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	Vancouver is Situated Between the Coast and Mountains1

Situated between British Columbia's Coast Mountain Range and the Pacific Ocean, people flock to the Greater Vancouver area like seagulls to fast food, creating one of Canada's largest metropolitan areas. Both business and leisure travellers find their way here, and fortunately there is no shortage of places that can accommodate in accordance to needs and budget, ranging from grand corporate hotels to intimate country inns.

For whatever reason travellers find themselves visiting the Vancouver area, this WorldWeb.com Travel Guide article can help with making an informed accommodation choice along with three important information pages:

1) Accommodation Directory - This is a complete accommodation directory containing detailed information about hotels, B&Bs, luxury resorts, campgrounds and more. With links to accommodation websites and interactive maps, this directory is designed to help visitors find the right place to stay based on their personal preferences.

2) Secure Room Reservations - A convenient online room search and reservation page. This link allows the user to check for room availability and then make a secure online room reservation for participating properties. Although this is a useful feature anytime of year, the online Secure Room Reservations page is particularly helpful in the peak seasons when finding accommodation in popular properties can be difficult.

3) Maps - The Vancouver map can assist visitors in choosing where to stay by not only indicating where accommodations are located, but also where they are in relation to attractions, restaurants, shops, tours and transportation.

VANCOUVER AREAS

There are several areas to choose from in the Vancouver area, the most popular being the downtown core. To the north of downtown, across the Lions Gate Bridge, are the exclusive communities of North and West Vancouver. Richmond, to the south, offers hotels that are conveniently located to the Vancouver International Airport. There is also a surrounding network of suburbs that stretch across the Lower Mainland offering a large variety of lower priced accommodations within easy access of the big city.

Inside a Restaurant at the Hyatt in Downtown Vancouver2

Downtown Core & Business District
Downtown proper is located on a peninsula and is characterized by main areas such as Robson Street, Chinatown, Gastown and Granville Island—all of which are tourist attractions in their own right. The core is also known as the city's business district, with many office towers and conference centres located here. Top-name corporate hotels are all found here—such as Sheraton, Hyatt and Marriott—as well as a few less expensive hotels. B&Bs make use of restored, historic buildings here, offering an alternative to the lack of personality of some hotels, and numerous hostels offer price-reduced accommodation, making stays downtown more affordable. Condos and apartments, equipped with all the amenities of home, are also available, many in enviable, prime real estate locations. These vacation home rentals, either privately or company owned, are great for longer stays for either business or pleasure.

Stanely Park, a city treasure, is within walking distance of most downtown accommodations. Other main attractions include a plethora of shops and restaurants, and Vancouver's Canada Place. When downtown, West Hastings is a particularly affluent area, but be careful of wandering into East Hastings, the city's most infamous neighbourhood. Nearly every city has a dodgy downtown area, and this is Vancouver's. Situated between Gastown and Chinatown, it is advisable to take a cab or transit between the two areas and avoid East Hastings.

Just Out of the Core
Granville Island is easily accessible from downtown accommodations. The aptly-named Granville Island Hotel is located here, and is the only accommodation on the island—and luxury, boutique-style accommodation at that.

Just east of downtown is Grandview-Woodland, which is well-known for its ironically named Commercial Drive offering an alternative to such commercial streets as Robson, which is known as Canada's Rodeo Drive. Here, chain businesses are replaced with eclectic shops and diverse restaurants as well as some B&Bs and homestays.

Getting Around
Staying downtown has its benefits transportation-wise. While many attractions are walking distance (Canada Place, Granville Island, Gastown, Chinatown, Stanley Park, Yaletown, B.C. Place, English Bay, galleries and museums), downtown is laden with transportation options. Taxis are plentiful and easy to hail, and the downtown is the pick-up point for cruises departing from Vancouver. Those who want to see the city in style can cruise around in a limo. Many limousine companies offer set rates for trips to surrounding areas like Whistler or the airport for prices that are comparable to taxis.

The city has the most efficient public transportation in Canada, just about all of which end up downtown at some point. Translink is Vancouver's transportation authority and offers extensive information on all their services which includes the SeaBus (a ferry to North Vancouver from downtown), Express Coach (direct bus service between downtown and surrounding suburbs), community shuttle buses for within-neighbourhood transit, plus several other bus services on regular buses or emission-free trolley buses. Buses generally come every four to 10 minutes depending on the route.

Well-known and well-used, the SkyTrain is a popular transportation option. There are two lines—the Millennium and Expo—both of which travel through downtown. The SkyTrain runs every two to eight minutes and is accessible for those with disabilities, as well as being bike friendly. For tourists, Vancouver transit has devised several routes for visiting main attraction areas based on tourist interest.

