View Single Post
      02-22-2020, 03:39 AM   #30
MaximusB
Major
1391
Rep
1,288
Posts

Drives: 13 Frozen White E92
Join Date: Apr 2016
Location: Vancouver

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by XKxRome0ox View Post
i just grabbed the closest intersection with the biggest streets to just give an idea of the area
the Airbnb map shows the condo to be 1 or 2 blocks away from that intersection
the photos of the condo look really nice
but i am still looking at all options
just didn't know what area i should be focusing on
will probably go closer to downtown area

thanks for the tips about not speeding in the ferry terminal area
i got a speeding ticket during my honeymoon in Hawaii.. that sucked

might even go to whistler for a day
we are flying up on Monday afternoon and leaving Saturday afternoon
so 6 days, 5 nights

to minimize the need to change hotel/airbnb, we are thinking stay in Vancouver area Mon through Wed night and then spend Thurs and Fri night in Victoria
catch an early ferry back on Sat morning
but i'm wondering if that's not enough time in Vancouver (with drives to north vancouver, maybe whistler) .. and too much time spent in Victoria

thoughts?
I would look in central Burnaby area, like metrotown and brentwood. It is still central, as you are roughly 30 minutes from downtown (outside of rush hour) and other cities like Richmond. Closer you get to downtown the more prices goes up. Avoid Hastings/Main street area, even though I don't think there are airbnb near there. That area is full of homeless, some have mental problem and most have addiction problem. But surprisingly there are a few good bars and restaurants just a few blocks away.

Getting a speeding ticket is one thing, which it sucks, but getting the rental car impounded for 7 days is another level and will cost you an arm and a leg. I think just towing and impound fees for 7 days costs almost $1000.

The island is nice and Victoria is worth a trip. You can definitely spend 2 days there. If you're spending two days there, then definitely make the drive to the west side of the island to Tofino and Ucluelet. They are two small towns along the ocean. Lots of good restaurants up there and beautiful scenery. Along the way to Tofino, make a stop at goats on roof. It is small cafe and store with literally goats on the roof. Nothing special, just a neat pit stop along the way. Also the drive to Tofino is amazing! The vancouver porsche club do an annual cruise to Tofino for that reason. I would avoid doing a day trip to the island with a baby because that will be too tough. The ferry alone will be 2.5 hours each way (assuming no sailing wait) including waiting, loading/unloading time. Plus the drive to the terminal. Give yourself a day to come back, ie if you're flying home on Saturday then come back Friday because they sometime cancel sailing if the weather is bad or the water is too choppy. Although that shouldn't be a problem in April, but you never know. Also I would suggest you make ferry reservations, just in case there are sailing waits.

4 days in Vancouver might not be enough, depends on how much you want to see and do. North Van can be a 1 day trip - Capilano suspension bridge, Grouse mountain, lynn caynon, Lonsdale quay and shipyard are worth checking out. Whistler can be done in a day as well, leave early because there are a few stops along the way that is worth checking out, such as the sea-to-sky gondola and you can easily spend a few hours there. Also as many have said, the sea to sky highway is an awesome drive. April is too early for cruises, but many car clubs often do cruises there. Be careful about your speed as the sea to sky highway is a hot spot for speed traps. The hot spots for speed traps on sea to sky are: lions bay, porteau cove, britannia mine museum, sea-to-sky gondola, and the hill after squamish. They do setup at other areas along the highway, but those are one I see them at the most. Not trying to scare you or deter you, just don't want you get a ticket or anything. On another thought, you can probably do the sea-to-sky gondola the same day you visit north van. That way you get to drive parts of the sea to sky highway twice.

Quote:
Originally Posted by XKxRome0ox View Post
is there any must-see/must-do in Richmond area?
if not, i'll just steer clear
Not really lol. There is a huge asian population in Richmond. So chinese food are plentiful there. If you come after May there is the richmond night market that is kinda cool to check out. They have lots of street food vendors there. I only go there for the food during the summer lol. Other than that, there isn't any must-see/do. Unless casino and outlet mall next to the airport interests you.
Appreciate 1
XKxRome0ox1587.50