Bingley
Veteran
My wife and I are planning a road trip in June to the northwest, including Victoria and Vancouver. I've never been in the latter, and it's been almost 40 years 
since I was in the former. Any suggestions on where to stay, good places to eat, and (most importantly ) places to shoot, are greatly appreciated!
since I was in the former. Any suggestions on where to stay, good places to eat, and (most importantly ) places to shoot, are greatly appreciated!lawnpotter
Well-known
Hi Steve way too many things to see and do in Vancouver but I can mention a couple of things. Banana leaf Malaysian resturant is my favorite, there are 3 but Ive only been to the one on West Broadway. Of course every one must take the gondola up grouse mountain, while up ther have dinner at the bistro on the patio and overlook the most beautiful city in the world. I love whytecliff park. There is stanley park but it is not my favorite, I prefer Ambleside park for a nice long walk along the water, you can finish your walk at the Beachhouse for dinner. I have never been their but it looks nice. Hike Black mountain on Cypress and Dog Mountain on Seymour if you have lots energy. Also Granville island. I could go on and on. Have fun.
Bingley
Veteran
Many thanks! These are great suggestions!
J J Kapsberger
Well-known
If you like Indian cuisine, I recommend Spice Jammers on Fort in Victoria. Great, delicious food. For your morning coffee and croissant, I recommend Bubby Rose's on Cook in Victoria as well. There are two Bubby Roses on Cook; I went to the one closest to Fort. I also enjoyed very fine scallops and prawns at Pescatori's Seafood Restaurant.
Places to shoot in Victoria. The seaside? This is the view just west of Clover Point, which is in Victoria.
Been there too. Yes, a very good award-winning restaurant.
Places to shoot in Victoria. The seaside? This is the view just west of Clover Point, which is in Victoria.
Been there too. Yes, a very good award-winning restaurant.
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Bingley
Veteran
Thomas, Darren -- Thanks!
lawnpotter
Well-known
The Okanogan is great but if you dont have time for that, there are some nice wineries near Vancouver such as the Fort winery(near fort langley) or Domaine de chaberton in Langley or wellbrook winery in Delta. All have free Wine Tasting.
Bingley
Veteran
I'm bumping this thread to thank everyone again who posted, and also another RFF member is heading to Vancouver later this week and might be interested in some of the suggestions above, and any others....
photogdave
Shops local
Try and get over to the Gulf Islands - Saltspring, Mayne, Galliano etc. Really nice camping, kayaking, relaxing and so on.
lawnpotter
Well-known
Hornby Island
Hornby Island
is my favorite.
Hornby Island
is my favorite.
dlove5
Established
With apologies to Tom Abrahamsson, I'd recommend buying at least a Softie or two or three from him so you can pick them up from him when you are in Vancouver. Tom is a wonderful person and meeting him was one of the highlights of my trip last October.
Bingley
Veteran
@dlove5 & lawnpotter: Thanks again!
Question: We will be travelling from Victoria to Vancouver. I see there are a couple of different ferry routes (from Sidney and Departure Bay, respectively). Never having done this trip before, is one of these routes more scenic and/or convenient than the other?
Thanks for your thoughts.
Question: We will be travelling from Victoria to Vancouver. I see there are a couple of different ferry routes (from Sidney and Departure Bay, respectively). Never having done this trip before, is one of these routes more scenic and/or convenient than the other?
Thanks for your thoughts.
photogdave
Shops local
The Departure Bay route takes you to Horsehoe Bay on the mainland. This is about 1/2 hour north of Vancouver on the Sea to Sky highway. This is the road that heads north up to Squamish and Whistler. If you were planning to go up to either of these places or anywhere up in the mountains before seeing Vancouver, this is the way to go. Departure Bay is in Nanaimo, a couple hours north of Victoria. All-in-all a longer but more scenic way to get to vancouver.
Swartz Bay to Tsawwassen is much more direct but not as scenic. When you arrive in Tsawwassen it's about a 45min drive to downtown Vancouver, driving through south Vancouver.
Do you already have accommodations arranged?
Swartz Bay to Tsawwassen is much more direct but not as scenic. When you arrive in Tsawwassen it's about a 45min drive to downtown Vancouver, driving through south Vancouver.
Do you already have accommodations arranged?
Bingley
Veteran
Dave -- That's just what I needed to know! Thank you so much. And, yes, I've got accommodations arranged in both Victoria and Vancouver.
sockeyed
Well-known
Hi Steve,
Glad to hear that you're making the trip to our neck of the woods. I can't say much about Victoria, but I can give you ideas for Vancouver and around.
