Vancouver/Portland Road Trip Thread

I just noticed that this is the only time SKC plays Portland this season. I would like to make a trip to Portland (for various reasons, but a game would give me an excuse), but I've already made plans to go to the Chicago away game and I doubt I'd be able to take the time off for this one. Guess I'll have to wait until next year.

Assuming you even play away @ Portland at all next year. What with the new schedule I don't think it's guaranteed.

I doubt there will be a 3rd season of Portlandia, and don't forget the Mayan Apocalypse.

Call in sick. You might not get another chance.

I am going to guess that we don't play in Portland next season.

If schedule holds as is, we'll play all three PNW teams at home next season.

It would be nice if in 2014, we play two of those teams within a few days again. It would be nice if the league planned for teams to play two Cascadia teams like that often making it more optimal away fans to make the trip.

The only thing better is playing at Chivas and at Galaxy in the same period. I guess playing DC/NY/NE/Philly in a similar period would be nice as well. Maybe we can hope for something like that again because I think those of us going on the trip are going to get a little spoiled to have a trip be that convenient.

We do have the NY-MON 2 games in 4 days trip in September. They had just better make sure that Collin gets back on the plane after visiting Montreal....

Hey guys, Planning on heading up to Vancouver/Portland for the games in April. I was wondering which hotels/hostels people were going to be staying at?

Thanks!

I opted for us to stay within walking distances of both games, so we are at the Westin on Robson in Vancouver and at the Nines in Portland near Pioneer Square.

It appears that there are going to be 70+ SKC supporters at each game. Not Cascadia numbers, but to me that sounds pretty good. I'm so anxious for this trip!

Seems like there was little to no availability downtown Portland as of yesterday. I opted to stay at the airport Marriott. I'm actually traveling before the game for work and the airport is close to where I need to be, plus if you're a Marriots rewards member there's a 2 room suite option for $124 a night.

But if you're going, book now. It sounds like there's a convention or something downtown and that weekend is really filling up.

I think most people are staying at Park Lane Suites in Portland which is a few blocks from the stadium.

Quick update for anyone that doesn't follow the Cauldron on facebook. Sean Dane is setting up a Friday night get together as well as Saturday festivities in Portland.

I will be setting up a pre game bar in Vancouver for anyone that will be there on Wednesday. Vancouver won't be anything fancy, just a friendly bar close to the stadium. I'll post more details when I get them finalized this week.

I contacted the Southsiders and they said that we are more than welcome to go to their bar which I believe is called the Bitter End.

That's in Portland, which is where we'll be Saturday night. Vancouver Wednesday night is gonna be at Doolin's, the Southsiders bar, and the Friday night thing should be figured out within the next few days. You'll be pleased if the place we wanted works out.

yes Doolins Wed night in Vancouver.

Okay, I got them flip flopped. Doolin's was the bar I was told by the Southsiders and the Timbers Army told me Bitter End.

From what I understand, there are several bars around the Vancouver stadium that Vancouver fans hangout prior to games. Some of them may not be as welcoming as i warned.

Just came across this and thought I'd pop in and give a friendly hello from Vancouver. It's always great to see away fans making the trip. The more the better!

Just to comment on a few things: There is unfortunately a schedule conflict with a Canucks playoff game that night. It's in LA but being that this is still very much a hockey town it'll most likely mean a lower than normal attendance at BC Place for the game.

It shouldn't be too bad pre-game but bars and restaurants will likely be busy all night with hockey fans (If your guys' colours are blue you'll fit in just fine ). There are tons of places in the area though. If you need any good suggestions just ask! The southsiders do meet at Doolins on Granville St (the main entertainment strip) and are usually always pretty friendly to away supporters. Probably best to contact them first though.

If you plan on doing any sightseeing, it kind of all depends on the weather which can be quite hit or miss this time of year. April's kind of the tail end of the winter ski season, but not quite the full on summer tourist season yet. One of the top recommended things year round would be renting a bike and riding the Stanley Park seawall. If you need any suggestions on things to do or have any questions I'm happy to help.
http://www.tourismvancouver.com/do/explore/sightseeing/one-day-vancouver-itinerary/

Thanks for the heads up canuck51!

Canuck51, question, I'm driving up and back from Seattle, so I won't have a hotel to park at, what are the charges for some of the lots I see when looking at the map for BC Place?

Would you recommend the suspension bridges? I have had my eye on that.

Parking downtown can be pretty expensive. Most lots downtown I'd expect to pay at least $20. If you're coming up from Seattle and driving back the same day your best bet would be would be to park at the River Rock casino in Richmond near the airport and take the Canada Line (subway) into downtown. It's just off highway 99 which is what the I-5 turns into once you cross the border.
http://www.riverrock.com/directions/parking.aspx

It's probably the most convenient option. Parking is $2.50 for the day and the train will cost you $3.75 on the way in and $2.50 on the way back. It's 20 mins to downtown which is pretty much the same as driving anyways. You can get off at City Centre station and walk 10 mins to BC Place, or transfer at Waterfront to the Expo or Millennium line that have a stop right at the stadium. Everything downtown is walkable so you don't really need a car to get around.

It's a bit pricey, around $30 I believe, and very touristy. But that said it is still unique. If you have the time it's worth checking out.

Thanks, just trying to figure out how much money I need to convert to loonies and toonies for the trip. And the Canada Line will for sure be running after the game?

It looks amazing. What about the air trams? I think we are looking to do outdoorsy type stuff while we are there.

Hi canuck51: Quick question:

I'll be going to Victoria the day after the game. Planning to take the Pacific Coach bus to the ferry terminal at Tsawwassen. This the way to do this, correct?

Also, I was checking my hotel on Google maps to see how far the walk is to and from the game. Check out the pic of the business next door. I'm all set!

Trains run until ~1am
http://tripplanning.translink.ca/hiwire?.a=iScheduleLookupSearch&LineName=999&LineAbbr=999

Grouse Mountain (the air tram) is amazing on a clear day anytime of year. You can see Vancouver Island and all the way to the US. In the summer there's lots to do up there but this time of year there's still lots of snow. They have some cool snowshoe trails but beyond that unless you plan on skiing or snowboarding you'd pretty much be just going up there for the view.
http://www.grousemountain.com/

It's doable by public transit, but Pacific Coach is definitely the easiest and most hassle free way. There's also a number of floatplane companies that fly direct downtown - downtown. It's a bit $ but if you've never landed in a plane on water before it's a pretty cool experience.