Going to Vancouver for 1 or 2 days | Discussion

[skysdalimit]

In October I'll be up in Vancouver for either 1 or 2 days. I'm a 19 year old male college student and was wondering what might be fun (and cheap) for my gf and I to do over that time period. What bars/clubs would you recommend for the night? Is there a university district in the area that would be cool? Thanks for any recommendations in advance, and I'll give you more details as they come.

[nova9]

Well the University of British Columbia (UBC) itself has many spots that might be vastly different from things you'd expect in North Carolina - most attractive may be the altnerative lifestyles observed at Wreck Beach just on campus, it's a clothing optional beach and I'm sure you can partake in other such alternative recreationals like exotic food (ie: hash edibles). But a lot of the other stuff at UBC are cultural and historical so it depends if you'll take a lot from those experiences.

From UBC, you can also take your choices in bus routes to Kitsilano, one of the most popular neighbourhoods to hang out and live in and it also has a few beaches there. From UBC of course is easy access to Downtown with your choices, once agian, of public transport.

I'd recommend Jericho Beach (near/in Kitsilano) on a nice day just solely because of the view of Downtown.

I'm sure the forumers here will be glad to add to your experience. It's also probably more helpful if you narrow your interests or tell us what kind of experience you want because I can think of everything from a debaucherous time here to a sophistimicated one.

[skysdalimit]

Well, I doubt we'll be going to any museums, but I think doing something outdoors would be cool. I'm not into hash edibles and I doubt we'll be going to Wreck Beach, but what does Stanley Park offer? Also what are some trendy bars/clubs and in BC they are 19+, correct? We also may want to head up to Whistler - how far is that? Are there equally cool mountainous places closer to the city? Are they any crazy fun attractions in the city other than the aquarium or museums?

[zivan56]

Stanley Park has a miniature train. Apart from that, there are plenty of trails and the seawall which goes around the whole park.
Whistler is a 2 hour drive from Vancouver, you can take a bus/train/car/helicopter to get there...
You can go up on Grouse Mountain, which is quite close, to see a large part of Vancouver and further depending on the weather.
Don't know what you consider "crazy fun," but you probably wont find that here...

[skysdalimit]

I mean are there any "out of the ordinary" attractions that don't necessarily involve hash/nudity that might appeal to college students?

[nova9]

Well all the clubs except Caprice and a few others are 19+ as that is the legal drinking age. Most clubs are found along Granville St. Between Robson and Nelson. But I'd recommend Shine in Gastown - great room and better customers than those that frequent other clubs.

Vancouver's also a great foodie city so check out all the different restuarants. My favourite right now is Gastropod.

[Nutterbug]

In October I'll be up in Vancouver for either 1 or 2 days.come.

Bad time to come here.

Too late for sunny summer weather, yet too early for skiing/snowboarding.

[deasine]

Did u get ur accomodations stuff organized? I really like the Opus hotel in Yaletown but it's super expensive even though it has the Canada Line construction right in front of the hotel =S

[skysdalimit]

Well we will probably need to stay at a (relatively) cheap hotel about $100 US per night. Are there any good chain hotels in Canada that can be bought for that price? Our accommodations are not organized yet.

Is Granville St. between Robson and Nelson downtown? Is Gastown a safe and trendy part of the city or is it dangerous?

[nova9]

Yes, Robson St. is the main mainstream shopping street in downtown and Granville St. is one of the largest/widest streets that run through the city though between Robson and Nelson it used to be pedestrian and bus only so it is very narrow (it now allows for cars). Granville St. is positioned with a large bridge linking downtown with the other areas and on both sides of the bridge are great boutiques and shops (South Granville outside and Granville Entertainment District in Downtown). Also, underneath Granville St. Bridge is Granville Island which is very much like Pike Place Market in Seattle but, and in my biased opinion, nicer if less exciting.

Gastown is right beside Downtown and is the oldest part of the city sorta. I prefer the shopping there as they have some great urban boutiques like Livestocks for sneakers and print tees and an Alife store straigh outta NYC but it's mixed in with a lot of tacky tourist crap. Gastown is a bit run down (has character) but is safe during the day - but even at night, there are so many people heading to restaurants and the few bars and clubs there that it's not that bad. You will probably see a few pandhandlers and drugged out homeless folks but they're almost never dangerous to anyone else except to each other.