For urban fun, I would recommend walking in Chinatown, Commercial Drive, Main Street (south of Broadway to about 28th) and Kitsilano. Walk the seawall on the north side of False Creek (not a creek, more of an inlet) from Cambie Street west to the West End, then into Stanley Park if you're interested to see urbanism done well (new urban development in Vancouver is seen as a model by many). Also consider taking one of the little Aquabus ferries around False Creek, particularly to Granville Island where you can browse the public market, visit artist studios (I recommend the BC Wood Co-op), etc. Granville Island is a great place for lunch.
Depending on where you are staying, you might want to consider getting around by transit in Vancouver. The system is pretty good and gets you almost everywhere you want to go. Driving is agonizing and finding parking is no fun. You might want to consider renting bikes to ride around the seawall around Stanley Park - it's a gorgeous way to spend a few hours.
Outside of the city there are many great things to do. If you drive to Horseshoe Bay, you can take a short ferry to Bowen Island where you can have lunch and stroll around. The highway that takes you to Horseshoe Bay continues on to Squamish (45 mins) and Whistler (1.5 hours), both great destinations, and a very scenic drive. Other great stops on the North Shore are Lynn Canyon, where there is a great suspension bridge high above a canyon and Deep Cove. Avoid the Capilano Suspension Bridge and Grouse Mountain - both expensive and touristy. To get into the mountains for free, drive up Cypress/Hollyburn or Mount Seymour. There is great hiking on both. These are serious mountains, however, and people do get lost and die on them every year even though they are right next to Vancouver.
In terms of food, I always take visitors to an izakaya when they visit. Izakayas serve what is basically Japanese tapas, small plates of grilled goodies and other tasty morsels. Quite different from your average sushi restaurant. Most are on Robson Street, and favourites include Guu, Hapa Izakaya (there is now one in Kitsilano) and Gyoza King.
Seems that folks have given you lots of ideas and inspiration. Have a great time here (and do get some softies from Tom).
Glad to hear that you're making the trip to our neck of the woods. I can't say much about Victoria, but I can give you ideas for Vancouver and around.
For urban fun, I would recommend walking in Chinatown, Commercial Drive, Main Street (south of Broadway to about 28th) and Kitsilano. Walk the seawall on the north side of False Creek (not a creek, more of an inlet) from Cambie Street west to the West End, then into Stanley Park if you're interested to see urbanism done well (new urban development in Vancouver is seen as a model by many). Also consider taking one of the little Aquabus ferries around False Creek, particularly to Granville Island where you can browse the public market, visit artist studios (I recommend the BC Wood Co-op), etc. Granville Island is a great place for lunch.
Depending on where you are staying, you might want to consider getting around by transit in Vancouver. The system is pretty good and gets you almost everywhere you want to go. Driving is agonizing and finding parking is no fun. You might want to consider renting bikes to ride around the seawall around Stanley Park - it's a gorgeous way to spend a few hours.
Outside of the city there are many great things to do. If you drive to Horseshoe Bay, you can take a short ferry to Bowen Island where you can have lunch and stroll around. The highway that takes you to Horseshoe Bay continues on to Squamish (45 mins) and Whistler (1.5 hours), both great destinations, and a very scenic drive. Other great stops on the North Shore are Lynn Canyon, where there is a great suspension bridge high above a canyon and Deep Cove. Avoid the Capilano Suspension Bridge and Grouse Mountain - both expensive and touristy. To get into the mountains for free, drive up Cypress/Hollyburn or Mount Seymour. There is great hiking on both. These are serious mountains, however, and people do get lost and die on them every year even though they are right next to Vancouver.
In terms of food, I always take visitors to an izakaya when they visit. Izakayas serve what is basically Japanese tapas, small plates of grilled goodies and other tasty morsels. Quite different from your average sushi restaurant. Most are on Robson Street, and favourites include Guu, Hapa Izakaya (there is now one in Kitsilano) and Gyoza King.
Seems that folks have given you lots of ideas and inspiration. Have a great time here (and do get some softies from Tom).
photogdave
Shops local
Don't forget to stop in at Leo's on Granville if you're downtown. They have lots of Leica, Voigtlander and Zeiss stuff. They are closed Sundays.
lawnpotter
Well-known
I have to disagree with Sockeyed
I have to disagree with Sockeyed
DO NOT AVOID GROUSE MOUNTAIN. It takes very little effort to get up there and the view of Vancouver is simply stunning. The bistro is a nice place to eat and you can go hiking in the back to escape the tourists if you need to. In the summer they have a refuge with 2 grizzly bears and some wolves that you can visit. Grouse mountain is my favorite place in Vancouver and I dont own it. On the down side it cots $30.00 dollars for the gondola but I beleive all visitors should go up it at least once. I do agree that lynn canyon is better idea then capilano supension bridge cause Lynn Canyon is free. Anyhow, different strokes I guess.