Those travelling with their own vehicles may find accommodation downtown a nuisance. While most hotels have parking, it is not unusual to charge extra for this service. Street parking in downtown Vancouver may also be a challenge and expensive.

Useful Accommodation Links:
1) Vancouver Downtown Accommodation Directory
2) Vancouver Area Room Search & Online Reservations
3) Downtown Vancouver Map

NORTH AND WEST VANCOUVER

	North Vancouver Market3

Only minutes from Downtown Vancouver, yet far enough away to offer a residential appeal for visitors, is the North Shore. Comprised of North and West Vancouver, this area is located just across English Bay and Burrard Inlet. When choosing accommodation, it is important to note that Vancouver proper also has a west side and a West End that should not be confused with West Vancouver.

West Vancouver
West Vancouver is known for its affluence, and while it has little in the way of attractions, its claim is that it is an attraction in and of itself. Visitors to West Van, as it is known, feel more like locals, albeit of the posh variety. In keeping with West Van culture, visit a quaint coffee shop for a croissant and a perusal of the paper, and then do some shopping on Bellevue Street, or Dundarave Village and Ambleside Village along Marine Drive. Or just go for a stroll along the seawall. While visitors should check with accommodations beforehand, West Van itself is largely dog-friendly. There is a separate dog run along the seawall, for example, and Lighthouse Park in the area allows dogs on the trails.

Accommodations here are few in terms of chain hotels, instead opting for intimate country-style inns and B&Bs that resemble something from the pages of a lifestyle magazine. However, there is a surprising selection of budget and mid-range properties from which to choose.

North Vancouver
North Vancouver, just east of West Vancouver, is home to working shipyards and as such offers a vibrant hustle and bustle atmosphere, namely waterfront parks and a public market. And with some of the best views of Vancouver's skyline, there's no shortage of quaint bistros on the waterfront to take it all in. North Vancouver's Grouse Mountain backdrop provides a setting for a gondola Skyride affording a more grand vantage point. Capilano Suspension Bridge, also found here, crosses a canyon for a very different view for those brave of heart.

While North Vancouver is comprised of five villages, most accommodations and attractions are found in Capilano, known for its aforementioned bridge, and Lonsdale, popular for its dining, shopping and waterfront location. The other villages—Deep Cove, Edgemont and Lynn Valley—are more residential areas and offer little or no accommodation options.

Ocean Breeze B&B in the heart of North Vancouver4

There are fewer chain hotels in North Vancouver, but they do exist. More popular are B&Bs in cottages—such as Ocean Breeze Executive Bed & Breakfast— or Tudor Revival homes that are found throughout North Vancouver. One accommodation of note is the Lonsdale Quay, a boutique hotel on the waterfront with a market, restaurant and lounge.

There is one campground in North Vancouver where tenting is also available. This is also the closest campground to Downtown Vancouver.

Getting Around
The North Shore is connected to Vancouver's downtown by way of the SeaBus, a passenger ferry with regular service throughout the day that traverses the Burrard Inlet between two terminals: the Waterfront in downtown Vancouver and Lonsdale Quay in North Vancouver—in 12 minutes flat! Once in North Vancouver, bus connections to popular tourist attractions are available. Those travelling by car can get to the North Shore on the Lions Gate Bridge, which leads to West Vancouver.

As with West Vancouver, North Vancouver is well-positioned for visiting Whistler via the Sea to Sky Highway, or Vancouver Island via Horseshoe Bay to Nanaimo. West Vancouver is connected to the downtown by the Lions Gate Bridge and is en route to Whistler or the Horseshoe Bay Ferry terminal that is destined for Vancouver Island.

All the regular transport amenities are available in North and West Vancouver, including taxis, car rentals and public transit. Water taxis are also an efficient mode of travel, operating much like a regular taxi, only over water in powerboats.

Useful Accommodation Links:
1) North Vancouver | West Vancouver Accommodation Directory
2) North Vancouver Map | West Vancouver Map

RICHMOND & AIRPORT

Home to the Vancouver International Airport, Richmond offers convenient accommodation for those arriving by air, and is only 13 km (8 mi) south of downtown Vancouver. Due to increasing trade and tourism within the Pacific Rim, the airport is a major North American gateway. Richmond markets itself as more than just a portal for visiting other places, and is indeed an attractive city in its own right. Comprised of a group of islands within the Fraser River, its attractive backdrop is further enhanced by over 90 parks, of note is the Richmond Nature Park. Richmond's history as a fishing and canning centre is preserved at Steveston, an historic fishing village within the city that is today known more for its boardwalk of shops. Richmond is also home to many of the larger shopping centres in the Greater Vancouver area, mainly popular Asian malls and markets. The Golden Village features a concentration of these malls plus bakeries, shops, restaurants and the Kuan Yin Buddhist Temple. A large Cantonese population in Richmond warrants many street and shop signs to appear in both English and Chinese.

