Downtown/Entertainment Dist. in Vancouver

[scottbee]

Hi! I'm jumping on board here. Putter, it appears that I could buy a round-trip and go from Canada Place to Westin Grande, then Westin Grande to the airport? Thanks for all your great info - I can't wait to visit Vancouver!

 

I suspect Putterdude is right in saying that the Airporter probably isn't licensed to carry people other than to/from the airport. However, a cab would be cheap ($10), it's only about 8 blocks.

[pistachio]

thanks, that's what I'll do then!

[gxchan]

Stirred not shaken, Bombay Blue Sapphire preferably just removed from the freezer, one very tiny drop of vermouth and two olives...not pitted ....oh and and a well iced glass please.:D:D

 

Thats it for tonight folks...I have a Tee time for the morning.

 

I'm a Grey Goose, shaken, two olive gal myself but, for you, I'll have one Blue Sapphire. The rest I'll just say are Blue Sapphire!:D I totally agree about the well-iced glass.

 

Hope your golf game went well.

[Putterdude]

I'm a Grey Goose, shaken, two olive gal myself but, for you, I'll have one Blue Sapphire. The rest I'll just say are Blue Sapphire!:D I totally agree about the well-iced glass.

 

Hope your golf game went well.

 

Oh, you didn't tell me about the Grey Goose, straight up...no vermouth or olives, not even an onion....but glass and bottle from the freezer please.:)

Golf never goes well...I just live in hopes.

[Urban trekker]

Getting ready to have a few Mexican beers on the streets of Cozumel Mexico - having a great cruise - back in NOLA on Sunday and then on the train back to YVR. Home late Wednesday.

 

Cheers

 

Dennis

[gxchan]

PD, Oooh, glad to hear you are a Grey Goose lover, too. I was wondering how mixing GG and Blue Shappire was going to go, but we're all set now, GG all the time!

UT, drink a beer for me, too. Be sure and post details of your cruise or at least a link on this thread so I can find it.

We have the Trifecta (sp?) today: Friday, payday and a 3-day weekend!:D I'm running my first race this weekend, a 5k. Wish me luck!

[Liz]

Hi gxchan and pistachio - do you recall the features(amenities?) that were listed for your hotels on Hotwire? I'm a solo cruiser and getting ready to book hotels, both of the ones you have mentioned are on my "wish" list. The last list I saw on betterbidding was not too current, so I am a bit skeptical to rely on it.

I don't mean to hijack...

thanks!

 

Liz

[gxchan]

Hi gxchan and pistachio - do you recall the features(amenities?) that were listed for your hotels on Hotwire? I'm a solo cruiser and getting ready to book hotels, both of the ones you have mentioned are on my "wish" list. The last list I saw on betterbidding was not too current, so I am a bit skeptical to rely on it.

I don't mean to hijack...

thanks!

 

Liz

 

Hi Liz,

 

Hotwire listed Executive Hotel Vintage Park as a 3-1/2 Star hotel and listed their standard features list. Here is the link to their star listing

http://www.hotwire.com/pop-up/hotel-ratings-popup.jsp

 

I haven't heard of his hotel before but am keeping my fingers crossed b/c the reviews are mixed--either people find it just o.k. or hate it. Everyone agrees the rooms are very small. It does have a well-respected restaurant on site and wine tastings each evening.

 

Your signature says you are waiting for dogs to be allowed in cabins. FYI - in December on Explorer of the Seas a woman brought her dog--not a service dog either! She had him/her in a stroller that zipped closed on top. They were the talk of the ship! If you are serious about taking your dog, give C&A a call.

 

One solo gal to another, HAVE A GREAT TRIP!:D

[Liz]

Hi Liz,

 

Hotwire listed Executive Hotel Vintage Park as a 3-1/2 Star hotel and listed their standard features list. Here is the link to their star listing

http://www.hotwire.com/pop-up/hotel-ratings-popup.jsp

 

I haven't heard of his hotel before but am keeping my fingers crossed b/c the reviews are mixed--either people find it just o.k. or hate it. Everyone agrees the rooms are very small. It does have a well-respected restaurant on site and wine tastings each evening.

 

Your signature says you are waiting for dogs to be allowed in cabins. FYI - in December on Explorer of the Seas a woman brought her dog--not a service dog either! She had him/her in a stroller that zipped closed on top. They were the talk of the ship! If you are serious about taking your dog, give C&A a call.

 

One solo gal to another, HAVE A GREAT TRIP!:D

 

 

Thanks! I can't imagine my Girls in a stroller... But since Oasis will have real grass, maybe they will be cruising with me someday!! The ship would never be the same though... they are a bit "spirited"!

