The flights and hotels will cost us about the same. We've never been to Canada or Oregon, and my husband and I want to do something really special together before I am shipped off into the military (we'll be living apart for 14 months).
Has anyone been to either place or both? What activities would you recommend for this time of year, and where do you recommend staying? We'd like to see the city but also have a romantic dinner or cruise, have some drinks, etc. We can't necessarily afford the nicest hotel, so please recommend places with different price ranges.
2006-12-01 12:02:14 · 5 answers · asked by chelleedub 4 in Travel ➔ Other - Destinations
Or Vegas? What's there to do besides gamble?
2006-12-01 12:12:22 · update #1
I hope to give you a bit more information that the other posts here...
I have to admit I am biased. I am a dual citizen (US/Canada) who grew up in Seattle and I have a special place in my heart for Vancouver, one of the most beautiful cities in the world.
That said Portland is what I would call an "up and coming" American city that has made some planning decisions that make it a liveable place.
Vancouver is slightly bigger, population-wise, than Portland, but arguably has a more world-class feel with an incredibly diverse population, a lively densely populated downtown core that has more residential condo towers than business offices. More importantly, Vancouver has one of the most spectacular physical settings of any city in the world. Very much a coastal city, Vancouver is surrounded by the Pacific but also sits at the foot of the North Shore mountains. From downtown at night you can see the lights of a ski area just behind the skyscrapers.
As for what to do at this time of year, Vancouver is a great restaurant city. Whistler, the top ski destination in North America, is just a short 1.5 hours drive from the city, along one of the most beautiful ocean/mountain drives in the world. There are all the cultural amenities you'd expect in such a city, art museums, etc. Shortlist of important things to do: Stanley Park (the largest park in a municipality in North America), dinner/nightlife/celebrity spotting in Yaletown (neighbourhood), any one of the museums at UBC, walk along the beach/hot chocolate in Kitsilano, drive to Whistler, Capilano suspension bridge, shop in downtown Vancouver (if you like high-end shopping/browsing). You can catch easy 30 min. flights to Victoria to see BC's capitol city and one of the top tourist destinations in the world, much quieter at this time of year. As for places to stay, see if you can get a deal with Fairmont (there are two properties, Hotel Vancouver and Fairmont Waterfront, and there deals can be very affordable at an otherwise high-end property). The Sandman Suites on Davie street have good deals (this is a lively area and home to gay establishments but is by no means a gay "ghetto"). You may also check out Delta hotels or Coast hotels--both Canadian chains with good quality and affordable prices (Canadians like a good deal!)
Portland, to me, seems more like a "nice place to live" place than a really interesting city to visit. I haven't found much to do there on trips. But this is not to slam the city. It has a beautiful rose garden (probably not good at this time of year!) and there is an active micro-brewery scene. Moreover the city is a model for others, like Seattle, in that it has a rapid transit system, etc. But Vancouver has microwbreweries (beer=Canada) and has had light-rail since the '80s. That said, if you like books, Portland has Powells, a bookstore which is world-renowned. I can't recommend hotels here.
As for dinner cruises, Vancouver is a coastal city so there are myriad options for such things. Portland is an inland river city, but may have river cruise options.
2006-12-03 14:50:04 · answer #1 · answered by Robert P 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I live in Portland, and love it. We have a great music scene, great food, great parks, and great people. Although this time of year it is likely to be raining (we love it, but some may not). I am not sure what kind of things you and your husband like to do, but I am sure that Portland can provide them. That being said, I hope you have a great time no matter where you choose, and please be safe when you are shipped out. Thank you for your service to this countyry. No matter your political slant, the selflessness (sp?) of our millitary famlies should inspire us all. Thanks again.
2006-12-04 20:05:41 · answer #2 · answered by Brian T 1 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Chellee Dub Here a big news for you!...
http://www.osoq.com/funstuff/extra/extra01.asp?strName=Chellee_Dub
2006-12-01 20:16:22 · answer #3 · answered by efb g 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
here is a better choice - very similar to vegas, much cheaper and more interesting...
MACAU - http://www.gomacau.com
enjoy~
2006-12-01 20:50:24 · answer #4 · answered by chloe 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
PORTLAND KEEP THE MONEY HERE FOR US AMERICANS
2006-12-01 20:09:38 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