First trip to Vancouver, BC

[Dan from Jersey]

Looks like I'll be visiting Vancouver this year (mid August) to attend a 50th wedding anniversary "event". Will be bringing my wife and teenage kids for the week.

I'm pretty jazzed about the visit (always wanted to go, just didn't get the opportunity until now). Just started to snoop around to see what the attractions are, but was thinking about asking anyone on this forum for some recommendations.

So with that in mind, what would you recommend we see while out there? Or perhaps not see as the case may be.

At any rate, appreciate any info you can share.

Best regards, Dan

[willmarsh3]

I have on my list to go to the Vancouver Maritime Museum. The Ben Franklin submersible is there. This was used to explore the Gulf Stream in the 1960s. It was put in off of Florida, submerged, and surfaced about a month later near Maine.

http://www.vancouvermaritimemuseum.com/modules/vmmuseum/treasures/?artifactid=92

[Stephen]

Personally I would skip the Vancouver Maritime museum. It rates very low in my books as far as maritime museums go.
Lots to see and do at Granville Island market - plus an outfit there that builds small wooden boats.

[dennisbur]

Britannia Shipyards in Richmond during the week when they're working on the boats.

[ca628]

I'll second Granville Island. Also UBC Museum of Anthropology, if you like that sort of thing. (I do.)

http://www.moa.ubc.ca/

[willmarsh3]

Last time I went to Vancouver (August 1994) I stopped at Granville Island and thought it was quite wonderful so I'll third it.

[cathouse willy]

Dan,depending on your interests there lots of outdoor stuff to be had here.Hiking kayaking camping fishing cycling.Vancouver is a city on the edge of wilderness. Twenty miles from city center and you're in it. Be prepared.I can't comment on the cultural stuff but theres lots of that also.Restaurants from the world over,some great jazz,blues,bluegrass music festivals.Enjoy

[pcford]

Personally I would skip the Vancouver Maritime museum. It rates very low in my books as far as maritime museums go.
Lots to see and do at Granville Island market - plus an outfit there that builds small wooden boats.

I stay at the hotel on Granville Island when in Vancouver for business; it's a converted warehouse/industrial area. The guy with the boatshop (it's toward the hotel end of island) is a heck of a nice guy.

[AndreasJordahlRhude]

Granville area, yes. Stanley Park too. You can take a tram up the mountain in North Vancouver and hike around even higher up. Also, North Vancouver area has the narrow bridge walking over a canyon - can't recall the name. There is a very nice garden somewhere in the city.

Andreas

[dennisbur]

The Vancouver Wooden boat show is the 3rd weekend in August at Granville Island. When you're there be sure to check out the Wood Co-op. Neat wood furniture and projects.

Dennis

[willmarsh3]

Granville area, yes. Stanley Park too. You can take a tram up the mountain in North Vancouver and hike around even higher up. Also, North Vancouver area has the narrow bridge walking over a canyon - can't recall the name. There is a very nice garden somewhere in the city.

Andreas


Capilano Suspension bridge

http://www.english-vancouver.com/capilano-suspension-bridge/

I walked that during my 1994 trip. It was quite a bridge. Sometimes folks would try to jump and rock the bridge; an attendent was frequently reminding folks not to do that.

[soba]

You cannot miss La Casa Gelato on Venables St.

The Vancouver aquarium is good...lots of history there as well as exhibits...they had the first ever orca in captivity (though their mandate now is to take in no more wild whales) and they just had a new baby beluga born.

I would take the family to the Naam restaurant on 4th Ave near MacDonald. It has been open 24 hrs a day continuously for more than 30 years.

Van Dusen Gardens is nice for adults, but boring for teens.

The kids might enjoy Metrotown Mall.

The Pacific National Exhibition will be on, and a trip on the old roller coaster (wooden boats, wooden roller coasters, right?) would be a good idea.

In Kitsilano Park there is the St. Roch, which is interesting. RCMP boat that sailed the Northwest passage way back when it was still frozen solid. Well worth the price of admission. There's an outdoor pool nearby and a bit of a beach. The Kits beach area is nice for a day out.

Lots to do in Vancouver. For me it's all about the food...Vij's, the Naam, Hawker's Delight, the Mongolie Grill, FuKu sushi, sushi-han, Hon's Won Ton house...mmmmmm!

[Yeadon]

Vij's is fantastic.

Well worth your time ... even though the wait is obscene and the prices even fancier. Maybe I'll go to Vancouver this weekend. Hmmmm.

[TimH]

http://www.salts.ca/images/ship_images/pac_grace.jpg

Pacific Grace (http://www.salts.ca/031_SALTS_grace.htm)

[goodbasil]

Wreck Beach

[Dan from Jersey]

Hi All,

Thanks for all the suggestions, it's a big help. Think I'll get going on some research, then run these ideas up the flag pole during dinner - hopefully i won't get the "look" from my kids. :)

Thanks again.

Later, Dan

[Lew Barrett]

Chinese and Asian food!

[Dan from Jersey]

that sounds really good right now - i'm starving!

some "hot and sour soup" would really hit the spot right now - or maybe some shrimp pad thai....

too bad i'm driving a desk for two more hours.

[Lew Barrett]

Vancouver is said to have the best Chinese food on the West Coast....that's the West Coast of the continent....and some say it's the equal of anything anywhere in the world. Ask around for a good local recommendation (make sure you ask the right people of course!). I've been told the very best is available in Richmond (just south of the city) but last I was there, we had a sumptuous meal right in town. Sorry, can't remember the place's name. A large Asian population assures the quality, but I hear it's the Chinese food you want to chase. While on Granville Island, check out the little nautical antiques shop.

[Dan from Jersey]

Hi Lew,

Thanks - it's on my list.

Looks like my bride wants to visit Whistler for a day or two, so my next item on the agenda is a car rental. As nice as Whistler looks, wondering if we're "scheduling" too much and not just enjoying ourselves enough.

But it will work out fine - it will still be better than a good day at work.

Later, Dan

[Jay Greer]

We spent a week tied up at Granville and that wasn't enough! Many boat builders and artisans have their creations on display. This is a great place to get up close to master craftsmen and their work. By all means visit the Market and try the soups. Vancouver is a great town! The drive to Whistler is spectacular as well! Even if one were not into skiing it is worth the drive! However, when the snow is beckoning I can't resist making a few turns.
Jay