	Fairmont Hotel in Richmond by the Airport5

The bulk of Richmond's accommodations are major hotel chains surrounding the perimeter of the airport on Hwy 99 and Bridgeport Road. Many of these also cater to the convention crowd with meeting facilities and business centres. And because there are plenty of options, pricing and amenities are competitive with many hotels offering spa services, restaurants, lounges, fitness facilities and more. B&Bs are found in more homey neighbourhoods near Steveston or the centre of the city.

Highway 99 leads up from the USA-Canada border, passing through White Rock, a waterside community that has a number of accommodation options in a quieter (and quainter) environment than Richmond itself. B&Bs comprise the majority of places to stay, and many are near the water. Instead of chain hotels, there are a few privately owned hotels, such as the Ocean Promenade Hotel which, as the name suggests, is on the waterfront affording ocean views. Such accommodations make White Rock a place to visit in its own right.

Farther along Hwy 99 along the water's edge toward Richmond, a fork in the road leads instead to New Westminster on Hwy 91, which ends up just east of Richmond. British inspired, it is no surprise that B&Bs are popular here. There are also a few heritage hotels in character buildings. New Westminister is accessible on Vancouver's SkyTrain.

Getting Around
A number of taxis and limos serve the airport and there is rarely difficulty in catching one. Many offer special rates as part of an airport shuttle service, but visitors should inquire in advance. Car rentals are also easy to come by at the airport with all major companies represented.

Bus transportation is extensive through Greater Vancouver, and Richmond is no exception with regular service available to downtown Vancouver from the airport or downtown Richmond. The year 2009 will see an extension to the existing rapid transit network (SkyTrain) with the opening of the Canada Line, which will link downtown Richmond with the airport, and Vancouver's downtown and waterfront.

Several coach companies offer direct transportation to surrounding attractions that are a little farther afield, such as Whistler or Grouse Mountain. The ferry service for Victoria (Swartz Bay) leaves from Delta just south of Richmond. There is also a ferry service between Richmond and the Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal, or the Horseshoe Bay Ferry Terminal—and it's just a 30-minute drive from here to the United States southbound on Highway 99.

Vancouver BC to... Distance km Distance mi North Vancouver 10 km 6 mi West Vancouver 10 km 6 mi Burnaby 10 km 6 mi Squamish 52 km 32 mi Surrey 30 km 19 mi White Rock 48 km 30 mi Langley 47 km 29 mi Whister 123 km 76 mi Coquitlam 26 km 16 mi Mission 69 km 43 mi New Westminister 25 km 16 mi Delta 27 km 17 mi Port Coquitlam 31 km 19 mi Port Moody 22 km 14 mi Richmond 10 km 6 mi Chilliwack 103 km 64 mi Maple Ridge 45 km 28 mi Pitt Meadows 38 km 28 mi

Downtown Vancouver Distance Table

Useful Accommodation Links:
1) Richmond (Intl. Airport)
2 ) Richmond Map

GREATER VANCOUVER & LOWER MAINLAND

For many people, staying in Vancouver's surrounding communities is ideal, far from the hustle and bustle of the city, parking woes and traffic snarls. There is good public transportation to enable visitors to get to the sights and attractions of downtown Vancouver without stress. The suburbs are also great for mall shopping.

Langley
The Trans Canada, or Hwy 1, leads directly into Vancouver, and there are many communities en route. Langley is just south of the Trans Canada and is known as a centre for conferences, being about 45 minutes from downtown Vancouver. The Best Western Langely Inn and The Coast Hotel Convention Centre both have extensive convention facilities.

Surrey
The city of Surrey is also located just south of the Trans Canada, 30 km (19 mi) from downtown Vancouver. Many hotels and motels are located here, a good number of them just off the highway for easy access such as the Guildford Inn & Suites Surrey, Ramada Surrey Guildford, Sheraton Vancouver Guildford Hotel Surrey, Sandman Extended Stay Suites Guildford. Other accommodation is concentrated within the inner city, near the Surrey Memorial Hosptial. The King George Highway leads to the city centre, and where visitors can also find the Linda Vista Motel. Surrey's residential districts hold a number of bed and breakfasts. The city is far enough from Vancouver to also have enough space for campgrounds.

