<p>Hi!
Just wondering about suggestions on what to do when in Vancouver for a convention. I tacked on an extra two days at the end to enjoy the area (tired to going to places & only seeing the inside of the convention center & meeting rooms). Please share your thoughts & ideas. It will be early November & I will bring a warm ski jacket.
Thanks!</p>
<p>My two favorite places in Vancouver are Granville Island (shops and Farmer’s market) and walking in Stanley Park (although I don’t know what it’ll be like in Nov.). DH and I also enjoyed the Museum of Anthropology at Univ. of BC.</p>
<p>thanks for these suggestions. any more? i’m planning on public transit & not hassling with a car.</p>
<p>If you end up with time to do the local stuff during the convention, a ferry ride to Vancouver Island is wonderful, although in November, it will be dark early and most likely lousy weather :(</p>
<p>Rather than walking Stanley Park, rent a bicycle and ride around it. It’s a fair distance around but well worth it.</p>
<p>There is a visitor center in the office building at the corner of Berrard & W Hastings very near the convention center. Check there.</p>
<p>Early November, the weather should still be “mild.” That means bring an umbrella and jacket. The foliage will have turned already. If you can bike in Stanley Park then stop at the Teahouse at Ferguson Point. If you can take a short tour up the coast to Shannon Falls, then do it. I remember a first snowfall at the end of November. Beautiful, beautiful city.</p>
<p>Go on a whale watching tour. The orcas are amazing! Island Adventures out of Anacortes, Washington, is great, if you want to cross the borde, but you could probably find some out of Vancouver. We saw quite a few Canadian whale watching boats while we went out on our cruise. The boat companies seem to cooperate with each other, radioing in locations of whale pods, so everybody can get a look!</p>
<p>My hunch is no whales in Nov :(</p>
<p>Window shopping/eating/strolling on Robson Street and Denman Street. Try a Japadog. </p>
<p>Seconding Granville Island (take the little ferries that cross false creek, lots of great art galleries operating out of artist studios, and while there have lunch at Bridges or dinner at the Sandbar). </p>
<p>In Stanley Park, visit the totems, and also the Vancouver Aquarium which has a whale show. Ideal if weather isn’t very good (as is typical in November). The Vancouver Art Gallery, located in center of downtown might be also a good option on a rainy day.</p>
<p>Take free shuttle from Canada Place which will take you to the northshore mountains, up to Capilano Suspension Bridge/, Treetop adventures. Details on the shuttle are on this website: <a href=“http://www.capbridge.com/explore.php[/url]”>http://www.capbridge.com/explore.php</a></p>
<p>Ferry is a hassle if without a car, but you can fly via seaplane from downtown Vancouver harbour to downtown Victoria harbour. Absolutely beautiful flight, even on a cloudy day. Costs about $150 each way and takes 30 minutes. </p>
<p>Food: C or Raincity Grill for local food, dim sum at Kirins, Tojos for sushi.</p>
<p>Wow, never had heard of Japadogs before. Are they really wonderful? I just searched them and they sound interesting. Do they really taste much different from regular hotdogs?</p>
<p>Is it worth renting a car, at least for the time after the convention? I am entitled to free parking at my hotel, but I thought the public options worth exploring (since our state doesn’t have them).</p>
<p>I have been on a whale watching cruise a few times in HI, but it would be amazing to see orcas from a boat, if they are in season. Don’t know about when they are in season in BC, but in HI, they are mostly here Jan thru April.</p>
<p>Capalino Suspension Bridge is great and somewhat expensive- weather permitting. There’s a great garden in Chinatown. We went up there last October on a Seattle trip and do not recommend Grouse Mt. Missed some activities mentioned that we knew about but didn’t have time for. If you have AAA ( or know someone who belongs) get their tour book and look at the suggestions.</p>
<p>Why would you NOT suggest Grouse Mountain. What do you do at Capalino Suspension Bridge? Thanks!</p>