Topic Wiki

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 275926 times)

Offline mordechain

  • Dansdeals Platinum Elite + Lifetime Silver Elite
  • *****
  • Join Date: Nov 2014
  • Posts: 668
  • Total likes: 69
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 0
  • Gender: Male
    • View Profile
Re: Vancouver Master Thread
« Reply #820 on: July 24, 2016, 01:47:48 AM »
I've been to the westin grand last year. Hotel was OK. Seems like the drive to maple grill/davening is about the same. Is the area around the airport hotel the issue?

Offline Suz

  • Dansdeals Gold Elite
  • ***
  • Join Date: Aug 2012
  • Posts: 123
  • Total likes: 3
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 0
    • View Profile
Re: Vancouver Master Thread
« Reply #821 on: July 24, 2016, 02:54:31 AM »
I've been to the westin grand last year. Hotel was OK. Seems like the drive to maple grill/davening is about the same. Is the area around the airport hotel the issue?

I just prefer the downtown area.

Offline mordechain

  • Dansdeals Platinum Elite + Lifetime Silver Elite
  • *****
  • Join Date: Nov 2014
  • Posts: 668
  • Total likes: 69
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 0
  • Gender: Male
    • View Profile
Re: Vancouver Master Thread
« Reply #822 on: July 24, 2016, 09:00:50 AM »
Has anyone stayed at the element hotel in metrotown?

Offline SrulyP

  • Dansdeals Platinum Elite + Lifetime Silver Elite
  • *****
  • Join Date: Jul 2013
  • Posts: 665
  • Total likes: 7
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 0
    • View Profile
  • Programs: SPG Gold; Hyatt Platinum; National Emerald EE; Hertz five star; Avis Five Star
Re: Vancouver Master Thread
« Reply #823 on: July 25, 2016, 07:51:24 PM »
Is there a particular reason that Maple Grill is not on the Wiki?

Offline sam28

  • Dansdeals Lifetime Platinum Elite
  • *******
  • Join Date: Jun 2010
  • Posts: 1876
  • Total likes: 137
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 0
    • View Profile
Re: Vancouver Master Thread
« Reply #824 on: July 25, 2016, 08:43:45 PM »
is a weak to much to spend there .

what area is the best for shabbes ?

Offline sam28

  • Dansdeals Lifetime Platinum Elite
  • *******
  • Join Date: Jun 2010
  • Posts: 1876
  • Total likes: 137
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 0
    • View Profile
Re: Vancouver Master Thread
« Reply #825 on: July 27, 2016, 01:08:55 PM »
will kids age 8 and 3 enjoy this place Vancouver ?

Offline mordechain

  • Dansdeals Platinum Elite + Lifetime Silver Elite
  • *****
  • Join Date: Nov 2014
  • Posts: 668
  • Total likes: 69
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 0
  • Gender: Male
    • View Profile
Re: Vancouver Master Thread
« Reply #826 on: July 28, 2016, 12:27:30 AM »
It's a beautiful city  with lots of attractions- most of them are upthread

Offline mordechain

  • Dansdeals Platinum Elite + Lifetime Silver Elite
  • *****
  • Join Date: Nov 2014
  • Posts: 668
  • Total likes: 69
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 0
  • Gender: Male
    • View Profile
Re: Vancouver Master Thread
« Reply #827 on: July 28, 2016, 12:30:17 AM »
Can anyone recommend things to see in the downtown Victoria area? We plan on taking a ferry from Vancouver in the morning, and found to butchart gardens, but I'd like to get in something of a feel for Victoria before heading back.

Offline tzifanya54

  • Dansdeals Lifetime Presidential Platinum Elite
  • *********
  • Join Date: Jan 2012
  • Posts: 5629
  • Total likes: 233
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 1
    • View Profile
Re: Vancouver Master Thread
« Reply #828 on: July 28, 2016, 10:03:58 AM »
Can anyone recommend things to see in the downtown Victoria area? We plan on taking a ferry from Vancouver in the morning, and found to butchart gardens, but I'd like to get in something of a feel for Victoria before heading back.
There isn't much to do in the downtown area, unless you are into historical old stuff. That being said, it is an interesting place to walk around for an hour or two (by the inner harbor, and fishermans wharf). We also did this miniature world place that the kids enjoyed.

Offline sam28

  • Dansdeals Lifetime Platinum Elite
  • *******
  • Join Date: Jun 2010
  • Posts: 1876
  • Total likes: 137
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 0
    • View Profile
Re: Vancouver Master Thread
« Reply #829 on: July 28, 2016, 12:19:18 PM »
what is there to do in whistler ?

where is a nice place to stay ?

