6 hour YVR stopover
 

I have a six hour stop over in YVR (flight gets in at 10:40 and I leave for a US bound flight at 18:00). I'll have to be back at YVR by about 16:00 to go through pre-clearance for my outgoing flight.

Is it worth going into the city? I was thinking Grenville Island or Robson Street (but could be convinced of other places). Or should I just stay at the airport (I do have access to the Maple Leaf Lounge, so it would be comfortable(ish).

The Fairmount doesn't seem to have any 'dayrooms' - which may not be worth it anyway.

Thanks

Plenty of time for a cab to Granville Island, the Robson "strip" or even Gastown. I would let the weather drive your decision though -- none of the above are much fun in the pouring rain.

6 Hours in YVR
 

Granville Island isn't bad in the rain. It is better than a lot of other places.

You might also consider walking down Robson Street (good shopping/coffee places/restrauants), wandering Yaletown (same), ..... I'll put my head to it and see what else I can dream up for you. When are you there?

Do you ski?

SC

Thanks for the advice. Looks like I won't have to sit in YVR (which would be very boring).

I'll be there on 1-December (a Saturday). I do ski (although what we call 'ski mountains' here - Southern Ontario - is pretty pathetic). However, I won't have my ski stuff with me (as in parka, snow pants, goggles, etc.)

No Snow Dec 1
 

Probably won't be snow here Dec 1 anyway. The big down hill slopes would really push you time anyway. I was thinking more of Cypress mountain, either cross country which I do or down hill.

Are you into walking around shops and such like. Because then between Yale town, Robson Street, and Granville Island you would have it covered. You could hedge your bets and hit Granville Island and when you got bored take the walk on little ferry that runs around False Creek and then walk up to Yaletown or Robson Street. Then cab or hotel shuttle it back from there.

If your are looking for good restaurants in the area there are many but the Opus at the Exlir is good but quiet at lunch. Over course Granville Island offers many little places and outstanding food.

Anything else you need?

SC

[edit]Spelling, always the spelling.[/edit]

I once had to spend my stay in Vancouver on Granville Island. It was incredibly boring. Robson Street is more interesting but how many hours can you take of a street and stores? The ride from the airport can lead to big traffic problems in either direction and so the time is not predictable. Closer to the airport: If the weather is nice, you can go for a walk along the sea wall in Richmond and then go into the town for some of the best Chinese food anywhere. Then go back to YVR and relax in the lounge.

Hmm...I hadn't thought of Richmond - my previous trips to Vancouver have mainly been for work (so only saw downtown Vancouver or to head to Whistler). I'll have to get my luggage anyway (since I'm transferring to the US, so maybe I can bring along some running gear and go for a nice run along the sea wall). I'm not a huge shopper, but always enjoyed the Robson Street area and love walking around 'markety places' - though Grenville would probably only hold me for an hour or so.

Would you suggest taking the bus to Richmond? Or a cab?

Any specific Chinese food place, or all they all good?

Left luggage is in the downstairs part of the int'l terminal (beyond the pub) so presumably it'll be handy for you to stash your bags there.

I don't think you'll have to get back to the airport until 1 1/2 hrs before your flight at that time of the day and that'll still be plenty of time.

Bus to Richmond involves taking the transit "shuttle" bus to near the Delta where you can change for various busses. 98B are the "express" busses that take you up Granville to Vancouver or down No. 3 Rd. in Richmond. Fare is $2.25 for Richmond, $3.25 to Vancouver, and you can use the transfer for the return if within the printed expiration time. Taxi is of course faster and more convenient.

The 401 or 410 bus from the Airport Station (the Delta hotel) will take you to Steveston, which is a non-touristy (well, less touristy) version of Granville Island: http://www.britishcolumbia.com/regio...s/?townID=3919 .

Just last week I spent a few hours in the Aquarium in Stanley Park. It would be a great place to spend a layover, and because of it's proximity, you could also wander Robson St.
--
13F

I went into the centre of Richmond and saw where people were heading and went in. I have no idea what the name was. It seems like there are amazing restaurants everywhere because the competition is keen. The seawall is a nice run and it's level and without cars. It's just a short ride from the airport so a cab is a good idea and the driver can make a suggestion as well for restaurants. It's a lot closer than downtown. When I was at CDG I stayed at an airport area hotel that was on the running path into Roissy. That was really nice - the town by the airport is actually a nice place. As is Richmond on a larger scale. With the high dollar, you probably should save your shopping for the US.

Lotsa Asian
 

There are lotsa asian food places in Richmond. If you like sushi it is one of the best places for it. Also lotsa Chinese restaurants. Look at 3 road between Alderbridge Way and Capstan Way. There is a Chinese mall there with some really good restaurants.

Cheers,
SC

If it were me I would take a cab to Richmond Centre (15 bucks) have dim sum at the restaurant next to Richmond Centre then watch a matinee movie there.

Alternatively stay at the airport, have lunch at the Fairmont then maybe go to the spa or gym at the Fairmont.

Alternatively there is a casino in Richmond you could hit if that interests you.

If it is a sunny day the Stanley Park seawall (that part of it that is open) would be nice, and there are lots of good places to eat near the south end of the Stanley Park seawall on Denman street. A cab from the airport to there is 30 bucks.

The Fairmont does have day rooms, we used one last April after an overnight flight.

Seawall Opening
 

Just read this morning that the Seawall is opening in a week or two. A large part of it was closed when a strong wind storm knocked down many trees.

SC

If you know downtown already, and want to feel the West, I'd recommend scenic SeaBus trip to Lonsdale Quay.

