My TripAdvisor Review No.579: Lonsdale Quay Market Restaurants, North Vancouver, Canada.

Variety Of Choices For Meals, Desserts, Bakery And Raw Produce.

The Lonsdale Quay Market was the most visited place in North Vancouver for us as tourists. Staying at an Air-B&B in North Van we would have to pass through the market to and from Vancouver Downtown. The SeaBus terminal is located at Lonsdale Quay and the local buses are also available at the bus bays on the land side of the market.

Besides shopping for gifts, novelties and trinkets, most of all we liked the Food Court where we could sample a variety of delicacies from all over the world. We even found an Indian Food restaurant, Halima Grill, where we satisfied our cravings for home-cooked food.

At Halima Grill we had a Mixed Veggies with Rice Combo and a Chicken Curry with Rice Combo. It was a self-service restaurant and we had our lunch sitting at one of the free tables in the Food Court. We enjoyed the flavors so much that we picked up a take-away of Butter Chicken and Mixed Veggies with Naan Bread on the way back for dinner. The rates of the Combo meals were very economical compared to most of the other eateries in Vancouver.

Later we had some exotic tasting Gelatos from Gelato Ice-creams. We also picked up some pastries from the cake shop ‘Ross Crepes and Café’ the next day to share at our Air-B&B stay in North Vancouver.

Show less

Date of visit: August 2019

• • Value
  • Service
  • Food

See all 5 reviews by EkMusafir for North Vancouver

Ask EkMusafir about Lonsdale Quay Market

This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC

My TripAdvisor Review No.577: Lonsdale Quay Market, North Vancouver, Canada.

Transit Hub, Market Place And Sightseeing Attraction.

The Lonsdale Quay Market was the most visited place in North Vancouver for us as tourists. Staying at an Air-B&B in North Van we would have to pass through the market to and from Vancouver Downtown. The SeaBus terminal is located at Lonsdale Quay and the local buses are also available at the bus bays on the landed side of the market.

There are many shops inside the indoor market selling gift items, curios, jewelery, clothing and local handicrafts. Most of all we liked the Food Court where we could sample a variety of delicacies from all over the world. We even found an Indian Food restaurant, Halima Grill, where we satisfied our cravings for home-cooked food. We enjoyed some Gelato from Frux Gelato and bought some pastries from a bakery, Ross Crepes and Café.

In the evening we wandered around the quay landing and climbed the Q-side platform tower to enjoy the grand views of the Burrard Inlet waterfront and Vancouver City.

Read less

Date of experience: August 2019

This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC

My TripAdvisor Review No.568: TransLink SeaBus, North Vancouver, Canada.

Short Ferry Ride To North Vancouver.

The TransLink SeaBus is the quickest way to cross the Burrard Inlet between Waterfront Station at Vancouver Downtown, and Lonsdale Quay in North Vancouver. These are passenger-only ferries and there were two of them in service when we took a ride in one of them. They are actually oval shaped catamarans that do not need to turn around at the quay. They generally operate at 15 minute intervals during peak hours, and do the crossing in about 11 to 12 minutes.

They are part of the integrated public transit system of metro Vancouver, and we used our Compass Card Day Pass to board the ferry from Waterfront Station after alighting from a SkyTrain, and again to catch another bus from the Lonsdale Quay bus station. So we traveled seamlessly from the Vancouver International Airport to our lodgings in North Vancouver, using the SkyTrain, SeaBus and motor bus, and reached our destination in an hour and a half.

The views of the harbor from the ferry are incredibly beautiful, especially in the evenings around sunset. Lonsdale Quay on the North Shore is a tourist destination by itself, with a lot of shops and restaurants at the landing area.

Read less

Date of experience: August 2019

This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC

Helpful

Share

My TripAdvisor Review No.565: TransLink - Metro Vancouver, Canada.

