First time LTX and Canada travel tips?

[orkid1989]

I am from St.louis Missouri and excited to fly to Canada and LTX for the first time but have a few traveling questions.

 

First. I would like to join in the lan party but fear packing my fractal r6 atx with glass panel gaming rig in my luggage. They aren't the most delicate with luggage at the airport. Any tips on packing it or possibly a build that's small enough for a carry on? Was considering a fractal node 202 but any other small form factor cases that will be able to carry on?

 

Second. Are their monitors available or do I have to bring my own? Pretty much the same as before I am afraid to pack it. Or any suggestions on how to pack it preferably in a carry on.

 

Third. Any hotel suggestions and fun things to do in Canada? Plan to be there a day or two before and after LTX.

[King Edward]

I can't help with the first two questions, but I can help with the last.

Honestly, it depends on your interests. If you want to get out and see the outdoors- Grouse Mountain (which is a free direct bus ride from the same place LTX is at) is a safe option if you're not familiar to the area. I don't generally recommend hiking in the mountains outside of Vancouver if you're not with or from this part of the world for a bunch of reasons.

Don't want to get that far out of the city? Walk the Seawall- it's a 10km or 6ish mile walk around Stanley Park- There's the Vancouver Aquarium which is one of the better tourist traps in the city and located in the park. The other is Science World - which is located three Skytrain stops away from the Convention Centre. 

Theatre? https://bardonthebeach.org/ is some of the best in the city located about 20 minutes by public bus(and I think our public bike share actually goes that far now) from the convention site and is worth every penny. 

Honestly, Vancouver's big claim to fame is its beautiful weather in the summer and beautiful scenery. Spend an evening at the English Bay Beach watching the sunset around 9:30-10ish. 


Hope this helps! 
 

[orkid1989]

That actually sounds pretty good thanks. If I go hiking it will be on a easy trail if any. 

 

You mentioned public transit a few times. Is it any good in Vancouver? It really sucks in st.louis so I was thinking about renting a car.

[dalekphalm]

1 hour ago, orkid1989 said:

That actually sounds pretty good thanks. If I go hiking it will be on a easy trail if any. 

 

You mentioned public transit a few times. Is it any good in Vancouver? It really sucks in st.louis so I was thinking about renting a car.

Vancouver has one of the best transit systems in Canada. Is it the best? Probably not. But it's pretty decent.

[orkid1989]

Well that's awesome! I'll save my money. And thinking about building a small form factor build to bring to LTX in my carry on. Still cheaper then a basic laptop

[Crunchy Dragon]

On 1/20/2019 at 6:34 AM, makr said:

I don't generally recommend hiking in the mountains outside of Vancouver if you're not with or from this part of the world for a bunch of reasons.

I wouldn't recommend hiking in the mountains alone, either.

 

7 minutes ago, orkid1989 said:

Well that's awesome! I'll save my money. And thinking about building a small form factor build to bring to LTX in my carry on. Still cheaper then a basic laptop

If a Node 202 will fit your carry on, then go for it!

[orkid1989]

10 minutes ago, Crunchy Dragon said:

I wouldn't recommend hiking in the mountains alone, either.

 

If a Node 202 will fit your carry on, then go for it!

I am more leaning towards the Louqe Ghost instead. Seems more solid and expandable. Still trying to figure out the monitor situation though. No way it will fit in my carry on and my luck the airport will destroy it and I will be SOL

[orkid1989]

Maybe LTX might rent some monitors? 

[King Edward]

The reason I don't recommend trails to tourists(hiking alone or not)- and I know the locals will understand- is that during the summer, it's about once or sometimes twice a week(sometimes a day) our local Search and Rescue teams have to be called out to find the missing hiker.  Despite our trails being super accessible and near residential areas, anyone can get lost really easily. 


As for transit- it's one of the best systems in North America and generally reliable enough to live an hour away from your work and meet your connections and the like. Which makes hotel/airbnbs far cheaper. The downside is that service ends relatively early- around 1am in most case. 
 

