stuff to do in vancouver

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bobmaplethorp

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we're wanting to head up to vancouver for a few days. we've never been and don't really know much about the region. is vancouver a cool town? is it the type of town where you need a car? is there any kind of urban pedestrian center or is it all spread out? what should we see? what particular things should we do? where should we stay? we're interested in outdoor activities and eating very good food.

also, we're thinking about doing vancouver and seatlle in the same trip? is this doable? we'd have 5 or 6 days. is that enough? does it make sense to do those two cities at once? what's the best way to get from one to the other?

thanks
 
Not sure if the ferry through the San Juan islands leaves from Vancouver or not. If so, do that. If not you can drive down to Anacortes(sp) and take a ferry from there. Once you take the ferry through the islands to Victoria do the Bucharte(sp) Gardens.
 
Bob Maplethorpe, potential getaway driver. Go!

We did 8 days, Seattle, Vancouver, San Juan, so you can do Vancouver and Seattle in 5-6. I'd spend 3-4 in Vancouver, and 2 in Seattle.
Vancouver - you'll want a car in order to head out of town in case you want to hit Grouse Mountaion and maybe Whistler (if you're really into the outdoors). You can walk around town, but they've got buses worth taking and water taxis if need be. Stanley Park is worth walking around.
For Food, check Chowhound.com for recommendations. They've got a decent sized Chinatown there and it's worth getting Asian at least once, and sushi once too.

Seattle. Neat town. You can/should drive from Seattle to Vancouver in 3-4 hours. We drove down to Mt. Ranier and hiked around for a bit. Did the fish market, and the rock n' roll experience which is great. Honestly, I'd spend 3 days in Vancouver, and 3 days in the San Juan Islands.
 
It's been 15 years since I did it, but you can drive to Vancouver from Seattle, take the ferry over to Victoria, and then take the ferry from Victoria back to Seattle. I thought Vancouver was a very cool town, but I absolutely loved Victoria.
 
Bring your passport. You need it to get into Canada these days.

I recommend Victoria for a long day trip. Ferry in from Seattle or Vancouver without a car and walk around the city.

Also, get a car while in Vancouver and head to Whistler. Yeah, yeah, its a ski resort and its summer, but it is beautiful up there and a really nicely planned town.

Vancouver: go to Gas Town, the old part of the city. Stanley Park. Kitsalano beach.

Seattle is a nice city, but i wouldn't dilute your time in Canada for it.
 
You are in for a treat!
Vancouver is my #1 ranked north American city.
If you are looking for outdoor activities, check out Stanley Park and watch the cruise ships head out of port near Lion's Gate bridge.

Look for Austin to look like Vancouver in 10-15years the way modern high rise apts are springing up around downtown Austin.
 
Vancouver Eats:

Vij's/Rangoli-amazing Indian food. Never go to Vancouver without eating at both places at least once. Next door to one another. Vij's is more upscale. Rangoli half the price but still incredible.

Cin Cin - Italian

West - Contemporary cuisine

Pink Pearl - dim sum

Visit Granville Island - incredible farmers market and stores featuring local artisans. Rent a bike and ride the loop around Stanley Park. Vancouver is definitely one of my favorite cities in the world. We usually drive up from Portland every year for a long weekend. Great walking city.

Seattle Eats:

Sitka & Spruce

Pink Door - funky Italian

How To Cook A Wolf

Lark

5 Spot/Coastal Kitchen - great breakfasts/owned by same person

One of these three restaurants owned by Tom Douglas - Etta's, Dahlia Lounge or Palace Kitchen

Matt's In The Market - fresh/local ingredients
 
I love Vancouver, although I only spent a few days there en route home from Whistler. We rented bikes and rode around Stanley Park, which I highly recommend. Amazing ocean views, some neat little shops, cool totem poles.
 
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