Capilano Suspension Bridge Information...and other ??

[vegs1]

We will be in Vancouver for a couple of days prior to our cruise and would very much like to visit the Capilano Suspension Bridge.

 

How much time should we allow to tour this attraction? We would also like time to see Stanley Park (totem poles and possible horse carriage ride). Are we missing any other MUST sees? Is Gastown worth visiting?

 

Thanks for any help you can offer!

[Urban trekker]

Here's the link to the Suspension bridge:

 

http://www.capbridge.com/index.html

 

If the weather is clear here is what I would suggest - starting from Waterfront station - take the Seabus to Lonsdale Quay and transfer to the Grouse Mt bus - get off at the suspension bridge - spend as much time as you want there - then reboard the bus head up to Grouse Mountain - http://www.grousemountain.com/summer/ - the views are spectacular - there are two Grizzlies bears - a lumberjack show - a bird show - some Imax type shows and short hikes - return to Lonsdale Quay - http://www.lonsdalequay.com/ - enjoy the panoramic view back to Vancouver from there - when you get off the bus again at Waterfront station you are only a couple of blocks to Gastown http://www.gastown.org/ which is where Vancouver was founded - if you are hungry there are lots of restaurants there to satisfy just about any eating taste - my favorite is the http://www.oldspaghettifactory.ca although quite a few people also recommend Steamworks.

 

Link to public transit

 

http://www.translink.bc.ca/

 

That should do you for one day.

 

Stanley Park is large - over 1000 acres which makes it bigger than Central Park - I have live here all my life and there are still parts of the Park that I haven't really explored. I you like to ride a bike that is a great way to see the Park - there is a dedicated bike path right around the Park and many of the attractions are on the east side of the Park which is also the flatter part of the Park.

 

I am currently riding with a group in preparation for volunteering for the Vancouver Marathon - one of the guys in the group has a video cam showing what it is like to right around the park.

 

Here's a link to that video:

 

http://bulletproofcourier.blogspot.com/2009/03/spring-has-sprung-helmetcam.html

 

Here's a link to the Park's web site:

 

http://vancouver.ca/parks/parks/stanley/index.htm

 

Hope this helps

 

Cheers

 

Dennis

[Putterdude]

If I may just elaborate a bit on Ut's remarks, I would allow about 2 hours to see the Capilano Suspension Bridge and surrounds and yes Gastown is worth visiting, it is a bit touristy but is where the city had its roots and is interesting. While visiting the Cap. bridge you may also care to visit Grouse Mtn. and I will provide a link below. Given that you have a few days in the city you might enjoy a HOHO excursion, a ticket gives you 2 days to take in the sights of the city. What ever you decide to do in our city I am sure that you will have a great time.:)

http://www.vancouvertrolley.com/

http://www.bigbus.ca/

http://www.grousemountain.com/Summer/summer-activities/

[dunaldo]

Getting in on Amtrak then by cab to hotel so will have part of afternoon and eve. to sightsee. What can we accomplish? Plan on the trolley. What should our preferences be? Stanley Park, Gastown, Grouse Mtn.?

[vegs1]

Here's the link to the Suspension bridge:

 

http://www.capbridge.com/index.html

 

If the weather is clear here is what I would suggest - starting from Waterfront station - take the Seabus to Lonsdale Quay and transfer to the Grouse Mt bus - get off at the suspension bridge - spend as much time as you want there - then reboard the bus head up to Grouse Mountain - http://www.grousemountain.com/summer/ - the views are spectacular - there are two Grizzlies bears - a lumberjack show - a bird show - some Imax type shows and short hikes - return to Lonsdale Quay - http://www.lonsdalequay.com/ - enjoy the panoramic view back to Vancouver from there - when you get off the bus again at Waterfront station you are only a couple of blocks to Gastown http://www.gastown.org/ which is where Vancouver was founded - if you are hungry there are lots of restaurants there to satisfy just about any eating taste - my favorite is the www.oldspaghettifactory.ca although quite a few people also recommend Steamworks.

 

Link to public transit

 

http://www.translink.bc.ca/

 

That should do you for one day.

 

Stanley Park is large - over 1000 acres which makes it bigger than Central Park - I have live here all my life and there are still parts of the Park that I haven't really explored. I you like to ride a bike that is a great way to see the Park - there is a dedicated bike path right around the Park and many of the attractions are on the east side of the Park which is also the flatter part of the Park.

 

I am currently riding with a group in preparation for volunteering for the Vancouver Marathon - one of the guys in the group has a video cam showing what it is like to right around the park.

 

Here's a link to that video:

 

http://bulletproofcourier.blogspot.com/2009/03/spring-has-sprung-helmetcam.html

 

Here's a link to the Park's web site:

 

http://vancouver.ca/parks/parks/stanley/index.htm

 

Hope this helps

 

Cheers

 

Dennis

 

Thanks for the great info! That helmet cam is GREAT! Loved seeing that bike ride around Stanley Park...watched a few others, too.

 

I think we will try and rent bikes, do the bridge and go to grouse mountain. Then visit Gastown on the way back. Can't wait to visit....looks like a great city.

[vegs1]

Thanks Putterdude for the info. I wasn't sure about how long it would take us at Capilano so 2 hours sounds good. Maybe we'll try the HOHO...my experience with those in Europe though is that the time gets away from you if you do too many stops and then you end up waiting around for another bus.

 

I checked out the link to the suspension bridge and it shows a free shuttle from our hotel (Blue Horizon) so we may start out doing that and then do the bus to Grouse Mountain and back to Gastown. We'll do part of Stanley Park another day.

 

All this planning....I LOVE IT!

 

Thank you again.

[Putterdude]

Thanks Putterdude for the info. I wasn't sure about how long it would take us at Capilano so 2 hours sounds good. Maybe we'll try the HOHO...my experience with those in Europe though is that the time gets away from you if you do too many stops and then you end up waiting around for another bus.

 

I checked out the link to the suspension bridge and it shows a free shuttle from our hotel (Blue Horizon) so we may start out doing that and then do the bus to Grouse Mountain and back to Gastown. We'll do part of Stanley Park another day.

 

All this planning....I LOVE IT!

 

Thank you again.

 

We tend to forget about that free shuttle to the CSB...but good on you.:o

[Putterdude]

Getting in on Amtrak then by cab to hotel so will have part of afternoon and eve. to sightsee. What can we accomplish? Plan on the trolley. What should our preferences be? Stanley Park, Gastown, Grouse Mtn.?

 

If you take the HOHO trolley I seriously doubt that you are going to have tie to get over to the North Shore to the Grouse Mtn as that in itself is about a 3 hour junket. If you got going ealrly in the morning or embarkation it is something that you could do but watch your time and also don't bother going if you can't see the top of the mountain as you won't be able to see the city from the there. :)

[BCHappyGal]

As you said you would have two days to enjoy Vancouver here is my list of fun things to do in and around Vancouver

 

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

[harz99]

Great post BCHappyGirl, but one thing - the Granville Island Brewery website shows a charge of around 9 or 10 dollars for tours, not free?