Hello all you crazy Canadians! (Just kidding)

I have the pleasure of going to Vancouver at the end of August for three or four days and I need some advice. I have been doing online research about the city, and of course there is just SO much to see... I'm at a loss of where to start.

I'm from the midwest in the USA, and I'm traveling with a friend who has only been out of the midwest twice (once to NYC and once to Florida). He has never been west of Chicago. I would like to show him all sides of the city--urbanity, multiculturalism, etc... but also the beauty of the mountains, beaches, and islands that surround the city.

So, I need recommendations. What are the most beautiful, serene mountains, and what is the easiest way to get to them? I've found quite a few beaches so I'm okay on those. What are the great restaurants, and where is the best shopping and nightlife? We would like to stay downtown, but what are the best neighborhoods to stay in (keeping in mind a modest budget)?

And anything else any of you consider a must-see... please share with me. I know it's a lot to ask, but I would love to hear all of your informed opinions. Thanks in advance!

When will you be here? We are having a forum meet at the end of august (20th), and this would be a great day to see the city with some skyscraper fanatics.

Anyways, downtown is fairly small, so it will be easy to find the shopping district. The main shopping district is Robson street. You can take that street all the way down to Denman street, and then if you are up for a walk further you can go north or south and you will reach the ocean.

As for the mountains, you will have to rent a car I think. But they arent hard to find! Just look north!

And if you do rent a car, I recommend you drive along Marine Drive in west Vancouver. IF you would like to see some gorgeous upperscale west-coast residential this is a terrific drive.

You can always ask for me to give you a guided tour of the city once you are here. I do this quite often. And besides, I will have other forumers from the USA out visiting me around the same time so maybe we can all go on a day trip around the city together.

Anyways, downtown is fairly small



Actually is a fair size, and even quite big compared to a lot of North American cities. It's easy to get lost when your from out of town so a map is a must.

http://www.globalairphotos.com/images/bc/vancouver/2005/vch2005_387.jpg

http://www.globalairphotos.com/images/bc/vancouver/2005/vch2005_396.jpg

I Would recommend a hike up Cypress for good views of the city, ocean and islands. There are a lot of trails and you can walk for hours.

I think you will be able to find some type of tour bus up to Grouse Mountain www.grousemountain.com or Cypress www.cypressmountain.com if you don't rent a car, they are both just across the water from downtown.... so both have awesome views back onto the city skyline....

To save a tiny bit of money on hotels, stay just outside of downtown, say up on Broadway, then you save $20-30/nt on the hotel, but probably spend it again on cabs into downtown, so maybe that's a wash (although you could hop a bus into downtown easily).

When you say you've found beaches, I assume then that Wreck Beach is on your list! :)

http://www.wreckbeach.org/

GET NUDE! RESPECT NUDITY AND THE PRIVACY OF OTHERS and experience the joys of naturism! GAWKING, STARING, OR MAKING RUDE COMMENTS IS NOT APPRECIATED! If nudity offends you, please check out Vancouver’s many other beautiful beaches instead of mocking our naturist lifestyle. ASK PRIOR PERMISSION TO PHOTOGRAPH. NO UNAUTHORIZED FILM-MAKING!


Seriously though, make sure you and your friend see this thread....

http://skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=199193

.. then you'll really want to get up into the mountains...

Downtown Vancouver is quite small but being compact isn't a bad thing. It's bigger than Indianapolis' downtown so that's probably all you care about anyway.

I'd check out Granville Island - it was decent when I visited but apparently it's gotten a lot better. Chinatown is also worth checking out. Beyond that, in terms of urban exploration, just walk around downtown. If you're looking for old neighbourhoods filled with fancy old houses or rowhouses you're not going to find it but Vancouver is interesting from an urban perspective because it's a shining example of new urbanism at a city scale. It's attractive and fresh and probably very different from anything in the midwest which, as a tourist, is a plus for you. Another thing I noticed - especially as a Torontonian - is the small number of interesting and distinct neighbourhoods. A lot of those condo-based neighbourhoods like Coal Harbour are just sort of faceless blobs that melt into each other. Portions of the West End are decent and a few areas toward the east end of the downtown peninsula around Chinatown/DTES and further east like Commercial Drive are interesting. A lot of the middle parts outside of the immediate downtown core aren't anything exciting, in my opinion.