[Shorttimer]

Make sure you check your phone plan, I use Consumer Cellular which doesn't have coverage there. I planned ahead last year and already had is displayed on Google Maps, but it disappeared just before I got to Vancouver.

 

Canadians are really nice though, stopped people on the sidewalk a couple of times which worked out well, and me on my Harley in full leathers.

[dalekphalm]

13 minutes ago, Shorttimer said:

Make sure you check your phone plan, I use Consumer Cellular which doesn't have coverage there. I planned ahead last year and already had is displayed on Google Maps, but it disappeared just before I got to Vancouver.

 

Canadians are really nice though, stopped people on the sidewalk a couple of times which worked out well, and me on my Harley in full leathers.

One easy solution is to pick up a prepaid SIM card. Just make sure that your phone is unlocked and works on the frequency of whatever carrier you want to grab a SIM card from. 

[iphoneupdate]

I recommend renting a bike and riding around Lion’s Gate Bridge. It’s a pretty fun place and if you want to do a long bike ride, start at Spokes Bycicle Rentals and get a bike from there.

[orkid1989]

On 1/27/2019 at 4:23 PM, iphoneupdate said:

I recommend renting a bike and riding around Lion’s Gate Bridge. It’s a pretty fun place and if you want to do a long bike ride, start at Spokes Bycicle Rentals and get a bike from there.

That's a awesome idea. Plus I can count it as my daily workout lol

On 1/27/2019 at 2:50 PM, dalekphalm said:

One easy solution is to pick up a prepaid SIM card. Just make sure that your phone is unlocked and works on the frequency of whatever carrier you want to grab a SIM card from. 

I'll have to check into that. I have at&t service and my phone is a galaxy S8 active. I guess if it wont work I can just buy a prepaid phone for the time that I am up there.

[dalekphalm]

1 hour ago, orkid1989 said:

That's a awesome idea. Plus I can count it as my daily workout lol

I'll have to check into that. I have at&t service and my phone is a galaxy S8 active. I guess if it wont work I can just buy a prepaid phone for the time that I am up there.

Yep buying a cheap pre-paid flip-phone would be a decent option. Then, just keep the phone as a "Whenever I travel to Canada" phone and stuff it on a shelf.

 

You could also buy a roaming package from AT&T - you might be able to get a good deal for the few days you'll be here. That's the first place I would start.

[orkid1989]

On 2/1/2019 at 9:15 AM, dalekphalm said:

Yep buying a cheap pre-paid flip-phone would be a decent option. Then, just keep the phone as a "Whenever I travel to Canada" phone and stuff it on a shelf.

 

You could also buy a roaming package from AT&T - you might be able to get a good deal for the few days you'll be here. That's the first place I would start.

Checked it out and I can buy the at&t package so I should be all good. Really excited to go on a bike ride around Vancouver. 

[Spudbilly]

On 2/6/2019 at 12:25 PM, orkid1989 said:

Checked it out and I can buy the at&t package so I should be all good. Really excited to go on a bike ride around Vancouver. 

pub hopping in Gas Town is a good night time activity as well as a visit to Granville Island for the brewery there. These are good suggestions assuming you enjoy beer  

[LienusLateTips]

On 2/6/2019 at 12:25 PM, orkid1989 said:

Checked it out and I can buy the at&t package so I should be all good. Really excited to go on a bike ride around Vancouver. 

Vancouver has separated (concrete barriers, dedicated path or other) all around the city, especially around Downtown.

 

Get a Compass card for the train, don't just buy single tickets. Gets you a discount and you can transfer from buses to trains without paying a second fare. You can keep it as a $6 souvenir or you can get a refund in Downtown.

[Deltawing457]

On 2/6/2019 at 2:25 PM, orkid1989 said:

Checked it out and I can buy the at&t package so I should be all good. Really excited to go on a bike ride around Vancouver. 

Hey I live just outside St. Louis and I'll be at LTX want to be travel buddies?