While Downtown, check out Yaletown and the Westend too. Hmm...it's gonna be a packed 2 days for the 2 of you. Please ask away too because I'm sure we all want you to have a great impression of Vancouver.

[Booyashako]

Well we will probably need to stay at a (relatively) cheap hotel about $100 US per night. Are there any good chain hotels in Canada that can be bought for that price?

Just be aware, the Canadian dollar isn't "cheap" anymore, and they still haven't adjusted prices for most things (I reckon this includes hotel rates)...so prepare to pay more than you'd expect.

[skysdalimit]

Thanks nova. I went to Vancouver about 6 years ago and absolutely loved it! Now I want to do some more in depth visiting as a young adult. Could I walk across the Granville St. Bridge to get to the public market? Does it have some good stuff for tourists or is it mainly a real market with everyday goods, vegetables, fruits, etc?

Where exactly is Yaletown? And I assume Westend is on the west side?

[ozonemania]

If you're planning to stay downtown (most likely if you're looking for econo you'd be staying downtown south), I would get to Granville Island by way of the mini ferries that go from the West End to Granville Island (if they're still running). West End is nice, but not really an 'exciting' activity. If you're tolerant you can walk through the Davie Village gay district, down to Beach Avenue, English Bay, Stanley Park etc before making your way to Granville Island across the waterway. Granville Island is a real market, but it also have tourist fare, plus lots of artists, craftspeople, entertainers, restaurants, clubs, even a theatre and parks if I'm not mistaken.

Vancouver, however, doesn't really have a 'college town' type area like other cities, at least not that I know. There are certainly areas that cater more to college age demographics and could be considered cool/hip/fun. Like SoMa (south of Main), Commercial Drive, 4th Ave, Kits, Denman St, Yaletown. If you want a more unique Vancouver type experience, you can stop by Richmond No.3 Rd (New Chinatown) and its Richmond Night Market on weekends. Food should also be an objective for you, if you like good food. There are so many new and established restaurants around it's quite impossible to try them all. There are some districts in the city which are basically all restaurants and are destinations spots just for dining as entertainment.

I know you've already mentioned you're not interested in drugs (good for you), but you should check out the drug culture here, it's interesting and something you can tell stories about when you go back home. Near Gastown there are a couple of hemp cafes and they are neat to check out. I don't do drugs, never have, but I have been there. I learned some stuff and found it interesting. It's near Gastown so it's not like you have to go out of your way anyway. Gastown is imo okay, but if the weather isn't nice, i can feel a bit oppressive in the rain.

The harbour Dinner Cruise might be a nice idea. I've never been... anyone know if it's any good? Anyway, it's supposed to be fairly economical but you get to have dinner while sightseeing, and be off the cruise in time to catch some night life.

Did I mention food? That's one thing that I've enjoyed alot since I moved here. Really good food, especially if you like asian/pacific rim food, seafood, or inspired fusion. (By inspired fusion I mean fusion that really works). And the amount of money you need to pull out of your wallet for it is not painful at all.

If you like urban tourism, then these are some of the things you can do. Of course if you like to tour mother nature, then your options are that much more.

I think if you focus on a few key things that you really want to do, and get informed about what your options are for everything else, then that's all you need. Structure you day around those few key things and just fill it up with the other stuff... everything is relatively close, accessible if not walkable.

[nova9]

Okay, here goes: Westside is the westside neighbouring UBC which is the furthest west before water. Main st separates Eastside from Westside and is roughly in the middle. To the north of east/westside is a peninsula where Downtown is located. Within Downtown, the very west part bordered by the world famous Stanley Park and English Bay is the West End. Yaletown would be the south most part of Downtown just east of the Westend. Coal Harbour, to check out cool architecture is on the northside of the Downtown peninsula and is on the other side of Stanley park.

So no in a sense, you can't say West End is in the westside, at least not in terms of Vancouverite geographic lingo. Haha.

