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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 332378 times)

Offline ddfried

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Re: Vancouver Master Thread
« Reply #560 on: June 10, 2015, 11:53:33 PM »
Very high.  I find seats open as it gets closer (week to 10 days).  Economy, business of first?  I have always been able to upgrade to first from business for 2 seats.   Hopefully you are looking for an assortment of all classes of service.
Thank you.. So far there is nothing yet. Even economy.


Online tzifanya54

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Re: Vancouver Master Thread
« Reply #561 on: June 11, 2015, 12:04:36 AM »
I have been checking in for award availability on Cathay for 5 seats and there's nothing available in August for the past 2-3 weeks. What's the possibility rate to get it closer to the date??
Very likely, especially if you are flexible with the different dates...

Offline ddfried

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Re: Vancouver Master Thread
« Reply #562 on: June 11, 2015, 04:29:24 PM »
I would like to stay 4 nights in the HR since both my husband and I have the 2 free nights and its walking distance to chabad.

Since I need the capacity to sleep 5 I will need their suite to accommodate all. Any tricks to be upgraded?? I have no platinum status and no protektzia..

Offline ushdadude

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Re: Vancouver Master Thread
« Reply #563 on: June 11, 2015, 04:32:30 PM »
Very high.  I find seats open as it gets closer (week to 10 days).  Economy, business of first?  I have always been able to upgrade to first from business for 2 seats.   Hopefully you are looking for an assortment of all classes of service.

I just flew in business. How do you get upgraded to first (not that business was too shabby)?

Online tzifanya54

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Re: Vancouver Master Thread
« Reply #564 on: June 11, 2015, 06:03:21 PM »
I just flew in business. How do you get upgraded to first (not that business was too shabby)?
U gotta upgrade using miles.. And the switch fee is only $40 on BA

Offline ushdadude

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Re: Vancouver Master Thread
« Reply #565 on: June 11, 2015, 06:35:48 PM »
U gotta upgrade using miles.. And the switch fee is only $40 on BA

got it. I was gonna do that but there was only one F seat available. Wasn't gonna ditch my wife for it.

Offline Suz

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Re: Vancouver Master Thread
« Reply #566 on: June 11, 2015, 06:49:37 PM »
Quote from: tzifanya54 on Today at 06:03:21 PM
U gotta upgrade using miles.. And the switch fee is only $40 on BA

got it. I was gonna do that but there was only one F seat available. Wasn't gonna ditch my wife for it.

What about giving the seat to your wife. Usually another seat opens up

Online tzifanya54

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Re: Vancouver Master Thread
« Reply #567 on: June 11, 2015, 06:50:37 PM »
got it. I was gonna do that but there was only one F seat available. Wasn't gonna ditch my wife for it.
I would've #justkidding  ;)

Online tzifanya54

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Re: Vancouver Master Thread
« Reply #568 on: June 11, 2015, 06:51:02 PM »
Quote from: tzifanya54 on Today at 06:03:21 PM
U gotta upgrade using miles.. And the switch fee is only $40 on BA

got it. I was gonna do that but there was only one F seat available. Wasn't gonna ditch my wife for it.

What about giving the seat to your wife. Usually another seat opens up
He flew already... And another doesn't always open up.

Offline ushdadude

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Re: Vancouver Master Thread
« Reply #569 on: June 11, 2015, 08:23:08 PM »
He flew already... And another doesn't always open up.

exactly. I checked about 3 hours before the flight and at the check-in counter. Also, on a 4 hour red-eye flight it isn't worth driving yourself crazy.

Online tzifanya54

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Re: Vancouver Master Thread
« Reply #570 on: June 11, 2015, 11:19:16 PM »
exactly. I checked about 3 hours before the flight and at the check-in counter. Also, on a 4 hour red-eye flight it isn't worth driving yourself crazy.
+1
Especially since their Bussiness class, makes domestic first look like economy.

Offline ushdadude

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Re: Vancouver Master Thread
« Reply #571 on: June 14, 2015, 05:20:35 PM »
Quick TR (Part 1 is Seattle found here: http://forums.dansdeals.com/index.php?topic=2605.msg1175053#msg1175053)

We drove up to Vancouver after vistiting the Boeing factory (A must see!!!!!) We went straight to our hotel. Stayed at the Westin. They upgraded us to a "murphy suite" on the 19th floor. It is basically the living room of the adjacent room that has a murphy bed in there. It was extremely cramped because they just moved all the furniture around to make room for the bed. The bed was actually very comfortable so no complaints there. We were only staying for one night so it was worth it for the view. We were looking out at the harbor and it was fantastic!!


