Vancouver Travel Forum

We will be overnighting in Vancouver area, near the airport, before heading to Whistler skiing the next day. Pending what time we get into Vancouver, we might be interested in going out to someplace fun for a drink, and maybe some food, but mostly to just sample some local brew. We'll have a car, so we can drive, but prefer not driving more than 20 min. from the airport hotel. Just looking for someplace fun, different, good beer. Any suggestions? Thanks

Good thing you have a car because there's not too much near the airport except for the hotel lounges and bars. It's easy to get right downtown Vancouver from the airport (about 15-20 min) and it's definitely worth the relatively short drive to spend an evening on Robson Street (good restaurants and bars). Follow the signs to city centre and Burrard Street bridge. There's lots of parkades near Burrard and Howe street for example. It will be a good dry run for finding your way out of town to Whistler the next morn - you'll see the signs for Whistler. All the restaurants on Robson street are great - can't rx one over another. If you like Chinese - HONS on Robson.

Drinking and driving in Vancouver is a hazard as there are road checks every night.
The River Rock Casino is a fun place and by the airport. http://www.riverrock.com/entertainment/

I would go straight to Granville Island. Park your car there and walk around and you'll have scores of bars and restaurants. Here is a map of the place:

http://www.granvilleisland.com/files/pdf/granville_island_map.pdf
http://www.seegranvilleisland.com/