Vancouver/Whistler

[SigmundChurchill]

Last year, we had our annual family ski trip at Mont Tremblant.  We loved Canada, so we decided to go back for this year’s ski trip, only this time, all the way on the other side of the country.  We really prefer West Coast skiing so we are really looking forward to it.

We will spend the first 5 days skiing in Whistler, and the last two days in Vancouver.  I have a few questions for the Canadians, or anyone who visits there.

How cold does it typically get on Christmas week in Vancouver?  I’m trying to decide if it is worth 2 days in the middle of winter vs an extra 2 days of skiing.

What stuff in Vancouver would a 9, 12, and 15 year old would enjoy seeing?

Also, what are some good restaurants in either place?  I hear you have to make reservations way in advance for Christmas week.

Any good places to enjoy a cigar, in either place?

[havanaclub]

Temps probably very similar to where you are at during Christmas months. Maybe even a touch warmer.
For cigar smoking places, I will let some Vancouver lads chime in.


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[Frozen North]

Temps in Vancouver should be 0-8*. There are lots of things for kids to do, as long as it’s not raining. There are thousands of restaurants. Check out Yelp or Open Table for suggestions and reservations. 

[hoyopr]

For dining, Vancouver has lots of variety, the Georgia Straight is probably the best source for events and has good reviews on restaurants in Vancouver.

if you're looking for a specific style of restaurant let me know and I could possibly offer some suggestions in Van.   

https://www.straight.com/goldenplates

The below link you could check back and refresh perhaps a few weeks before your trip and see if there are any Kids stuff that's of interest. 

https://www.straight.com/listings/events?cat=861

I don't go to whistler much any more, but have enjoyed the Bearfoot Bistro and the Rimrock Café has never disappointed.

 

 

[NweakO]

City Cigar Emporium is where I’d go.
There is also a place called 2000 Cigars if I remember correctly, it is not a bad place either.

Then there is Revolucion in Yaletown, it’s a nice place for cigar accessories. I’d be extra careful about their cigars though.

[cookj1]

If you’re thinking about 2 extra days in Vancouver versus 2 extra days in Whistler, I’d choose 2 extra days in Vancouver.  There’s plenty to do in Vancouver and you can still go skiing at one of the three local mountains: Grouse, Cypress, and Seymour.  You can night ski up until 11pm, so yes, you can have your cake and eat it too.

Reservations are not necessary.  We have an abundance of restaurants.

There is more to do in Vancouver than Whistler, but make no mistake, Whistler is a world class ski hill and resort.  You will enjoy both.

Feel free to fire over more questions if you want.

[SigmundChurchill]

13 hours ago, hoyopr said:

For dining, Vancouver has lots of variety, the Georgia Straight is probably the best source for events and has good reviews on restaurants in Vancouver.

if you're looking for a specific style of restaurant let me know and I could possibly offer some suggestions in Van.   

https://www.straight.com/goldenplates

The below link you could check back and refresh perhaps a few weeks before your trip and see if there are any Kids stuff that's of interest. 

https://www.straight.com/listings/events?cat=861

I don't go to whistler much any more, but have enjoyed the Bearfoot Bistro and the Rimrock Café has never disappointed.

 

 

Those look like great resources.  Thanks for the links!

I have read that Vancouver has some of the best Chinese food in the world.  I am thinking we should at least try one of the better Chinese restaurants one night.

 

[SigmundChurchill]

9 hours ago, NweakO said:

City Cigar Emporium is where I’d go.
There is also a place called 2000 Cigars if I remember correctly, it is not a bad place either.

Then there is Revolucion in Yaletown, it’s a nice place for cigar accessories. I’d be extra careful about their cigars though.

Thanks!  Are those places all walkable to the Pan Pacific Hotel on the bay?

[SigmundChurchill]

9 hours ago, cookj1 said:

If you’re thinking about 2 extra days in Vancouver versus 2 extra days in Whistler, I’d choose 2 extra days in Vancouver.  There’s plenty to do in Vancouver and you can still go skiing at one of the three local mountains: Grouse, Cypress, and Seymour.  You can night ski up until 11pm, so yes, you can have your cake and eat it too.

Reservations are not necessary.  We have an abundance of restaurants.

There is more to do in Vancouver than Whistler, but make no mistake, Whistler is a world class ski hill and resort.  You will enjoy both.

Feel free to fire over more questions if you want.

The main reason for the trip was for skiing at Whistler, and I was actually thinking about staying in Whistler for all 7 days, and only going to Vancouver the night before our flight.  I was worried that in the winter, we wouldnt have a whole lot to do in Vancouver, but I guess this is not the case so I will probably leave it as it is with 2 full days in Vancouver.