In terms of scenery and what not, Vancouver provides it in abundance. But depending on how long you are going for, the mountains seem to fade away into the background quite quickly (at least that was my experience). Stanley Park is amazing as well.

Sit back and enjoy the laid back atmosphere. :) Have fun.

http://img162.imageshack.us/img162/5183/westvancruise1ww.jpg

Where to Stay - You will want to stay downtown; you can find resonable prices for hotel rooms, I would try and find a place not to from Robson and Granville street (the heart of the city IMO). Robson street has some of the best restraunts and shopping in Canada; Granville street comes alive and is the place to be at night.

What to Do - If you can only do one thing while in Vancouver go to the top of Grouse Mountain. You can hike the Grouse Grind to the top or take the Sky Ride gondola to the top, either way there is plenty to do and an amazing view of the city, mountains and the ocean.
http://www.vancouversightseeing.com/imgs/skyride.jpg

Vancouver is home to the second largest China Town in N/A, and just south of Vancouver is the islands that make up Richmond that place in like a whole other country. Vancouver has some of the best Japaness, Chinese and Thia food in world definatly check that out.
http://www.bearspage.info/h/tra/ca/bc/va/i/ch/c1.jpg

Explore downtown, espetialy Stanley park (Canada's largest city park) which has many beaches.
http://p.vtourist.com/1997399-Spring_at_English_Bay_Vancouver_March-Vancouver.jpg

If your a fan of Native art then visit the Museam of anthropology at UBC.
http://www.paulahophoto.com/images/450F-6885.jpg

There's so much more to do but you only have 3-4days and im not writing a book.

Any ways have fun in Vancouver :cheers:

Pop across the water if you want, Victoria is great this time of year...

Here is your ferry now, half way across from Vancouver (all cotter-pins intact - inside joke):

http://www-sci.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/bcferries/images/spirits_passing_2a.jpg


http://www.victorialodging.com/2003/images/victoria_inner_harbour.jpg

http://www.canvisit.com/images/Locations/Canada-British-Columbia-The-Islands-Victoria-2.jpg

Pop across the water if you want, Victoria is great this time of year...

Here is your ferry now, half way across from Vancouver (all cotter-pins intact - inside joke):

:lol:

Anyways,

Tofino's also worth checking out if you're heading out to Vic.

:lol:

Anyways,

Tofino's also worth checking out if you're heading out to Vic.

I'm heading there aug 1-5 =) Can't wait!

Visit the PNE if it's still on...............and if only you're coming in early August as we have huge fireworks displays (four nights) at English Bay.
http://www.jankarlsbjerg.com/old/blog/images/2004/07/23/FireworksEnglishBay.jpg

You should definitely take a 15 minute ride on the Skytrain and checkout Metrotown in Burnaby(2nd biggest mall in Canada).Also, for awesome views of the city and good examples of urbanity outside downtown ride the Expo line all the way to King George and then ride the Millenium Line to Commercial drive.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v643/vannmann/28metrotown1.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v643/vannmann/metroto6.gif


Skytrain Map
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v643/vannmann/vancouver-map.gif

^ MetroTown is the second largest mall in Canada? I didn't know that.

^ ya man its massive and has way better stores than west edmonton mall.

But will just 3-4days dont waste ur time in a mall or riding transit aimlessly.

and dont waste time on the island. i love the island, but with 3 or 4 days its pointless. it takes me 6 hours of travel each way, which basically means that half of two seperate days would be wasted. although the ferry is very interesting in itself, the bus rides to and from the ferry terminals are uninspiring. i hate the ladner exchange

Quick recommendations, as I've been a "visitor" in Vancouver downtown and Burnaby for the past year.

Downtown is relatively small, so walking around isn't much of an issue. If you wanted to look on Mappoint as reference, I typically walk Canada place to Robson (by way of Howe), to Denman, to the Seawall and back to Canada place in about 45 minutes (leisurely). Although the Seawall doesn't exist right now between Canada Place and I think Jervis/Bute because of construction for the new convention center, from that point until/into Stanley Park is a nice walk and you'll see some nice Van buildings (lotsa condos, and the Shaw building - my favourite).

