Travel

Travel Note

AIRBNB Neighborhoods and Recommendations

Our preferred way of staying in Vancouver usually doesn't include Hotels at all. We find Airbnb to be the most cost effective, without giving up much when compared with Hotels. You also could get a larger place with a few friends or your family for less. Because of that I wanted to list some of our favorite neighborhoods and their perks: Commercial Drive- Easily one of the most Vibrant neighborhoods in the city. We've stayed nearby many times and enjoy having one strip to stroll by shops, restaurants, bars, coffee shops etc. Not to mention it has a cool artsy vibe. Life hack: look for stays near "Commercial Broadway Station" where you can catch the Sky Train to downtown Vancouver in 12 minutes. Yaletown- This is one of our favourite places to enjoy an evening walk. It's sort of a quieter section of Downtown where you can easily walk to the hustle and bustle but it has a residential vibe. Downtown Vancouver- I think the perks of Staying here are obvious. But still : Bars, Restaurants, Shopping, Concert Venues etc. plus being central for use of public transit. Mt Pleasant - Very Safe neighborhood. Less connected by public transit but there is lots to eat and drink nearby. It is also a very short Uber ride to the city so you could easily enjoy the city then return safely to your air bnb at night. Kitsilano - We haven't personally stayed in this neighborhood and you would be slightly more reliant on Ubers. That said, it is a very cute neighborhood where you can stay close to the ocean and again have plenty to walk to.

Flight

Air Canada Flights out of RDU

Raleigh has direct flights to and from Vancouver available through Air Canada on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays which we highly recommend for a seamless travel experience. There is a lot to do in and around the city so make a trip of it, and enjoy yourselves!

Hotel

Hilton Vancouver Downtown

If you're looking for a prime city location hotel the Hilton in Downtown Vancouver. This one is truly in the heart of the city and my fave part (of course) is the outdoor pool and hot tub.

Hotel

Holiday Inn Vancouver-Centre Broadway by IHG

We wanted to find a hotel that was close to the heart of the city without heart of the city prices. This one is a short walk to Broadway City Hall Station for the Canada Line Sky Train. This train gets you to downtown Vancouver in 5 minutes and to the YVR airport in 20 minutes making it a great option for ease without a rental car. It is also walk able to plenty of coffee shops and food options.

Hotel

River Rock Casino Resort

This one has lower than standard Vancouver prices because it is further from the heart of the city (and it's got a casino). If you like trying your hand this could be your place! This one has less going on in the surrounding area so if Gambling isn't your thing this might not be your place! It is a short walk to Richmond- Brighouse Station on the Canada Line Skytrain so you can get to the city in 18 minutes and to the airport in 7 minutes.

Train

Sky Train

We've mentioned The Sky Train quite a few times because it is by far one of the easiest and fastest ways to navigate Vancouver. This link will show you the different routes and stops in case you'd like to plan your Accommodations with it in mind! There is even a station at the Vancouver Airport! NOTE: there is no Sky Train station near the venue so do not plan on taking public transit on the wedding day!

Rental Car

Enterprise Rent-A-Car

One of the nice things about the City of Vancouver is that you don't have to rent a car if you don't want to. You can usually Uber, train or bus most places. With that said, if you're feeling outdoorsy getting a car could be very helpful for exploring the MANY hikes around Vancouver. I will list a few of my faves in the "Things to do" Column. Something to keep in mind is that parking may be more difficult in the heart of the city so if you do rent a car, check parking options at your Hotel or Airbnb.