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Trip Reports

Dan, AJK here and here , Chapshnell, UshDadude, sam28, YudiG, Tzfas, mochada, jagstangz, Neil, dpk4588, BKYW, tzifanya54, stever, mordechain, nafnaf12, SLMYRCB, Friars500


Flight Options (as of 04/18)

Cathay Pacific flies directly to/from JFK (777-300ER).         

Final date for this route, 02/23/20

Economy:
12.5K BA OW
17.5K AS OW
20K CX OW (30K RT)

Premium Economy:
25K BA OW
20K AS OW
24K CX OW (36K RT)

Business Class:
37.5K BA OW
25K AS OW
25K CX OW (50K RT)

First Class:
50K BA OW
35K AS OW
40K CX OW (70K RT)
Air Canada flies directly to/from EWR (787-800).
Economy:
12.5K SQ, UA, AC OW

Premium Economy:
20K AC OW

Business Class:
20K SQ OW
25K UA, AC OW

There is also a Delta flight direct to/from JFK in the summer months (prices vary as expected from Delta).   

DP01 (07/13): CX availability becomes better closer to the flight. (MEIR613)
DP02 (04/18): CX availability disappears 3-5 days out on BA and AS. (SLMYRCB)
DP03 (08/18): CX availability can only show up on BA or AS if there is more than 1 seat remaining, if it's only 1 seat, it will only be available on CX.com Use CX.com to see actual # of seats available. (@Yehuda)


Food - BC Kosher List

Cafe Forty One (dairy - cholov yisrael) formerly Shuk Eat/Play
5750 Oak Street
Vancouver, BC
V6M 2V9, Canada
Tel: 604-563-4141
Delivery Service via Skip The Dishes (Fairmont Pacific Rim is not within the deliverable area)
"Really great, everything tasty good value, best Caesar Salad ever, and order pizza in advance for good "camp" like homemade yummyness." (shiframeir)
"Nice selection of pastries in addition to their dairy menu. The pizzas and sandwiches are very good." (SLMYRCB)

Nava Creative Cusine (dairy/pareve - non cholov yisrael)
950 West 41st Avenue
Vancouver, BC
Tel: (604) 676-7579
Located at the JCC - right around corner from Cafe Forty One

Omnitsky's Kosher (meat)
5775 Oak Street,
Vancouver, BC
Tel: (604) 321-1818
Just across the street from Cafe Forty One

Sabra Bakery (meat)
3844 Oak Street
Vancouver, BC
Tel: (604) 733-4912
Two miles down Oak Street near the Sharei Tzedek Shul

Maple Grill (meat)
1967 W Broadway
Vancouver, BC
V6J 1Z3, Canada
Tel: (604) 568-4885

Mount Royal Bagels - North Vancouver
701 Queensbury Ave
North Vancouver, BC
V7L 3V9, Canada
Tel: (604) 904-1116

Real Canadian Superstore
Marine Drive
Has kosher products

Kosher Food Warehouse
612 Kingsway (rear)
Vancouver, BC
Tel: (604) 709-9889


Shabbos

Chabad Downtown - walkable from many hotels, no Eruv, Shacharis on Shabbos followed by Kiddush, Friday night Minyan last weekend each month.
TheKollel - in the community, yes Eruv, Holiday Inn Vancouver Centre only points hotel in the Eruv, Airbnb options, all Minyanim, free Shabbos meals. Some hotels downtown (outside the Eruv) are about an hour walk.
Eruv - https://goo.gl/maps/D2oLBC39GT72


Activities

Stanley park - trolley, rent bikes at Bayshore Bike/Spokes/lots of other places (Westin Bayshore provides 2 hours of free bikes), playground/water are, 9 o'clock gun
Aquarium in Stanley Park
Capilano suspension bridge - also tree walk and cliff walk
Capilano Salmon Hatchery
Lynn Canyon suspension bridge and hikes (Twin Falls, 30 Foot Pool) - free
Grouse Mountain - gondola up, can take chairlift even higher, then an elevator to top of windmill, view of Vancouver, ziplining, parasailing, lumberjack show, see grizzly bears, Grouse Grind - way to hike up the mountain instead
Granville island - market, street performers, kayaking, stand up paddleboat, false creek ferries, brewery tour, kids play area, rent a boat, can bike to here
Seaplane around Vancouver harbor or to Whistler -  http://www.harbour-air.com/index.php 
Whale watching
Victoria Island - ferry to the island/back, Butchart Gardens (expensive, underwhelming), Miniature World, Fisherman's Wharf, oldest Synagogue in Canada. Victoria seems to be very expensive, ferry $30, to bring a car $100, gardens $30.
Bowen Island
Seabus - cheap ferry across harbor and back
Deep Cove kayaking
UBC Garden - Greenheart TreeWalk (look for Groupon)
Zoo
Harbor boat tours - boatrent.ca, Harbor Cruises was terrible - dpk4588
Sea wall
Watch sea planes
Cypress Mountain
Seymour Mountain
Art Museum
Science center imax
Pacific Center Mall
See Olympic torch
"Tour Guys" free walking tour
Rivers to see salmon spawn (swim upstream)
Robson street
Denman street
Vancouver Convention Center - Olympics memorabilia
Kitsilano Beach
Kids Bowl Free
Takaya golf centre
Poets cove
Elizabeth gardens
Van dusen gardens - better than Elizabeth gardens
Canada Place - fly over canada ride experience
Brittania Mine Museum
Vancouver Lookout
Gastown - steam clock
Chinatown
Yaletown
http://scenicrush.com/ - exotic car drive up the Sea to sky highway
Dr SunYatSen Chinese Garden (Dan and a DDFer said not worth it)
Free Chinese Garden
Lighthouse park
Safari Eco Boat Tour and Seaplane flight  Sewellsmarina.com

