Advice for four days in Vancouver BC

[brossa]

I'll be accompanying my wife to a conference in Vancouver in the first week of May 2010. She'll be doing conference things during the daytime, but I'll be free to explore the city. We'll meet up again in the evenings; for some of the nights we'll be attending formal dinners but we'll likely have at least two nights where we can sneak away together.

So, recommendations for things for me to do alone/us to do together? We hadn't planned on renting a car, but we can if that is necessary to get around. In the past when we've been on similar trips I've spent a lot of time walking around the host city, trying to find things like farmers markets, historical sites, local crafts, art/history museums, that sort of thing. As far as dining goes, we both like Indian food but any local cuisine would be great too.

What do I need to know about Vancouver?

[SanibelMan]

My wife and I honeymooned there in March of 2006. We really enjoyed it. A couple quick things:

We got around without a rental car just fine. Took a cab from the airport to the timeshare we stayed at downtown, but they have a train to the airport now, so you might want to check into that as well. Where the trains don't go, you can take the bus or ferry. We figured it out, and it's not like we're big users of public transportation on a regular basis, so I'm sure you and your wife would have no problem with it. We were across the street from the Sheraton Wall Centre, FYI.

We liked the Dr. Sun Yat Sen Botanical Garden, the University Botanical Garden, the Storyeum (which appears to have since closed, unfortunately), the Vancouver Art Gallery and the Capilano Suspension Bridge, which I am told locals consider a tourist trap, but we liked it anyway.

We had our best meal on the top of Grouse Mountain at The Observatory. We hadn't planned to eat up there and in fact showed up in jeans and hoodies, seriously underdressed, but the view was wonderful and the food was excellent. It was much better than the steakhouse we went to as our planned "nice night out," where I never got the caesar salad I ordered and the guy at the table across from us spent the entire time yapping on his cell phone. But I digress. We also took a very romantic carriage ride around Stanley Park.

A couple of things we passed up or said "meh" about: The Vancouver Aquarium was a little underwhelming for some reason. Maybe it was just way too crowded with schoolkids that day. We never made it into the Museum of Anthropology, either. We had one of those CityPass things, but their machine wasn't working right and they didn't want to find a workaround. It was actually like that in a couple of places, so beware if you were thinking about one of those.

Anyway, I hope this gives you some ideas. Feel free to ask some questions. Of course, I think we have some Vancouver locals around here too who've spent time there since 2006 and can give you a better idea on some other things. And enjoy some Timbits for me!

[MPB in Salt Lake]

Originally Posted by brossa

I'll be accompanying my wife to a conference in Vancouver in the first week of May 2010. She'll be doing conference things during the daytime, but I'll be free to explore the city. We'll meet up again in the evenings; for some of the nights we'll be attending formal dinners but we'll likely have at least two nights where we can sneak away together.

So, recommendations for things for me to do alone/us to do together? We hadn't planned on renting a car, but we can if that is necessary to get around. In the past when we've been on similar trips I've spent a lot of time walking around the host city, trying to find things like farmers markets, historical sites, local crafts, art/history museums, that sort of thing. As far as dining goes, we both like Indian food but any local cuisine would be great too.

What do I need to know about Vancouver?

I love to travel, and have been to many beautiful cities but Vancouver is absolutely STUNNING.

To see the mountains and the ocean in such close proximity is an impressive thing to behold, and the city itself is great, with a multitude of amazing places to eat and drink...........
-------------------------------------------------
Do you enjoy seafood?
Do you enjoy Asian cuisine?
If so, Vancouver is going to be a huge treat for you.

I hope you have a great trip!!!

Matthew

[Omi no Kami]

Here's a second vote for the Capilano Suspension Bridge and the Museum of Anthropology. Be advised though, the museum can be rather expensive: I used to get severely reduced admission on account of being a student, but I believe it costs non-students around $20 (Canadian) to get in. It's totally worth it though, especially if you're interested in native american history and culture.

I would also recommend Stanley Park, and if you're up for some skiing, Cypress Mountain and Grouse Mountain are on the north shore, and they're awesome. Whistler is a bit of a drive, but it's a short drive for world-class skiing, so that's an option, too.

Your mileage may vary, but I've always felt that Vancouver has some of North America's best Chinese and Japanese restaurants, so you should be able to find a lot of variety. If you want something safe, though, The Eatery is a really great (albeit pricey) fusion sushi restaurant. There are a fair number of all-you-can-eat sushi places, as well, and even the small, shady Cantonese family restaurants tend to be damn awesome. If you want something more conventional, the Boston Pizza on Broadway street is expensive but tasty, the Denny's nearby is Denny's, but reliable, and while it's more oriented toward students, I always liked the Flo Tea House at 7994 Granville Street for cheap food.

