Joe Muscara Posted July 5, 2018 Share Posted July 5, 2018 My wife and I are talking about visiting Vancouver (the one in British Columbia, Canada), and I thought I'd ask if anyone had any suggestions, opinions, experiences, etc., both for music stuff and in general. I know there are at least a couple of forumites from up there, and perhaps more that have lived or visited. "I'm so crazy, I don't know this is impossible! Hoo hoo!" - Daffy Duck "The good news is that once you start piano you never have to worry about getting laid again. More time to practice!" - MOI Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AWkeys Posted July 5, 2018 Share Posted July 5, 2018 I've played there 3 years ago, and it is an exquisitely beautiful place! Pretty expensive, but you probably know that already. They have pianos all around the city that you can go up to and play. I remember visiting a music store, I think it was Long & McQuade...I forgot exactly where, unfortunately...but they had a full stock of keyboards, much more than you'd find at the big box music stores down here in the 48 states. And from my experience, every one was very friendly. Enjoy your time!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AWkeys Posted July 5, 2018 Share Posted July 5, 2018 Also, the steam clock in Gastown is pretty cool. Touristy area, but you should go through it once. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
El Lobo Posted July 5, 2018 Share Posted July 5, 2018 There's a very nice big park in the center of town, Stanley Park. One of the things I like most about Vancouver is that just outside of it there are mountains, parks, forests, car ferries to islands, and other outdoorsy attractions. If you're flying there, rent a car and get out in the wilderness. These are only my opinions, not supported by any actual knowledge, experience, or expertise. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
drawback Posted July 5, 2018 Share Posted July 5, 2018 Although I moved to Victoria (on the Island) a couple of years ago, Vancouver was my home for many years. You will love it here! The pro music scene has changed dramatically over the past few years, with most of the jazz and piano venues either closing or going bongo-loop-hipster. The Railway Club may still be operating for the occasional indie band. Sadly The legendary Yale blues bar has been reduced to a pub for singles/duos wrapped inside a condo development. I used to play regularly at Gotham Steak House and if you're into probably the best steak dinner and service in the western hemisphere, go there. I think they still have a friend of mine at the piano in the lounge, depending on the week. The best music store is Tom Lee, in the heart of downtown. The coolest parts of Vancouver are around False Creek. Jericho Beach/Spanish Banks. Granville Island. English Bay, West End, and up to Coal Harbour and Canada Place. If you stay at the Pan Pacific, have Sunday Brunch. That was my piano gig for the last 5 years I lived there. Take the Skytrain from the airport, directly to dowtown, with easy access to most hotels. Do the Grouse Mountain gondola. Get up to Whistler if you can. The Canadian mountains are breathtaking. Joe if you folks decide to ferry over to Vancouver Island (drive or walk on) let me know and I'll show you around. I'd love to meet ya. Cheers Rod ____________________________________Rod Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
yamarolorg Posted July 5, 2018 Share Posted July 5, 2018 Yeah, I'd highly recommend taking the ferry over to Victoria if you have the time; it's a great ride and Victoria is a beautiful, picturesque city. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bill H. Posted July 5, 2018 Share Posted July 5, 2018 When I was in a Seattle based band we played in the Vancouver area a lot. When downtown Vancouver, we'd stay in North Vancouver - which is quite a bit cheaper. But traversing the Lion's Gate Bridge was pretty easy at night. If you are a tourist during the day it might be a different situation. I should also mention that this was in the 1980s We also played in Victoria and Nanaimo, and were more impressed with Vancouver Island than Vancouver itself - especially Nanaimo. You might want to take Rod up on his offer Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joe Muscara Posted July 5, 2018 Author Share Posted July 5, 2018 Cool so far, thanks guys. Keep 'em coming! "I'm so crazy, I don't know this is impossible! Hoo hoo!" - Daffy Duck "The good news is that once you start piano you never have to worry about getting laid again. More time to practice!" - MOI Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MoKen Posted July 5, 2018 Share Posted July 5, 2018 My wife and I just got back from a couple of weeks touring BC. We skipped Vancouver because we're not into cities. However I strongly recommend seeing Vancouver Island (Van Isle as they say). Victoria is a cool city. The west coast of the island is beautiful. If you have time, check out Tofino - a funky little surfing town, if you can believe. I also second the recommendation to got to Whistler and beyond (east) if you have time. The mountains are spectacular. My wife grew up in Colorado and has now promoted the BC mountains above the Rockies. Friendly people, and sheer beauty. Plus the exchange rate is favorable just now. But be prepared for tariff jokes. I inquired about a fishing license (as a US citizen) and the guy at the counter told me the price, then said there was an extra tariff if my pole was steel. I resisted the raunchy come back - too many children around. Enjoy. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MAJUSCULE Posted July 6, 2018 Share Posted July 6, 2018 They're still Rockies up here, MoKen. Eric Website Gear page Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MoKen Posted July 6, 2018 Share Posted July 6, 2018 Point taken. I should have said Colorado Rockies. Also, not all the mountains in BC are Rockies. They have a couple of other mountain ranges... Regardless, they're beautiful. See 'em if you can. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MAJUSCULE Posted July 6, 2018 Share Posted July 6, 2018 Fair point to you as well. Eric Website Gear page Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OB Dave Posted July 7, 2018 Share Posted July 7, 2018 If you have time, check out Vancouver Island as well. The west coast around Ucluelet and Tofino is absolutely gorgeous. Huge redwood trees right on a beautiful wide sandy beach. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joe Muscara Posted July 7, 2018 Author Share Posted July 7, 2018 It seems that the country around Vancouver might be getting more votes than the city itself. (Nothing wrong with that, I'm just observing.) "I'm so crazy, I don't know this is impossible! Hoo hoo!" - Daffy Duck "The good news is that once you start piano you never have to worry about getting laid again. More time to practice!" - MOI Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MAJUSCULE Posted July 7, 2018 Share Posted July 7, 2018 Yeah, it really just depends what you're looking for. Vancouver is a beautiful city with a lot to do. The province as a whole holds a cornucopia of natural beauty. They don't call it Beautiful BC for nothin. Eric Website Gear page Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joe Muscara Posted July 8, 2018 Author Share Posted July 8, 2018 It's gotta be better than the one just to the east of it, right? "I'm so crazy, I don't know this is impossible! Hoo hoo!" - Daffy Duck "The good news is that once you start piano you never have to worry about getting laid again. More time to practice!" - MOI Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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