On the way to Whistler: (see Whistler Master Thread)
Sea to sky highway
Sea to sky gondola in Squamish, can hike up and take gondola down
River rafting in Squamish
Shannon Falls
Brandywine Falls
Panorama Ridge Hike in Lake Garibaldi in between Squamish and Whistler

« Last edited by pointer on February 16, 2020, 11:32:24 PM »

Author Topic: Vancouver Master Thread  (Read 317770 times)

Offline Tzfas

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Re: Vancouver Master Thread
« Reply #160 on: May 29, 2013, 07:23:15 PM »
Only on the original reservation, I guess you should call the hotel directly to confirm the fifth floor.

Offline Ergel

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Re: Vancouver Master Thread
« Reply #161 on: May 29, 2013, 08:19:44 PM »
I think I've settled on wed night-sun morning in Vancouver with this itinerary (from trip advisor)

One day could be taken with Stanley Park (half day), Granville Island (3 hours for the market the shops, the Island and perhaps the False Creek Ferries) and 1 hour for Gastown.

Another day could be spent in North Vancouver, on Grouse Mountain (3-4 hours), at Capilano Suspension Bridge (2 hours) or Lynn Canyon Suspension Bridge and Park (2 hours). Please see the article for how to travel to each and between each in the Top Questions to the right side.


And then sun morning-mon evening in whistler (probably one night at the Hilton)

We are not the kind of people who like to stay in one place for so long unless there is a ton to do, travelers add (or as I like to call it, drive-by tourism). I like to see the highlights and move on
Life isn't about checking the boxes. Nobody cares.

Offline Moishebatchy

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Re: Vancouver Master Thread
« Reply #162 on: May 29, 2013, 09:17:34 PM »
I think I've settled on wed night-sun morning in Vancouver with this itinerary (from trip advisor)

One day could be taken with Stanley Park (half day), Granville Island (3 hours for the market the shops, the Island and perhaps the False Creek Ferries) and 1 hour for Gastown.

Another day could be spent in North Vancouver, on Grouse Mountain (3-4 hours), at Capilano Suspension Bridge (2 hours) or Lynn Canyon Suspension Bridge and Park (2 hours). Please see the article for how to travel to each and between each in the Top Questions to the right side.


And then sun morning-mon evening in whistler (probably one night at the Hilton)

We are not the kind of people who like to stay in one place for so long unless there is a ton to do, travelers add (or as I like to call it, drive-by tourism). I like to see the highlights and move on

Personally, I'm not sure what there is to do in Stanley Park for so long. I got bored senseless pretty quickly. But maybe that's just me...

Offline Ergel

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Re: Vancouver Master Thread
« Reply #163 on: May 29, 2013, 09:23:40 PM »
Personally, I'm not sure what there is to do in Stanley Park for so long. I got bored senseless pretty quickly. But maybe that's just me...
My thoughts exactly (I figure a 1.5 hour bike ride max). I think I will have plenty of time Thu-Fri
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Offline ajs625

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Re: Vancouver Master Thread
« Reply #164 on: May 30, 2013, 10:27:43 PM »
I've done YVR+Whistler in an even shorter trip, though it wasn't over Shabbos. Everyone is different (I personally prefer to keeping running around), but if you are doing it without kids I don't think it's too short.

As an alternative to Whistler, I considered taking a seaplane to one of the islands to stay there 1-2 nights (e.g. http://www.poetscove.com/). Can kayak, bike/scooter around the island, etc. If you are going when the weather is warm, may be worth looking into. Could then take a ferry to Victoria for a flight back through YVR, or ferry back to Vancouver. Though you may need one more day to do this comfortably.

Also, driving up to Whistler at night is a shame as you won't see anything. The scenery along the drive was the highlight of my Whistler excursion. And you can stop at a waterfall and parks, etc. Better if you can do it in day light.

What is there to stop and see on the way to whistler? What did you do while in whistler?

