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Tourist in Your Hometown Contest

Comments 68 by Rebecca Bollwitt

Being born and raised in Surrey we rarely came to downtown Vancouver to experience local attractions. Our usual escape route was out through the Valley and along the highways and biways of our grand Province. However, when our family did make trips to the big city (or I had a field trip with school) there were a few staples.

Walking Tour of Gastown & Chinatown Lions Gate Bridge Photowalk Burrard Bridge Vancouver Aquarium Walking Tour of Gastown Opening Day of the New Seabus Sinclair Centre -- the old post office building & the Winch Building

We went to the zoo at Stanley Park, the Vancouver Aquarium, Science World and the Museum of Anthropology. Up until two years ago I had never been to places like the Capilano Suspension Bridge, up the Grouse Mountain tram, or to the Dr Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden.

It’s a given that Vancouverites have a different view of their city than visitors but I often wondered how Vancouver looks through the fresh eyes of the tourist. The Vancouver Trolley Company has offered up two hop-on / hop-off passes so that one of my readers can experience Vancouver as a tourist in their hometown.

Here’s what they suggest for your “Tourist in Your Hometown” route:

  • Start your day at Canada Place
  • Exchange passes with a Ticket Agent (in yellow) for tickets and coupon book for discounts at attractions and restaurants along the way
  • Hop-on the a Red Loop trolley (see map above) to Stanley Park
    The first Red Loop trolley from Canada Place is at 9:00am, then they run approximately every 20 minutes
  • Hop-off at the Rose Garden and explore the Klahowya Village, then hop back on to go around the Park.
  • After Stanley Park hop-off the trolley at Red Loop #11 (Aquatic Centre) and use the False Creek Ferries coupon to Granville Island
  • After exploring Granville Island walk out to the entrance (West 2nd) and hop-on the Blue Loop trolley (at Island Market, next to Starbucks). On the Blue Loop you’ll see Yaletown, Chinatown, and Gastown. You can then come full circle and finish the day at Canada Place

    • Of course you don’t have to take the suggested route but it gives you some idea of what a day on the trolley line could be like. Tours also include audio commentary about the city, its attractions, buildings, and history. It was through a trolley tour with his parents in 2006 that John learned things like the amount of rent Starbucks at Thurlow & Robson is charged and the top-secret location of Jean-Claude Van Damme’s condo in Coal Harbour.

    Here’s how to enter to win a day pass for you and a friend (valued at $76).

  • Leave a comment on this post listing your favourite Vancouver attraction (1 entry)
  • Share on Facebook and comment to confirm here (1 entry)
  • Post the following on Twitter (1 entry)
    • RT to enter to win a pair of day passes for @VanTrolley from @Miss604 http://ow.ly/2wRbW

    I will draw one winner at random from all entries Friday September 10th.

    Update The winner is Linda. Thanks to everyone for your input! Looks like there’s a heck of a lot to love about Vancouver and I’m glad locals get out and explore some of our best features.

    68 Comments  —  Comments Are Closed

    1. MaryMonday, August 30th, 2010 — 10:38am PDT

      my fav is the aquarium

    2. jaxMonday, August 30th, 2010 — 10:46am PDT

      my family was a lot like yours growing up when it came to road trips etc. and I still haven’t been to Capilano or Grouse Tram either. Finally went to Dr. Sun Yet this summer because your blog pointed me towards the Chinatown Festival,so thanks!

      My favorite attraction as a tourist here would be Granville Island. It has so much to see and do with a wide variety of activities,not to mention a short hop across the water on a tiny boat to Sunset Beach.

      Done the Hop On with my grandparents before,it’s a fun way to see your own city.

    3. DorcasMonday, August 30th, 2010 — 10:57am PDT

      there are so many to choose from. But definitely a staple to visit is Granville Island. It has something for everyone. It has natural and man made beauty. Most recently they opened up this amazing new store that sells these beautiful handmade brooms. The Kids Market is something for kids and adults alike and it’s just a minute walk away from the delicious fish and chips, “Go Fish”. But the food in the marketplace is just equally good too. =)

    4. LaurenMonday, August 30th, 2010 — 11:00am PDT

      Granville Island when I’m hungry – otherwise Stanley Park, rain or shine. Great giveaway, Rebecca – it’s always looked like a fun thing to do!

    5. TylerMonday, August 30th, 2010 — 11:06am PDT

      Favourite tourist place? I’d have to say Stanley Park.

      I’ve always wanted to do the Tourist thing here in Vancouver. I see the various tour companies busing people around Vancouver, it be interesting just to sit in and see what they talk about.

    6. JessicaMonday, August 30th, 2010 — 11:07am PDT

      I’m new to the city this year, so haven’t got a chance to see a lot, but so far, I’d have to say that Granville Island. Great way to spend a afternoon!

    7. NicoleMonday, August 30th, 2010 — 11:12am PDT

      It may be typical, but my fave is also Stanley Park – I’ve been so many times and I still get lost!

    8. KayMonday, August 30th, 2010 — 11:13am PDT

      As a kid, I loved the Vancouver Aquarium and probably went there at least once a year.