Also, be warned that most restaurants close very early compared to the US: one of the reasons I'm familiar with BP and Denny's is that they were practically the only places I could find open in western van after about 9:30pm.

If you happen to be at or near UBC during lunchtime, ask someone to give you directions to the University Village: there is a small cafe across the way from the Starbuck called "Only U Cafe", and it has some of the best cheeseburgers in the entire city.

[Foldup Rabbit]

The Capilano Suspension Bridge is a huge tourist trap. It is very expensive (30$) and very crowded. No matter how many photos you see of people standing alone on the bridge in advertisements, YOU will always be sharing it with a hundred other people. The Lynn Valley Suspension Bridge, however, is the same idea (skinny bridge over deep canyon), cheaper (free) and is never crowded.

Whichever you choose, both are accessible by public transit. We have an excellent transit system with most touristy areas accessible by train from the airport and nearly everything else accessible by bus or sea bus (including the nice restaurant at the top of Grouse Mountain).

The Museum of Anthropology is completely worth the trip. I can't recommend anything else any higher.

Stanley Park is a must see. It's rare to see that much green space smack in the middle of the city. It's filled with its own amenities (the Vancouver Aquarium, HMCS Discovery, Prospect Point, et cetera ad nauseum) and its own little free transit trolley complete with tour guide (he accepts tips, if you choose).

That'll also be post-Olympics, so it might be fun to tour some venues. GM Place (ice hockey) holds tours twice a week that take you through the whole building (dressing rooms, broadcast, fancy suites and such). BC Place also runs tours, though I'm not aware of their schedule. The BC Sports Hall of Fame is also there.

Granville Island is an old industrial park converted into a public market and art district. It's a great place to shop for very unique gifts, fresh produce, art and beer (the Granville Island Brewery also holds tours and tastings). There are always street performers during the summer. It's just a fabulous atmosphere.

Restaurants are hard. Everyone has their favourites and Vancouver has a huge, crazy variety. The best (and most unique) hot dogs are at Japadog. The only street vendor that ever has a lineup circling the block. My favourite burgers come from Splitz on Main St or Burger Heaven at the New Westminster skytrain station. Asian food... well... I can't even pin it down. Whatever you try, it'll probably be at least all right, and possibly be incredible.

That's off the top of my head. I love my town.

[DWMarch]

I second or third the recommendation on the local transit, having just been to Vancouver this week. My city (Nanaimo) does not have a good transit system at all and I can usually walk to my destination faster than a bus would get me there.

Vancouver on the other hand... I had printed out directions a friend gave me without really looking at them. I didn't know where I should get off the bus from the Horseshoe Bay ferry terminal. I ended up getting off at a Skytrain station. As it turned out, it was the wrong line... the brand new one that goes to the airport. But it was a fairly short walk to the other line and a train was along within 3 minutes (as I had just missed one). I took it to New Westminister (way out there from downtown) and hopped on a bus ten minutes later that took me within a block of my final destination. The best part is I did all of it on a single transfer which cost me $3.75.

[sharding]

Originally Posted by Foldup Rabbit

The Capilano Suspension Bridge is a huge tourist trap. It is very expensive (30$) and very crowded. No matter how many photos you see of people standing alone on the bridge in advertisements, YOU will always be sharing it with a hundred other people.

We've only been out there once (we've been to Vancouver many times), but it was actually fairly dead the time we went. It was a grey, wet and foggy day (August, though), so I'm sure that kept some people away. We also went earlier in the day. We may have been lucky, but it is possible. Photographic proof (please excuse the quality; these were taken in 2002 a ca. 1999 digital camera).

[silenus]

Originally Posted by Foldup Rabbit

Granville Island is an old industrial park converted into a public market and art district. It's a great place to shop for very unique gifts, fresh produce, art and beer (the Granville Island Brewery also holds tours and tastings). There are always street performers during the summer. It's just a fabulous atmosphere.

I second this. I've been known to drive up from Bellingham just to hit the brewery and shop. Some of the best Ukrainian food I've ever had I found at the market on Granville Island.

[Attack from the 3rd dimension]

I would second or third the Aquarium, but try to go just as it opens to avoid crowds. It's great if you have it all to yourself. Granville island is also a good place to spend a half day. If you're staying downtown, you can walk to the shore and catch a water taxi across False Creek to Granville Island, which is pretty cool.

Where in the city is the conference, and where are you staying?

