3 years, 1 month ago
What should we do with two days in Vancouver this summer?
I'll be in Vancouver for about two days (en route to somewhere else) in late July / early August, with my mother in tow. I'm looking for ideas for things to do that will give us a feel for the place, and show it off in all its glory in the short time we've got there. Is there anything we shouldn't miss? Something fantastic a travel agent would never think of?
A few "don'ts":
- Mom is approaching 70, so hiking or extra long walks aren't really a great idea. Ditto water parks or sports activities. She's pretty spry, but probably not looking for a work-out.
- I'm not ant-culture by any means, but I don't believe that museums or galleries are the way to see a city, so no recommendations for those please. Ditto shopping. A mall is a mall, no matter where you are.
Other than that, we're open to anything.
I am really looking for personal experience here, from someone who's visited or lived there. I've already scanned the tourism sites, but I'm hoping to hear some other ideas.
A few "don'ts":
- Mom is approaching 70, so hiking or extra long walks aren't really a great idea. Ditto water parks or sports activities. She's pretty spry, but probably not looking for a work-out.
- I'm not ant-culture by any means, but I don't believe that museums or galleries are the way to see a city, so no recommendations for those please. Ditto shopping. A mall is a mall, no matter where you are.
Other than that, we're open to anything.
I am really looking for personal experience here, from someone who's visited or lived there. I've already scanned the tourism sites, but I'm hoping to hear some other ideas.
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M$3 Answers
We've been to Vancouver a couple of times, once was just self and spouse, the other with our kids.
Here are a few ideas:
1) Take a ride around Stanley Park. Visit the aquarium if you're into that sort of thing (we are), but just take in the park.
2) The end of Robson Street near the park is kind of fun. Lots of boutiques, good restaurants, etc. Not *so* touristy.
3) Go to the UBC campus. Spectacularly beautiful. I know you said you're not into museums, but the Museum of Anthropology on the UBC campus has the best collection of Pacific Northwest native art I've ever seen, and the setting is gorgeous.
4) Granville Island Market. Fun shops, food stalls, etc., and generally a great time. If you happen to be there on Canada Day (7/2) traffic will be...entertaining.
5) Take the SeaBus (part of the local public transit) to Lonsdale Quay in N. Vancouver. Fantastic views of the city and the mountains from the water, cheap, and you can get a great lunch at Lonsdale Quay without having to go shlepping around.
Vancouver is a gorgeous city in July. I'd go there every summer if I could afford it!
Here are a few ideas:
1) Take a ride around Stanley Park. Visit the aquarium if you're into that sort of thing (we are), but just take in the park.
2) The end of Robson Street near the park is kind of fun. Lots of boutiques, good restaurants, etc. Not *so* touristy.
3) Go to the UBC campus. Spectacularly beautiful. I know you said you're not into museums, but the Museum of Anthropology on the UBC campus has the best collection of Pacific Northwest native art I've ever seen, and the setting is gorgeous.
4) Granville Island Market. Fun shops, food stalls, etc., and generally a great time. If you happen to be there on Canada Day (7/2) traffic will be...entertaining.
5) Take the SeaBus (part of the local public transit) to Lonsdale Quay in N. Vancouver. Fantastic views of the city and the mountains from the water, cheap, and you can get a great lunch at Lonsdale Quay without having to go shlepping around.
Vancouver is a gorgeous city in July. I'd go there every summer if I could afford it!
source(s):
Personal experience
Personal experience
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M$Report Abuse
Everytime we go to Vancouver we like to visit the Aquarium, it's right inside Stanley Park (You don't have to hike and the park has lots of good restaurants)
Plus... the aquarium is famous for having the worlds cutest otters.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=epUk3T2Kfno
Plus... the aquarium is famous for having the worlds cutest otters.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=epUk3T2Kfno
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M$
Don't miss these:
1. Canada Place.
http://www.gatewayops.com/images/canada_place.jpg
This fantastic convention centre, cruise ship port, and hotel always pops up on Vancouvers most popular postcards and calendars. This captivating piece of architecture decorates the Vancouver waterfront. It is a main focus of downtown for locals and visitors, and will only increase in popularity when the 2010 Vancouver Olympics Games takes place.