I have to disagree with Sockeyed
DO NOT AVOID GROUSE MOUNTAIN. It takes very little effort to get up there and the view of Vancouver is simply stunning. The bistro is a nice place to eat and you can go hiking in the back to escape the tourists if you need to. In the summer they have a refuge with 2 grizzly bears and some wolves that you can visit. Grouse mountain is my favorite place in Vancouver and I dont own it. On the down side it cots $30.00 dollars for the gondola but I beleive all visitors should go up it at least once. I do agree that lynn canyon is better idea then capilano supension bridge cause Lynn Canyon is free. Anyhow, different strokes I guess.
Bingley
Veteran
Ha! Controversy among the Vancouverians (Vancouverites?)!!
Sockeyed, lawnpotter, and photogdave, thank you for your suggestions. From your recommendations, prioritizing will be the challenge for us, since we will only have two full days in Vancouver and environs. We do like to walk, though, which will build up our appetites for the restaurants you've recommended!
Sockeyed, lawnpotter, and photogdave, thank you for your suggestions. From your recommendations, prioritizing will be the challenge for us, since we will only have two full days in Vancouver and environs. We do like to walk, though, which will build up our appetites for the restaurants you've recommended!
neelin
Established
Well, if you're the kind of guy that wouldn't miss the Hopland Grade on your way up to Vancouver, you may like staying at the Sylvia Hotel (near Stanley Park) like I do, and leave your car at the hotel & you can get around pretty easy from there. I'm a tourist when I'm in Vancouver, so I don't know it like the locals.
Sylvia Hotel is right on the water, next to Stanley Park, reasonably priced and down home friendly.
1154 Gilford St.
www.sylviahotel.com
Denman & Robson are the main walk-down streets (in this area), & bus transit is exceedingly easy (daypass at the gas station), and handy from this location.
Capers Community Market for a quick bite & food supplies.
http://www.capersmarkets.com/about-capers/departments
1675 Robson Street
Poncho's Mexican is a good/busy eatery for supper. 827 Denman Street
There's a Starbucks in eyeshot of the Sylvia if you want, but I usually frequent the smaller shop next to the gas station on Pendrell & Denman in the morning.
Cafe Artigiano (world class) is right across the steet from the Art Gallery, both are great, time permitting. The Library is interesting architecture, not Seattle, but interesting non-the less. Granville Island, some photo-ops that are neat are near the bridge support that comes down on the Island, with all kinds of vines.
Enjoy your trip.
Robert
I'll keep this up for a week or so:
neelin.ca/rcw/slides/VancDemo.pdf
Poncho's (maracas & tambourines were passed out for the diners to accompany the entertainment
, Vancouver Museum, Stanley Park perimeter bike/walk path, outside the Sylvia Hotel, Granville Island, Vancouver Library, Lynn Canyon, Lynn Canyon.photogdave
Shops local
I second neelin's suggestions. I live in the neighborhood and hang out at the Sylvia and Poncho's all the time. Great places!
Hephaestus
Established
Victoria:
Lunch or dinner:
-Pagliacci’s: Italian restaurant. ~1000 Borad St.
-Mole: (dash thing on the “e”): modern fusion: ~500 Pandora
-Ferris’ Grill / Oyster Bar: Lots of sea food but other things too- my favourite restaurant in town. ~500 Yeates
-Rebar: vegetarian- Bastion Square
-Barb’s Place: On a clear, warm night only: get a basket of steamed crab and eat at picnic tables on a fisherman’s warf. Erie St. àVery scenic / great place for photography. A floating house community.
-The Penny Farthing: Irish style pub with great food: Oak Bay Av.
Breakfast: (Expect to wait 20 minutes for a table on the weekends- no reservations)
-John’s place: ~700 Pandora
-Floyd’s Diner: Corner of Yeates and Quadra
-The Blue Fox: My favourite- amazing French toast. ~900 Fort.
-Demitasse Cafe: Corner of Blanchard and Yeates (or maybe Johnson)
Snack / quick meal:
-The Noodle Box: ~600 Fisgard and another at ~800 Douglas. Eat in or take-out.
Pizza:
-The Brick Yard: ~800 Yeates – licensed and open fairly late.
Coffee:
-Solstice Cafe: ~500 Pandora – my favourite.
-Habit: ~500 Pandora
-Moka House (the one on Cook St. is best)
Pubs:
-Swan’s: Corner of Warf (or Store? The name changes around there) and Pandora
-The Beagle: Cook St.