Coquitlam
North of the Trans Canada, Coquitlam is 26 km (16 mi) from Vancouver. Accommodations mainly caters to the Vancouver-bound crowd so the concentration of hotels are located just off the highway, such as the Best Western Chelsea Inn and the Ramada Inn. And with a name like The Best Western Coquitlam Inn Convention Centre, it is obvious this hotel caters to business folk, but with many amenities that can make many a vacationer happy.

Burnaby
Burnaby is only 10 km (6 mi) from Vancouver proper, and straddles the Trans Canada Highway. The bulk of popular hotels are located on Highway 1A (or Kingsway) south of the Trans Canada and which leads through town and eventually to into downtown Vancouver. Holiday Inn Express Burnaby (Metrotown) is on said highway and is connected to the areas largest shopping centre, and connected to the SkyTrain also leading to the big city. Best Western Kings Inn is also located along this route. Along with the Burnaby Mountain Golf Course, is Accent Inns is located north of the Trans Canada—a convenient location within easy access to North Vancouver. Bed and Breakfasts dot the area in scenic locations.

New Westminster
New Westminster is located just south of Burnaby, its location affording convenience and beauty, situated along the Fraser River. Popular accommodation choices here include the Inn at Westminster Quay.

Campgrounds & Recreational Vehicles
There are no RV sites within Vancouver, not to mention that densely populated streets make navigating through the city in an RV difficult if not impossible. Campgrounds are available, however, in Vancouver's surrounding areas, most catering to the recreational vehicle (RV) crowd and offering full facilities.

RV rentals are available as well, which are particularly useful for those who are interested in travelling around the region. While campgrounds in the area are hardly rustic, RV parks provide a community of visitors who are generally friendly and willing to offer tips and swap travel stories.

Useful Camping Link:
1) Greater Vancouver Campgrounds

Getting Around
Regular bus transportation is available from all surrounding communities of Vancouver, as are taxis and car rentals. Vancouver's SkyTrain outreaches to some of these areas, namely Burnaby, New Westminster and Surrey.

Useful Accommodation Links:
1) Burnaby | Coquitlam | Surrey | New Westminster | Langley Accommodation Directory
2) Greater Vancouver Room Search & Online Reservations
3) Greater Vancouver Maps

SOMETHING DIFFERENT

Canada Place Sees the Departure of Many Cruise Lines6

Cruise Lines & Yacht Charters
Offering a specific type of vacation, yacht charters and cruises can form a whole holiday or one aspect of it while onthe west coast. Downtown Vancouver's Canada Place sees the departure of many cruise lines from its docks, visiting such destinations as Alaska and Hawaii. Many cruise lines have packages that include multi-day stays in hotels in Vancouver at special rates as well as shore excursion tours.

Also on the end of luxury, sailboat and yacht charters are a bit more low key than a cruise. While many private charters are available on an hourly basis, multi-day offerings are common, complete with a skipper so the only navigating visitors need to do is deciding where to go. Because these tours are chartered, destinations can be arranged with the provider based on personal interest. Larger yachts normally have several cabins for sleeping but stays off the boat at varying ports can also be arranged. Yacht charters also provide their own activities, including kayaking, swimming, hiking and fishing.

Useful Links:
1) Cruises
2) Yacht Charters

Vacation Packages and Multi-day Adventures
Vacation planners create packages combining accommodations with activities for an all-in-one holiday. The services companies offer vary, but can generally be created in accordance to the holiday maker's preferences for a made-to-order vacation. There are also tour companies that specialise in multi-day excursions with camping and backpacking, kayaking, motorcoach sightseeing, skiing, train travel and more—with a focus on packaged trips that include accommodation.

For those whose main objective for visiting is fishing, there are many trips available that depart from Vancouver and fly into remote, fly-in only locations along the coast, Vancouver Island, Sunshine Coast, Central BC and the Queen Charlotte Islands. Trips are generally inclusive of transportation, lodging, meals and excursions.

Useful Links:
1) Vacation Packages
2) Tour Companies: Camping & Backpacking, Kayaking, Motorcoaches, Ski Packages, Rail Tours
3) Fishing Tours

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PHOTOS COURTESY OF:

1. Vancouver is Situated Between the Coast and the Mountains; Vancouver, B.C., Canada
2. The Hyatt; Inside a Restaurant at the Hyatt in Downtown Vancouver; Vancouver, B.C., Canada
3. North Vancouver Market; North Vancouver, B.C., Canada
4. Ocean Breeze Bed & Breakfast; Ocean Breeze Bed & Breakfast in the Heart of North Vancouver, North Vancouver, B.C., Canada
5. Fairmont Hotels; Canada Fairmont Hotel in Richmond by the Airport; Vancouver, B.C., Canada
6. Canada Place Sees the Departure of Many Cruise Lines; Vancouver, B.C., Canada