Vancouver exclusive day trips with hotel pick-up

Getting Here - Vancouver Weather - What to Wear - Where to Stay

For cheap flights check ASAP Ventures Ltd, (www.fly.co.uk).

Most international visitors arrive by air. Vancouver’s International Airport (www.yvr.ca/) is Canada’s 2nd largest airport and services most major airlines.

The airport lies only 30 minutes from downtown Vancouver. There are several options as to how to get downtown.

The Canada Line, a rapid trasit system, will take you directly from the airport to downtown Vancouver. For details check here.

Taxi rides cost about $25.00. Consider also a private or shared Limousine service with Star Limousine (www.starlimousine.com/).

Travelers from Seattle have additional travel options by rail, by road, or by ferry or a combination thereof.

By Rail

Traveling North from Seattle to Vancouver by AMTRAK train through the Cascade Mountains is an unforgettable experience. For more information call 1-800-872-7245 or visit www.amtrakcascades.com.

By Bus

Vancouver Quick Shuttle provides an hourly bus service from SEATAK International Airport directly to downtown Vancouver Hotels. For more information call 1-604-940-4428 or visit www.quickcoach.com.

By Ferry

Clipper Navigation provides a daily service from Seattle to Victoria in Canada on Vancouver Island. For more information call 1-206-448-5000 or visit www.victoriaclipper.com.

Pacific Coach Lines offer hourly bus services from downtown Victoria directly to downtown Vancouver hotels. This trip includes a 1.5 hour ferry ride through the Canadian Gulf Islands. For more information call  1-604-662-7575  or visit www.pacificcoach.com

By Car

It takes about 3 hours to drive from Seattle to Vancouver plus whatever time is required to cross the border. Learn about travel destinations in British Columbia and attractions in Vancouver by listening to Tourist Radio on the 89.3 FM band.

Crossing the border

Since Jun 1, 2009, the new U.S. land border passport rules come into effect and travelers must carry a passport. For detailed information contact Canada Customs.
 

Vancouver Weather

If you don’t like the weather in Vancouver – wait 20 minutes

 

 

 

The climate of Vancouver is very changeable, albeit mild. Summertime is reliably sunny and not hot, with temperatures averaging highs in the mid 20 Degrees Celsius.  Frequent ocean winds keep the climate very comfortable and evenings can be cool.

During the winter, the temperature seldom dips below freezing. Snow in the city is a rare occurrence and the little that falls does not stay long on the ground.

Click here to enlargeBut it rains a lot. An average of about 280 cm (110 ins) falls during the year; most of it between November and March. Although it is not very cold, high humidity during the winter makes even mild temperatures feel uncomfortable.

Spring arrives with a bang. Between late February and March the city is awash in white and pink petals that bloom on some 100,000 ornamental cherry blossom trees planted along the streets throughout the city. This is the real Vancouver snow.

 

 

 What to Wear

Although most of Vancouver’s rain falls mostly between November and March, be prepared for the odd summer shower. There is always a mild breeze and the evenings can be cool. Wind breakers, cotton pants, sweaters will keep you comfortable.

Wear comfortable and water-resistant shoes - Vancouver is a very walkable city.

Dressing in the winter is a challenge. Heavy winter coats are too warm. Layers of clothing such as sweaters and fleeces are preferable under a rain jacket. Gortex is the preferred fabric because it allows air to circulate while being waterproof.

Vancouver is quite informal and dressing up for dinner is optional.

Where to Stay

Click to enlarge

Vancouver continues to be voted one of North America's most livable cities. The streets are clean and lined with trees and many parks invite you to walk instead of drive. Visible from almost everywhere in the city, the North Shore mountains are a great navigation aid. To look at them just face North. 

 

There is a large selection of hotels in all price ranges. If you are staying downtown, select a hotel with a view of the water and/or the mountains. The views from the downtown high-rises are spectacular.

Hotels that advertise our day trips:

Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites North Vancouver

Best Western Downtown

 If you are traveling by car, consider also staying on the North Shore – only 30 minutes away from downtown.

The following sites offer extensive selections of accommodation options.

Visit Vancouver - The essential on-line Vancouver Travel Guide
Travelwand.com - lowest price guarantee 

Bed & Breakfasts

Experience the very personal nature of Vancouver hospitality by staying at one of many of the city's Bed and Breakfasts. They are located away from the main traffic arteries in the quieter, residential sections of the city, usually close to Vancouver's excellent public transportation system. Some are actually within walking distance of downtown. 

Bed & Breakfasts that come recommended:

A Harbourview Retreat      - an oasis in the heart of the city
Avanlon Guest Suite          -
perfect for a Vancouver getaway
AA Catherine's Vancouver Bed & B    - romantic Vancouver B&B
Arbutus House                   - Luxury Vancouver B & B Vacation Suites
Bay View B & B
                  - Romantic West Vancouver Bed and Breakfast
Between Friends                 - Bed & Breakfast and travel apartments
Chocolate Lily
                   - accommodation for the independent traveler
The Corkscrew Inn            - One of a kind Vancouver Bed & Breakfast
Hycroft Bed & Breakfast   - unique blend of privacy & service to our guests
La Villa Antoine              - quiet residential neighborhood close 2 downtown
The Manor Guest House   – close to downtown, sensibly priced
Nelson House B&B             - Vancouver's favorite gay and lesbian B & B
Pacific Spirit Guest House
- Vancouver's pet-friendly B&B
Thistledown House            – heritage accommodation on the North Shore
Victorian Hotel                   - Boutique  hotel in the heart of downtown
West End Guesthouse       -  'Bed & Breakfast in Vancouver's downtown West End

For a comprehensive list of Bed & Breakfasts visit  the Western Canada Bed & Breakfast Association website. 

Getting around

 

 

Wildlife & other Tours

Toll-free: 800-528-3531  Local Phone: 604-684-4922  Email: info@lotuslandtours.com