Hey Foldup Rabbit, I'm also living in Vancouver. Ought we be considering a VanDopeFest one of these days? Maybe in summer?

[Foldup Rabbit]

The water taxis freak me out... They look tippy. But tourists really like them, and they're not prohibitively expensive, so maybe.

sharding, I'm thinking more in terms of when they'll be there. The Capilano Bridge is definitely a regular stop for local schools. It was also upgraded in the last few years, which might add to its crazy recent popularity. The Lynn Valley Bridge is the same thing without the extra amenities (no restaurant, no treeptop bridge things); it's also free. I also love the Aquarium, but it can be insanely crowded.

Attack from the 3rd dimension, I'd completely be up for that.

[brossa]

Thanks very much for the suggestions, folks.

The conference is at the Vancouver Convention Centre; I'm not sure quite where we'll be staying but it'll likely be at one of the big hotels nearby.

So far I like the ideas of the aquarium, Granville Island, water taxis, the Museum of Anthropology, and the Lynn Valley bridge.

Sadly, my wife hates seafood, but I don't - so I'd be happy to try the local sushi, etc. but it'll have to be for a solo lunch rather than a dinner.

What should I expect at Grouse Mountain the first week of May? Snow or spring flowers?

Any good farmer's markets?

[Dr. Drake]

Watching the thread with interest: we'll be visiting in a few weeks, and moving up in June. I'll start a panicky thread about that closer to, but for now this is very comforting.

[Hari Seldon]

The public transit in Vancouver is awesome. I do recommend going out to UBC at least once to the botanical gardens and also the university museum. Although it is a ways from downtown,several trolleybus routes go right there. For Japanese food, including sushi, I recommend Tojo, although it is a bit pricey and not quite downtown, but again on a trolleybus route.

I have walked entirely around Stanley Park several times and I recommend it. I guess it is around five miles and you can break it at the aquarium (which is not really all that great). You will want to walk down Water Street, see the steam clock, all that. At the far end of Water St. is one of my all-time favorite Indian restaurants called Sitar.

I am not sure about farmer's markets. I think there were some on Granville island. The cool way to get to Granville island is to walk to the dock under the bridge and take a water taxi. Very cheap, as I recall.

[amarinth]

Originally Posted by brossa

Any good farmer's markets?

Granville Island.

Of course, remember you can't take it with you. Customs officials aren't going to go for that.

And since you both like Indian food, you should go by thePunjabi Market at least once on your visit.

[Attack from the 3rd dimension]

Granville island is a cool area with a bunch of browsable shops, and a huge central food market - roughly the size of a warehouse, but composed of dozens, possibly hundreds of individual stalls with fresh produce, flowers, specialty meats of all kinds, chocolates - you name it - as well as restaurant stalls with all kinds of foods. Locals go there for a variety of reasons - you can, for example, rent kayaks - and it isn't as twee and touristy as, say, Mystic Connecticut.

Granville Island is also on a pedestrian / bike path that goes along False Creek. Again, coming from downtown, I would suggest taking the subway to Olympic Village station, walking to Granville Island along False Creek and taking a water taxi back.

Don't forget to walk past the main Vancouver Library site (350 West Georgia). It has really cool architecture, and a some nice shops. For the us geeks, note that it was used as part of Caprica City (as was Simon Fraser University).

[Attack from the 3rd dimension]

brossa - I just reread your OP - I don't know if I'm going to be free and around in early may, but if I am, I'll take you out for a beer. We can also invite Foldup Rabbit and any other Vancouver and Northwest Dopers. Keep us up to speed on your plans

[Meurglys]

If you like gardens and the Dr. Sun Yat Sen Botanical Garden is too busy, there's a great Japanese garden out just past the Museum of Anthropology... Queen Elizabeth Park was good, too.

[Mahna Mahna]

Originally Posted by brossa

What should I expect at Grouse Mountain the first week of May? Snow or spring flowers?

From what I understand, Grouse can be pretty variable around that time of year. When I climbed it in late May this year, there was still some snow left on the peak (though most of it had already started to melt, which meant the last part of the trail felt more like a shallow stream than an actual hiking path). Temp at the top was a balmy -2C.

The Boy's uncle lives at the base of the mountain and he's one of the nuts who go up the trail on a daily basis year-round... he was telling us he'd seen full-out snowstorms in late April, and sometimes even early May. You may want to pack a couple of layers (sweater, light jacket) and a hat if you're planning on walking around outside.

Oh, and stick to the gondola unless you want to spend an hour or two cursing yourself as a masochist. The trail isn't called The Grind for nothin'.

