This tour starts in Vancouver-do you actually see the city? Has anyone taken this tour, if so, would you recommend coming a couple days before the tour begings? The time allocated for seeing Vancouver seems limited.

Hi Jon A ~ I have done a similar tour to what you are doing and after looking at your tour itinerary I agree with you that there is not enought time allocated to see Vancouver, it is a wonderful city and I would spend at least an extra two days there.

I believe Stanley Park need a full days to take it all in, the Aquarium is located at Stanley Park and I would thoroughly recommend a visit. There is a great Hop on Hop off Trolley Car tour that goes around Vancouver, plus there is Grouse Mountain where you can take a cable car ride or visit the Capilano suspension bridge, the Vancouver museum and or the Maritime museum.

Believe me there is plenty to see.

Have a great trip.

From the looks of the tour it does not spend much time in Vancouver. If you really want to see Vancouver you will need more time.

Vancouver is a fantastic city and you definitely need at least a couple of extra days. There are so many things to do and it is very easy to get around and see things.

As some have mentioned, there's Grouse Mountain, the suspension bridge, Stanley Park, aquarium, shopping in Gastown, English Bay, etc.

You will have a wonderful time!

....Granville Island, my favourite place in Vancouver.

I was lucky enough to grow up with an Uncle who lived 2 blocks from English Bay and Stanley Park and an Auntwho lived in Whiterock. It is a very large city but somehow it doesn't feel that way. I would also recommend The Bloedel Conservatory at Queen Elizabeth Park, go in the am if you can as people do Tai Chi, also has a wonderful view over the city. If you are going to Stanley Park take peanuts for the squirrels, they will take them out of your hands. Gastown is good for people watching, go with an open mind.

quote:

Originally posted by petcrazyj:
...Gastown is good for people watching, go with an open mind.

Why does one need an open mind, Petcrazy?

I too was wondering about what to see/do in Vancouver as we have a spare day after the tour before we can fly out. I'm doing the Rockies Panorama and we do see some of Vancouver like Stanley Park, Chinatown and Gastown. So what else is recommended?

quote:

Originally posted by Winnie Pooh:
I too was wondering about what to see/do in Vancouver as we have a spare day after the tour before we can fly out. I'm doing the Rockies Panorama and we do see some of Vancouver like Stanley Park, Chinatown and Gastown. So what else is recommended?

Gosh Winnie - how long do you think it will take to investigate the above recommendations? Sounds as tho' you need at least a fortnight to take in all that, plus museums, galleries, shopping...

Lucky you. It sounds fantastic.

quote:

Originally posted by Winnie Pooh:
I too was wondering about what to see/do in Vancouver as we have a spare day after the tour before we can fly out. I'm doing the Rockies Panorama and we do see some of Vancouver like Stanley Park, Chinatown and Gastown. So what else is recommended?

Winnie ~ The aquarium in Stanley Park is definitely worth a visit, the hop on hop off bus will take you to Chinatown, Gastown, Granville Island and Stanley Park you can hop on and off at your leisure.

Check out the link below.

Trolley Bus Hop on hop off.

You're hitting some wonderful places on this tour. I live only about 40 minutes from Banff, where you are stopping. It's a lovely little town with breathtaking views. Go up the Sulpher Mountain Gondola if you have a chance. There's also some nice gardens at the city offices -- can't miss them. There's only one main street and they're at the end. If you get time, also go to the Upper Hot Springs for a swim in the hot springs. It's pretty cheap and very beautiful and relaxing. They have a spa there with the hot plunge pool, steam and a massage which is fantastic.

You definitely will see some beautiful scenery in all these places. They are all very lovely.

Thanks Missie, the hop on and off bus looks good. I know there's been a quite a few suggestions but I wanted to see what was the best to do in one day.

quote:

Originally posted by Mallee:

quote:

Originally posted by petcrazyj:
...Gastown is good for people watching, go with an open mind.

Why does one need an open mind, Petcrazy?

Because it is very close to "Skid Row".

That's kind of giving it a bad rap. It's typical of any other inner city area in any city on earth -- there are all sorts and it's great for people watching. I've been numerous times and my friend's office is right in Gastown and they have never had a problem with anyone.

quote:

Originally posted by petcrazyj:
[QUOTE]Originally posted by Mallee:
Why does one need an open mind, Petcrazy?/QUOTE]

Because it is very close to "Skid Row".

Thanks, Petcrazy. It's good to know these things, so that we are prepared for them.