Two short trips to Vancouver
 

We will be spending two days in Vancouver prior to a trip to Seoul and then 4 days following that trip in May 2020. Any recommendations about things to see and places to see that are convenient to airport and public transportation?

Thankful for any input you can make.

The Canada Line (train) goes directly from the airport terminal to the heart of downtown. I recommend you get a downtown hotel (Delta in Gastown/Fairmont Waterfront are very close to the train, but there are many other options). Once dt, you can really do whatever interests you for the two days. Walking the sea wall is always my favourite morning routine when I'm there for business. Vancouver is a decent sized multicultural city and you can pretty much choose to do whatever you want from that base depending on your interests.

You didn't mention budget. Cruise season here and rates get a little elevated. If you book anything, make sure it's cancellable as current world events (or rather, a single one) may lead to lower rates.

No budget, per se, but the hotels that YZF-ELite suggested are in the $400- $500 range which strikes me a bit steep. They might be a bit indicative of cruise season as you mention. I'll keep looking, but the advice has been helpful.

$350-500 (taxes included) is unfortunately the norm for downtown Vancouver properties during cruise season. What I would suggest is searching for properties that are not downtown but are walking distance to a SkyTrain station. That will yield some lower rates.

Thanks for the advice. That is very helpful.

If you have any memberships (eg CAA, govt), try using those. I travel to YVR frequently and can usually get a government rate at a Marriott or IHG hotel if I check back a few times. Given they own probably half the hotels in town, it only takes two searches to find out. When it’s really busy, for what it is worth, I find the Marriott Residence Inn on Hornby St and the Holiday Inn on Howe St most readily available.

Airport Marriott (not walking distance to airport) in Richmond is near the Canada line to get downtown (30 mins) and has an airport shuttle. Also has a Avis/Budget car rental next door and a mall nearby. There is a Sheraton and Hilton in the same complex.

Excellent. Thanks.

I would suggest Coast Vancouver Airport instead. The hotel is decent. I stayed there twice when I was in Vancouver (I had a rental car in both times). It also has free airport shuttle. The best thing is it is cheap.

However, personally, I don't believe there are many attractions in Vancouver that is worth for almost a week. But in you are a Chinese or fancy about Chinese culture, then it may be worth for a while.

three suggestions
 

1. ferry from Twassen to Vancouver Island, public transit to Buchart Gardens and/or downtown Victoria;
2. Grouse Grind (if physically fit)NB need to bring light hikers;
3, bike around Stanley Park.

Excellent. Thanks.