Vancouver Travel Forum

Hello folks,

I will be taking my family to Vancouver in July for 10 days before heading East. Obviously lots to see and do however rather than pay for 4 at each and every attraction, is there a worthwhile 'saver card' I can purchase?

I am then driving across to Edmonton via Jasper. My daughter hates long journeys so want to restrict 1st day to 5-6 hours or so. Any recommendations on overnight accomodation, including Jasper for the 2nd day. Many thanks, Andy.

There's the Vancouver 5-in-1 card, to be found here:

http://vancouverfiveinone.com/

Also the smart visit card:

http://www.seevancouvercard.com/menu/planning_itineraries.html

The Entertainment Book for Vancouver would have plenty of money saving coupons in it, for attractions as well as restaurants and even hotels:

www.entertainment.com

To give you an idea of savings to be had, the regular entrance fee last summer to the Vancouver Aquarium for 2 adults and 2 teens was $57 CAD. The Smartvisit website has some suggested sightseeing itineraries, which might help with planning your trip.

To drive from Vancouver to Jasper are you talking about 6 hours start to finish, or just 6 hours of driving time? You might want to look at either taking the Duffey Lake Road from Whistler to Kamloops or take the original #1 highway from Vancouver to Kamloops (this would allow you to stop at Hell's Gate on the way). Either way, you are looking at overnighting in Kamloops or area. Either of these routes would allow you to see lots of pretty scenery along the way and stop for photos and a picnic lunch along the way. But you would definitely be on the road more than 6 hours in total. You could also go straight through to Kamloops on the Coquihalla highway, but I don't see the point in rushing through when on vacation. (A nice, budget friendly motel where we always stay in Kamloops is the Ranchland Motel. It's not fancy, but it's clean and quiet and about $65 a night.)

Kamloops to Jasper is an easy 6 hour drive. You might want to stop in Wells Grey Prov Park on the way and visit Helmeken Falls, to break up your driving a bit. Line up some accomodations in Jasper right away, if you haven't already done so, as rooms are limited there. Patricia Lake Cabins are very popular, as are the private home accomodations.

Your drive from Jasper to Edmonton will be about 6 hours of easy (and boring!) driving with not much to see along the way.

Your going to spend 10 days in Vancouver, that is a lot of time to spend here, you can see Vancouver in 2 to 3 days easily. There really is not that much to see. Unless of course if your planning to go to Whistler, or the Island then you could use a few extra days, but 10 days in Vancouver, a waste of vacation time.

Jo

Thanks very much for taking the time to provide valuable information. I will spend some time over a glass or 3 of wine researching your recommendations!! Definately was not considering Jasper in 6 hrs - merely driving on the 1st day for approx 6 hrs before my daughter plays up. As you say -no rush and will enjoy the views - Did not know about the Whistler route but had thought of Kamloops. Many thanks and best wishes, Andy.

Thanks Phil,

I am confident we will find plenty to do using Vancouver as a base including Whistler, Van' Island, Seattle, etc. A few lazy days in the Park and on the beaches will not be wasted especially if the weather is on our side. We have 5 weeks and will move onto 2 further areas afterwards. Cheers -Andy

<<you can see Vancouver in 2 to 3 days easily. There really is not that much to see.>>

That is nonsense from someone who doesn't know the City at all.

Hey Sam not going to get into an arguement with you, but having lived and still here after 33 years I think I know the city and as I said for anyone coming to Vancouver, the city its self has very little to offer in the way of sightseeing and what it does have to offer can be seen in 2 or 3 days. Vancouver is pretty much a boring city, if it wasn't for the views and settings, the water and mountains Vancouver could be any city located anywhere with little or nothing to do.What makes Vancouver is the setting. there is little to no history here, no excitement, the people for the most part are uninsipired, a fun day in Vancouver on a weekend is a walk around the sea wall, or a jog and sitting at Starbucks the rest of the trying to look like they are somebody important. Bet that where you are on the weekends.

i agree to a point but think you are a bit harsh , its not that bad, there are alot more interesting ppl than you give credit for, and i always thought that stunning location never gets it due compared to architecture

Hey guys, how bout if you don't hijack 3992's post to have a debate about Vancouver? It's a great city, the OP has made up their mind about their length of time there, and your comments are really getting off topic!

<<having lived and still after 33 years I think I know the city and as I said for anyone coming to Vancouver>>

I've lived here man and boy for 36+ years and haven't seen it all yet-where do you spend time anyway-in front on your TV?

<<the city itself has very little to offer in the way of sightseeing and what it does have to offer can be seen in 2 or 3 days.>>

Again I suggest you don't know the city at all and confine yourself to a few small areas and call them 'home'-that's not 'a life'.

<<Vancouver is pretty much a boring city, if it wasn't for the views and settings, the water and mountains Vancouver could be any city located anywhere with little or nothing to do.>>

This is the funniest part of your post-rather it would be funny if it wasn't so sad.
Haven't you ever been cycling/hiking/sailing/skiing/visiting different neighbourhoods to see what's on offer-EVER?

<<What makes Vancouver is the setting.>>

Only partially true-how about getting out into that setting and enjoying it for yourself-or do you not know how?
Don't bother to answer anyone reading your posts knows already.

<<there is little to no history here, no excitement, the people for the most part are uninspired, a fun day in Vancouver on a weekend is a walk around the sea wall, or a jog and sitting at Starbucks the rest of the trying to look like they are somebody important. Bet that where you are on the weekends.>>

I usually work weekends-on my days off I'm birding/fishing/cycling/boating (on nice days) and visiting different parts of the city.
I don't drink coffee and don't waste time being a poseur I have places to go and things to do-you should try it sometime.

Nothing personal but you sound seriously depressed-an empty life does not a happy mind/body make-you should consult a mental health professional before your health crashes altogether.