Vancouver Layover - Things to Do?

[Gagnante]

In October, I will be flying in to Vancouver on Air Canada from a Canadian origin, and then continuing on Air Canada to a US destination.  I have a five hour layover, from about 8 am to 1 pm, on a Sunday.  It's my understanding from the Air Canada site that I won't have to retrieve my bag before going through customs to my connecting US flight. 

I'm interested in free/low cost things to do along the Canada Line that will still allow me sufficient time to clear customs at the airport for my flight to the US.  I have varied interests, but shopping is not among them :)  Special interest things would be nature-type things, historic areas to walk in, perhaps a beachy bit if possible.

Thanks in advance for any suggestions!

[Saving in Austin]

You may not have enough time. You need at least 30 minutes to clear US Customs in the Vancouver airport before getting on a US bound flight unless you have global entry. It takes 30 minutes each way on the SkyTrain which can take you towards the middle of town. From there if you want nature (Stanley Park) or the beach you have to add more time.

[damyst]

For me also a 5-hour layover means relaxing in the airport. But if you're set on heading into the city, here are two options:
1. Ride the Canada Line all the way to the end at Waterfront, rent a bicycle from EzeeRiders which is a 6-minute walk away, and head along the Coal Harbour seawall in the direction of Stanley Park. I'm not sure you'd want to commit to circling the entire park - it's not a huge distance, but cycling is only allowed in the counter-clockwise direction (the seawall is very narrow in places, and popular) so bailing partway through to head back can be tricky. A good alternative is to follow the seam between the city and the park (Chilco Street, or the bike lane just beyond it) to English Bay beach. That's a 15 minute bike ride each way.
2. Take the Canada Line to King Edward station, then walk a few blocks and climb the very short hill to Queen Elizabeth park. You get a great view of the city and, with any luck, a lovely foliage display. There's a small and very unlikely tropical garden under a dome up there too (Bloedel Conservatory) - admission is $7, and walking in as far as the reception area/gift shop provides almost the same value for free.

[Gagnante]

My five hour layover has now potentially turned into a six hour layover, with a change of airlines (thank you, Air Canada for your random rescheduling).  I quite like the King Edward station/QE park suggestion.  That sounds right up my alley, and it's a shorter overall travel time outside the airport as well.  I appreciate the comments/suggestions!

[Goldielocks]

Ideas --

One -- get a great Chinese meal in Richmond.   Anywhere along the Canada Line.  Dim sum or something else, depending on what you like and the time of day.  Richmond is extra special, and authentic for this.

Two -- there is of course the new outlet shopping mall on the Canada line, at Templeton, called McArthurglen Outlets, a few minutes from the airport.   Just wander don't shop, it is supposed to be done quite nicely (I have not seen it yet as I too, don't shop).  Supposed to be a decent people watching place.  I think it connects to a walking path / bike path out here, and can be a nice nature walk, too..  You could take the train here, then walk back to the airport if you have time along the bike path which is along the road,but separated, with landscaping.

Three -- just take the Canada Line to Marine drive and back again -- the mountain views are good until you go underground.

Four -- take a taxi to Iona Beach park, or MacDonald beach park, both a few minutes from the airport, on SeaIsland (where the airport is)  Walk around.. enjoy being at the sea or next to the fraser river....

Also
Casino -- River Rock at bridgeport station..?  Not for me, but maybe you?

[Gagnante]

Thank you, Goldielocks, these are also great suggestions!  (Well, except the casino...definitely not my bag :) )

I should be able to come up with something from all of this help to occupy myself on my layover.  I appreciate all of the help.

[Goldielocks]

Thank you, Goldielocks, these are also great suggestions!  (Well, except the casino...definitely not my bag :) )

I should be able to come up with something from all of this help to occupy myself on my layover.  I appreciate all of the help.

Have fun.  I wanted to find activities within about 15 minutes of YVR by easy transportation, that I would do locally , even if not on a layover.  I know how hard it is to get away from the airport without a plan.

[MrsTuxedocat]

My vote is Queen Elizabeth Park! It's one of the most beautiful parks in Vancouver and near the Canada Line.