What to do In Vancouver

[dixiesmama]

Hi

 

I am going to an Alaska Cruise next June 21st. We are going 2 days early to Vancouver so we can see the city. Does anyone have any ideas on what to do or what to see.

Also instead of booking a hotel through the cruise line we would like to book it ourselves. Does anyone know of a nice hotel which is close not only to the airport but also to where the ship leaves in Vancouver?

I want to thank everyone who answered my last post about what to bring to Alaska. It was very helpful.

One more question about the cruise. What excursions would be good to book , when the time comes.

 

Thanks

Gwen

gigi0820@comcast.net

[orchid72]

Hi,

 

If you're looking for something to do in Vancouver, check out this thread. http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=590482. My top picks would be to visit Gastown, Granville Island, Capilano Suspension Bridge, Grouse Mountain, and Stanley Park.

 

As far as hotels go, you'd be hard pressed to find one that is both close to the airport AND the cruise ship terminals. The airport is about a 1/2 hr to 45 minute drive from where the cruise ship terminals are in downtown Vancouver (depends on traffic). If you want to stay near the cruise ship terminals, I would suggest any hotel near to the north of the city: Pan Pacific, Fairmont Waterfront, Fairmont Hotel Vancouver, Le Soleil Hotel, Marriott Pinnacle, Renaissance Hotel, Westin Bayshore, etc.

 

If you want to stay near the airport, there is a Fairmont right at the airport. Alternatively, there are quite a few hotels in Richmond that are quite decent and that can offer you a free shuttle to the airport. You may even want to check out the River Rock Casino and Hotel if you're into that sort of thing.

 

My suggestion is that if you want to see Vancouver, stay downtown for the convenience. Vancouver is a very beautiful and walkable city.