Vancouver answers from a Vancouverite

[Putterdude]

Does the Vancouver Costco sell wine or do Vancouver/Canadian laws prohibit that?

 

We are staying near one of the Costco's before our cruise and thought we might pick up some wine there to take on the Coral Princess.

 

If you bring a bottle or two with you or purchase same in Vancouver then this will last you until Ketchikan where you will find International Wines on Salmon Landing just a couple of blocks from where the ships tie up.

[bqkali]

Thanks to everyone who has already contributed so much great information! I've re-thought my day in Vancouver and have some questions about Stanley Park.

 

I am hoping to spend the late afternoon/early evening here (I'm guessing starting around 4pm based on my other planned activities) walking through Stanley Park. I will be seeing the aquarium earlier in the afternoon and definitely want to walk up to Prospect Point and would love to make it to English Bay for sunset - I've heard it's beautiful.

 

Using this map ( http://vancouver.ca/PARKS/parks/stanley/pdf/stanleypark_printable.pdf ), I am thinking of the following route:

Starting from the aquarium, walk to the seawall and follow it until I can detour on the Prospect Point Trail. Then continue down the Siwash Rock trail where I rejoin the seawall toward English Bay.

 

Is this a reasonable plan? A 20-minute mile is a "leisurely" pace for me (I guess that would make it a 12 or 13 minute kilometer ;)). So I am thinking this route (9km???) would take me about 2 hours, giving me ample time for photo stops and still make it to English Bay for sunset. Is this too ambitious?

 

Also, will I miss any particularly pretty parts of the park by walking the outside instead of anywhere in the center of the park?

 

Thanks in advance for your suggestions.

[LiftLockCouple]

I am thinking that you have planned out a very good itinerary and realy don't have many suggestions. If you want to have a seafood dinner.. on the island then you may want to consider the Sandbar or Bridges and on the north side of False Creek then perhaps a Kettle of Fish or the Boathouse.

 

http://www.vancouverdine.com/sandbar/home.html

 

http://www.bridgesrestaurant.com/

 

http://www.akettleoffish.net/

 

http://www.boathouserestaurants.ca/

 

 

Thanks.It is great to have "the plan" confirmed. :) It will be a hard but happy decision where to have dinner. The " Kettle fo Fish" looks very nice with a great menu, not to mention it is more conveniently located from the ferry dock. We also love The Keg and just to make it difficult we have also been looking at the Gyu Teppanyaki on Burrard, another great dining choice we infrequently get to enjoy..... Decisions, decisions. :confused: How much time should I allow to go to the Space center and Maritime Museum? We will probably concentrate on the planetarium at the SC which should allow more time for other things in the area ie the MM and Granville Island. Thanks again.

[Urban trekker]

The Siwash Rock trail is a good one - it goes thru the area that was devastated by the wind storm a few years ago - the wind knocked down much of the forest cover - this has resulted in new views that you didn't get before - the area has been replanted and cleaned up and interpretive signs erected in the area.

 

You timing will be about right but remember that it is a good climb up to Prospect Point from the Seawall.

 

Once you have reached Siwash Rock/Third Beach you will be facing west and will be able to see the sunset anywhere along the Seawall.

 

Hope this helps

 

Cheers

 

Dennis

[bqkali]

The Siwash Rock trail is a good one - it goes thru the area that was devastated by the wind storm a few years ago - the wind knocked down much of the forest cover - this has resulted in new views that you didn't get before - the area has been replanted and cleaned up and interpretive signs erected in the area.

 

You timing will be about right but remember that it is a good climb up to Prospect Point from the Seawall.

 

Once you have reached Siwash Rock/Third Beach you will be facing west and will be able to see the sunset anywhere along the Seawall.

 

Thanks so much for the input on the trail. I'm looking forward to Stanley Park; after a busy week of cruising I'm sure I will enjoy a beautiful walk.

[Putterdude]

:confused: How much time should I allow to go to the Space center and Maritime Museum? We will probably concentrate on the planetarium at the SC which should allow more time for other things in the area ie the MM and Granville Island. Thanks again.

 

To my way of thinking an hour or so at the Space Centre/Planetarium would be enough...I think that you may find the Science Centre just a tad juvenile, I hate to say it but the Ontario Science Ceentre is superior, so an other hour will look after it. Now the Maritime Museum....well I am a history nut and could get lost there for hours, I have to read everthing....but for most people one to two hours max.

[Putterdude]

bqkali; I am very inclined to agree with Ut's remarks, the only thing that I would add is that most of the developed areas of the park are on the east side of it, so things like the totem poles, the gardens, nine o'clock gun, the rowing club, HMCS Discovery and alike are there and most are apparent from the Aquarium. The things that you will miss by walking the perimeter of the park will be Beaver Lake and Lost Lagoon....I would probably pass on Beaver Lake but a circuit around Lost Lagoon is very pleasant.