The hotel does sound nice, it's at the top of my list but I just have not taken the final plunge to reserve a room. I'm okay with a small room when I travel, since I am rarely in the room anyway - it's a place to put my suitcase during the day and my head on a pillow at night.

I hope you have a great trip, too!

 

Liz

[BCHappyGal]

Dear gxchan

 

Below is a list of attractions in Vancouver that you might be interested in - most have their web site addresses attahed so you can look th em up to ensure that they are what you want to enjoy. I would suggest the first 9 attractions as they are are located close to the downtown core of VAncovuer and easily accessed by public transit.

 

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 and visit with 2 live Grizzly Bears. 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, 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 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. http://www.lynncanyonparkguide.bc.ca It is also free to visit this suspension bridge!

5) Stanley Park – http://www.city.vancouver.bc.ca/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 at Brockton Point, hiking trails, beaches, water parks for the kids (young & old), rose gardens, miniature train, petting zoo, aquarium –http://www.vanaqua.org – hollow tree, many view points, and several restaurants. During the summer months there is a free shuttle bus that you can ride around the park on.

6) 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.

7) 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.

8) 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.classicalchinesegarden.com and also make sure you visit the world’s thinnest building it is only 6’ wide!

9) 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. May 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

10) Burnaby Village Museum – http://www.city.burnaby.bc.ca – is an open air museum with over 30 restored homes, shops, school, church and a 1912 carousel situated on 10 acres

11) 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.

12) 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

13) Queen Elizabeth Park – http://www.greatervancouverparks.com/QEPark01.htm -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.

14) 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.pc,qc.ca/fortlangley

15) 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.

16) If you are a real animal lover than here is my latest find “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 India, 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

17) 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.

18) 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

19) Dazzle your senses when you visit Minter Gardens nestled against 7000 foot Mt. Cheam in beautiful 'Super Natural' British Columbia. One of the most spectacular show gardens in the world! Eleven themed gardens are designed to dazzle the senses with massive displays of artistic floral designs.

Minter Gardens is located 90 minutes east of downtown Vancouver just off the Trans-Canada Hwy. #1 at exit #135. http://www.gardeningbc.com

[gxchan]

BC Happy Gal,

 

You are such a sweetie! Thank you so much for the great info and links, I've got my whole itinerary written out for me:) I'm having another Grey Goose martini for you, LOL!

 

If you come my way, San Francisco, I will return the favor.

[pistachio]

Hi gxchan and pistachio - do you recall the features(amenities?) that were listed for your hotels on Hotwire? I'm a solo cruiser and getting ready to book hotels, both of the ones you have mentioned are on my "wish" list. The last list I saw on betterbidding was not too current, so I am a bit skeptical to rely on it.

I don't mean to hijack...

thanks!

 

Liz

 

4* Vancouver (Downtown Entertainment) Westin Grand

Suite

Smoke Free

Fitness Center

Pool

Restaurants

Business Center

High Speed Internet Access

Kitchenette

For the dates I reserved (8/31-9/2), it seems that the now have it on Hotwire for $143 a nite

[Putterdude]

4* Vancouver (Downtown Entertainment) Westin Grand

Suite

Smoke Free

Fitness Center

Pool

Restaurants

Business Center

High Speed Internet Access

Kitchenette

For the dates I reserved (8/31-9/2), it seems that the now have it on Hotwire for $143 a nite

 

That is a good price, I have paid more than $200 for that hotel on a "prefered" basis.:)

[Liz]

4* Vancouver (Downtown Entertainment) Westin Grand

Suite

Smoke Free

Fitness Center

Pool

Restaurants

Business Center

High Speed Internet Access

Kitchenette

For the dates I reserved (8/31-9/2), it seems that the now have it on Hotwire for $143 a nite

 

Thank you! Have a wonderful cruise!

 

Liz

[gxchan]

Hi All,

 

I hope this find you all well. My Alaskan cruise is just 12 days away, YEA!! and I'm starting to think about packing. How is the weather up there? I know it is impossible to predict the weather, especially since I won't be in Vancouver until May 22 but I'm hoping for some general suggestions, e.g., more turtlenecks than t-shirts? More layering sweaters than sweatshirts, that sort of thing. Is there any possibility of warm weather?

 

Putterdude and Dennis, I haven't forgotten, I'm having martinis for both of you while in Vancouver, Gray Goose, very dry, two olives, up!:D

 

Thanks,

[Sally Forth]

Hi All,

 

I hope this find you all well. My Alaskan cruise is just 12 days away, YEA!! and I'm starting to think about packing. How is the weather up there? I know it is impossible to predict the weather, especially since I won't be in Vancouver until May 22 but I'm hoping for some general suggestions, e.g., more turtlenecks than t-shirts? More layering sweaters than sweatshirts, that sort of thing. Is there any possibility of warm weather?