-The Sticky Wicket: Great roof-top patio on a clear night. ~900 Douglas.
-Christie’s Carriage House Pub: ~1700 Fort
Places to go / things to see:
-The Legislature: very scenic
-BC Museum – check exhibits – has an IMAX.
-Wax Museum: A little creepy and fairly expensive. Mostly a tourist trap.
-Undersea Gardens: Expensive- mostly a tourist trap.
-Miniature world: Not my cup of tea and expensive.
-China Town (street) / Fan Tan Alley (narrowest in Canada) – Fisgard, west of ~600 block)àGreat place for street photography.
-Dallas Road: One of the most scenic drives anywhere. àHighly recommended
-Emily Carr house / museum – not my cup of tea, but some people are into that kind of thing.
-Craigdarroch Castle: I sorta enjoyed it and tours are not my sort of thing.
-Market Square: Fairly scenic. Has a hit and miss used camera store and an expensive place where they make fudge in front of you.
-Bastion Square: could be a good place for street photography (along with the down-town part of Government Street).
-See the bunnies at UVIC.
-Royal Rhodes university campus is a decent place for photography.
-Butchart Gardens: If you’re into flowers its the place to go – expensive.
-Pier / breakwater along Dalas Road: walk along the top on a still evening- has a small lighthouse at the end.
-Feed seals at Oak Bay Marina: buy a bag of frozen fish from the shop and feed the fat seals that hang around all day. Can make for a great photo opportunity.
-The Town of Sidney: fairly scenic- fun ice cream place on the main road- between Victoria and the Ferry.
-Ryan
Lunch or dinner:
-Pagliacci’s: Italian restaurant. ~1000 Borad St.
-Mole: (dash thing on the “e”): modern fusion: ~500 Pandora
-Ferris’ Grill / Oyster Bar: Lots of sea food but other things too- my favourite restaurant in town. ~500 Yeates
-Rebar: vegetarian- Bastion Square
-Barb’s Place: On a clear, warm night only: get a basket of steamed crab and eat at picnic tables on a fisherman’s warf. Erie St. àVery scenic / great place for photography. A floating house community.
-The Penny Farthing: Irish style pub with great food: Oak Bay Av.
Breakfast: (Expect to wait 20 minutes for a table on the weekends- no reservations)
-John’s place: ~700 Pandora
-Floyd’s Diner: Corner of Yeates and Quadra
-The Blue Fox: My favourite- amazing French toast. ~900 Fort.
-Demitasse Cafe: Corner of Blanchard and Yeates (or maybe Johnson)
Snack / quick meal:
-The Noodle Box: ~600 Fisgard and another at ~800 Douglas. Eat in or take-out.
Pizza:
-The Brick Yard: ~800 Yeates – licensed and open fairly late.
Coffee:
-Solstice Cafe: ~500 Pandora – my favourite.
-Habit: ~500 Pandora
-Moka House (the one on Cook St. is best)
Pubs:
-Swan’s: Corner of Warf (or Store? The name changes around there) and Pandora
-The Beagle: Cook St.
-The Sticky Wicket: Great roof-top patio on a clear night. ~900 Douglas.
-Christie’s Carriage House Pub: ~1700 Fort
Places to go / things to see:
-The Legislature: very scenic
-BC Museum – check exhibits – has an IMAX.
-Wax Museum: A little creepy and fairly expensive. Mostly a tourist trap.
-Undersea Gardens: Expensive- mostly a tourist trap.
-Miniature world: Not my cup of tea and expensive.
-China Town (street) / Fan Tan Alley (narrowest in Canada) – Fisgard, west of ~600 block)àGreat place for street photography.
-Dallas Road: One of the most scenic drives anywhere. àHighly recommended
-Emily Carr house / museum – not my cup of tea, but some people are into that kind of thing.
-Craigdarroch Castle: I sorta enjoyed it and tours are not my sort of thing.
-Market Square: Fairly scenic. Has a hit and miss used camera store and an expensive place where they make fudge in front of you.
-Bastion Square: could be a good place for street photography (along with the down-town part of Government Street).
-See the bunnies at UVIC.
-Royal Rhodes university campus is a decent place for photography.
-Butchart Gardens: If you’re into flowers its the place to go – expensive.
-Pier / breakwater along Dalas Road: walk along the top on a still evening- has a small lighthouse at the end.
-Feed seals at Oak Bay Marina: buy a bag of frozen fish from the shop and feed the fat seals that hang around all day. Can make for a great photo opportunity.
-The Town of Sidney: fairly scenic- fun ice cream place on the main road- between Victoria and the Ferry.
-Ryan