Integrated Transit System

TransLink is responsible for the various modes of transportation in Metro Vancouver. It encompasses the buses, the Skytrain, the West Coast Express, and the SeaBus. All transit fare holders are permitted unlimited transfers within a 90 minute period on a bus or the SkyTrain or the SeaBus.

As tourists to the city of Vancouver it took us some time to understand the System and how it operates, but once we started following it we found out why it is known to be one of the best and most efficient transit systems in the world. The website of TransLink was very helpful in our trip planning to get from one place in Vancouver to any other place within the city and it’s outskirts.

When we boarded a bus we could either pay with the exact coin change, CAD$3, or a contactless credit card, but not with currency notes or debit cards. One could buy a pre-loaded Compass Card which we could load as a Day Pass or Monthly Pass or any stored value from the Compass Vending Machines located at the SkyTrain or SeaBus stations or some select London Drug Stores. There are other convenient ways to buy and reload Compass Cards including at the two BC Ferry terminals in Vancouver, as well as the online method for reloading. We paid a deposit of CAD$6 for a Compass Card which got refunded to our credit card account after returning to India. We used the card for buying Day Passes on a couple of occasions.

We had a very good experience of using the Public Transit System and toured Vancouver by the buses, Skytrain, and even the SeaBus ferry service to take us across the Burrard Inlet from Downtown Vancouver to the North Shore at Lonsdale Quay.

Read less

Date of experience: August 2019

This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC

Helpful

Share

My TripAdvisor Review No.561: BC Ferries (Tsawwassen), British Columbia, Canada.

Another Scenic Voyage Across The Strait Of Georgia.

BC Ferries are the best forms of transport to get from the mainland to places on Vancouver Island and other smaller islands on the west coast of British Columbia. This time we did the sailing from Duke Point at Nanaimo to Tsawwassen which is south of Vancouver compared to Horseshoe Bay, which is north of Vancouver. This voyage is a bit longer than the Departure Bay to Horseshoe Bay trip and takes about two hours.

We boarded the early morning sailing of the MV Queen of Alberni which is an old vessel of 1976 vintage and has been through quite a few mishaps. On board they have the ‘Coastal Café’ cafeteria which serves good burgers and sandwiches, a gift and souvenir shop, a video arcade, clean washrooms which can be accessed by the disabled as well, elevators and a lot of free tourist literature on deck. It can carry 295 cars and 1200 passengers and crew.

Foot passengers do not need to book in advance and can simply walk on after buying the ticket at the terminal. Oversize luggage can be checked in before boarding with no extra charges. Vehicles generally have to be booked in advance and there is a long queue of cars waiting to board the ferry.

Once on board we relaxed in the comfortable chairs on the upper level deck and enjoyed the views from the broad glass windows. One can go up to the sun deck for better views and the cold breeze in your hair, and one can take better pictures from there.

Refreshments are readily available on the ferries, and the regular passengers would rush to queue up for the tasty meals on board. One can buy a hot meal as listed on the menu or simply go for the snacks like burgers, sandwiches, pastries or chips in the racks. Cold drinks, tea and coffee are available on tap.

Washrooms are clean and well stocked with liquid soap, tissue and napkins. There are some work stations, a video arcade, kids playroom, gift and souvenir shop and racks from where you can pick up free tourist literature.

Read less

Date of experience: June 2019

This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC

My TripAdvisor Review No.498: BC Ferries, Nanaimo, Vanc-Island, BC, Canada.

Walk On And Enjoy The Scenic Voyage.

BC Ferries are the best form of transport to get from the mainland to places on Vancouver Island. We did the sailing from Horseshoe Bay, Vancouver, to Departure Bay at Nanaimo and back thrice during our stay in British Columbia and quite enjoyed the experience every time.

Foot passengers do not need to book in advance and can simply walk on after buying the ticket at the terminal. Oversize luggage can be checked in before boarding with no extra charges. Vehicles generally have to be booked in advance and there is a long queue of cars waiting to board the ferry. Once on board we relaxed in the comfortable chairs on the Level 5 or 6 decks and enjoyed the views from the broad glass windows. One can go up to the sun deck for better views and the cold breeze in your hair, and one can take better pictures from there.

