Vancouver

[LadyCG]

OH and I are thinking about Vancouver possibly next year. I'd like to hear any tips and opinions from those who have been, particularly on things to see and do, where to eat and drink.

We'd also consider doing a twin centre holiday, say, a nights in a European City and then 4 nights in Vancouver. I believe airlines like Lufthansa fly directly to Vancouver?

I wonder whether Stockholm and Vancouver would be feasible? If not, I would consider doing Vancouver plus another Canadian or a US city.

Any thoughts or tips appreciated.

Thanks.

[rockyracoon]

We were looking at Vancouver for this October, but have changed our minds and will probably go over Easter next year, and try to do a 2 centre, maybe Montreal.

[LadyCG]

Hi Rocky,

I did consider Montreal, funnily enough. I went to Toronto many years ago and a lady in a department store said they can be funny in certain parts of Montreal if you don't speak French. I wouldn't let that put me off going though.

[rockyracoon]

I work with a French lady and she advised me against Montreal. But it looks so pretty. I might do Van and Seattle. I'll see what the weather is up to around that time of year.

[Chipchopper]

Vancouver is my fav destination on the planet.
Vancouver is a must to see, bear watching trips, canoe trips to mears island, visit Tofino and many more lovely places.

[LadyCG]

That's good to hear, Chipchopper. Would you recommend the Butchart Gardens and the Butterfly place?

[Chipchopper]

Yes Rocky the Butchart gardens is well worth a visit, I think it was created from an old quarry.
If you like wildlife and the great outdoors plus cultral adventures check out Tla-ook.

[Chipchopper]

Sorry Lady cg, i got names mixed up :-/

[mushroom25]

you can fly direct to Vancouver from rather few places in Europe - Frankfurt, Munich, Paris, Amsterdam, Dublin, Zurich and Reykjavik, outside of the UK.

[LadyCG]

Thanks Mushroom. I only came back from Munich last week and I've done Reykjavik in the last couple of years. I'd happily consider Amsterdam and Dublin - I've not been to either of those. That's really useful information!

[237SJ]

Seattle/Vancouver is easily do-able or you could do Toronto then get a sleeper cabin on the Viarail to Vancouver which is a real adventure

[LadyCG]

Seattle sounds interesting!

[Helewel]

We have been to both of these and recommend.
http://steamworks.com/node/140 (craft beers and excellent burger)
http://www.oldspaghettifactory.ca/locations/gastown
(great pastas and the sourdough is to die for!)
Also went up the Vancouver lookout. Great views.

[sanmac]

The people of Quebec City are much more friendly towards non-French-speakers than Montrelars. And, to me, it is a much more interesting and scenic place to visit.

[Buenchico]

Wikitravel is an excellent source of information:
https://wikitravel.org/en/Vancouver
(NB: You need to click the links for each of the districts to get the full picture).

Vancouver International Airport is served by direct flights from Heathrow, operated by both Air Canada and BA.

Air Transat and WestJet operate services from Gatwick.

Air Transat also flies to Vancouver from Manchester.

(Note that the Air Transat and WestJet services, don't operate all year round though. They're classed as 'seasonal').

There are no other direct flights from the UK.

There are no direct flights between Stockholm and Vancouver.

Montréal is loved by many visitors. It would make a good second city to visit in Canada. (With its French language and culture, it's very different to Vancouver):
https://www.mtl.org/en

https://wikitravel.org/en/Montreal

Flights between Vancouver and Montréal are operated by Air Canada and Air Transat (both all year), as well as by WestJet (seasonally).

Flights between Montréal–Trudeau Airport and the UK are operated by Air Canada and BA (both year round, to Heathrow), as well as by Air Transat (seasonally, to Gatwick)

[Buenchico]

If, as suggested by Sanmac, you'd prefer to visit Quebec over Montréal, you might have a problem with flights. That's because there are no direct flights between Québec City Jean Lesage International Airport and the UK. Further (surprisingly, in my opinion) there are no direct flights to Vancouver either.

[237SJ]

Make sure you go at the right time of the year as the weather can be quite iffy there (and in Seattle too). Seattle's great - Mount Ranier, Boeing factory tour, boat to Bainbridge Island (and hire a bike), Pike Place Market. I think you can do little light aircraft flights in Seattle although I did that in Vancouver. Seattle to Vancouver is drivable so makes a good two centre holiday.

[fbg40]

Hi LadyCG
Been to Vancouver, landed in Seattle and moved on to Vancouver. Seattle is wonderful, especially Pike Place. I have family spread out in Ontario and there are also great places to visit there. My absolute favourite in Canada is Nova Scotia - can't really say why but just loved it, especially the South Shore area. The Bay of Fundy in particular is superb. Back to Vancouver - if you go Robson Street is a feast for shoppers and eaters One place that springs to mind for eating is Earl's, a chai that does great food. Gastown is another area of Vancouver that should not be missed. Stanley Park is yet another place. I could go on for hours !! A good read is Fodor's Vancouver and Victoria - you could probably pick up a second hand copy from ABEbooks.co.uk. If you should go then a trip to Vancouver Island is well worth it, especially a place called Cathedral Grove - it's a wonder ! Happy travelling
FBG40

[LadyCG]

Thank you so much, everyone. It certainly sounds very interesting. :-)