Best restaurants I have enjoyed downtown:
Joe Forte's (Thurlow off of Robson) good "west coast" and good steak...rumoured to be a hot spot for Hollywood celebs.
Yoshi Sushi (Denman at W Georgia) Excellent Sushi - #3 in my opinion for Vancouver (see below)
Ciao Bella (Denman) - very good italian food
Lift Bar and Grill (on the Seawall behind Westin Bayshore Hotel) - west coast food, good ambiance, and great views...literally built over the water on the Seawall.
Cardero's (Seawall...right at Coal Harbour) - good food - kind of bar/restaurant.

My favourite restaurants though aren't downtown, they are in Granville Rise and Broadway - less than a $10 cab ride from central downtown (Burrard/Robson):

Tojo's Restaurant - best sushi period in North America. Tojo himself is regarded as the creator of many sushi dishes. It's expensive, but if you want to try the best (in a city that has tons of great sushi), this is the one. Make reservations!

Cru restaurant - good west coast/NA type food - one of the best new restaurants in Canada last year.

Feenies - Rob Feenie is one of only two Canadians to have been on the FoodTV hit "Iron Chef" - and I believe won. North American/West coast food

Memphis Blues BBQ - A lot of good southern US BBQ style meat.

Maurya Indian Restaurant - the best indian food I've had yet in Vancouver. Go for some Vindaloo and Bhindi (my favourites).

Also, I'd watch out for the chain restaurants on Robson:

Earl's
Milestone's
Cactus Club Cafe
Red Robin (this is also in the US)

Though they aren't terrible, they aren't the best Vancouver has to offer (of which there are far more than I listed - just some of my favourites)...If I had to pick one of the chains though, it would be Cactus Club Cafe.


Granville Island: I found this to be a great place...for locals. Awesome open market - like a farmer's market...cool to walk around, but didn't hold my interest too long. However, Bridge's is a good restaurant on the west side of the "island" and has a great patio for checking out the Vancouver condo skyline...make sure to try Granville Island beer (which they have a retail store on the island). I'd give it an hour or two to walk around, and three pints at Bridge's.

Metrotown - not worth the trip, just another mall...unless you're looking for a Skytrain Ride, which has a station at the mall. Essentially two malls stuck together with low/medium priced Canadian/US retail chains (think Gap/Old Navy). Can't really compare to West Ed Mall, as there is a lot of other "stuff" in WEM or Mall of America. As for stores, I find most American malls in the larger cities have more than the typical Canadian mall.

Hotels:

I've stayed at a good chunk of the best in downtown, although they may be pricey for August, this is what I think:

Four Seasons: Best hotel in downtown. Great location (attached to a downtown mall - which is fairly high-end). Cool half-indoor/half-outdoor pool...heated of course, and I actually was swimming in it when it was -3c outside! Definitely neat.

Fairmont Hotel Vancouver: Very old, "grand" hotel and high-class...even has Louis Vuitton and Chanel on main floor. Can't beat the central location - one block to arguably the busiest pedestrian intersection (Burrard and Robson)...however, all rooms (except for the "gold" floor) are also old, and in need of some updating. The gold floor rooms though are the best I've seen in Vancouver (room rate is around $600Cdn though)

Hyatt: nice hotel, and one of the tallest (I think Sheraton Wall is tallest)...I've stayed on the 28th floor, and it has a nice view. Very clean, and basically kiddie-corner from Fairmont Hotel Vancouver. Outdoor pool as well.

Fairmont Waterfront: Almost every room has a cool view. Typically I get a corner room overlooking Burrard inlet, which is neat to wake up and watch the seaplanes taking off through floor-ceiling windows. Right across from Canada Place (which has another nice looking hotel - though I've never stayed there). This hotel though is far (relatively) from the action...streets are quite dead after about 7-8pm. 10 minute walk to Robson/Burrard. Best outdoor (heated) pool and patio, with decent views of downtown, and great views of Burrard Inlet/North Shore, Stanley Park/Lion's Gate Bridge.

Delta: nice hotel, but like the Waterfront hotel, even further from the action...and I wouldn't travel much further east.

Westin Bayshore Resort/Hotel: Very nice hotel and rooms. Nice location on the edge of Stanley Park, and right on the Seawall/Coal Harbour. Quick walk to Denman/Robson.