Offline Matovu

  • Dansdeals Lifetime Platinum Elite
  • *******
  • Join Date: Jul 2012
  • Posts: 1215
  • Total likes: 21
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 1
    • View Profile
  • Location: NYC
  • Programs: SPG Gold, Hilton Honors Diamond,
Re: Vancouver Master Thread
« Reply #830 on: July 28, 2016, 01:37:29 PM »
what is there to do in whistler ?

where is a nice place to stay ?

Peak to Peak.
Stunning hikes.

Stay at the Westin. Lot's of great reviews from bloggers.

Offline csl1

  • DansDeals Copper Elite
  • *
  • Join Date: Jun 2015
  • Posts: 19
  • Total likes: 1
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 0
    • View Profile
  • Location: Brooklyn, NY
Re: Vancouver Master Thread
« Reply #831 on: July 29, 2016, 09:59:51 AM »
Peak to Peak.
Stunning hikes.

Stay at the Westin. Lot's of great reviews from bloggers.

What time of year did you travel to Whistler? We are considering staying there for a week towards the end of August.

Offline Matovu

  • Dansdeals Lifetime Platinum Elite
  • *******
  • Join Date: Jul 2012
  • Posts: 1215
  • Total likes: 21
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 1
    • View Profile
  • Location: NYC
  • Programs: SPG Gold, Hilton Honors Diamond,
Re: Vancouver Master Thread
« Reply #832 on: July 29, 2016, 10:38:03 AM »
What time of year did you travel to Whistler? We are considering staying there for a week towards the end of August.
Was there August 2015

Offline sam28

  • Dansdeals Lifetime Platinum Elite
  • *******
  • Join Date: Jun 2010
  • Posts: 1876
  • Total likes: 137
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 0
    • View Profile
Re: Vancouver Master Thread
« Reply #833 on: July 29, 2016, 11:30:14 AM »
Peak to Peak.
Stunning hikes.

Stay at the Westin. Lot's of great reviews from bloggers.

anything to do with kids ? how many days should  I stay there ? any kosher food there ?

Offline stever

  • Dansdeals Platinum Elite
  • ****
  • Join Date: Oct 2011
  • Posts: 481
  • Total likes: 2
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 0
    • View Profile
  • Location: Los Angeles
Re: Vancouver Master Thread
« Reply #834 on: July 29, 2016, 11:38:08 AM »
I don't think there's food there. 2-3 days not more

Offline csl1

  • DansDeals Copper Elite
  • *
  • Join Date: Jun 2015
  • Posts: 19
  • Total likes: 1
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 0
    • View Profile
  • Location: Brooklyn, NY
Re: Vancouver Master Thread
« Reply #835 on: July 29, 2016, 12:37:40 PM »
If we would visit, we would be there a full week. I did some research on tripadvisor and discovered about 7-10 recreational activities - hiking/boating that we would do during that time.

Offline csl1

  • DansDeals Copper Elite
  • *
  • Join Date: Jun 2015
  • Posts: 19
  • Total likes: 1
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 0
    • View Profile
  • Location: Brooklyn, NY
Re: Vancouver Master Thread
« Reply #836 on: July 29, 2016, 12:43:00 PM »
we would also travel with two children, ages 6 and 9

Offline Dan

  • Administrator
  • Dansdeals Lifetime 50K Diamond Elite
  • **********
  • Join Date: May 2008
  • Posts: 67599
  • Total likes: 16912
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 16442
  • Gender: Male
    • View Profile
  • Location: CLE
  • Programs: UA GS, AA EXP, DL Dirt, Hyatt Glob, Fairmont Lifetime Plat, DD Diamond, Blocked By @NeriaKraus
Re: Vancouver Master Thread
« Reply #837 on: July 31, 2016, 09:06:26 PM »
Any recommendations from Shuk Eat & Play?
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 SrulyP

  • Dansdeals Platinum Elite + Lifetime Silver Elite
  • *****
  • Join Date: Jul 2013
  • Posts: 665
  • Total likes: 7
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 0
    • View Profile
  • Programs: SPG Gold; Hyatt Platinum; National Emerald EE; Hertz five star; Avis Five Star
Re: Vancouver Master Thread
« Reply #838 on: August 01, 2016, 09:24:42 AM »
Any recommendations from Shuk Eat & Play?

I personally did like the pizza (Doughy and very cheesy)  and fries (bland), though the milkshakes were pretty good.

Offline asks

  • Dansdeals Lifetime Platinum Elite
  • *******
  • Join Date: Jul 2011
  • Posts: 1050
  • Total likes: 7
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 0
    • View Profile
Re: Vancouver Master Thread
« Reply #839 on: August 01, 2016, 09:33:23 AM »
I personally did like the pizza (Doughy and very cheesy)  and fries (bland), though the milkshakes were pretty good.
Did or didn't?