[bqkali]

bqkali; I am very inclined to agree with Ut's remarks, the only thing that I would add is that most of the developed areas of the park are on the east side of it, so things like the totem poles, the gardens, nine o'clock gun, the rowing club, HMCS Discovery and alike are there and most are apparent from the Aquarium. The things that you will miss by walking the perimeter of the park will be Beaver Lake and Lost Lagoon....I would probably pass on Beaver Lake but a circuit around Lost Lagoon is very pleasant.

 

Thanks to you also for your advice! I have quite an information base now from all the wisdom shared on CC :) I'll add Lost Lagoon to the list of things to do if I find myself with extra time at Stanley Park (might depend on how long the logistics of disembarking and beginning my day takes!). It's very apparent that I'll need to return to Vancouver for another visit ;)

[bqkali]

To my way of thinking an hour or so at the Space Centre/Planetarium would be enough...I think that you may find the Science Centre just a tad juvenile, I hate to say it but the Ontario Science Ceentre is superior, so an other hour will look after it. Now the Maritime Museum....well I am a history nut and could get lost there for hours, I have to read everthing....but for most people one to two hours max.

 

Yikes, I've been to the Ontario Science Centre recently and wasn't all that impressed...and if that's better than Vancouver...

[Putterdude]

Yikes, I've been to the Ontario Science Centre recently and wasn't all that impressed...and if that's better than Vancouver...

 

I confess it has been 6 or 7 years since I was at the one in Toronto...and we did enjoy it....but perhaps time has past it by. The one in Vancouver is very nice and very spacious but my feeling is that most of the exhibits are aimed at young people say to about 16....however for those of us who don't have a clue how things work, it can be enlighting.

[LiftLockCouple]

I confess it has been 6 or 7 years since I was at the one in Toronto...and we did enjoy it....but perhaps time has past it by. The one in Vancouver is very nice and very spacious but my feeling is that most of the exhibits are aimed at young people say to about 16....however for those of us who don't have a clue how things work, it can be enlighting.

 

The Toronto science center is very good for younger people ( than us :rolleyes: )although DW and I do enjoy the Omnimax theater quite a bit. I am not surprised at your comments so we will focus on the MM and maybe the planetarium. My son and I went to the planetarium in Edmonton this past May and really enjoyed it. I believe DW and I would enjoy the Vancouver show as well. As far as the MM is concerned, DW is like you in that she reads everything while I speed read but examine the displays more closely than she does, we compliment each other I guess :rolleyes:. The MM in Halifax is also a great museum. Am looking forward to Vancouver again and False Creek with the new areas to check out. Can you also ensure that we get sunny weather with temps in the mid 20's??;) Thanks again.

[Putterdude]

The MM in Halifax is also a great museum. Am looking forward to Vancouver again and False Creek with the new areas to check out. Can you also ensure that we get sunny weather with temps in the mid 20's??;) Thanks again.

 

The Halifax MM is much superior to Vancouver's (they get all of that federal money to spend) and yes I have been dragged kicking and shouting that I hadn't seen everything yet from that one as well by DW.:mad: There are plans afoot to build a new one in North Vancouver and move everything over but as usual we are on the wrong side of the mountains to get the federal money that is needed. Someday!!!

We will get out there right now and do a "nice weather" dance for your arrival.

[Fenn4Him@comcast.net]

Thanks for all your help on this thread. We have booked the Ferry from Anacortes to Sydney and the Accent Inn in Victoria. Is it very far from downtown? The only thing we have left to book is the hotel in Vancouver the night before the cruise. Do you know anything about the quality and/or area of town for the Best Western? Again, thanks. Appreciate your help. :D

[LiftLockCouple]

 

We will get out there right now and do a "nice weather" dance for your arrival.

I'm sure we will enjoy the area rain or shine. This is of course a cruise thread and forum intended to assist travelers like me with all sorts of issues so I won't make any political comments about federal funding to an NDP province :eek:;). Just a hearty thanks for the help.:) Nice weather on July 24th and 25th will be appreciated so don't get your left coast sun dance mixed up with the Arizona rain dance...please:o:)

[scottbee]

Thanks for all your help on this thread. We have booked the Ferry from Anacortes to Sydney and the Accent Inn in Victoria. Is it very far from downtown? The only thing we have left to book is the hotel in Vancouver the night before the cruise. Do you know anything about the quality and/or area of town for the Best Western? Again, thanks. Appreciate your help. :D

 

Unfortunately the accent inn isn't really in a particularly handy part of town. It's about 3 miles north of downtown, and 15 miles south of Sydney. Unless you had a car, I wouldn't recommend it. If you're looking for inexpensive, try the Helms Inn which is right near the inner harbour, or priceline a 3 or 4 star hotel downtown.

