The Big Bus: Value and Convenience for Travellers

I was given the opportunity to experience the Big Bus Hop-On Hop-Off tour with three of my friends about a month ago. I was recently very busy with visitors in town which was perfect. I also just came back from my own vacation, which is why this is a little delayed. I have always seen the buses throughout the city and I have always wanted to try the Big Bus because of the convertible style buses. The welcome centre and the first stop of the tour are located in Gastown beside the famous steam clock. Look for the red signs and the big ice cream cone figure outside the store – the first goodie is FREE ice cream or fudge with the tour from the welcome centre.

Although the first stop is located in Gastown, you do not have to start the tour there. You can Hop-On or Hop-Off at any of the 22 stops on the route, check out the route map and the schedule. Just look for the Big Bus stop signs on the route. Tickets can be purchased online and printed out or you can simply provide payment when you Hop-On.

The Big Bus is not just a tour, but also a great value for travellers to see the city at their own pace. It is highly recommended for single travellers, travellers who are staying in the downtown vicinity, and anyone who does not have a car or does not want to worry about parking. The single adult fare is $37 and is valid for two days. The stops include the Vancouver Art Gallery, Granville Island, English Bay Beach, Stanley Park and the Vancouver Aquarium, Robson Street, and Chinatown. The best part is, you don’t have to worry about finding parking and paying for parking! In some areas of the city, parking is about $10 around each attraction.

The complete tour is about 90 minutes long if you do not get off. The bus driver doubles as a tour guide who is very knowledgeable about the city and the current city happenings. When our guide stopped in Stanley Park, he got off the bus and provided direction for everyone because the park is very big. If you’re interested in visiting specific attractions (Vancouver Aquarium, Vancouver Art Gallery, Harbour Cruises, etc.), the Big Bus website offers package deals. Overall, it was a unique experience for all of us and it was definitely BIG FUN!

Location: Welcome Centre – 321 Water Street, Vancouver, BC (map)

Getting There: If you are driving to the 1^st stop, Water Street is a one-way street. There is paid parking in the area. Use the route map for parking around each stop.

SkyTrain Stop: Waterfront Station, then walk to Gastown.

Price: Hop-On Hop-Off Tour – Adult (18-64) $37.00; Senior (65+) & Student (13-17, Student ID) $34.00; Child (6-12) $18.00; Family Pack (2 Adults & kids under 12) $85.00

More Info? http://bigbus.ca/

Chinatown: The favourite asian "attraction"

No matter what city you go to, if you are Asian…you will find yourself visiting Chinatown. When my mother was here, she insisted we go to Chinatown because we were in the area. This was after her morning flight and a day at Granville Island. However, the sense of culture including the bustling shops are always nice to be around.

TIP: You may want to avoid walking up north too far to Main Street & E Hastings Street

 

 

Location: Main Street & Keefer Street (Map)

SkyTrain Stop: Main Street

What You’ll Find:

• Typical cheap Chinese food: if you’re on a budget try Kent’s Kitchen or Hon’s Wun-Tun House (remember not to expect too much)
• Many shoppers in the bakeries, BBQ shops, seafood markets, and many supermarkets
• Souvenir and imported goods (home decor, baskets, etc.) from Asia – these may be better priced compared to other stores in the city
• Great seafood markets with a huge selection of fresh fish and shellfish available for very reasonable prices

More Info? http://vancouverchinatown.ca