Magic of Vancouver

When planning a visit to Vancouver, Canada, look into the off-season “Discover the Magic” program being sponsored by Tourism Vancouver, a city-funded agency.

Nineteen hotels are offering weekend discounts up to 40% off regular room rates. If you check in on Friday for the weekend you can have an extra weekday night (Monday) at the discounted rate.

Among participating hotels are the Hyatt Regency, New World Harbourside, Ramada Renaissance, Chateau Granville, Royal Garden, Hotel Georgia, Pan Pacific and Westin Bayshore.

Discounts Available

At check-in you get a pamphlet listing discounts available at about 60 restaurants, nightclubs, stores, sightseeing attractions and galleries. The discounts are listed by category and numbered for quick reference on a handy map.

Some of the discounts, including a Gray Line tour of Vancouver and adult ski tickets at Grouse Mountain, are two-for-one offers.

Car-rental discounts up to 20% are available from Thrifty and Tilden at Vancouver International Airport.

The program is good until April 30. Contact travel agents or Tourism Vancouver, Suite 665, Two Bentall Centre, 555 Burrard St., Vancouver, B.C., Canada V6X 1M8, or call (604) 682-2222.

Budget rental stations in British Columbia, including Vancouver, also are offering coupon booklets, good through this year. One booklet has two-for-one offers at some ski areas that are good until the end of April.

Second Booklet

The other booklet has discounts at restaurants and sightseeing attractions, including the Vancouver Aquarium, Grouse Mountain Skyride and Capilano Suspension Bridge. Discounts off regular rates at 10 hotels also are provided for the same number of days you rent the car.

You probably will have to show the Budget rental agreement for the hotel discount.

Booklets are available with any car-rental period.

Complimentary child safety seats also are supplied upon request. Contact travel agents.