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Vancouver BC thoughts anyone?

Discussion in 'Non-Vegas Chat' started by Joe, Feb 11, 2013.

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  1. Joe

    Joe VIP Whale

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    My wife reached companion status on SWA and we are trying to fly as much as we can before her status expires 12/31/2013. That means for every fare she books, I fly for $5 roundtrip as her companion, until she dumps me:evillaugh

    So last month we went to Tampa, the 22nd we're going to Phoenix for Spring training and some golf.

    We have trips to Vegas booked for March, April & July.

    The only other non-stops from Milwaukee are Ft Lauderdale, LA, New Orleans and several East Coast cities. I haven't been to NO since about 1974 and not really sure I want to go there.

    We're planing on Vegas for Thanksgiving and Christmas also.

    Now where? It has to be SWA and it has to be non-stop from Milwaukee. We can't stand connections and no Air-Tran partnership flights.

    Last year we went to Seattle and I was thinking fly non-stop to Seattle again, rent a car and drive to Vancouver BC for a couple of nights and then Seattle for a couple of nights. Looks like about a 2 hour drive.

    Until SWA fully integrates Air-Tran, they only fly in the lower 48.

    I want to take full advantage of this before it expires at the end of the year.

    Vancouver thoughts anyone? Or any other thoughts are welcome also.
     
  2. NOTwheelingisland

    NOTwheelingisland Tourist

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    We went to Vancouver for the first time last year in late Sept. We're from OH and we were in Vegas for a conference so flew directly there on Air Canada from LAS. We LOVED Vancouver. We stayed at a boutique hotel called St Regis that was small but very conveniently located. We rented a car and drove up to Whistler one day--didn't think much of it but had a great lunch at a Jack Nickalus (sp) club--ate outside and would have loved to play it...float planes were flying in and out and the mountains in the background..it was beautiful.

    If you go I'd recommend the big park just outside town--can't recall the name but HUGE. Some nice lunch places in the middle--we ate a Tea Room overlooking the bay that was good. Also there's a community market that is on a little island just across a bridge--it was very nice too.

    We had really good weather apparently--everyone said so anyway.

    It was great and we'd go again. PM me with any other questions.

    Ed
     
  3. DBear

    DBear VIP Bear

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    Beautiful city in the summer when it's not raining. Stanley Park is the park just north of downtown. If you've got the time, I would even look to do an Alaskan cruise as prices are quite good if you dont have to worry about airfare.
     
  4. BreakEven

    BreakEven High-Roller

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    It's closer to 3hrs from the airport. And there's generally a long wait at the border (though I think that's mainly to return to the US; Canada seems pretty happy to have visitors).

    If you have a Nexus card or Global Entry, you can go through the faster lane. I haven't been there since getting the Nexus card though. Seems like most of the time the traffic is backed up way beyond the point where that fast lane start. But I'd bet it saves at least 30m on busy days.

    I'm sure there's a border crossing that's not as busy as the one I usually take (Peace Arch). Just make sure you plan for it to take an hour or two extra on the return trip just in case.
     
  5. saeldway

    saeldway Low-Roller

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    Wife and I did Portland, Seattle, Vancouver trip in July 2011. Seattle is actually 3-3.5 hours away from Vancouver. I heard about big lines at the border, but we were no more than 5 minutes through. It's about 30-40 minutes after the border (included within the 3 hours.)

    As far as Vancouver? Wife and I absolutely loved it. Stanley Park is amazing. Makes Central Park look like my dog's poop lawn. Granville Market is another sight to behold. Granville street scene if that's your thing. Dinner in Yaletown. Day trip to Grouse Mountain. I know all these things sound foreign to you right now, but we fell in love with each of these elements of the city. Just as with every large city it has its issues, but I always felt safe. I say go.
     
  6. Auggie

    Auggie Dovahkiin

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    Being from Vancouver I can't really comment too much on things from the tourist angle, but was going to say that a nice little round trip from Seattle would be:

    From Seattle take a passenger train to downtown Vancouver (Amtrak Pacific Cascades, $29pp. Runs twice a day, either morning or evening).

    After spending some time in Vancouver you can take a ferry to Vancouver Island and spend some time in Victoria, BC (there is also regular helicopter service from Vancouver to Victoria).

    Then after seeing some of the sights of Victoria you can take passenger ferry right from the inner harbor back to Seattle.


