park, or the gardens and castle in Victoria. Obviously, as a solo female traveler, I don't want to go too far off the beaten path, and also nothing terribly strenuous the day before I leave on the cruise!

Another vote to consider switching hotels. The Holiday Inn Airport location is difficult to reach by public transit (assuming you are using transit). My vote to stick to downtown or possibly a Raddison Airport which has the subway station across the street. With ferry and public transit.... it takes about half day to get to the Victoria and another half day to return. My recommendation....

 

• noon arrival
  
• 1pm check-in and ready to explore
  
• 2pm arrive downtown to catch the Grouse Mountain shuttle
  
• 3pm arrive at Grouse gondola
  
• 6pm depart Grouse with shuttle and request stop at Capilano Suspension Bridge
  
• 7:30pm leave Capilano for downtown on public transit as the shuttles don't run past 6pm.
  
• 8pm dinner downtown or someplace
  
• 9:30pm back to your hotel
  

 

you might need the morning to prep and head to the cruise terminal. Fly Over Canada if there is time?

[3Fluffies]

Thanks for the advice, everyone! I have asked my travel agent to switch hotels. The Richmond Holiday Inn was the one that came with the NCL package, but he says it shouldn't be a big deal to change it (I will just have to arrange my own transport to the pier, but I gather most of the nearby hotels have a free shuttle, or at worst, I can get a cab.)

 

Really hoping I'll arrive on Sunday in time to get a shuttle to Grouse Mountain in the afternoon (anyone know how late they run? The Grouse Mountain website didn't say the hours.) That would be a perfect excursion for my pre-cruise day, and then I'm thinking I'd check my bag the morning of the cruise as early as I can and spend an hour or two in Stanley Park before boarding starts.

[Putterdude]

Thanks for the advice, everyone! I have asked my travel agent to switch hotels. The Richmond Holiday Inn was the one that came with the NCL package, but he says it shouldn't be a big deal to change it (I will just have to arrange my own transport to the pier, but I gather most of the nearby hotels have a free shuttle, or at worst, I can get a cab.)

 

.

 

No unfortunately very few of the hotels offer a free shuttle to the pier. In fact I think the only one left is the Hampton Inn and Suites on Robson St., the other 2 that did have a shuttle are not operating as hotels. However, from many downtown hotels you can walk to Canada Place or a cab will run you in the range of $10.

 

Incidentally, the Holiday Inn in the NCL package is not near anything other than some car dealers and Costco....so yes you may want to look at a move to a downtown hotel.

[3Fluffies]

No unfortunately very few of the hotels offer a free shuttle to the pier. In fact I think the only one left is the Hampton Inn and Suites on Robson St., the other 2 that did have a shuttle are not operating as hotels. However, from many downtown hotels you can walk to Canada Place or a cab will run you in the range of $10.

 

Incidentally, the Holiday Inn in the NCL package is not near anything other than some car dealers and Costco....so yes you may want to look at a move to a downtown hotel.

 

I've asked to move somewhere closer to the pier. Even if the hotel I end up with doesn't have a free shuttle, I would still rather pay a taxi fare and be in a better location. :)

[xlxo]

But not too close..... the cruise ship hotels command a premium price.

 

Hotels a few blocks away from the cruise terminal offer significant savings. Even with a $10 cab ride. Use travel sites to get an idea of the prices with your budget. Long weekends do have a spike in prices.

 

Your Holiday Inn Airport (Cambie @ Shell) is very remote.... especially with transit.... which cuts into your sightseeing time.

Edited January 29, 2016 by xlxo

[scutia]

Hi there..I live in Vancouver and have worked at several of the hotels in the city..and have also worked on cruise ships before, so I've done more Alaska cruises than I care to admit..I'll gladly answer any questions about the city, cruising or what have you! :)

 

 

arriving into Vancouver on May 6. Our flight leaves at 12:45pm back to the US. Best and easiest way to get to the airport recommendations will be greatly appreciated. The cruise line transfer rate is $37pp.

thanks for speedy reply.

scutia@aol.com

Diana

[3Fluffies]

But not too close..... the cruise ship hotels command a premium price.

 

Hotels a few blocks away from the cruise terminal offer significant savings. Even with a $10 cab ride. Use travel sites to get an idea of the prices with your budget. Long weekends do have a spike in prices.

 

Your Holiday Inn Airport (Cambie @ Shell) is very remote.... especially with transit.... which cuts into your sightseeing time.

 

He's scoping out the Westin Grand Vancouver, which seems much closer at a good price (and actually a good deal nicer than the Holiday Inn!)

