We'll be flying into YVR about 11:30 am on a Wednesday, and probably staying at the new Airport Fairmont. I have a 6:10 am departure on UA to SFO. Have been to downtown Van many times. Ideas for exploration in the Fraser Delta area, perhaps via rental car? Things really worth checking out at the Airport?
Thanks in advance.

Not much terribly exciting. Steveston fishing village is so-so. There are some other historic sites but these are disappearing. Don't think much of interest around otherwise. What would you like to see/do?

Check out the art in the International terminal!

D

Hope its not too late for your trip

Yes - bunch of things to do in the UBC area

I suggest the Museum of Anthropology out at UBC - fantastic totem poles, free guided tours, and a spectacular view of the bay.

Golf at the Musqueum Golf Course, or putting green. Can do this on way to/from UBC

Wreck Beach - nice beach on Point Grey, if you don't mind clothing optional, and at this time of year it is too cold for most to go without anyway. About 1 km from the Museum

Enjoy your layover in Vancouver http://www.flyertalk.com/travel/fttravel_forum/smile.gif

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by Explore:
We'll be flying into YVR about 11:30 am on a Wednesday.........</font>

Explore, what did you do?


To others who know/have been to Vancouver, I would like to get a feel for the history of the area. Any good tours?

Also like outdoor activities such as walks, hikes, biking. Plan to rent a bike and bike the seawall area. Any other areas worthwhile?

Is there architecture that I should not miss?

Museums/exhibits?

Sweet Willie,

There's not much in the way of historical tours of Vancouver AFAIK.

The city is relatively young (European settlement really started in the early-mid 1800s). A lot of the city's architectural heritage has been demolished, with the vandalism abetted by a pro-development city council (mayor is now premier of the province). There are some remnants scattered around the downtown area (the city started in this area). There may be some in new Westminster which was the province's original capital.

There are some architecturally-interesting newer buildings such as the West Coast Transmission building which has suspension for earthquakes and the main library which looks like the coliseum in Rome.

As for hikes, there's the north shore mountains and Pacific Spirt park by U.B.C. (some of us still refer to it as the University Endowment Lands). You can mountain bike these parts too. False Creek bike/walkways are a bit too crowded with people who shouldn't even be staying home doing nothing.

If you're planning to head here, drop me a line.