[Livardo]

I've been out of Vancouver for the last 4 years (hoping to go back soon) but here's some things that weren't mentioned:

- Walk down Robson (the main downtown shopping district), Denman and Davie. Lots of restaurants and shops along the way.

- Walk down Gastown, check out the Steam Clock. While you're there, check out Steamworks (hopefully it's still there), a cool brew pub

- While in Stanley Park, don't forget to go up to Prospect Point. This is not along the Seawall, but ask around, you'll get there.

- You may want to check out Harbour Centre (my favourite American misspelled place). There's a 360 deg look out at the last floor. It may leave you underwhelmed if you've been to the Space Needle or the Empire State though.

- Take the Skytrain all the way around. Stop at Metrotown station in Burnaby for your standard mall experience. Or check out Pacific Centre in Downtown.

- Nightlife at Granville st is pretty good. Lots of lounges, restaurants and night clubs.

- There's some "Cannabis Cafes" along West Hastings. Even if you don't partake in that activity, it's interesting to check out.

- Take the Seabus to Lonsdale Quay (in North Vancouver). Great views of the city from there.


and finally...

- Strip clubs are awesome in Vancouver. There used to be Cecil's and Brandi's. I wouldn't go to the #5 orange, it's a seedy part.

[lexi]

Just another vote for the The Lynn Valley Suspension Bridge instead of the Capilano Suspension Bridge.

[DWMarch]

Originally Posted by Livardo

- Strip clubs are awesome in Vancouver. There used to be Cecil's and Brandi's. I wouldn't go to the #5 orange, it's a seedy part.

I went to the #5 Orange... once. I later read in the newspaper that half the people in there were gangsters and the other half were cops!

[brossa]

I appreciate all the advice so far - I just thought I'd give this a bump since we're leaving in about three weeks. We'll take the train from the airport to our hotel, which is downtown.

So far my plans include Stanley Park, Granville Island, the museum of anthropology, and Grouse Mtn if weather permits.

The last time we were in San Francisco I took a bus out to the Golden Gate National Rec Area and then took most of a day to walk back to our hotel, which was near Geary and Market streets - about 15 miles total, with a lot of neat neighborhoods and architecture along the way. Any suggestions for a similar walk in Vancouver? Any areas that I should avoid walking through, for whatever reason - industrial, ugly, or dangerous?

Lastly, Asian food recommendations?

[Attack from the 3rd dimension]

Originally Posted by brossa

I appreciate all the advice so far - I just thought I'd give this a bump since we're leaving in about three weeks. We'll take the train from the airport to our hotel, which is downtown.

So far my plans include Stanley Park, Granville Island, the museum of anthropology, and Grouse Mtn if weather permits.

The last time we were in San Francisco I took a bus out to the Golden Gate National Rec Area and then took most of a day to walk back to our hotel, which was near Geary and Market streets - about 15 miles total, with a lot of neat neighborhoods and architecture along the way. Any suggestions for a similar walk in Vancouver? Any areas that I should avoid walking through, for whatever reason - industrial, ugly, or dangerous?

Lastly, Asian food recommendations?

More precisely where are you staying? That will help with walk recommendations.

[brossa]

Originally Posted by Attack from the 3rd dimension

More precisely where are you staying? That will help with walk recommendations.

On W Pender, down by the convention center. However, I'm also open to taking a bus somewhere, walking, and taking a bus back to the hotel at the end.

[Attack from the 3rd dimension]

Originally Posted by brossa

On W Pender, down by the convention center. However, I'm also open to taking a bus somewhere, walking, and taking a bus back to the hotel at the end.

Looking east, Gastown is good for shopping, but abuts the bad part of town (east hastings). Chinatown is on the other side of bad part of town, so if you decide to go there don't walk through east hastings. You'd notice and turn around though. Chinatown is OK, better than in Honolulu, but not as good as San Francisco.

Walking down Howe will take you down town for shopping. You could go to False Creek and take a water taxi across to Granville island. You may need a bus or cab to get to Stanley Park, but there is nice walking there, plus the aquarium.

2nd and 3rd beach are nice.

Off the downtown peninsula, you may like Kitsilano for noodling about and snacking and shopping, dropping down to Kits beach. Kitsilano is cleaner than the downtown areas. UBC forest / University endowment lands are full of trails, but I'm not really better than Stanley Park. Commercial drive and Main street are funkier 'realer' areas - less yuppified than Kitsilano - but still safe and clean

[Motorgirl]

Originally Posted by brossa

What do I need to know about Vancouver?

You need to know that you need to eat at Legendary Noodle.

[NBYodo]

Take a rain jacket as well, unless you've ordered tourist weather.