Plane leaves Pearson at 5 pm and arrives in Vancouver at 18:54.
We go to our hostel and walk around exploring the neighbourhood on Friday night. To get to the hostel I have a complicated sounding set of instructions.
Saturday September 4
First full day in Vancouver, time to get to some places that may not be open on Sunday or holiday Monday.
Granville Island has a fantastic market and is a great place to stop for breakfast, a short walk from the hostel. It seems close to the Maritime Museum but who would want to go to that?
From there a bus ride to the Univeristy of British Columbia and the Museum of Anthropology, open 10-5. This is also very close to the world famous nude beach Wreck Beach and something called Totem Park.
A trip back to the hostel to refresh, a nice meal, and spend the evening on a salsa cruise, which I'm still not sure if I'm going.
As a matter of fact, I'm not. I found a play about baseball and cute boys - going to that instead.
Sunday September 5
Stanley Park is a must with a view of Lion's Gate Bridge.
The Aquarium in the park is open 9:30 to 5 every day of the year and I found some discount coupons.
There's also a Petting Zoo.
At night, Vancouver Lookout is open 8:30 am to 10:30 pm and is located right on the water.
Monday September 6
Holiday Monday, and with the threat of everything being closed, a day trip to Whistler sounds good.
Leaving downtown (1150 Station St) at 8 am and arriving (4368 Main St) at 10:30 by Greyhound, there are returns at 4:30, 5, 6:30 or 9 pm. 4 day advance purchase is $46.80 each, non-refundable is $54.00.
It really looks amazing. It's called Whistler-Blackcomb and I can't find any further directions so I hope it's easy to find!
Tuesday September 7
Walking past the market, maybe grabbing a bite, we see the VanDussen Botanical Garden, open 10 am to 9pm. There's also a conservatory close by.
Very close to this is the Vancouver Holocaust Information Centre, open 9-5.
The Vancouver Art Gallery is close to the hostel and is open to admission by donation Tuesdays from 5-9 pm.
Wednesday September 8
Back to the market for breakfast? Sounds good.
Then the Vancouver Museum is open 10-5 pm.
A nice dinner for our last night out? Vij's Restaurant is the #1 rated in Vancouver, and I love Indian food.
Thursday September 9
The Vancouver Fringe Festival begins today. I wonder if I can sneak in a play?
Make our way to Victoria today.
Take transit to Tsawwassen, ferry to Swartz Bay and then a double decker bus to Victoria.
Staying at the Blue Ridge Inn.
The Art Gallery is open to 9 pm on Thursdays.
Friday September 10
Miniature World is open from 9 am to 7 pm and looks fun!
What about the Bug Zoo?
Beacon Hill Park has the world's tallest totem pole.
The Craigdarroch Castle is open 10-4:30.
Market Sqaure and Chinatown are also both downtown and sound great.
The Royal BC Museum is open 10 am to 10 pm on Friday and Saturday nights!
Saturday September 11
Hatley Castle could be a fun little trip, 15 min drive away but only open 10:15 - 3 pm.
Fort Rodd Hill is also there and open 10-5:30 pm.
You can drive there or take the #50 or 61 bus to Western Exchange and walk 2.2 km along Ocean Blvd.
Sunday September 12
Leave Victoria at 12:15 pm, arriving at Pearson at 7:40 pm. It looks like our airport is right beside our hotel!
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1 comment:
I like the sound of your trip. Some recommendations and tips I can think about:
- Look into the Vancouver Trans Link Faresaver 10 ticket deal. It is only good for Zone 1, but you are going to be bussing it for the majority of places within the area, I would assume. You can always pay the additional zone on top of the ticket. I can't remember how the fare system and zones work. It is pretty complicated because I am so use to Toronto's simple system. Also, always take back your ticket after sliding it into the ticket metre.
- You planned one day around Stanley Park...good plan! It is actually quite a large area. Fortunately, there are free trolleys (green). There is also a beach at the South-West entrance of Stanley Park.....it is not a nude beach...
- You may want to check out Grouse Mountain, Lynn Canyon, or Capilano on Tuesday morning.
- There are supermarkets nearby the hostel where you can purchase groceries or evening snackage. Even a fresh fruit stand. All North-East from the hostel. The hostel has a well equipped communal kitchen.
- Enjoy yourselves at Granville Island, and bring a treat or two back from "Stuart's Bakery".
- Lots of beggers, and for goodness sake, avoid East Hasting or Chinatown unless you need your crack fix!
Good stuff! I hope you enjoy your trip!
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