2. Stanley Park
http://martingoodman.com/soyouwanttobeawriter/uploaded_images/English%20Bay-768170.JPG
Stanley Park has attracted visitors from all over the globe, and nature enthusiasts are still amazed by its trees and scenic gardens. It is known as the largest city park located in Canada. Take a walk along the seawall and see as much of the park as you can while visiting. Stanley Park is always a great place for a family outing, or a romantic picnic. Stanley Park is open to the public all year round. You can choose to enter and leave whenever you want and most of the attractions operate from early morning to sunset. Enjoy the fresh pine smell!
3.Capilano Suspension Bridge
http://cache.virtualtourist.com/3704518-The_Capilano_Suspension_Bridge-Vancouver.jpg
Test your adrenaline and climb across one of North Vancouvers most spectacular suspension bridges. The Capilano Suspension Bridge thrills many visitors every week and people come from all over to test out their courage.
4. Grouse Mountain
http://z.about.com/d/govancouver/1/0/G/3/-/-/Grouse_Mountain__skyride_gondola.jpg
Visitors can enjoy one of Vancouvers premiere attractions by traveling just 15 minutes out of downtown. Grouse Mountain is popular with visitors and the local Vancouverites because it offers skiing, top nature trails, World Famous Lumberjack Shows, Birds in Motion demonstrations, and the Observatory Restaurant where visitors can see panoramic views of downtown Vancouver.
5. The Vancouver Aquarium
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/9/96/Vancouver_aquarium_dolphin.jpg
Located in famous Stanley Park, the Vancouver Aquarium is a fantastic spot to take the family when on vacation. Local Vancouverites that have not seen the aquarium yet should also spin by and see the marine life it hosts. It has over 60,000 exotic and fascinating creatures that have come from all areas of the world. Make sure to see the sea otters, dolphins, and beluga whale shows that are held daily.
6. Dr. Sun Yat Set Gardens
http://www.tripleman.com/images/20081205174756_sun%20yat%20sen%20gardens.jpg
Take in a cultural experience by escaping the hustle and bustle of downtown and visit the Dr. Sun Yet San Chinese Gardens, based in Chinatown. It is known for giving its visitors peace of mind and a tranquil experience, as well as beautiful photos to take home. Nature lovers, philosophers, cultural enthusiasts and sightseeing fans are commonly found walking through the lush gardens.
1. Canada Place.
This fantastic convention centre, cruise ship port, and hotel always pops up on Vancouvers most popular postcards and calendars. This captivating piece of architecture decorates the Vancouver waterfront. It is a main focus of downtown for locals and visitors, and will only increase in popularity when the 2010 Vancouver Olympics Games takes place.
2. Stanley Park
Stanley Park has attracted visitors from all over the globe, and nature enthusiasts are still amazed by its trees and scenic gardens. It is known as the largest city park located in Canada. Take a walk along the seawall and see as much of the park as you can while visiting. Stanley Park is always a great place for a family outing, or a romantic picnic. Stanley Park is open to the public all year round. You can choose to enter and leave whenever you want and most of the attractions operate from early morning to sunset. Enjoy the fresh pine smell!
3.Capilano Suspension Bridge
Test your adrenaline and climb across one of North Vancouvers most spectacular suspension bridges. The Capilano Suspension Bridge thrills many visitors every week and people come from all over to test out their courage.
4. Grouse Mountain
Visitors can enjoy one of Vancouvers premiere attractions by traveling just 15 minutes out of downtown. Grouse Mountain is popular with visitors and the local Vancouverites because it offers skiing, top nature trails, World Famous Lumberjack Shows, Birds in Motion demonstrations, and the Observatory Restaurant where visitors can see panoramic views of downtown Vancouver.
5. The Vancouver Aquarium
Located in famous Stanley Park, the Vancouver Aquarium is a fantastic spot to take the family when on vacation. Local Vancouverites that have not seen the aquarium yet should also spin by and see the marine life it hosts. It has over 60,000 exotic and fascinating creatures that have come from all areas of the world. Make sure to see the sea otters, dolphins, and beluga whale shows that are held daily.
6. Dr. Sun Yat Set Gardens
Take in a cultural experience by escaping the hustle and bustle of downtown and visit the Dr. Sun Yet San Chinese Gardens, based in Chinatown. It is known for giving its visitors peace of mind and a tranquil experience, as well as beautiful photos to take home. Nature lovers, philosophers, cultural enthusiasts and sightseeing fans are commonly found walking through the lush gardens.
You can leave an optional "tip" with Mahalo's virtual currency, Mahalo Dollars. If you are asking a difficult question that might require some research, or if you'd like a wide variety of feedback, a higher tip often leads to more answers to your question.
M$