[Fenn4Him@comcast.net]

Thanks. I will try the Helms Inn. We do have a car, but I like the idea of being that close to Inner Harbor. Do you know anything about the Best Western in Vancouver by the pier? Looking for a decent hotel for the night before the cruise

[WeBCruisin]

Hi - Hoping Scottbee has some updated info on US DIRECT.

 

The last information I read on the boards was that it was operational from Airport to Pier with hopes of being up and running from PIER to Airport in July. Any updates on this status?

 

I checked YVR website and it described the process very well as if it is currently operational - it did NOT say that it wasn't available.

 

Thanks so much! Any information you can provide is greatly appreciated!! I am cruising RCI and flying United - which were listed as participating in the program.

[Putterdude]

Here is a link to the Port of Vancouver's website which describes it even better than the YVR site. I know for a fact it is up and running for Princess and would believe that is for the other lines as well.

 

http://www.portmetrovancouver.com/about/cruiseandtourism/usdirectprocess.aspx

[Putterdude]

Thanks for all your help on this thread. We have booked the Ferry from Anacortes to Sydney and the Accent Inn in Victoria. Is it very far from downtown? The only thing we have left to book is the hotel in Vancouver the night before the cruise. Do you know anything about the quality and/or area of town for the Best Western? Again, thanks. Appreciate your help. :D

 

The Accent Inns do a great job but the one in Victoria is a bit out of the swim of things if you don't have a car, oops see that you do. As suggested the Helms Inn is not a bad choice but you may want to consider the Harbour Towers and there is Best Western-Inner Harbour in the same part of the city; I have stayed at each of them and all are good.

In downtown Vancouver there is the Best Western-Downtown on Drake which is a good property. However for the same money you can bid a room on priceline for <$100 in a 4* hotel. You go to the biding screen on priceline, choose Downtown - Vancouver, check 3+* and start biding at about $70. All of the hotels in this area and at this level are in good, safe and convenient areas and except for perhaps the Westin Bayshore all will be within a $10 cab ride to the cruise terminals; Bayshore allow $5 more. This is just a great year to be visiting Vancouver.

www.harbourtowers.com/

www.victoriabestwestern.com

Edited June 30, 2009 by Putterdude

[Putterdude]

I'm sure we will enjoy the area rain or shine. This is of course a cruise thread and forum intended to assist travelers like me with all sorts of issues so I won't make any political comments about federal funding to an NDP province :eek:;).

 

Haven't seen much of what old W.C.Bennett use to refer to as the "socialist hoards" in 8 years and it will be another 4 before they get even another chance to try to mess things up again and the Conservative Members of Parliament out number the socialists 21 to 7. :D So show us the money!!!!:rolleyes:

[Urban trekker]

Actually PD - a move is afoot to move, relocated, rebuild - call it what you want - a new National Maritime Museum at the redevelopment of the old Vancouver shipyards site in North Vancouver by Lonsdale Quay - it is awaiting funding - the Feds will probably wait until the next election to announce funding since North Vancouver is a swing riding - I think the province is onside just awaiting federal funds.

 

Cheers

 

Dennis

[Putterdude]

Actually PD - a move is afoot to move, relocated, rebuild - call it what you want - a new National Maritime Museum at the redevelopment of the old Vancouver shipyards site in North Vancouver by Lonsdale Quay - it is awaiting funding - the Feds will probably wait until the next election to announce funding since North Vancouver is a swing riding - I think the province is onside just awaiting federal funds.

 

Cheers

 

Dennis

 

Yes, I have been following developments on this front for what I guess has been more than five years...and I go back to when it was Burrard Dry Dock. I once had a meeting with the late Col, the Hon. Clarence Wallace in his office at the yards and was in the yards on a number of occasions for the commissiong of various ships. When I drove by there a week Sunday I didn't notice the stern section of the HMCS Cape Breton....but maybe I just missed it. But it does come down to funding and without the feds....I doubt that it will happen at least not soon.

[bqkali]

Hi Putter Dude & Urban Trekker :) Thanks again for your help with Stanley Park. I have one more question, if you don't mind...

 

I'm thinking due to the distance I'd like to cover, it might be better to rent a bike for Stanley Park. Is there any chance that you know whether there's a bike rack or somewhere to lock the bike near the aquarium? OR is there somewhere to rent a bike from inside the park itself? I've found several places on Denman with affordable bike rentals, but I'd hate to back-track out of the park to pick up the rental if I don't have to. Thanks!!

[Putterdude]

There are 5 or 6 rental shops in the vacinity of Georgia, Denman and Alberni....but none in the park. I am sure that there is a bike rack at the Aquarium but Ut is the resident expert on bikes, biking, bike racks and topics related thereto.

Edited June 30, 2009 by Putterdude

[Urban trekker]

Don't know about the bike rack first hand but there should be some place to lock up the bike - next time I am in the park I will try and remember to check it out.

 

There are no bike rentals in the Park but the Denman shops only add a couple of blocks to your trip.

 

Hope this helps

 

Cheers

 

Dennis