 

Putterdude and Dennis, I haven't forgotten, I'm having martinis for both of you while in Vancouver, Gray Goose, very dry, two olives, up!:D

 

Thanks,

 

There is a good possibility of warm weather. It was in the high 60s all week this week. However, by afternoon there is always a breeze, so layer. This afternoon, for example, I had a polo shirt with a hoodie with a windbreaker.

 

Viv

[Putterdude]

Hi All,

 

I hope this find you all well. My Alaskan cruise is just 12 days away, YEA!! and I'm starting to think about packing. How is the weather up there? I know it is impossible to predict the weather, especially since I won't be in Vancouver until May 22 but I'm hoping for some general suggestions, e.g., more turtlenecks than t-shirts? More layering sweaters than sweatshirts, that sort of thing. Is there any possibility of warm weather?

 

Putterdude and Dennis, I haven't forgotten, I'm having martinis for both of you while in Vancouver, Gray Goose, very dry, two olives, up!:D

 

Thanks,

 

Thought you had forgotten about me.... I am back up home in Canada and as of yesterday the sport of watching the cruise ships sailing by on the way to Alaska has begun. Val's weather report is very accurate but we get slightly warmer dryer weather up here on the Sunshine Coast. From years of observation here is my weather prediction ....in the north west we can get a good Victoria Day weekend this side of the border on May 15 thru 18 or you can have a good Memorial Day weekend the next weekend on your side of the border but seldom do we have both .... so that and 50 cents will buy you a cup of coffee absolutely nowhere. You should get away with lighter clothing but bring keep a weather proof nylon shell somewhere close to the top of your bag.:)

[gxchan]

Viv and Putterdude, Thanks for the info, I'll pack accordingly. I'm desperately trying to get everything into a carry-on bag but it looks like that is just a fantasy:rolleyes: Somehow I thought a shorter cruise -- this is my first 7 nighter -- I would need less stuff. Oh well.

 

Putterdude, forget you? No way, LOL. You have been so great sharing info, making me laugh, etc. I'd love to buy you you and your lovely wife a round or two of gray goose martinis. I'm in Vancouver May 22-23, leaving the afternoon of the 24th. Say the word, and we're on.

[Putterdude]

Putterdude, forget you? No way, LOL. You have been so great sharing info, making me laugh, etc. I'd love to buy you you and your lovely wife a round or two of gray goose martinis. I'm in Vancouver May 22-23, leaving the afternoon of the 24th. Say the word, and we're on.

 

Thanks, but has you sail by Sechelt, which is about an hour after you pass under the Lions Gate Bridge, look out to stardboard and waive, I will be looking for you.:)

[gxchan]

Putterdude and BDHappyGal,

 

Man, I had a GREAT time in Vancouver in large part b/c of the information you two provided, THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!! LOL, the weather was incredible, warm and sunny! I think I brought that with me b/c we had warm/sunny weather throughout the Alaska cruise, except a little chill in Juneau.

 

The first day I took the Big Bus to see everything and wandered around Chinatown, Robson Street and Gas Town.

 

Day two was packed: started at Granville Island, love the public market. Caught public transportation, including the Seabus, to Capilano Bridge. Capilano was fun, loved the suspension bridge and the area reminded me of home (Northern California). The real fun started at Grouse Mountain. Whoo Hoo, what a time was had. The zip lines were great.:eek: Really liked the views and the lumberjack show was fun. I did some hiking, too. If I had more time I would have taken the helicopter tour. I was there about 5 hours and could have stayed for a couple more except I was having dinner in Gas Town.

 

Day three in the early morning I made my way to Stanley Park but I only had an hour to look around. It was beautiful.

 

The only hitch was the immigration woman when I arrived from Seattle (my cruise was in/out of Seattle so I flew into Vancouver as a side trip). She had a problem with me traveling solo. She kept asking me why I was traveling alone, particularly since I don't have friends or family in Canada. She asked where I work, I don't, which really threw her. She demanded to know who paid for the trip and when I told her I did, it seemed to tick her off even more. I thought I was going to be pulled out, searched, etc., but finally the guy came over and passed me through. It was not a good welcome. But as soon as I got away from her, everything else was INCREDIBLE!!

 

Again, thank you for all your information and assistance. If you come to San Francisco (my hometown), post on this thread and we'll arrange to get together so I can buy you martinis!:D

[Putterdude]

Glad you had a good time and sorry about what happened at customs....but we Canadians can trade you story for story about what happens to us when we go south into the states with US customs, it just seems to be the nature of the beast. On a positive note,in spite of the hassles we still move pretty freely between our respective countries .... it sure is not this easy in other parts of the world.:)