Refreshments are readily available on the ferries, and the regular passengers would rush to queue up for the tasty meals on board. One can buy a hot meal as listed on the menu or simply go for the snacks like muffins, pastries or chips in the racks. Cold drinks, tea and coffee are available on tap.

Washrooms are clean and well stocked with liquid soap, tissue and napkins. There are some work stations, kids playroom, gift and souvenir shop and racks from where you can pick up free tourist literature.

We always enjoyed the cool and relaxed ferry rides. It takes about an hour and a half to get across the Strait of Georgia. The ferries are generally on time and the walk-on tickets cost about $18.

Show less

Date of experience: July 2019

Ask EkMusafir about BC Ferries

This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC

My TripAdvisor Review No.492: Waterfront Station, Vancouver.

Major Transit Terminus.

Waterfront Station is the major transit terminus of Vancouver. It is located on West Cordova Street in Downtown Vancouver, and is within walking distance of the important places of Downtown Vancouver. Canada Place, Convention Centre, Harbour Cruise terminals, Floatplane terminals, the historical Gastown district, Coal Harbour, and two major universities are located in the vicinity. The building is more than a hundred years old. It has a red brick façade and was designed in the neoclassical style.

The station serves as a terminus for the Expo Line and the Canada Line of the Skytrain, as well as the West Coast Express. An overhead walkway connects the station to the floating pier which serves as the platform for the Seabus. The Seabus connects to North Vancouver at Lonsdale Quay at regular intervals of about 20 minutes. HeliJet’s heliport is adjacent to the Seabus concourse, and the floatplane terminal is two blocks west of Canada Place. Hence Waterfront Station is the major transit terminus of Vancouver from where one can travel to different parts of Vancouver city.

Transit buses are available on West Cordova Street and adjacent streets to connect you to nearby places. Many long distance tour buses and operators have their offices nearby.

There are some restaurants located within the building as well as clean washrooms. There are a number of automated machines dispensing the Compass cards and passes which can be used with cash or credit and debit cards to pay for the transit fares. On the whole the system is fairly efficient.

Show less

Date of experience: July 2019

See all 4 reviews by EkMusafir for Vancouver

Ask EkMusafir about Waterfront Station

This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC

My TripAdvisor Review No.491: VIA Rail, Canada.

Great Way To Explore Canada.

We opted for the VIA Rail to explore and sight-see the western part of Canada. We took ‘The Canadian’ from Vancouver to Jasper and ‘The Skeena’ from Jasper to Prince Rupert. We travelled Economy and had to spend one night sleeping in our comfortable reclining seats since the Vancouver to Jasper section is an overnight journey. For the Jasper to Prince Rupert section the train stops overnight at Prince George, so we had to book a room at Prince George for the night. Though it may sound a very tedious way to travel, most of the travellers on the train seemed to be enjoying the trip.

Our Economy Class seats were very comfortable with lots of leg room. Of course one can also choose to travel in the higher class like Sleeper Plus and Prestige Class by paying a higher fare which also includes buffet meals and drinks served on the train. For the economy class, meals and snacks have to be purchased separately from the train kitchen. Some passengers opted to bring their own packed sandwiches and snacks.

There train staff were friendly and ever helpful. They would also periodically inform us about the route and stations we were passing, as well as the main attractions and points of interest along the way. Wildlife spotting was high on everyone’s agenda and we did spot a couple of bears, some deer and elk along the route. The snow covered mountain peaks and fast flowing rivers always kept our gaze riveted out the large windows during the day. We had access to the Dome Car on The Canadian.

One of the most controversial aspects of this way of travelling was that the VIA Rail trains were given lower priority than the freight trains, and we would have to stop at a siding quite often to let the freight trains pass, sometimes for as long as an hour. But this gave us and opportunity, with the engineer’s permission, to get off the train and stretch our legs and explore the countryside at ground level. As a results the trains, especially the ‘Skeena’ could never stick to their schedules. We had to check in to our Prince George hotel once at 11 pm, and beyond midnight on the return trip.

