So I have a flight next week which includes an odd 7 1/2 hour layover in Vancouver. I took the flight because it was cheap, and the layover was long enough to make it worth it I think. I was just wondering if people could recommend some stuff to do in a reasonable bus ride distance from the airport. It doesn't have to be anything too amazing...just some nice scenery or a downtown area would be great. It would be morning time, so I know alot might not be open. Any advice would be great!

 

Considering Vancouver traffic, 7.5 hours is just about long enough for you to go from the airport to Stanley Park and back. As long as you don't actually get off the bus in Stanley Park.

Vancouver is a beautiful city, with a very lively downtown area and around the old Expo grounds (I can't remember what that area is called now off the top of my head). But it's no wonder transit, cycling, and walking are more popular there than most Canadian cities - it's not health-consciousness, its the reality that even on a weekend, it's quicker to ride or walk a lot places than drive!

On a really tangential note, I had to laugh a few weeks back when the Vancouver Olympic Committee announced its transportation plans for the Games to avoid total gridlock when tens of thousands of visitors descend on the city. It basically consisted of asking something like 60,000 drivers a day to voluntarily not drive. So basically, it should go like this:

"Hey boss, I won't be in today"
"Why, are you sick or something?"
"No, I'm doing my part to support the Olympics!"

I know I avoid driving in Vancouver unnecessarily - I can't imagine there's 60,000 cars a day on the road that can easily absent themselves - if those people had good access to other means of transport, they'd probably already use it!

 

Although I'm not answering your question. I should just deeply warn you about Vancouver's customs officers. Their customs are very strict (I read in some news they are one of the most strict in the world). Hopefully I'm not exaggerating, I just encountered their customs system this summer and don't want anyone to have to deal with them.

 

Richmond has a nice indoor kart track

 

Yes, the traffic blows.

BUT, since August you can take the skytrain from the airport to downtown in less than half an hour - no traffic - so don't be put off.

You can easily make it downtown for a meal and some sightseeing, then back to the airport in 7 hours. http://www.translink.ca/en/Rider-Info/Canada-Line.aspx

 

That would be excellent for the traveller. Lots to do downtown, Stanley Park is a short walk or bus ride. Coming from Hawaii, getting down to the ocean might not be a big deal, but as a land-locked Alberta boy, I love it.

 

Thanks guys! I'm used to terrible traffic as Honolulu usually ranks in the top 3 worst traffic in the US. Its no fun. I will definitely look into the skytrain...I mean, it even SOUNDS pretty cool lol. The customs is what I was worried about. Im hoping it wont be such a huge deal since I'm coming from the states and its just a layover, but I know they basically can do what they want, which could result in a very unpleasant 7 hour airport experience. A meal and some pictures that make me look like a world traveler would make for a good day!