Marriott Pinnacle/Renaissance Vancouver: two different hotels across from one another, but both Marriott. Both are nice...pinnacle is nice and tall, and has great views, but there's nothing blocking the Renaissance's views of Burrard Inlet. Large rooms as well. Location isn't too bad, about the same as Fairmont Waterfront.

As far as Chinatown goes, it is one of the biggest in NA, but has a grittier look than San Fran's - and is not in the best area of town. Personally, I wouldn't go east of Seymour or Richards (especially on Hastings) unless you are with locals that know - Hastings and Main being the worst corner. I think the people in the area are fairly harmless, but the area itself is a little scary looking. Skip Chinatown unless you're looking for a good deal on Shark fins.

I don't have much of a nightlife here, so I can't comment on that aspect of downtown - I've heard Gastown is good at night, but again, not sure about safe.

BTW - if you're walking around downtown (especially on the north end), and you hear what sounds like a gunshot, check your watch...if it's 9pm, there's a cannon on Stanley Park pointing DIRECTLY at Canada Place that goes off...I've seen a few "tourists" look around after it goes off a little worried :-)

Just a suggestion for a souvenir...BC has some fantastic wines (from the region about 4 hour drive east), yet the rest of the world seems to barely know this (excluding Ice Wine). I suggest you pick some up - I can give you some labels to look up if you're interested, and there's a decent store on Davies (which is an interesting area to walk down anyhow) called Marquis Wine Cellars.

Also, about weather if you haven't travelled to western Canada before...its not as hot here as the US mid-west. Though it is very pleasant (and not too humid) the average high is about 22c (71 degrees) in August, and cools down a bit at night to an average low of 13c (mid 50's)...bring a jacket. But you shouldn't need an umbrella anymore (I hope).

Don't plan on going up Grouse unless you can see it (i.e. clear day/night)...I think it cost about $30(!)...though, the views are spectacular.

Hope that helps some.

Don't plan on going up Grouse unless you can see it (i.e. clear day/night)...I think it cost about $30(!)...though, the views are spectacular.

Its not $30. Its a free hike up the side;)

And don't worry about the downtown eastside (where all the junkies hang out). They're mostly harmless and their area is more aesthetically repulsing than anything. You don't have to fear being stabbed or shot or anything along those lines.

Vancouver is, by far, one of the safest larger cities on the continent.

Its not $30. Its a free hike up the side;)

Yes - I was refering to the Skyride gondola.

It cost me $5 to go down.

Personally, I wouldn't go east of Seymour or Richards


Pussy! :)

Fairmont Hotel Vancouver: Very old, "grand" hotel and high-class...even has Louis Vuitton and Chanel on main floor.

You can add a Gucci to the list now, with a street front location on Georgia

Well - just advice to a traveller...I know its still a couple blocks past that before it really degrades, but just trying to set a boundary. Maybe you can suggest some better parameters...that area though isn't something a person not familiar with Van will want to walk into IMO.

Sorry, Gucci is the store that's in the main floor with Louis Vuitton - Chanel is actually up Burrard somewhere. Anyhow, both high-end.

The area degrades but your life is not on the line. Vancouverites should be better at getting across the message that the aesthetics of the downtown eastside are not indicative of a reduction in personal safety. So the area looks bad, but it's not something people should be warned to "avoid" for the same reasons one would likely avoid an area in larger US metros.

The downtown eastside is nasty in appearance to some, but that's about it. Of course there's no real reason to be down there unless you're visiting Chinatown, but even so your average Joe doesn't need to "stay away or else."

You guys - it looks bad...it is easily the ugliest area I've seen in Canada. You're likely right that your "personal safety" is likely not threatened, but as you point out, you probably have no reason going into that area anyway.

Anyhow...The guy is visiting Van and he wants to know where to go, what to see...and there is enough to keep someone busy here that you wouldn't have to visit that area of town unless you're curious.

Well - just advice to a traveller...I know its still a couple blocks past that before it really degrades, but just trying to set a boundary. Maybe you can suggest some better parameters...that area though isn't something a person not familiar with Van will want to walk into IMO.

Sorry, Gucci is the store that's in the main floor with Louis Vuitton - Chanel is actually up Burrard somewhere. Anyhow, both high-end.