[Putterdude]

arriving into Vancouver on May 6. Our flight leaves at 12:45pm back to the US. Best and easiest way to get to the airport recommendations will be greatly appreciated. The cruise line transfer rate is $37pp.

thanks for speedy reply.

scutia@aol.com

Diana

 

The easiest way is to take a cab out to YVR from the Canada Place cruise terminal, you cost will be about $35 for the ride plus tip. If you feel like schlepping your luggage about 3 blocks to Waterfront station you can take the Canada Line out to YVR station and the cost is $5.50 pp (Canadian funds only) or credit or debit card. Plan that the trip by cab will take about 35 mins plus the time spent in the taxi queue and about 50 mins total via the Canada Line.

[martincath]

Actually only $4pp for SkyTrain PD, it's still just a 2 zone fare even on a weekday morning.

 

$37pp for cruiseline transfer!? Which currency? Even if it's Canadian that's still the worst gouge I've ever seen, as it will literally cost as much as a cab for one person. If it's USD then they're screwing you HARD!!!

[Putterdude]

Actually only $4pp for SkyTrain PD, it's still just a 2 zone fare even on a weekday morning.

 

$37pp for cruiseline transfer!? Which currency? Even if it's Canadian that's still the worst gouge I've ever seen, as it will literally cost as much as a cab for one person. If it's USD then they're screwing you HARD!!!

 

Thanks for the correction Mar, having lived on the Shore for over 50 years my eyes automatically go to the 3 zone fare.

[xlxo]

arriving into Vancouver on May 6. Our flight leaves at 12:45pm back to the US. Best and easiest way to get to the airport recommendations will be greatly appreciated. The cruise line transfer rate is $37pp.

I vote for the $35 taxi CARLOAD. If the lines in the terminal are long. Take a walk up to the Pan Pacific hotel or Waterfront hotel lobby.... the taxi line may be shorter.

[scutia]

I vote for the $35 taxi CARLOAD. If the lines in the terminal are long. Take a walk up to the Pan Pacific hotel or Waterfront hotel lobby.... the taxi line may be shorter.

 

 

thanks for your replies. Will we be able to use US Dollar for a cab?

[Putterdude]

thanks for your replies. Will we be able to use US Dollar for a cab?

 

Yes, you the cab driver will accept USD for the fare, however you will not receive the full benefit of the current exchange rate. You will also receive your change in CAD so I would be inclined to keep the denomination of the money you use small. Cabbies will also accept Visa and MasterCard but by the time your credit card issuer add the exchange rate and their transaction fee you will likely be as well off to use USD.

[3Fluffies]

Oh happy luck! I've added an extra day to my visit, so now I have two nights and an entire full-day in Vancouver before my cruise leaves! My flight got moved to a later time, so we got the option to cancel without penalty and switch to a better flight on Saturday, which was also cheap enough to add the cost of an extra hotel night!

 

I'm thinking I'll do the earliest possible shuttle departure to Grouse Mountain. I've toyed with some of the tours that do both Grouse Mountain and the Capilano Suspension Bridge, but there are several different activities at the mountain I'd like to do, and then have enough time to go back and wander around Stanley Park.

[martincath]

Oh happy luck! I've added an extra day to my visit, so now I have two nights and an entire full-day in Vancouver before my cruise leaves! My flight got moved to a later time, so we got the option to cancel without penalty and switch to a better flight on Saturday, which was also cheap enough to add the cost of an extra hotel night!

 

I'm thinking I'll do the earliest possible shuttle departure to Grouse Mountain. I've toyed with some of the tours that do both Grouse Mountain and the Capilano Suspension Bridge, but there are several different activities at the mountain I'd like to do, and then have enough time to go back and wander around Stanley Park.

Sweet! Love it when the airline messes you about and actually ends up making things better!

 

Even the longer tours of the North Shore are a bit tight for time at the bridge and mountain, you're definitely going to have more time going on your own. If you are shuttling over and do both the same day, remember that you can jump on a transit bus for $2.75pp (or call a cab for about a $15 ride up the hill) to get from Cap to Grouse, or vice versa.

 

If memory serves you were cruising around the end of May, so you'll have daylight until about 9pm and a good chunk of twilight after that. More than enough time to see a decent bit of the park even if you spend all morning and afternoon over at Cap & Grouse.

[3Fluffies]

Sweet! Love it when the airline messes you about and actually ends up making things better!

 

Even the longer tours of the North Shore are a bit tight for time at the bridge and mountain, you're definitely going to have more time going on your own. If you are shuttling over and do both the same day, remember that you can jump on a transit bus for $2.75pp (or call a cab for about a $15 ride up the hill) to get from Cap to Grouse, or vice versa.

 

If memory serves you were cruising around the end of May, so you'll have daylight until about 9pm and a good chunk of twilight after that. More than enough time to see a decent bit of the park even if you spend all morning and afternoon over at Cap & Grouse.

 

Thanks! I'm still kind of giddy with shock that the extra night is happening, let alone without demolishing my budget! I also hadn't realized sunset was that late - here in Florida, the sun is down by 8:30 even at solstice time. So I arrive around 7 pm on Saturday evening, but that might even give me an hour or two to wander near my hotel.