Granville Island is both equally for locals and tourists. There's enough there for both and yes, you can walk from the Granville Street Bridge, technically, everywhere is walkable within the city (we're more walk friendly and more willing to walk than other cities I'd guess). But yeah, the bridge has pedestrian walkways and if you're headed south on Granville St. Bridge and you stick to the right side, once the bridge is pretty much part of the street again, there should be a park and pedestrian turn off that takes you on the path to Granville. Plus, you can see the huge yellow barn that's part of Granville Island as you walk over the bridge so you can see where you're supposed to be headed.

[skysdalimit]

Thanks to both of you guys for your help.


If you're planning to stay downtown (most likely if you're looking for econo you'd be staying downtown south), I would get to Granville Island by way of the mini ferries that go from the West End to Granville Island (if they're still running). West End is nice, but not really an 'exciting' activity. If you're tolerant you can walk through the Davie Village gay district, down to Beach Avenue, English Bay, Stanley Park etc before making your way to Granville Island across the waterway. Granville Island is a real market, but it also have tourist fare, plus lots of artists, craftspeople, entertainers, restaurants, clubs, even a theatre and parks if I'm not mistaken.

Vancouver, however, doesn't really have a 'college town' type area like other cities, at least not that I know. There are certainly areas that cater more to college age demographics and could be considered cool/hip/fun. Like SoMa (south of Main), Commercial Drive, 4th Ave, Kits, Denman St, Yaletown. If you want a more unique Vancouver type experience, you can stop by Richmond No.3 Rd (New Chinatown) and its Richmond Night Market on weekends. Food should also be an objective for you, if you like good food. There are so many new and established restaurants around it's quite impossible to try them all. There are some districts in the city which are basically all restaurants and are destinations spots just for dining as entertainment.

I know you've already mentioned you're not interested in drugs (good for you), but you should check out the drug culture here, it's interesting and something you can tell stories about when you go back home. Near Gastown there are a couple of hemp cafes and they are neat to check out. I don't do drugs, never have, but I have been there. I learned some stuff and found it interesting. It's near Gastown so it's not like you have to go out of your way anyway. Gastown is imo okay, but if the weather isn't nice, i can feel a bit oppressive in the rain.

The harbour Dinner Cruise might be a nice idea. I've never been... anyone know if it's any good? Anyway, it's supposed to be fairly economical but you get to have dinner while sightseeing, and be off the cruise in time to catch some night life.

Did I mention food? That's one thing that I've enjoyed alot since I moved here. Really good food, especially if you like asian/pacific rim food, seafood, or inspired fusion. (By inspired fusion I mean fusion that really works). And the amount of money you need to pull out of your wallet for it is not painful at all.

If you like urban tourism, then these are some of the things you can do. Of course if you like to tour mother nature, then your options are that much more.

I think if you focus on a few key things that you really want to do, and get informed about what your options are for everything else, then that's all you need. Structure you day around those few key things and just fill it up with the other stuff... everything is relatively close, accessible if not walkable.

So you can actually legally get special brownies in Vancouver? I thought that was only legal in Amsterdam lol.

My gf has Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, so anything too dirty (druggies, dark alleys, dirty restaurants) is going to freak her out.

That Dinner Cruise sounds pretty cool, are there multiple companies that do that or just one?

I will definitely check out the food - I love good food.

Does it rain almost everyday in October? Cuz if it does that would be a bum deal.

Ok, so far on the agenda I have: Stanley Park, Granville Market, Gastown, Dinner Cruise, nightlife. You guys said the shopping is centered around Granville between Robson and Nelson? I know my gf would like that.

What else?

[nova9]

Well IMO, the cruise part of it is better than the dinner (food is catered out) and the views are great only if it's daytime or at latest at dusk.

Shopping is everywhere depending on what your styles and tastes are and how far you are willing to go - like, do you want to go out to Port Coquitlam (poco) in the suburbs to hit up our first H&M? Probably not.

And yes, you can get pot brownies there somewhat legally. In Vancouver, people can smoke up pretty much anywhere as long as you aren't making a scene about it or blowing it right in the police's face. But let me state - IT IS STILL ILLEGAL, just that our city culture pretty much accepts its use for good or bad.

