CANADA HOSTS THE WORLD : B&Bs; Are a Friendly Alternative to Hotels in Vancouver

Eight pavilions are coming to life for Expo 86, and several hotels already report full bookings for the summer-long world’s fair.

So if you are planning to visit Expo 86, why not stay in a private home away from home? The venerable European tradition of bed-and-breakfast accommodation is a burgeoning trend in North America and Vancouver has joined in, offering a friendly alternative to hotel rooms at attractive rates.

You can choose a red-roofed town house on the waterfront near the Expo site; $35 single, $65 double, phone (604) 734-3369. Or a detached cottage on Wildwood Lane in West Vancouver; $30 single or $40 double, phone (604) 926-4603. Over on the West Side, an elegant Victorian mansion overlooking the mountains and city invites you to stay in one of the two bedrooms; $30 single, $45 double, phone (604) 734-7503.

Rose fanciers can enjoy the perfume wafting in from the prize-winning roses at cozy and welcoming Rose Garden Guest House on the south slope; $25 single, $40 double, phone (604) 435-7129. Beach lovers could head for a large, friendly home in Kitsilano, a trendy neighborhood teeming with sun worshipers, pubs and sidewalk cafes.

Pretty suburbs are easily accessible via good bus service and Skytrain, the newly inaugurated rapid transit system. This makes it possible for those who wish to escape the city to take advantage of lower rates in the many B&B; homes within comfortable commuting distance.

In Coquitlam, for instance, an unusual West Coast contemporary home invites guests to use the Jacuzzi, pool table, piano and fireplace. Meals are served in the “greenhouse” dining-room overlooking a 950-square-foot sun deck. Instead of sinking into the deck chairs after the ample breakfast served there, you may prefer to stroll to the nearby Coquitlam River. $25 single, $35 double, lower rates for extended stay. Phone (604) 464-8872. Coquitlam is 25 minutes by car from Expo.

In Richmond, close to the international airport, families are permitted to bring along friendly pets when staying at the Fowlers. Not many B&B; homes take pets. They have a pool and a nice collection of classical records in the lounge; $30 single, $40 double, phone (604) 277-9542.

Who usually travels the B&B; way? According to Cathy Copes, a retired teacher who opened one of the top 10 host homes on the North Shore four years ago: “Out of approximately 300 guests, most were professionals in their 30s and 40s and well-traveled.” Architects, doctors, lawyers, writers and educators are numbered among Mrs. Copes’ clientele. $22.50 single, $40 double; phone (604) 987-8988. The North Shore is served by the Seabus, which connects directly via Skytrain to the Expo site.

The personal touch is what makes the difference. This hostess has fielded questions on the Canadian parliamentary system from an American senator, on national health care from nurses and physicians and on education from teachers. She arranged a personal tour of the Vancouver Sun for a visiting newspaper owner. Now, that’s service.

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Hosts can give guests tips on the in places to go and things to do during their stay. For example, on every tour company guide list is popular Capilano Canyon in North Vancouver, where 2,000 to 10,000 people a day pay $3.50 per adult to cross the suspension bride in the summer.

More beautiful is nearby Lynn Canyon’s identical swinging bridge, 240 feet above a thundering gorge. There are fewer tourists, a stimulating Ecology Center, forested trails, and it’s all free.

Some hosts go further, with personal tours of the city and its environs. This is at their discretion, however, and should not be expected as part of the service offered with the accommodation. Most of them, though, will have maps, brochures and tips to help you plot your sightseeing.

Depending on the home you choose, your breakfast will range from continental fare of toast, muffins, tea or coffee and juice, to a hearty breakfast from a gourmet cook. Kitchens are available in some self-contained suites for do-it-yourselfers, with supplies included.

Breakfast Silver, Crystal

A couple recently visiting Camelot, a turn-of-the-century home in Victoria, were awakened gently with a pot of hot coffee placed at the door with a newspaper. A tray of juices waited in the dining room and an exquisitely set table, arranged with chintz place mats, silver and crystal. Stewed rhubarb from the garden preceded eggs Benedict, followed by freshly baked muffins and fragrant cinnamon buns, tea and coffee. Rates range upward of $65 double; phone (604) 592-8589.

The Coquitlam home has a breakfast menu of just-made scones, home-grown strawberry and raspberry jams, eggs and bacon, apple or blueberry pancakes, coffee, tea and juices.

Food Arrangements

If you are not an early-morning gourmand, let the host know the night before that you prefer a nibble of toast, juice and coffee. Other food arrangements are offered by some hosts and include bedtime snacks, dinner and picnic baskets, for an additional charge.

If you are an island lover, board one of the stately B.C. ferries that ply the sparkling waters of Georgia Strait between the mainland, Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands. There are a multitude of B&B; homes from which to choose, such as a Cliffside Inn on the Sea on three secluded waterfront acres on Pender Island; $45-$75, phone (604) 629-6691.

Watch eagles, seals and otters from the all-glass dining room while savoring your fresh seafood omelet and other home-grown fare. The use of a boat, bicycles, a sandy beach and excellent fishing grounds are some of the stellar attractions of these Gulf Island homes.

B&B; rates will ease the juggling of your budget, as they range from $20 single to $35 double and up. Children are usually half-price or less. Expect to pay more for outstanding homes offering lots of extras. Lower rates are usually offered for extended stays. An advantageous exchange rate makes B&B; accommodation an even better bargain for American visitors.

Reserve Well Ahead

Do’s and don’ts include: Do pay for your long-distance calls; do make reservations well ahead, confirmed by deposit (accommodations may be available on short notice but booking ahead will ensure you the home of your choice); do follow house rules; don’t ask to pay with credit cards unless specified as acceptable, and don’t bring pets unless previously arranged with host.

An excellent book called “Town and Country Bed and Breakfast in B.C.” by Helen Burich and Pauline Scoten is available from Box 46544, Station G, Vancouver, B.C., Canada V6R 4G6. It lists more than 250 homes in British Columbia, giving a half-page description of location, facilities and rates, often accompanied by a sketch of the home. Most of the homes have been personally inspected. Price: $9.95, plus $1.50 for postage.

Some of the B&Bs; are restored Victorian homes, but most are comfortable family homes with one or two bedrooms available. You will be invited to share the TV and a cup of tea by your host, who will be on hand to make your stay as comfortable as possible.

A word of caution: With the advent of Expo 86, many B&B; registries are springing to life. Check to see that the one you choose is a member of the West Coast Bed and Breakfast Assn. to avoid possible disappointment.

Firm friendships are frequently cemented between B&B; host and guest, resulting in congenial repeat visits to this network of homes away from home across British Columbia.