Cathay Pacific flies directly to/from JFK (777-300ER).
Air Canada flies directly to/from EWR (787-800).
There is also a Delta flight direct to/from JFK in the summer months (prices vary as expected from Delta).
Chabad Downtown - walkable from many hotels, no Eruv, Shacharis on Shabbos followed by Kiddush, Friday night Minyan last weekend each month.
TheKollel - in the community, yes Eruv, Holiday Inn Vancouver Centre only points hotel in the Eruv, Airbnb options, all Minyanim, free Shabbos meals. Some hotels downtown (outside the Eruv) are about an hour walk.
Victoria Island - ferry to the island/back, Butchart Gardens (expensive, underwhelming), Miniature World, Fisherman's Wharf, oldest Synagogue in Canada. Victoria seems to be very expensive, ferry $30, to bring a car $100, gardens $30.
Why are Aug 14-16 blackout dates at FPR? Something so exciting happening in Vancouver that week?
Thanks, that's a much better answer than the guy at the hotel - you'd have to call corporate headquarters to find out why it's blacked out.
Thanks. No SPG50 available for my dates. Fortunately found room at the Sheraton on points (had to search 1 night at a time...) and at the Douglas autograph collection. 16k spg vs. 13k spg. But it's a mistake to stay on that side of town right? I want to rather be on the Vancouver Harbor side of town?
the sheraton wall centre is great (esp if u can convince them to give u club access if maybe u reserved with your bus spg now before the changes). try to get a high floor and u can see everything.
I got a good rate at the Four Seasons Vancouver. PM me if you'd like info of the guy who helped me.
Thank you! That makes me more comfortable. Will still keep an eye on other options.
Did you find that you were far from the main activities - the park, sea wall, harbor?
i had a car so no. drove wherever i wanted to go and parked. went on a seaplane, the park etc.
Did you ever check out the Bayshore to compare the 2?
I plan on a car also, just don't know what to expect with parking (is street parking a possibility or everywhere needs a lot?).
I did. The bayshore is all about location.... Wall centre was very nicely redone about 4 years ago, very nice downtown hotel just not on the water.
We have nothing specific planned but want to do Whistler, Victoria and Grouse Mountain. I would like to turn each of these into a full day - so I am looking for stuff to do not only at these places but on the way. We would like to include two moderate hikes. Suggestions?
check out my TR I think it will help .
yeah in my informal review of every picture available online of the two i found the sheraton wall nicer and updated. we got a junior suite that was great (paid up a few extra points), and if u can get club room (we got with spg business pre aug 1) thats a big plus too, lots of kosher goodies plus drinks/fruits etc.
Anything to do in Victoria besides the gardens?
Is it worth wasting a day for the boat ride and the gardens?