Offline Ergel

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Re: Vancouver Master Thread
« Reply #165 on: May 30, 2013, 10:40:22 PM »
Here's my plan. Sunday morning drive to squamish (stop at Shannon falls on the way if I have time, if not I'll do out on the way back). White rater rafting on the eloha. Continue ride up to whistler, stop at brandywine falls. BBQ dinner and relax.
Monday Morning-ATVing. Afternoon-peak 2 peak gondola and a hike on either whistler or blackcomb mountain.
Drive back to Vancouver for dinner and flight.
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Offline Ergel

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Re: Vancouver Master Thread
« Reply #166 on: May 30, 2013, 11:48:47 PM »
Interesting thing with booking HR. Thursday night when looked at alone was sold out, only a deluxe suite is for sale. Wednesday night only has regency club rooms available. Friday and Saturday both have regular rooms. if you search Wednesday and thursday night, you cannot book a night on points. but if you add friday night you can book a club room and if you also book saturday you can book a regular room. I booked Wed-Sat in a club room and then called to have the last night removed. Then booked friday and saturday night on anniversary certs. Now gonna email about to get everything in order.


When should I get a car? Upon arrival Wednesday night? Thursday morning? Friday morning? Sunday morning?
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Offline joeb1

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Re: Vancouver Master Thread
« Reply #167 on: May 31, 2013, 02:31:45 AM »
which fairmont do you guys recommend?

Offline Dan

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Re: Vancouver Master Thread
« Reply #168 on: May 31, 2013, 10:45:22 AM »
Pacific Rim for sure.
Save your time, I don't answer PM. Post it in the forum and a dedicated DDF'er will get back to you as soon as possible.

Offline Tzfas

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Re: Vancouver Master Thread
« Reply #169 on: May 31, 2013, 11:54:30 AM »
When should I get a car? Upon arrival Wednesday night? Thursday morning? Friday morning? Sunday morning?
I would pick up a car Thursday morning from Avis that’s a 3 min walk from the HR and return it in YVR.
The cost of a cab from the airport is about $30 your landing late why hassle with a car? You save on parking as well.

Offline Ergel

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Re: Vancouver Master Thread
« Reply #170 on: May 31, 2013, 11:57:48 AM »
I would pick up a car Thursday morning from Avis that’s a 3 min walk from the HR and return it in YVR.
The cost of a cab from the airport is about $30 your landing late why hassle with a car? You save on parking as well.
Do I need it Thursday? Should I just get it Friday?
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Offline Yaalili

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Re: Vancouver Master Thread
« Reply #171 on: May 31, 2013, 01:28:28 PM »
Do I need it Thursday? Should I just get it Friday?

I am planning to go around a whole day without any car. Will buy a day pass for 10 bucks, which gives unlimited use on the subway, bus and the seabus. The subway goes right into downtown, where you could catch a bus to stanley park or granville island, or take the seabus to lonsdale and from there a bus to lynn canyon suspension bridge. And many more places too.

Offline Dan

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Re: Vancouver Master Thread
« Reply #172 on: May 31, 2013, 01:45:51 PM »
Had a car in YVR and I never had problems finding parking.

Though if I went without a kid I may have played it differently but that would make it much harder to get to Maple Grill, Lynn Canyon, Grouse Mountain, etc.
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Offline Yaalili

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Re: Vancouver Master Thread
« Reply #173 on: May 31, 2013, 01:49:02 PM »
Though if I went without a kid I may have played it differently but that would make it much harder to get to Maple Grill, Lynn Canyon, Grouse Mountain, etc.

The 228/229 bus goes directly from the seabus to lynn canyon in just 20 minutes. And it runs every 15 minutes.

Offline Ergel

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Re: Vancouver Master Thread
« Reply #174 on: May 31, 2013, 01:55:40 PM »
The 228/229 bus goes directly from the seabus to lynn canyon in just 20 minutes. And it runs every 15 minutes.

And to maple grill? Personally I love the freedom of having a car. Just not sure Oy justifies the cost
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Offline Dan

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Re: Vancouver Master Thread
« Reply #175 on: May 31, 2013, 02:13:18 PM »
And to maple grill? Personally I love the freedom of having a car. Just not sure Oy justifies the cost
I don't think there's any American or Canadian city other than NYC that can be properly "done" without renting a car.

Buenos Aires, Chiang Mai, Hong Kong, London, Paris, Sydney, Tokyo, those are easy as pie.
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Offline Ergel

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Re: Vancouver Master Thread
« Reply #176 on: May 31, 2013, 02:17:11 PM »
I don't think there's any American or Canadian city other than NYC that can be properly "done" without renting a car.

Buenos Aires, Chiang Mai, Hong Kong, London, Paris, Sydney, Tokyo, those are easy as pie.
LA?
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Offline Dan

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Re: Vancouver Master Thread
« Reply #177 on: May 31, 2013, 02:19:22 PM »
LA?
Are you joking? How can you possibly do LA without a car?
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Re: Vancouver Master Thread
« Reply #178 on: May 31, 2013, 02:20:00 PM »
LA?

LA doesn't have such an extensive subway system. Lots of buses though. What about Sao Paulo?

Offline Ergel

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Re: Vancouver Master Thread
« Reply #179 on: May 31, 2013, 02:20:42 PM »
Are you joking? How can you possibly do LA without a car?
'twas a joke
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