You are responsible for your own accommodations and travel arrangements.
Where should I sleep?
There are many hotels in the greater Vancouver area which are only a Google search away. A few are situated close to The Nest (Granville Island area) and are a short Aquabus ride away. Here is a link to a few hotels situated near Granville Island by Trip Advisor. We’d suggest securing accommodation sooner rather than later to avoid disappointment.
Airbnb and VRBO are also good resources for finding affordable housing.
Getting around in Vancouver
PARKING AT THE WORKSHOP
There are parking spaces available located in and around Granville Island. Click here for a short description on parking costs.
Note, the Aquabus does stop directly at Granville Island.
TRANSPORTATION IN VANCOUVER
SKYTRAIN
Our primary light rail transportation system in Vancouver is called Skytrain. It can get you to major areas of the city and suburbs. And it connects from Vancouver International Airport to central Vancouver and downtown.
BUSES and AQUABUS
Note: We now have Uber in Vancouver
What’s there to do in Vancouver?
SIGHTS IN VANCOUVER
The best suggestion for sightseeing in Vancouver is to Google it, and see what pulls your attention and interest. We have a few art galleries, one of the main ones is at UBC, The Museum of Anthropology. Local Beaches: Kitsilano Beach, English Bay, Spanish Banks, Wreck Beach (Notice: Wreck beach is a clothing optional beach).
Click here for a helpful resource to assist you in exploring the different neighborhoods within Vancouver.
Best Views of Vancouver CityScape
Grouse Mountain: You take a gondola to a local ski area. Bar and restaurant and walking trails are up on top. If you have a car, you can drive up to Cypress Mountain and sit at the look-out for a city view.
Foodie Districts
Vancouver’s food scene is definitely on the up and up. Asian and Indian cuisine is stellar here, as is our classic West coast fare (seafood and fish), not to mention good old Irish/English comfort food in the many pubs.
Nature
Parks are everywhere, especially on the North Shore which is North Vancouver and West Vancouver. Lynn Headwaters is a great park to walk and hike in. Busy on the weekends, but worth it. For the avid hikers, Grouse Mountain is famous for its steep “Grouse Grind” hike. Only for those with fairly medium to expert fitness levels. The trails near UBC in Pacific Spirit Regional Park are vast and easy with gentle inclines. Deep Cove is a lovely spot to visit for kayak rentals and to experience a cozy little seaside village. Ambleside is a trendier area with a seawall that looks to the South and towards Vancouver. Dundarave is even quieter, more retirement energy :). Stanley park is Vancouver’s version of Central Park. There’s a walking path that circles the park, and trails within the park.
Mountain and Alpine Viewing
Head to Whistler for a day or overnight excursion and take the Whistler gondola up the ski hill into the high alpine. You can sightsee on top and have a beer and a burger, or both.
Ocean and Island Life
Vancouver Island is a 90-minute ferry ride away from the ferry terminal in Tsawwassen (about 45 minutes outside of Vancouver). From there you can sightsee in Victoria, the capital of British Columbia (it’s very British over there), or drive up island to Long Beach and Tofino (where the surfers hang out). Saltspring Island (you must access it via Vancouver Island) is known for its artisanal goods, cheese especially, and its quintessential island/hippie feel. The Sunshine Coast is another popular destination, which is technically mainland BC., but it has the small town, island feel. You need to take a ferry to access this part of the mainland.
So many more!!