Well I'd say you could go east as far as you want...else you will be missing the Library for instance, also Abbot St is really transforming itself into an area full of high end hipster stores and lofts. Its worth a walk down to see a totally new district of Vancouver being born in our oldest neighbourhood.

Thank you all so much. I knew basically what the feel of the city would be, and I have a good intuition as far as what areas to avoid... but all this info is great. I basically needed a few specific ideas, and now I have them. Of course, keep it coming if you like! Thanks again.

One more question: How is the parking in the downtown area and near-downtown area? I'm actually flying into Seattle (hell of a lot cheaper), and I'm thinking of renting a car and driving, as opposed to taking a bus or train. I know it's more expensive in the long run to rent a car, but I would really love to take a day to explore the countryside/mountains and be able to get out and take pictures at will instead of aiming my camera through a bus window. Anyhow, I know some hotels have cheap or free parking when you book a room... but if I end up staying somewhere that doesn't offer that, is it expensive? Seems silly, I know, but I'm still budgeting and want to know if I'll be spending an additional $30 per day to park my car.

Theres free parking on Downtown streets after 8pm till 8am. Before that there is free parking on Beach Ave near Sunset Beach in the West End...Cheap parkades can be found on Seymour, and Hamilton Streets...I think its around $3 for 5 hours something like that.

Theres free parking on Downtown streets after 8pm till 8am. Before that there is free parking on Beach Ave near Sunset Beach in the West End...Cheap parkades can be found on Seymour, and Hamilton Streets...I think its around $3 for 5 hours something like that.

Vancouver isn't too bad for parking - as mentioned above, I've parked free overnight on Cordova as well...you just have to wait until 8pm, or plug a meter. However, watch out for hotel parking/valet parking - I think last time I had a car and asked a place like Fairmont Waterfront they were charging $22/day. If you park yourself, the parkades at most get into the $10-$20 range tops.

Driving through some of the neighbourhoods is worth it - take the Lions Gate over to West Van, some good views and amazing houses. But in the downtown area, you definitely shouldn't need a car to move around...leave it in the parkade.

Easypark has quite a few lots around downtown:

http://www.easyparkvancouver.com/

Awesome advice, and very helpful links. I'm SOOOO excited. LOVE IT LOVE IT LOVE IT! Too bad it's still a little more than a month away. Thanks again!

and dont waste time on the island. i love the island, but with 3 or 4 days its pointless. it takes me 6 hours of travel each way, which basically means that half of two seperate days would be wasted. although the ferry is very interesting in itself, the bus rides to and from the ferry terminals are uninspiring. i hate the ladner exchange

The downtown Vancouver to downtown Victoria float-plane flight is only 30 minutes though..... but $107 each way might whack your budget.



Koz is right about the DTES. No need to fear for your safety there, at all.

If you're into sightseeing from the mountains, make sure to check out this site:

http://www.iam.ubc.ca/~marek/MountainWorld.html

^^ A MUST SEE :D

From the site ...

http://www.iam.ubc.ca/~marek/Hiking/BlackMtn/IMG_0294a.JPG

http://www.iam.ubc.ca/~marek/Hiking/GE1_23.jpg

http://www.iam.ubc.ca/~marek/Hiking/GE2_04.jpg

http://www.iam.ubc.ca/~marek/Hiking/Cloudburst/Cloudburst_25.JPG

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Also check out this site for amazing aerial views of Vancouver, BC & Alberta:

http://www.telemark.net/%7Erandallg/photos/

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Katkam's the best webcam of Vancity

http://www.katkam.ca/

July 05.

I don't understand how people think this is small. I remember comming back from vacation last year in LA & San Diego. On the way over the Granville St Bridge, i had forgotten how breathtaking the massive size of our downtown is, which was shocking considering I just came from two much larger cities.

http://www.globalairphotos.com/images/bc/vancouver/2005/vch2005_396.jpg

^ THAT PIC IS A BEAUTY, REEEEEALLY LOOKS LIKE A SUNNY DAY.

Hey everyone:
I was the original poster for this thread, and I wanted to let you all know I had an absolutely amazing time in Vancouver (and all of your suggestions were a tremendous help). Vancouver was simply stunning. The weather was perfect the entire time I was there, and I was honestly very sad to leave. Everyone was so unbelievably pleasant and friendly--the entire time I kept wondering what it was about America that makes Americans so rude by comparison. I'd like to think Americans are just disgruntled about the moron in the White House... but then again, being a democrat in a "red state," I'm unfortunately aware that's not the case! But I digress...

