Vancouver recs - XP from travel

[jewel]

Because no one ever responded to my post on the travel boards, I'll try here.

Next month we'll be in Vancouver, BC for a day/night, between getting off of the cruise ship and taking the train to Seattle. I've never been, and know nothing about the city.

I'm hoping to find a decent hotel that is close to the port or Amtrak station, for under $200. Any ideas?

Any recs on what to do in Vancouver for a day would also be appreciated. It'll be at the tail end of a 2 week vacation, so we're not looking for anything too crazy.

While we're at it, if anyone has any great Alaska recs, I'd love to hear those too. We'll be in Fairbanks, Denali, Whittier, Glacier Bay, Skagway, Juneau, and Ketchikan. (Although I hear it's amazing, I'm too lazy and out of shape to do any big hikes)

Thanks! :-)

[7costanza]

If you want to stay downtown, near Robson Street, it's just a short light rail ride from the Amtrak station. We were there a couple summers ago and really liked the Chinatown night market, but I think it was just once a week. We were in Vancouver (from Seattle) specifically to see an exhibit at their art museum, and other than that we just shopped.

[froggy76]

We stayed at the Blue Horizon Hotel a couple years ago and I would recommend it. It was clean, reasonably priced, and in a great location. We walked the entire city from there and had a great time!

ETA: Sorry, not sure if it's near the port or Amtrak station.

[Norticprincess]

Skagway either rent a car (not the over priced jeep tour, we used Avis) and drive up the Klondike highway It's one road but this little guide book has some info www.murraysguide.com/. It is a gorgeous drive that ends at my siggy pic. ( road goes on, that's just the recommended turn around) several things to stop and see besides the scenery on the trip. Or take the Whitepass rail trip.

Juneau was our helicopter ride, we were suppose to go dog sledding but the weather in the morning and on Mendenhall wasn't great. The cruiseline Temsco operator cancelled the morning trips. Afternoons were full. We rebooked with Coastal for an afternoon to trip to Herbert. The helicopter tours are frequently cancelled. There is also a bus out to Mendenhall.

Hotel, I believe we got the Hyatt for $110 on Priceline. Check betterbidding.com for current wins. We just walked around Stalney park and then I believe the gaslight district the afternoon after ours. I liked Banana Leaf if you want something a little different for food bananaleaf-vancouver.com/

Other ports. try the Alaska board for current recs if you haven't looked yet


boards.cruisecritic.com/forumdisplay.php?f=55


If you are taking the Cascades train down I believe it was righ hand side of the train that had the best views. The boarder stop near white rock had a very pretty sunset. Mt Baker at dusk was also really nice.

[mmmomof2]

Last winter (before going up to Whistler) we used Priceline and got a good price for the Renaissance which was walking distance to the port. The price was probably close to $150 US. I love Priceline in situations like this. Bidding For Travel.com has good forums on what you'll end up with.

We just walked around and went to the Aquarium at Stanley Park. There were a lot of restaurants in walking distance.

[jewel]

Perfect - thanks for the recs!

[Deleted]

If the weather is nice Granville Island is nice to walk around, you may have to take a cab there though.