    9. JoyceMonday, August 30th, 2010 — 11:13am PDT

      It’s a blessing to live in Vancouver as it has so many attractions for international AND domestic visitors. My favourite attractions include Science World, the Aquarium and Capilano Suspension Bridge. They’re fun attractions for not only kids but also those who are kids at heart 😉

    10. lindawwwwMonday, August 30th, 2010 — 11:18am PDT

      My favourite place is Stanley Park. So much to see there. So much to do.

    11. EmmaMonday, August 30th, 2010 — 11:28am PDT

      Stanley Park! For sure.

    12. DianeMonday, August 30th, 2010 — 11:33am PDT

      We’ve always talked about doing this and it would be great to win tickets.

    13. KatieMonday, August 30th, 2010 — 11:36am PDT

      Granville Island. I love going to the market and getting fresh produce/seafood for dinner.

    14. TriciaMonday, August 30th, 2010 — 11:42am PDT

      sounds fun! yeah, you’re right — most of us vacation elsewhere and really never spend enough time exploring our own hometown!

    15. TriciaMonday, August 30th, 2010 — 11:44am PDT

      oops, favourite is probably granville island!

    16. KarlMonday, August 30th, 2010 — 11:49am PDT

      Aquarium and I never get bored of running around the seawall in S. Park

    17. Shawn R.Monday, August 30th, 2010 — 12:02pm PDT

      I love all of Vancouver. Nothing sticks out as number one. I think all of Vancouver is number one to see. So many great events and things to see and do. Keep it up Vancouver.

    18. MarinaMonday, August 30th, 2010 — 12:08pm PDT

      Lovely idea! I’ve also shared on FB.

    19. MarinaMonday, August 30th, 2010 — 12:09pm PDT

      Favourite attraction…that’s tough, there’s so much to do and see in Vancouver! For us, though, it is probably walking the seawall.

    20. LBMonday, August 30th, 2010 — 1:22pm PDT

      I’m with Marina – my fave attraction is the seawall… any part of it!

    21. EdMonday, August 30th, 2010 — 4:37pm PDT

      The seawall has to be my favourite. Great scenery and good exercise. That’s what Vancouver is all about.

    22. JennMonday, August 30th, 2010 — 5:27pm PDT

      The Vancouver Aquarium is my favorite!

    23. MichelleMonday, August 30th, 2010 — 5:48pm PDT

      Stanley Park is my favorite place in vancouver. It would be wonderful to see vancouver through the eyes of a tourist, and enjoy the trolley we have had here all along!

    24. Michael KwanMonday, August 30th, 2010 — 7:02pm PDT

      I think my favorite Vancouver attraction is just taking visitors up and down Robson, Denman, and some other downtown streets. So much great food. Yaletown is pretty fantastic for that too.

    25. mikeMonday, August 30th, 2010 — 7:42pm PDT

      favorite attraction in Vancouver would have to be harbour center

    26. LindaMonday, August 30th, 2010 — 8:41pm PDT

      Granville Island is our all time favourite. We love our day trips to the city and have actually done our own version of “tourists in our own city”. My mom will be visiting us soon and this would be great to do with her. Thank you!

    27. MariaMonday, August 30th, 2010 — 10:46pm PDT

      My favourite Vancouver attraction is Stanley Park. I love the way it changes with the seasons.

    28. ChristineTuesday, August 31st, 2010 — 8:19am PDT

      My family and I love going to Stanley park. I love that every season there is something to do there 🙂

    29. ChrisTuesday, August 31st, 2010 — 10:21am PDT

      For me it must be Gastown. The old architecture is just fantastic.

    30. Tracey FlattesTuesday, August 31st, 2010 — 10:37am PDT

      The family loves Vancouver Aquarium…

    31. AnnaTuesday, August 31st, 2010 — 4:05pm PDT

      My favorite attraction will be Granville Island because it brings me back childhood memories.

    32. CeciTuesday, August 31st, 2010 — 4:35pm PDT

      Granville Island would be my favorite!!

    33. TracyTuesday, August 31st, 2010 — 5:41pm PDT

      Granville Island because it has so many different kinds of stores and great food too.

    34. MonaTuesday, August 31st, 2010 — 8:10pm PDT

      I like grouse grind/mountain

    35. RobinTuesday, August 31st, 2010 — 9:40pm PDT

      Not being original, but Granville Island is my favourite, although I also dearly love the Museum of Anthropology, Nitobe Garden at UBC, the main library downtown and countless other fun places.

    36. KevinTuesday, August 31st, 2010 — 9:46pm PDT

      I need to do the Grouse grind again – it’s definitely my fav!

    37. Sandra HoTuesday, August 31st, 2010 — 10:43pm PDT

      My favourite attraction is prospect point at stanley park or capilano suspension bridge! Got to love Vancouver. 🙂

    38. slifWednesday, September 1st, 2010 — 11:32am PDT

      Granville Island. A lot of people underestimate the amount of things you can do there – I could literally spend hours there and not see the same view! All without an entrance fee!