I made a reservation at the Pan Pacific because I figured it would be nice to have a good view of the bay from our room.  Would you consider that a good location to the other parts of Vancouver?  I mean, is everything pretty much walkable, or would we be better off staying somewhere in the center of the city?

[AussieCanuck]

I live smack bang between Whistler and Vancouver. Vancouver can be pretty mild during winter (compared to the East Coast anyway) and most of the time its raining. Usually its around 4 degrees or more during the winter ©.

Smoking locales in Whistler are non existent and smoking on the mountain and in the village is more or less banned (seriously).

Some things for the kids to to in Vanvouver are the Aquarium ( mine loves it) and Science World.



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[NweakO]

4 hours ago, SigmundChurchill said:

Thanks!  Are those places all walkable to the Pan Pacific Hotel on the bay?

2000 Cigars & Revolucion are walkable. City Cigar is not far either but you'd have to cross a bridge, you would be better off taking a cab.

[cookj1]

5 hours ago, SigmundChurchill said:

The main reason for the trip was for skiing at Whistler, and I was actually thinking about staying in Whistler for all 7 days, and only going to Vancouver the night before our flight.  I was worried that in the winter, we wouldnt have a whole lot to do in Vancouver, but I guess this is not the case so I will probably leave it as it is with 2 full days in Vancouver.

I made a reservation at the Pan Pacific because I figured it would be nice to have a good view of the bay from our room.  Would you consider that a good location to the other parts of Vancouver?  I mean, is everything pretty much walkable, or would we be better off staying somewhere in the center of the city?

Yeah...the Pan Pacific is perfect for your needs.  

If things aren’t walkable, a quick and cheap cab ride will make everything manageable.

[SigmundChurchill]

3 hours ago, AussieCanuck said:

I live smack bang between Whistler and Vancouver. Vancouver can be pretty mild during winter (compared to the East Coast anyway) and most of the time its raining. Usually its around 4 degrees or more during the winter ©.

Smoking locales in Whistler are non existent and smoking on the mountain and in the village is more or less banned (seriously).

Some things for the kids to to in Vanvouver are the Aquarium ( mine loves it) and Science World.



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I will put those on the list.  My kids love that kind of stuff too.

Good news about the weather.  Bad news about the smoking.  So if I’m walking around the village, someone will literally come up to me and tell me to stop smoking my cigar?

[LLC]

I’ve stayed at The Fairmont in Whistler a few times and they had a bench in a nice area just back if the hotel where you could smoke. I also stayed at The Sundial and had a balcony I smoked in although I’m not 100% sure I was supposed to. 

Between the Fairmont and the village is a nice walk with lots of benches by the river and many times I’d find one without people around and enjoy a cigar without an issue. 

[hoyopr]

10 hours ago, SigmundChurchill said:

Those look like great resources.  Thanks for the links!

I have read that Vancouver has some of the best Chinese food in the world.  I am thinking we should at least try one of the better Chinese restaurants one night.

 

I've enjoyed Kirin at a couple of their locations, this one is a cab ride or transit, but right by Vancouver City Hall.

http://www.kirinrestaurants.com/index.php5?page=city_square_map

Richmond which is where YVR is hosts the greatest variety of various Chinese culinary restaurants.

 https://vancouversun.com/news/local-news/here-are-the-best-chinese-restaurants-in-metro-vancouver

Science World and the Aquarium also a thumbs up for the family. 

[puromaniac]

FlyOver Canada simulated flight ride is literally in the same complex as the Pan Pacific. It is a great experience that has never disappointed anyone I have taken there, kids or adults. Chinatown is also a visual and sensual treat. Maybe 20 minute walk from the hotel. And no issue smoking a cigar on the way.

[SigmundChurchill]

23 hours ago, LLC said:

I’ve stayed at The Fairmont in Whistler a few times and they had a bench in a nice area just back if the hotel where you could smoke. I also stayed at The Sundial and had a balcony I smoked in although I’m not 100% sure I was supposed to. 

Between the Fairmont and the village is a nice walk with lots of benches by the river and many times I’d find one without people around and enjoy a cigar without an issue. 

I reserved a suite at The Fairmont. I always liked that chain.  I ended up switching to The Hilton because of the location.  Someone suggested with the kids, it would be better to be at the Whistler gondola than the Blackcomb gondola.

[PaulPower]

The Four Seasons has always done me right, and no one ever complained when i smoke on the balcony.  However, Whistler is VERY ANTI-SMOKING.

[AussieCanuck]

https://www.whistler.ca/media/news/smoke-free-areas-expanded-whistler-updates-smoking-bylaw

Update to our discussions...

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