View from our room



Sunrise from our room (Don't worry, I went back to sleep afterwards)

There was also a seaplane "airport" right outside our window and it was pretty cool to watch them takeoff and land.

We rented bikes (there are places everywhere) and road around Stanley Park. It's about 2.5 miles and you are always on the water. It was really, really nice. That night we went to Maple Grill. It definitely rivals many of the meat restaurants in NYC. Whatever we ordered was great!


Some of the appetizers

Next day we drove to Grouse Mountain and took the gondola up. We paid a little extra and was able to take a chairlift even higher and an elevator to the top of their windmill. The chairlift is definitely worth it because you get better, less obstructed, views. The windmill was cool but not necessary. The views from on top of the mountain are stunning! We also enjoyed the lumberjack show.


View from the top.

We drove from there to the Lynn Canyon, following everyone's advice and skipping Capilano Bridge. It was pretty cool. We continued the hike a little and really enjoyed it. From there we headed back to the hotel to relax. We had to check out by 4 but the spa was nice enough to let us shower there. Then it was back to Maple Grill for a pre-flight dinner. We returned the car at YVR which was really easy. Car rentals are in the airport proper, no shuttle required. We roamed around the airport a little (beautiful) and hung out in the CX lounge. We caught one more sunset from there.



Flight home was CX J. It's kind of an annoying flight because it is a red-eye but only 4.5 hours of flying time so you don't really get to enjoy the flying experience or sleep for too long.

Overall, we had a great time in Seattle and Vancouver and would highly recommend both!

Offline Yehoshua

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Re: Vancouver Master Thread
« Reply #572 on: June 14, 2015, 06:27:57 PM »
Great TR. At least you were able to try CX J. That flight doesn't work for those already on the west coast.

Offline ushdadude

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Re: Vancouver Master Thread
« Reply #573 on: June 14, 2015, 06:38:11 PM »
Great TR. At least you were able to try CX J. That flight doesn't work for those already on the west coast.

thanks
True. gives me chaishek to go to HKG  ;D

Offline @Yehuda

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Re: Vancouver Master Thread
« Reply #574 on: June 14, 2015, 07:43:35 PM »
Nice read! Glad you found what seems to be great activities!

Offline sam28

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Re: Vancouver Master Thread
« Reply #575 on: June 14, 2015, 07:46:36 PM »
Thanks for the tr nice and short planning to go in Aug

Online tzifanya54

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Re: Vancouver Master Thread
« Reply #576 on: June 14, 2015, 08:05:25 PM »
I actually did both and I disagree capalino is significantly better/cooler/more fun, than the Lynn bridge. They have also added a tree walk and a cliff walk there which deffinetly makes it a must see. Even at their crazy expensive prices...

Offline ushdadude

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Re: Vancouver Master Thread
« Reply #577 on: June 14, 2015, 10:26:08 PM »
I actually did both and I disagree capalino is significantly better/cooler/more fun, than the Lynn bridge. They have also added a tree walk and a cliff walk there which deffinetly makes it a must see. Even at their crazy expensive prices...

Good to know. Maybe next time. It wasn't really crowded? Seemed like a lot of people in the parking lot.

Online tzifanya54

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Re: Vancouver Master Thread
« Reply #578 on: June 14, 2015, 11:56:58 PM »
Good to know. Maybe next time. It wasn't really crowded? Seemed like a lot of people in the parking lot.
The place inside is quite large... Also a little tip if you guy an hour before closing, I think 7pm it's not nearly as crowded and it's half price!!

Offline BKYW

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Re: Vancouver Master Thread
« Reply #579 on: June 15, 2015, 10:43:13 PM »
I actually did both and I disagree capalino is significantly better/cooler/more fun, than the Lynn bridge. They have also added a tree walk and a cliff walk there which deffinetly makes it a must see. Even at their crazy expensive prices...

I didn't get to do Capalino but it's longer & higher than Lynn canyon. The additions looked pretty cool on the brochure.
Americans currently have a 20% discount due to the exchange rate.

IMO if you are short on time skip the Lynn canyon for the sea to sky highway, although once you are on the lions gate bridge 1 hour is enough to get to Lynn canyon walk the suspension bridge & get back to the 1 exit 14 where you got off the bridge.