Surprisingly, our train back to Vancouver arrived more than two hours ahead of schedule, and the engineer apologized to the passengers for being early!

On the whole we quite enjoyed our to and fro rail trip from Vancouver to Prince Rupert through the mighty Rocky Mountains of British Columbia and Alberta.

Show less

Date of experience: July 2019

Ask EkMusafir about Via Rail Canada

This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC

My TripAdvisor Review No.490: Pacific Central Station, Vancouver, Canada.

Heritage Station 

Pacific Central Station is one of the Heritage structures of Vancouver and will complete a hundred years this year in 2019. It serves as a terminus to VIA Rail’s epic 4-day cross country train from Vancouver to Toronto on the bi-weekly, ‘The Canadian’. It is also the northern terminus of Amtrak’s ‘Cascades’ to Seattle and Portland. It also serves as a terminal for intercity buses of ‘Greyhound Bus Lines’ and some other Canadian intercity bus services.

One can arrive by public transit from other parts of Vancouver by the Skytrain and alight at the Main Street Science World Station from where it is a minute’s walk to Pacific Central. There is a large and airy waiting hall with the VIA Rail or Amtrak staff ready to help you with your check-in baggage or any other information you may require.

There are a number of small restaurants and cafes, coffee shops and gift shops to browse while waiting for your train to depart. Some free tourist literature can also be obtained from the display racks at the station.

The building is not noisy and there is not as much of hustle-bustle as one would expect in a busy city railway station. There are many seats where you can sit for a while if you have arrived before the departure time.

Show less

Date of experience: July 2019

See all 3 reviews by EkMusafir for Vancouver

Ask EkMusafir about Pacific Central Station

This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC

My TripAdvisor Review No.461: Harbour Air Seaplanes, Vancouver, Canada.

Vancouver To Nanaimo Seaplane Flight.

A seaplane is a very good option to get from Vancouver Mainland to Vancouver Island. They have a complimentary shuttle bus service from Vancouver International Airport to their terminal at Richmond on the Fraser River.

We had booked a 5.30 pm flight but reached the terminal earlier than expected. The staff is very courteous and accommodated us on the earlier 4 pm flight. We waited in the lounge and had some complimentary cookies and coffee.

Our luggage was weighed and tagged. There is a limit of 50 pounds per person but extra luggage can be taken on a token payment of $1 per pound. Window seats can also be reserved on extra payment.

The actual flight time from Vancouver to the Nanaimo Harbour across the Strait of Georgia is only 20 minutes, compared to about two hours taken by a ferry. The take off and the landing on the water was very smooth, smoother than the huge Boeing take-offs from Mumbai and Hong Kong.

The scenic views from the window was very enchanting, and we saw a couple of BC Ferries crossing the Strait down below.

The pilot was very competent and the staff were very courteous. We quite enjoyed our first time experience on the seaplane.

Show less

Date of experience: June 2019

Ask EkMusafir about Harbour Air Seaplanes

This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC

My TripAdvisor Review No.459: Epic Rides Bus Service (Vancouver to Whistler).

Scenic Journey.

To get from Vancouver to Whistler and back we used the services of ‘Epic Rides’. It is a luxury bus service with 2X2 seating arrangement. It starts from near Burrard Station in Vancouver and delivers you to the Gateway Loop Bus Terminus in Whistler Village within two hours, barring unforeseen circumstances.

The round trip costs only CAD$35 and is very economical. It does not stop anywhere in between, so it is better to visit the restroom before you board.

The ride is very scenic as it travels along Highway No.99 which is also known as the ‘Sea to Sky Highway’. Try to get a seat on the left side of the bus while going to Whistler, and on the Right hand side while returning to take in the best scenery along the way.

Show less

Date of experience: June 2019

Ask EkMusafir about Epic Rides

This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC