Question: Patricia R. asks:  We are taking a cruise from Vancouver and have some time before our departure.  Do you recomend the trolley?  We don’t have enough time to get to Butchart Gardens in Victoria but there seems to be a few gardens in Vancouver to enjoy.  We can walk to Stanley Park from our hotel.  Any neat ideas or tips?

Answer:   Candy Christman, AAA Publishing manager, says:  I’m always a fan of hop-on/hop-off trolley tours.  It’s a quick way to get a feel for a destination when you have a limited amount of time.  They are narrated and hit many popular city attractions.  The Vancouver Trolley Company has 1- and 2-day ticket options. 

Vancouver, British Columbia Canada (host city for the 2010 Winter Olympics) provides a refreshing blend of cosmopolitan delights and nature’s splendor. It offers a wide range of attractions to suit the needs of any traveler. Several AAATravelViews team members consider Vancouver among their favorite travel destinations. Here are their must-see-and-do recommendations: 

Patty Wight, AAA Publishing marketing director, says:  I visited Vancouver a couple years ago and thought it was one of the most beautiful cities in North America.  Two highlights of my trip were Grouse Mountain and the Capilano Suspension Bridge.  Grouse Mountain is a wildlife refuge that provides some “civilized” activities for people who want to enjoy the outdoors and beautiful scenery but don’t want to “rough it.” There are activities for those seeking more adventure too but I’d recommend taking a leisurely hike along the mountain path that is lined with intricate, gorgeous wooden sculptures created by the local First Nations artist Glen Greenside.  Then, take a breather while you watch the orphaned grizzly bears romp around their park home.  Plan to have dinner at The Observatory Restaurant on the mountain top.  There is a mile-long Skyride that transports visitors up to the restaurant. The views from the sky ride and the restaurant are absolutely breathtaking. The Capilano Suspension bridge and park also provides a unique experience with spectacular views. The walk through the treetops is something I’ll always remember. The Vancouver Trolley Company offers evening tours of Grouse Mountain as well.

Danny Nanavaty, a travel planner at the CAA club office in Burnaby, British Columbia says:  I recommend spending time in Stanley Park during the day and then enjoying shopping on Robson Street during the evening.  You can start at English Bay at the intersection of Denman and Davie where the city meets the beach.  Stroll northward toward Stanley Park on the seawall and grab lunch at the Fish House which is close to the entrance of Stanley Park.  You can also walk to Robson via Denman Street checking out all coffee and gelato stops on the way.

Robson Street has some of the finest shopping in the city.  If you want to continue shopping and the weather is not that great, then Pacific Centre Mall is underground and can be accessed by Sears at Robson and Howe Streets.  For dinner, the Keg Steakhouse is a quintessential Vancouver dinner spot and can be found just east off Robson Street at the intersection of Thurlow Street.  Reservations are recommended. Readers, any more Vancouver suggestions?