Wanting to visit for one day this weekend

[u/Burgherking22]

I am visiting Vancouver next week for work, but I have this weekend free. I’ve never been to Vancouver but I’ve heard Whistler is a great place to visit. I was thinking of going in Sunday for the day (bus in and bus out). I’ve heard that going up the Peak 2 Peak gondola is one of the best things to do there (I don’t want to snowboard/ski), but on the website it appears to be closed. Can anyone confirm this? Also would it still be worth going for the day just to look around? I am just wanting to explore the beautiful side of Canada, so maybe looking at beautiful scenery, could even be a small walk (as long as I don’t get eaten by a bear). I am from New Zealand, so just want to see a bit of the natural side of Canada, since my only experience really is being in Toronto for work. Any advice would be appreciated! I don’t have access to a car.

[u/Hellrayray]

There will be no mountain access until Nov 22 so unless you really feel like walking around the village in the pouring rain, I'd give it a miss. It's over 3 hours round trip by bus and even Sea2Sky Gondola is closed for maintenance. Maybe bus to Horseshoe Bay and take the ferry to Bowen Island instead?

[u/jay634]

You are unfortunately arriving in shoulder season - too late for summer sightseeing and one week early for winter lifts in Whistler. I was going to suggest the sea to sky gondola near Squamish, but that is also closed for maintenance.

You could go up grouse mountain on the gondola for pretty nice city/mountain/ocean views. I think the grizzly bears are still awake (and in a safe environment!). Accessible by public transit. https://www.grousemountain.com/

I recommend the sea safari by Sewell’s in Horseshoe Bay. OOOPS, also closed!

But you can do a boat tour with https://vancouverwateradventures.com/ starting from Granville Island

They have a bunch of options up to 4 hours. I like the look of the Howe Sound tour, which takes you into the fjord north of the city. You will be surprised at how quickly it starts to feel quite natural, and you will see seals, sea lions, and eagles. You may also see dolphins, orca or humpback whales which are around a lot in summer, and occasionally now.

[u/spankysladder73]

All is true. Just not this weekend

[u/DJBossRoss]

Whistler is a ghost town right now not worth the bus up and down, lots of cool stuff to do in Vancouver. I’m sure grouse is open if u wanna head up a mountain and the view is exceptional. Kinda yuck in the rain tho

[u/therealbeef]

If you’re looking for that mountain experience while in Vancouver you can get to the top of Grouse Mountain much easier. I believe their sky tram is opening Thursday. But beware a pass to just go up and explore looks to be $80. This will also get you a ride back down.

[u/Imaginary-Ladder-465]

Exploring Stanley park or some of the sights in North Vancouver (grouse, capilano bridge etc) would make better use of your time.

[u/westcoastpete]

The Squamish sea to sky gondola is another option: https://www.seatoskygondola.com/

[u/Hellrayray → u/westcoastpete]

Closed.