Vancouver

[nanabo]

Ant good tips and advice for staying in Vancover as we will be staying there for a week after a cruise around Alaska. What is the cheapest way of getting around, best places to visit etc

thanks

bo

[The Italian Job]

Hi

I think I have posted you about the Alaska cruise as well!

We also stayed in Vancouver, we had done before when we went on the ROCKY MOUNTAINEER train.

Its a very flat city and easy to walk around, i was 4 months pregnant and had no issues at all- i would recommend a map though as we took a wrong turn and ended up a way out of the main centre and in not sure a great area, don't get me wrong though, we had no trouble and soon were back on track- never felt uneasy.and we didn't use public transport at all, however we were only there a few days so didn't go out of the city.i believe the bus system is very good and i think you can but hopper passes for few days- maybe try the tourism Vancouver web pages for more info, thats what i did.

We stayed in 2 different hotels- one was the renaissance right on the waterfront downtown which was amazing and had great views of the bay-it was quite expensive . (we were on honeymoon though) 2nd time on a lower budget we stayed in a comfort inn just outside the main hub- it was what you paid for and right outside a nightclub so very noisy at night" but there was a fantastic Irish bar below.

if you are not planning on staying central there is a something called the 'skytrain' which i believe is very reliable and cheap.There is also the sea bus- due to the landscape that makes up the city you may find that useful for visiting other places- maybe try out tourism Vancouver again.

As I said Stanley park is amazing and you can spend a day there,there is a lot to see as you stroll around. I would recommend the Aquarium there as well. I believe grouse mountain and the capilano suspension bridge are good places to visit although we did not get time to go ourselves (you can catch a bus to both).

Robson street and Granville Street are the main shopping areas and are perfectly safe- although there were homeless people often sleeping in the main squares- It is a city after all- i loved the buzz of walking up here at night (it was still busy)and calling into a late night coffee bar.

There are places to eat to suit all budgets and tastes- the waterfront was nice at night to sit and watch the sun set- there are a few good eating places places along here.

The weather was fine and sunny both times we visited- we were very lucky!

We also vistited Victoria on vancouver island which i would say was a beautiful place if you get chance. if you have never visited canada before you will love it!

V

[nanabo]

Thanks Italian Job It sounds wonderful. I willl take on board all the things you have said and use the mini buses for getting around on trips etc. We are also staying in the Renesaunce Harbour for 2 night then on our return we stay at the Georgian Court near Robson St for 4 nights. I feel more at ease after your comments. We sail on the Seranade of the Seas Royal Carabean in July so I am hoping the weather is good for us. Thanks again If you think of anymore drop us a line

cheers
Bo

[The Italian Job]

Hi Bo

If you are going in July I'm sure you will have lovely weather, we have been in Alberta then which is more in-land and it was brilliant warm weather (even we were surprised).. . i think its a good time to visit.
The port we got the trip to the yukon is was Skagway, I remembered! its VERY quite and remote that high up so a tour would be good to see the scenery as the town won't take you long to walk around (if you are visiting here.)

I hope you enjoy Vancouver! I think your ship will sail from 'Canada place' which is really close to your hotels, thats a nice walk around, its a promenade designed to look lie a tall sail ship!

Vic

[nanabo]

Arrived back from the Alaska and Vancouver holiday. Thanks for all the useful tips by everyone this sight is just amazing for all your requirements on holiday.

We stayed in the Renaiscence Harbour Hotel for 2 night which was fantastic then the Georgeon Court for 4 nights after the cruise. Both Hotels were brilliant and both provided the most comfortable beds I have slept in. Both hotels are away from the hustle & bustle yet near to everything.

We used the local buses to get around which are cheap and cheerful. We also used the Big Bus a hop on off bus to all the local amenities.
We went on the free bus in Stanley Park which again was wonderful had a great driver who give loads of informatiom and chatted to everyone with his jokes, we stopped at different attractions in the park and had a quiz for sweets on our way around Brill!!

The only downfall is the beer is a bit Uhh!! when your used to Stella or Export their Hony beer is poo. Sorry but it is. But Vancouver absolutly Fabulous

Bo