1. Once you pickup your luggage, left luggage is just outside the baggage claim to your left. $4 per piece or something.
2. Taxi is always convenient, but public transit is as smooth unless during rush hour. Take #424 to Airport Station (5min), then #98-B to Harbourfront (40min), then SeaBus to Lonsdale Quay (10min, q15min), $3.25 all the way.
3. There's nothing upscale, but market-style dining area with seafoods, ethnic, etc. Nearby is a nice quiet bayside park, where you can stretch out a little bit.
4. The Quay is the traffic central in North Van, so you can add a trip to Capilano Suspension Bridge (#236 r/t), or stop-by at Stanley Park on the way back to Harbourfront (#242, 246 or N24 to park, then 240 to Downtown)
5. From Harbourfront to Airport, expect 50-60min, since #424 makes a little detour before arriving at terminal building.
6. Day-pass is available $8 at 7-eleven, on your way from baggage claim to bus stop.

Thanks so much for all the suggestions - I love the idea of going to Richmond or Lonsdale Quay (I've not been to either). The Fairmont (I'll call about a day room) or the aquarium are good if it is raining.

Of course this may all be moot if the trip is canceled (which it might have to be).

Sorry, one last
 

Tried to remember the name of the Chinese shopping mal in Richmond and I woke up with it on the brain ..... Aberdeen Centre ..... great food and very different shiopping. It's on 3 road between Captsan Way and Alderbridge.

SC

So, whatdidudo?whatdidudo?whatdidudo?
 

So frontenac551, what did you do? We did have snow!

..... SC

Sorry to resurrect this old thread, but I've got a few questions about transiting in YVR and what I should do on my stopover in Vancouver!

First off - this will be my first time in Vancouver and YVR at all :)

My flights...
United Flight (from Chicago) to YVR, landing at 10h23
Air Candada Flight (to Honolulu) from YVR, leaving at 18h00

Now, with 7.5 hours, I should be fine to get into town to check out a few places, some of which in this thread I'll be trying.

However, my questions are about the procedures I'll need to do when arriving from the U.S, leaving to go into Canada and then coming back (pre-screening) only to leave again to the U.S.

What do I have to do on arrival, assuming I get my bags tagged to HNL? In addition, about how early should I arrive back at the airport to pre-screen and relax (in the MLL) before the trip to HNL?

I'm planning on renting a car there for a few hours...is this a good approach?

Thanks in advance,
jeremy

You'll be arriving during a busy time of the day (international arrivals from Asia) so immigration waits could be lengthy (or not). I'd allow an hour to clear immigration and customs and get your bag back. You'll have to hang onto your bags as you can't recheck them until you go through U.S. preclearance (I'd allow at least 1/2 hour for that + security, excluding time you want to spend in the lounge + being at the gate 1/2 hour before STD). All said, it'll probably give you 4 1/2-5 hours outside the airport. Might be easier to take the Airporter bus than rent a car if it's just one of you. Parking and traffic in Vancouver is not much fun if you don't know your way around (or even if you do).

> I'm planning on renting a car there for a few hours

I would suggest you not do this, and instead simply cab into and out of downtown. By the time you rent a car & pay for parking downtown you'll pay the same if not more than you would to just take a cab.

Everything you're going to want to see you can see on foot in the downtown core.

As for your bags, I'd just put them in storage at the airport:

http://yvr.ca/guide/todo/rps_details.asp?id=10002

>how early should I arrive back at the airport

Keep in mind if your flight is at 6 you'll be in rush hour gridlock heading back to the airport, starting from around 3:45 ish.

Cheers,
Geoff in Vancouver

Thanks for the quick responses...

I didn't think it would be so difficult to transit in YVR - however coming from the US and going back to the US, it makes sense!

It will be two of us, and we'll both have a large bag (we are continuing on to AKL/SYD), plus a few carry-on bags.

I'm usually all for public transport, but with two of us (one being a small girl) and all the bags, I'd rather rent the car and just leave all of our stuff in the back. Plus, it seems that renting a car at the YVR airport seems easy, plus the airport actually looks pretty close to town.

If we do this, we could definitely head back early (around 15h30) to avoid most of the traffic (since i'll be travelling on a Thursday)...

Given these circumstances, what do you local guys think? In addition, I have a 'free day' of car rental that I'll plan on using, not that it's too critical. I'm also from Washington, so I'm used to pretty bad traffic and definitely know how to plan for it :)

Thanks again for the help thus far,
jeremy

It's not the car rental rates which are necessarily expensive but all the fees and taxes you'll have to pay (which hopefully will be negligible depending on how it's calculated). I don't know if the free day is deducated 1st so taxes are low, or deducted after fees and taxes are added. Traffic is heavy all the time. It's just a matter of degree. There are no highways, just urban streets.

On a free day with National, I'd have to pay:

Taxes, Surcharges and Fees Help Info Premium Location Fee 17.75 Pct
$7.95
Veh License Recovery 1.80/day
$1.80
Pvrt Bc 1.50/day (0.0%)
$1.50
Provincial Sales Tax Bc (7.0%)
$3.69
Ca Goods/svces Tax B.c. (5.0%)
$0.56
Subtotal
$15.50

Not too bad, $15 total (plus gas) which should be a bit less than stowing ~4 bags for the day, taking the bus in town, plus having to deal with really worrying about time.

So, with the price not bad at all (and probably better with the rental), and knowingly going into town on 'local' roads - is it acceptable to drive into town, allowing extra time to return to the airport, drop-off the car and be pre-screened for security?

-jeremy

Absolutely, but, as a local, I'd still do it by taxi, not rental car.

I'd check my luggage, grab a cab, wander downtown, then cab back to the airport.

(BTW, when you're doing your budgeting also factor in $15 or so for parking.)

Cheers,
Geoff in Vancouver