    Otherwise, I know there is a bit to see and do in Vancouver, lots of the usual tourist traps and tourist areas, museums, a big park in downtown Vancouver, casinos, shopping, beaches, etc.
     
  7. Eldon

    Eldon Low-Roller

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    There are 4 border crossings accessible from I-5. Map before you go. There is a border crossing wait status board as you enter Bellingham. Weekends take longer to cross than midday weekends. Entering Canada is always faster than reentering "home" and much friendlier. Passport obviously required.

    Vancouver is a super destination. Google "Vancouver Food Blog" before you go and take advantage of the food.

    Have fun
     
  8. DonD

    DonD VIP Whale

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    Do they have any Starbucks in Vancouver?

    Just kidding, we saw one intersection with a Starbucks on all four corners.
     
  9. Joe

    Joe VIP Whale

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    That sounds like Hawaii and ABC stores.
     
  10. Joe

    Joe VIP Whale

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    Thanks Auggie!:thumbsup:
    I didn't realize any of those were options.
     
  11. ken2v

    ken2v This Space For Rent

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    When we travel, we like the local, non-tourist angle for the very reason that so much "tourist" travel is trite or overwrought. It would be like going to SF and missing out on the great neighborhood eats of Russian Hill and instead hitting all the shiat on the wharf, or missing the Legion of Honor and taking in Ripley's.
     
  12. 007DAWG

    007DAWG Tourist

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    I'm a Seattle guy and I travel to Vancouver at least once a year. Both are great cities to visit, with lots of big city things to see and do, combined with fantastic outdoor/senic opportunities. The only thing is, Vancouver and Seattle have quite a few similarities, as many big cities do. I think I would do Seattle or Vancouver and then add in Victoria. Victoria is very unique, a very walkable downtown with lots of history, great food, things to see and do, and you feel like you have travelled to europe.
     
  13. Sonya

    Sonya Queen of VMB

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    Victoria Clipper has packages to Victoria from Seattle. We usually drive to Port Angeles and take the Coho over to Victoria because it's cheaper, but from Seattle the Clipper is much more convenient.

    Be aware that train travel in winter is often a problem because of mud slides, but that's a good option for a loop trip.

    I love Vancouver and Victoria. Both are very different. Vancouver has lots of good things to see, but be sure to get outside town to Grouse Mountain at least. Whistler is beautiful.

    Victoria is smaller, but has some great sites. I loved tea at the Empress and was very impressed with the Royal BC Museum. We spent a whole day there and just wandering around the neighborhood.
     
  14. Kickin

    Kickin Flea

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    My girlfriend is from Vancouver and I liked the city a lot. Its similar to Seattle with extra amounts of niceness because of the Canadians and full of good restaurants and coffeeshops. One thing I'll add is if you're physically capable you should do the Grouse Grind. Its a popular hike up Grouse Mountain that people do as a challenge for time but lots of people just do it leisurely as well. Its a good workout and there's a nice facility at the top with restaurants and scenic overlooks. Then you take a skycar back down.
     
  15. S'AllGoodMan

    S'AllGoodMan High-Roller

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    I'm sure Vancouver is wonderful, but I'd go to New Orleans.
     
  16. ken2v

    ken2v This Space For Rent

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    lol

    Totally different animals. I enjoy both immensely, prefer Vancouver and environs. Life's too short, I say experience as many places as you can.

    I'll tell you one thing Vancouver has, and that's the best damn hotel-in-an-airport I've ever experienced. Go Fairmont!
     
  17. broncobilly

    broncobilly Low-Roller

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    Granville island, stanley park, grouse, whistler, and white rock beach are great places to see in vancouver. Not many cities i dont think where u can golf, ski, and go to the ocean all in one day
     
  18. Julie888

    Julie888 VIP Whale

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    The advice about taking the train to Vancouver, seeing Vancouver for 2 or 3 days, then taking a ferry to Victoria, with a final return to Seattle via the ferry to Port Angles was all solid. Allow yourself 5 days. Go in summer if you can.
     
  19. Sonya

    Sonya Queen of VMB

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    FYI, "summer" up here in the tundra is July 5th thru September. June is not summer. I call it Juneuary. :) May can be nice, but be ready for anything weather-wise.
     
  20. Joe

    Joe VIP Whale

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    Now I can't convince my wife. She says it is too nice here in the summertime to travel somewhere else. Oh well, maybe next year.

    We're still looking at Vegas in Oct, Nov & Dec.
     
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