[spongeg]

october can be rainy and quiet

you can walk across the granville bridge and work your way to the market - and than catch the water ferry back to the other side

for shopping in one place metrotown has all the shops that robson has and than some

but robson is better in terms of ambience

leone on west hastings is nice to check out - kind pricey but they are friendly and you can gawk at the versace, dolce & gabana etc. the lower level is for the younger trendier crowd with diesel, rock and repbulic, seven for all mankind etc.

the republic on granville is said to be a fave spot never been but it usually has a lineup

when going out be prepared to show ID - most places ID everyone - a lot of bars like the republic even use wands to check you out

some bars have dress codes - ie no jeans and sneakers flip flops etc.

some bars on weekends have an over 21 policy not sure how much its enforced but they will post it before you line up

if you have the time you might want to get to richmond and check out the many asian malls - aberdeen being the best looking, parker place, yaohan etc. - they are all within walking distance of each other but people still drive between them - lol - but there must be a good 20 or so asian shopping centres within 5 minutes of each other - its sort of the modern china town with the old one being downtown and quite dead in comparison most of the time

the night market ends sometime in october - it would be worth checking out - not sure of the bus routes but its in richmond and extremely busy and popular with locals - the food is really good and cheap

you might want to check out the drive or main street - where the hipsters flock and denounce starbucks - main is divided into a few areas - there is the are around main/kingsway/broadway (9th) aka mount pleasant and the area up around main and 20th to 30th aka "the main" - some good eating place up in that part - locus, the reef etc.

http://www.locusonmain.com/

http://www.thereefrestaurant.com/Vancouver/food.html

http://www.vancouveruserguide.com/neighborhoods/mainstreet.html

http://www.vancouveruserguide.com/neighborhoods/commercial.html

http://www.vancouveruserguide.com/neighborhoods/mountpleasant.html

though there is nothing here but homes its pretty cool to check out - strathcona - i would kill to live in that hood

http://www.vancouveruserguide.com/neighborhoods/strathcona.html

be sure to check out coal harbour

denman is good for cafes and evenings - delaneys is good for coffee - pretty gay clientele marble slab recently opened and has constant lines

you might want to check out la casa gelato near strathcona - insane flavours

http://www.lacasagelato.com/

always a crowd - in the summer anyway

[skysdalimit]

So it seems like from what you guys are saying that alot of activity takes place outside of the downtown peninsula? If someone has a map they could post up telling me the different sections of the city, that would be great.

[PacificMetropolis]

So it seems like from what you guys are saying that alot of activity takes place outside of the downtown peninsula? If someone has a map they could post up telling me the different sections of the city, that would be great.

The internet (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Internet#The_World_Wide_Web) has lots of info (http://www.roughguides.com/website/travel/destination/content/default.aspx?titleid=84&xid=idh298790560_0777)!

[spongeg]

So it seems like from what you guys are saying that alot of activity takes place outside of the downtown peninsula? If someone has a map they could post up telling me the different sections of the city, that would be great.

no but its a city of neighbourhoods and they each have their own charms - just depends what you want

i don't know how to explain it but there is just as much outside the downtown core as there is there and it would be a pity to miss out on checking out the drive or main street

ok in this map you can see downtown - just east is strathcona than the drive than to the south west is main and mt pleasant - to the west is south granville aka the rise and than to the west is kits it is possible to wlak them all but better to use the skytrain and busses or taxis

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v62/spongeg/mapcopy.jpg

[skysdalimit]

Ok, so this Wednesday I leave for Seattle. On Friday I'll be in Vancouver for the afternoon and evening, returning to WA later that night. Do you guys know of anything special going on this Friday in the city?

[Nutterbug]

Ok, so this Wednesday I leave for Seattle. On Friday I'll be in Vancouver for the afternoon and evening, returning to WA later that night. Do you guys know of anything special going on this Friday in the city?

No. Save the gas and stay in Seattle, and come back when you have more time.

[nova9]

I'd check www.beyondrobson.com they should have some listings. If not, google for the Georgia Straight (free paper) website, they've got extensive listings.

[spongeg]

oh with the low us dollar youmight want to change your money down there or use credit cards

a lot of places are giving low rates

i changed some USD leftover from a day trip and they were only giving 94 cents on the dollar - meaning for $51 USD i got $47.95 Canadian :(

its kinda weird being the other way around

[skysdalimit]

Well, I'll actually be in Bellingham, so I'm definitely coming up.

So can I use my credit card and the money will automatically transfer currencies? That's pretty cool. For going to the bars/clubs do you suggest getting some Canadian cash or will I really need cash?

