Saturday, October 18, 2014

Idle Free Vancouver

The most common mistake made by cruise ship passengers is to completely overlook the hosting city as a vacation destination. In the haste and excitement about getting onboard and to the holy grail of all food buffets-- 'rookie cruisers' will regularly make a beeline from the airport to the cruise ship terminal.

Port cities, like Vancouver B.C. are often overlooked and offer much more than just a random docking location. For the price of a few measly shore excursions you can stay a couple extra nights in the spectacular city of Vancouver-- set against the Canadian backdrop of mountains and sea.  

On a Vancouver vacation, there's a time to be in low-mode and a time for the opposite-- to get moving and take in all the attractions. With all the things to see and do in this British Columbia port city-- I suggest you become idle-free by hitting it and getting it..

Getting There

Conveniently situated within Vancouver's  International Airport there is a SkyTrain or Rapid Transit stop--  and don't let the luggage stop you. The SkyTrain system is world renowned for wide cars, hallways and large elevators and wide cars-- So needless to say,  it's easy to get around the city with personal belongings and just a 23 minutes jaunt directly from the airport... A taxi from the airport Vancouver to downtown runs approximately $30 CAD.                                 translink.ca

Opus Hotel--

For a residential vibe Award Winning Boutique Hotel, be sure to book your accommodations at the Opus Hotel. Located in the fashionable Yaletown district, this Forbes-rated 4 Star boutique hotel is within walking distance of quaint shops, unlimited spas and top tier restaurants. With Award Winning Boutique HotelAward Winning Boutique Hotel96 unique and comfortable rooms-- you will feel like you're home, but away.

The rooms retro 70's colors and playful turndown service are sure to bring out your inner child... instead of the usual chocolates on the mattress, they leave fun candies like Pop-Rocks or Charms Blow Pops. All rooms offer complimentary Wi-Fi and even come equipped with an Apple - iPad and iPhone that you can use throughout the journeys inside the city.

With complimentary car service and a Cruise Package Special, where they will reimburse the cab fare from the ships dock, you can't go wrong with a stay at this marvelous  hotel.

http://vancouver.opushotel.com/

The Places to be Seen--

If you are looking for a departure from the run of the mill, conventional style dining establishment then look no further than the West Oak Restaurant. This chic bistro draws a throng of younger diners that crave an upbeat, energetic, casual yet elegant dining experience.

The West Oak Restaurant seasonally changing menu sets the standard with new delectable trends that create an ideal palate experience. The kitchen staff use locally sourced-- farm fresh ingredients, grass-fed beef and  free-range chicken. From perfectly seared scallops with citrus and spices to their savory steak gold standard-- tenderloin beef-- the delicious fare will melt in your mouth.

Whether you take in a wonderful dinner or sip a cocktail in their stylish cocktail bar... you can't help feeling like you've just stumbled into one of Vancouver's most highly prized restaurants.

westoakrestaurant.com

Brunch Worth the Wait

How long would you wait at for brunch at Vancouver's highest rated breakfast eateries? Ninety minutes? Two hours in the pouring rain? Well that's what the locals do, just to get a coveted seat at Café Medina... so you know it's going to be good.

There is always a wait for brunch at Café Medina, and with good reason-  the menu is innovative, it's hearty, smart, and prepared beyond everyone's expectations. With trademark dishes like Saumon Fumé, a fried egg with smoked wild salmon and cream cheese over arugula-- Executive Chef Jonathan Chovancek's kitchen staff live up to the hype and then some...

And don't forget to order 'The Caesar,' a classic Canadian version of the Bloody Mary.

medinacafe.com

Idle-Free Suggestions
Spend an afternoon at one of Vancouver's most well-liked draws, Granville Island. And it's fun getting there too-- little Aquabus ferries set sail every 5 minutes from the West End of downtown Vancouver to Granville Island. Packed full of craft studios, boutique shops and pubs you won't be at a loss for things to do...
granvilleisland.com

Gastown

Best known for its festive atmosphere and amazing souvenir bargains, Gastown is one the City's oldest neighborhoods. This popular historic borough blends elegance, with cobblestone streets. Easily walkable with open-air shopping kiosks that also feature food carts and street entertainment.

Bard on the Beach Shakespeare Festival
Every June through September, Bard on the Beach professional Shakespeare Festival conjures up the enchantment of the playwright's great works. The festival performs Shakespeare in two open-ended performance tents, located on the scenic waterfront in Vancouver’s Vanier Park.

 

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