Pinching Pennies in Vancouver
Description:
If you're on a tight budget, but want to see Vancouver for all it's worth, this trip is for you. Budget friendly hotels provide a comfortable sleep and reasonable prices. Hostels are also an option and there is no shortage of them in Vancouver. Most of the activities are fairly active and you will get your fill of fresh air while in Vancouver. There are also some delicious restaurants that won't cost you an arm and a leg and taking a picnic to many of your outings will also help cut costs. Vancouver is full of lush foliage, beautiful hikes, sandy beaches and scenic mountains; all of which makes Vancouver well known for being an outdoorsy place. If you love fresh air and are on a budget, there's no shortage of fun to be had, without costing you an arm and a leg.
Author: Natasha_Vancouver
Day 1 - Vancouver
It's your first day in Vancouver, so why not start with an interesting history lesson? After checking into your hotel, the Hampton Inn & Suites, you will be a short walk away from Chinatown. Once you make your way down to Chinatown, you can head over to the Dr. Sun Yat Sen Classical Chinese Garden and pick up your ticket for $10. On this tour you will get to of course see the Dr. Sun Yat Sen Classical Chinese Garden, along with be guided through the streets that are filled with shoppers, interesting grocery stores, gift stores and natural medicine offices. If tea is your thing, make sure to pick up some green tea from one of the vendors - it beats the stuff you get in a typical grocery store any day! Be prepared for many unfamiliar sights and smells; dried lizard anyone? After a busy morning of walking around, walk up to Gastown and grab a bite to eat at The Irish Heather. Serving Irish food with a contemporary flare, you will be sure to find something to fill the hunger gap. No meal would be complete without a wee bit of whiskey, and they have got you covered there! Next up is the Vancouver Police Historical Society and Centennial Museum; here you will learn about Vancouver's underbelly. Loaded with crime scene evidence and fascinating stories, you will be intrigued all afternoon. Finish your evening off on Granville Street at El Furniture Warehouse - there's no glamor here, just peanut shells all over the floor and cheap beer. The Hampton Inn & Suites is only about a 15 minute walk away, so you can save money on a cab.
1
Hampton Inn & Suites Hotel
Location:
view in google maps111 Robson Street
V6B 2M4 Vancouver, Canada
Phone:
1 604 602 1008 / 1 877 602 10082
Chinatown Walking Tours
Location:
view in google maps50 East Pender Street
(Chinese Cultural Centre)
V6A 3V6 Vancouver, Canada
Phone:
+1 604 687 07293
The Irish Heather
Location:
view in google maps217 Carrall St
V6B 2J2 Vancouver, Canada
Phone:
604 688 97794
Vancouver Police Historical Society and Centennial Museum
Location:
view in google maps240 East Cordova St
V6A 1L3 Vancouver, Canada
Phone:
+1 604 665 33465
The Famous Warehouse
Location:
view in google maps989 Granville Street
V6Z 1G3 Vancouver, Canada
Phone:
604 677 8080Day 2 - Vancouver
Start your day off by walking over to the West End. The West End is a charming, gay friendly community where everyone gets along. The pink bus stops will let you know that you have arrived to the West End. Davie Street is the busiest street in the area, Denman also has some great shops. There are plenty of cafés and take-away restaurants that you can grab your picnic to take over to Kits Beach. Kits Beach is thriving in the summertime with sun tanners, people playing sports and swimmers. Best of all, it's free! Spend an entire day basking in the sun, throwing a Frisbee and taking a dip in the water. You cheap and cheerful day will keep you on budget and allow yourself a lovely dinner at Sanafir. Sanafir specializes in tapas and is reasonably priced. The portions are not huge, but you get a variety of tastes that is quite satisfying. If it's quantity you're after, Stepho's Souvlaki Greek Taverna may be a better option for you. Get there early though, the cheap yummy eats bring people there early to grab a spot in line.
1
The West End
Location:
view in google mapsStanley Park to Burrard Street
(Between Georgia Street & English Bay)
V6G 2L8 Vancouver, Canada
Phone:
+1 604 683 2000 (Tourist Information Centre)2
Kitsilano "Kits" Beach
Location:
view in google mapsCornwall Avenue & Arbutus Street
V6J 1C8 Vancouver, Canada
Phone:
+1 604 257 8400 (Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation)3
Sanafir
Location:
view in google maps1026 Granville St.
(cross street: Nelson)
V6Z 1L5 Vancouver, Canada
Phone:
6046781049x4
Stepho's Souvlaki Greek Taverna
Location:
view in google maps1124 Davie St
V6E 1N1 Vancouver, Canada
Phone:
604 683 2555Day 3 - Vancouver
This day is packed with many free activities. It's easy to spend an entire day at Ambleside Beach; there you can pitch 'n' putt, go for a run, take a swim or hang out on the sand. You will see many different age groups there and that's because there really is something for everyone there. It's only a short bus ride away from your hotel. After spending enough time by the water, jump on a bus (or you can walk across the Lionsgate Bridge) and go to Stanley Park. It's well worth the trip and there's plenty of free activities to keep you busy for the rest of your afternoon. You may need a bit of a break from all the sun at Ambleside Beach, and the many trees in Stanley Park provide the perfect shade. Before you know it, your day of fun will be over and your wallet will still be full. At the end of the day, you can bring your full wallet to A Kettle of Fish and enjoy some of British Columbia's freshest fish. Vancouverites are very spoiled with fresh seafood and local ingredients. A Kettle of Fish is the perfect way to finish your trip off in Vancouver.
3
Stanley Park
Location:
view in google mapsStanley Park Causeway
Stanley Park
V6G 3E2 Vancouver, Canada
Phone:
+1 604 257 8400 (Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation)4
Kettle of Fish (A)
Location:
view in google maps900 Pacific Street
V6Z 2E3 Vancouver, Canada
Phone:
604 682 6853