[zivan56]

^^ Yes. You can use a credit card and pay with any currency in any country, and they will automatically convert the value at the time of purchase. I suggest cash for bars (so you can set your spending limit), but they should all accept credit cards.

[nova9]

Cash for bars strictly if you want prompt service. Credit cards are okay if you set up a tab or are at like a lounge or something.

[skysdalimit]

Cool thanks. And I know I've asked this before but what are some of the best bars/clubs in Vancouver? Again, I'm a 19 year old middle class straight white dude coming with my girlfriend (who has Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, meaning she is freaked out by dirty things). I'm not opposed to diversity, but if you guys could recommend some everyday place (meaning no drag shows, no strippers, just a cool dance club or bar/lounge) that would be great. Thanks.

[spongeg]

plaza night club, caprice, plush, crush, all on granville street

there is one across from the bay on seymour- i forget the name

opus down in yaletown and bar none next to it

[nova9]

I'm not opposed to diversity, but if you guys could recommend some everyday place (meaning no drag shows, no strippers, just a cool dance club or bar/lounge) that would be great. Thanks.

That's cool, but even if you were/are, tough luck in vancouver. haha. You turn around without seeing one of my kind...asian that is. And as for cleanliness, stick to a lounge then - I can recommend Balthazar, the one underneath the Wedgewood Hotel, and the Opus lounge.

[skysdalimit]

So we went yesterday to Vancouver and it was a blast! I went with my gf, her friend and her bf. We went to Granville St. Market and drove through downtown. We ate in Gastown at a place called Frog Legs (kind of mediocre food but still fun). We would've stayed longer but everyone was tired. I will have to come up again whenever I'm back out here. I will post pics whenever I get back to NC.

[spongeg]

cool

too bad the weather was so bad

but i heard seattle had hail!

[skysdalimit]

Yeah, the weather was kinda crummy, but I suppose not too atypical for this time of year. We still had fun. Hopefully next time I come up it won't be so soggy.

[skysdalimit]

So here are my pics.

First, at the Peace Arch coming into Canada:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v282/werd2000Fo/Vancouver/DSCF2411.jpg

Coming into Vancouver in the north Granville area:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v282/werd2000Fo/Vancouver/DSCF2412.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v282/werd2000Fo/Vancouver/DSCF2428.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v282/werd2000Fo/Vancouver/DSCF2429.jpg

Looking from the Granville Island Market.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v282/werd2000Fo/Vancouver/DSCF2414.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v282/werd2000Fo/Vancouver/DSCF2416.jpg

Granville Island Market:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v282/werd2000Fo/Vancouver/DSCF2415.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v282/werd2000Fo/Vancouver/DSCF2417.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v282/werd2000Fo/Vancouver/DSCF2426.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v282/werd2000Fo/Vancouver/DSCF2427.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v282/werd2000Fo/Vancouver/DSCF2425.jpg

Coming into downtown:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v282/werd2000Fo/Vancouver/DSCF2430.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v282/werd2000Fo/Vancouver/DSCF2431.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v282/werd2000Fo/Vancouver/DSCF2432.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v282/werd2000Fo/Vancouver/DSCF2433.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v282/werd2000Fo/Vancouver/DSCF2434.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v282/werd2000Fo/Vancouver/DSCF2435.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v282/werd2000Fo/Vancouver/DSCF2436.jpg

Granville Street downtown:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v282/werd2000Fo/Vancouver/DSCF2437.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v282/werd2000Fo/Vancouver/DSCF2440.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v282/werd2000Fo/Vancouver/DSCF2441.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v282/werd2000Fo/Vancouver/DSCF2442.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v282/werd2000Fo/Vancouver/DSCF2443.jpg

Gastown/Area around convention center:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v282/werd2000Fo/Vancouver/DSCF2445.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v282/werd2000Fo/Vancouver/DSCF2446.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v282/werd2000Fo/Vancouver/DSCF2447.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v282/werd2000Fo/Vancouver/DSCF2448.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v282/werd2000Fo/Vancouver/DSCF2449.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v282/werd2000Fo/Vancouver/DSCF2450.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v282/werd2000Fo/Vancouver/DSCF2451.jpg

I hope you guys enjoyed! Feel free to leave comments.