At any rate, I went to Seattle after Vancouver and I wish I had done just the opposite. I was very under-impressed by Seattle and I don't think it would have been the case if I hadn't gone to Vancouver first. I realize they are two very different places, but Seattle felt very... "un-alive" to me after being in Vancouver.

Anyhow, I figured I would include a few pictures for your viewing pleasure. I won't title because obviously you all know what they are. Enjoy, and thanks again for all of your suggestions and info!

Apologies in advance: these are huge and some need to be re-sized due to graininess.

We took waaaay more pics than what you see below. You can see the rest at:
http://ancouverugust2005.fotopic.net

http://images.fotopic.net/ybkxr2.jpg
http://images.fotopic.net/ybkxth.jpg
http://images.fotopic.net/ybkxra.jpg
http://images.fotopic.net/ybkxtk.jpg
http://images.fotopic.net/ybkxqh.jpg
http://images.fotopic.net/ybkxrk.jpg
http://images.fotopic.net/ybkxts.jpg
http://images.fotopic.net/ybkxt9.jpg
http://images.fotopic.net/ybkj76.jpg
http://images.fotopic.net/ybkj88.jpg
http://images.fotopic.net/ybkj8y.jpg
http://images.fotopic.net/ybkj8h.jpg
http://images.fotopic.net/ybkj7w.jpg

This last one is actually in Seattle, but it's me and my best friend Roger (he's on the left, I'm on the right). He's the one who went on the trip with me.

http://images.fotopic.net/ybkxrm.jpg

Thanks again,
Jace

Nice pics glad to hear you had a good time in Vancouver.

vancouver is a beautiful city.

Good to hear you had a great time. Hope you saw everything you wanted. Did you really find $70?

Yes, we did find $70. Actually, my friend found it. It was unreal... we literally checked in to our hotel, stepped outside, walked one block, and all the sudden I heard, "Holy fuck... look!" And I turned around and he had $70 in his hand. I figured he'd gone to the ATM without me knowing, but he just found it on the street corner of Granville and Davie! We knew at that point that it was going to be the most amazing vacation ever. :-)

Downtown Vancouver is quite small but being compact isn't a bad thing.

Toronto & Vancouver's Downtown Cores at the same scale, from 23, 500 feet.

http://skyscraperpage.com/gallery/data/529/5543vancouver-23500-feet.jpg

http://skyscraperpage.com/gallery/data/547/5543toronto-23500-feet.jpg

http://skyscraperpage.com/gallery/data/527/5543van-to.jpg

So you would agree then, that Downtown Toronto is quite small aswell?

Thats amazing, really puts things into perspective.Toronto's buildings are obviously way taller but the cores look dimilar in size

Great pics!

I think that TO's Bloor St. shopping and office area (which is very built up) gives TO a bigger feel than Vancouver by spreading out the office areas. You don't get the same feeling from the Broadway corridor because it's separated by False Creek.

By looking at those comparison photos, it seems that some people are classifying the entire peninsula and some of the mainland as downtown Van, while others only think of downtown as the CBD immediately adjacent to Coal Harbour, minus nearby densly built neighbourhoods such as Yaletown, the West End, Gastown/Chinatown, etc. The first definition makes the downtown much larger than average, while the second makes it decidedly smaller. Looking at just the CBD office area, Van's downtown is quite small.

Bt the way, luvin the pictures - this one's gotta be my fav: http://images.fotopic.net/ybkxrm.jpg :shocked: :shocked: :shocked: :shocked:

I see what your saying, but downtown is made up of many districts and componants, which includes the CBD. Anyone will tell you that the entire peninsula is Downtown, whether it's Yaletown, the West End, or Gastown. As you can see in the aerial photo, it all blends together to make a holistic downtown core.

http://www.globalairphotos.com/images/bc/vancouver/2005/vch2005_396.jpg

The following link shows the boundary of the "Metropolitan Core"

GVRD (http://www.gvrd.bc.ca/growth/pdfs/LRSPMap.pdf)