    39. HeteshWednesday, September 1st, 2010 — 11:47am PDT

      my fav is the lynn valley suspension bridge.

    40. Véronique à VancouverWednesday, September 1st, 2010 — 11:49am PDT

      Granville Island is definitely my favourite, I could spend the whole day there. There are so many nice little shops, the public market is awesome, you can do yoga, relax on a bench in Ron Basford Park, have a perfect salmon burger with a glass of Pinot Grigio at the Sandbar…

    41. KarenWednesday, September 1st, 2010 — 3:22pm PDT

      So many favorite places, but my favorite attraction has to be the Vancouver Aquarium.

    42. Teresa KWednesday, September 1st, 2010 — 6:34pm PDT

      Sweet!

    43. KathyThursday, September 2nd, 2010 — 10:37am PDT

      Oh my, where to start?

      Hmm…Well,on a beautiful day like today,there is no beating having a walk along the seawall in Stanley Park and eating fish and chips with sand in them

    44. mingThursday, September 2nd, 2010 — 12:54pm PDT

      favorite attraction? Granville Island…

    45. HelenThursday, September 2nd, 2010 — 9:57pm PDT

      I love the Vancouver Art Gallery! Generally good exhibitions, great gift shop and a cafe that has really good food, beer & wine at very reasonable prices! Plus it has a clean bathroom if you know where to find it!!

    46. JeanieFriday, September 3rd, 2010 — 6:43am PDT

      Stanley Park seawall

    47. RichardFriday, September 3rd, 2010 — 10:13pm PDT

      Granville Island

    48. kelseyFriday, September 3rd, 2010 — 11:47pm PDT

      stanley park- so pretty

    49. willFriday, September 3rd, 2010 — 11:48pm PDT

      vancouver art gallery

    50. PINGSaturday, September 4th, 2010 — 6:58am PDT

      I take my son to Main & Hastings.

      I also take my tourist friends to Main & Hastings. The poorest postal code in Canada.

    51. JenSaturday, September 4th, 2010 — 10:56am PDT

      We go to the Aquarium a lot with the kids…it’s great to have an annual pass so we can just drop in for an hour or two without stressing about “getting our money’s worth”. That leaves lots of time for a walk on the seawall or a picnic in the park.

    52. JenSaturday, September 4th, 2010 — 10:57am PDT

      Shared on Facebook (didn’t use the share button though)…

    53. KarenSaturday, September 4th, 2010 — 11:49am PDT

      My favourite attraction would definitely have to be Granville Island – I love all of the neat artisans, the fresh food, the bakery and theatre sports!

    54. KarenSaturday, September 4th, 2010 — 11:49am PDT

      Shared on FB 🙂

    55. RachelTuesday, September 7th, 2010 — 11:04am PDT

      Granville Island – love the crafts and food!

    56. DaveTuesday, September 7th, 2010 — 11:39am PDT

      Still kind of new here, but so far Granville Island is my hands-down favourite. Nothing better than people-watching with a book, bread and cheese, then walking home with some fresh market produce.

      Lynn Valley bridge is a close second (so far), though.

    57. AretaTuesday, September 7th, 2010 — 1:57pm PDT

      Gastown is my favorite Vancouver attraction.

    58. mikeWednesday, September 8th, 2010 — 12:17pm PDT

      i just used the share button and shared this contest on facebook

    59. taradenWednesday, September 8th, 2010 — 4:06pm PDT

      my favorite vancouver attraction is either Stanley Park or Grouse Mountain. I have always thought the Trolley Tour looked fun!

    60. AmandaThursday, September 9th, 2010 — 10:14am PDT

      My favourite place is Granville Island! Love it there!

    61. hansolocujoThursday, September 9th, 2010 — 10:34am PDT

      My favorite attraction is Stanley Park and the Aquarium.

    62. Bernadette EstradaThursday, September 9th, 2010 — 11:01am PDT

      my fave has got to be the suspension bridge in north vancouver. Also Stanley park is my fave as well

    63. Jason KlattThursday, September 9th, 2010 — 11:05am PDT

      My favorite is definately Grouse mountain. I always take relatives up there when they are visiting from out of town. Best way to see the whole city!

    64. VeronicaThursday, September 9th, 2010 — 11:13am PDT

      My favourite attraction is Capilano Bridge. We went during the summer with my family and it was a memorable day out for all of us.

    65. StephanieThursday, September 9th, 2010 — 12:47pm PDT

      My fav attraction is the Vancouver Art Gallery. They have had some incredible exhibits.

    66. HayleyThursday, September 9th, 2010 — 1:01pm PDT

      My favourite place to go is definitely Stanley Park <3

    67. KristaThursday, September 9th, 2010 — 1:55pm PDT

      I love Vancouver Aquarium – that is one place I would love to have a annual pass to. But for areas in the city, Granville Island is a great place to bring out of town guests.

    68. MarleneThursday, September 9th, 2010 — 8:16pm PDT

      So many attractions in Vancouver, all near the top of my list Granville Is., Stanley Park, Aquarium, Sceince World, Police Museum

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