What were you able to pay per night? The few times we’ve been to Vancouver we found Airbnb to cost over $250 a night, and we also would need to clean the place ourself at the end of the stay. We decided to stay at coast corral harbour downtown which was only $180 a night with an ocean view and daily cleaning.
@@Dundun4793 Well your case is different as you were probably renting the whole place. I booked a room for a week at 30 bucks a night. It was in a house with a bunch of homestays. It was in west van and the place was pretty good too
Buying your bus pass at the 7-eleven in the airport avoids the $5 fee, depending on your needs. Barclay Hotel on Robson can be around $40 and Sandman Hotels will often have 2 for 1 nights, making it $40-$60 depending which one you stay at. And with Stay Vancouver credit card deals, we have stayed where the cost of the hotel was less than the amount of the prepaid credit card you get and can use at check-in, so we actually got money back.
Thank you for your honesty about places that are sketchy. I’m sorry there are so many people living in a rough place with little support. It makes me grateful you’re helping through the sales of the hats.
I'm glad you knew how to check for bedbugs! I wouldn't have known a thing. It's a shame because it really did look like they were trying to keep the place clean. But you smartly had reservations about staying in that part of town in the first place. On the plus side, that mishap made the episode different and memorable, not just another travel blogger being comped in the luxury suite .
I've spent a decent amount in most of the cities in canada except halifax, toronto and winnipeg. Manitoba is probably the dumpiest province in canada. Especially a place called Dauphin
Great as always, Mike. My last stay in Vancouver was at the Olympics. I used my AirMiles and flew from Alberta (free), stayed with my niece and family in North Van (free), volunteered at the communication centre and received a transit pass, which allowed me to get around as you did. I especially loved taking the little ferry back and forth. For any travelers who want to spend time in and around Vancouver, zipping about on public transit - get the pass.
Thank god you noticed those little bastards. I got some from a neighbor and couldn't get rid of them for maybe about 2 years. Had to eventually throw away almost all of my furniture. It was a total nightmare! Glad that you managed to find nice things to show about your city despite covid :)
Mike, I've seen you do many adventures but I have to say I was the most nervous watching you in the "rough" part of town. My family and I actually have been in that area, we stumbled upon it while wondering/getting lost. It was a balance of being nervous and feeling compassion for those living in those conditions and situations. I'm glad the bugs were the only challenge you faced. Thank you for showing the balance of being aware and vigilant to your surroundings and not being judgmental of the folks there. Adding to the list of reasons why I love your channel
Less than 50 large coffee's. I used to like paying $2.25 for the extra large. Then i stopped going then they raised the price and I'm like i ain't paying $2.50 for this crap
@@likeasambud9817 it stands for single room occupancy. Most of those old hotels have been turned into low-income housing. en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Single_room_occupancy
1 minute in and I have to pause to say THANK YOU for taking the time to start at the airport!!! Super helpful as opposed to just talking about it. Love the work that goes into your content.
I really enjoyed this video. It reminded me of an activity I did in college. We were in small groups and were given $5 each and we had to survive a day in downtown Pittsburgh together. We decided to pool our money and buy a loaf of bread and baloney. We looked for free things to do. Your adventure was awesome! Thanks!
I toured Montreal on a budget that small once. Rather than wasting my money on transit costs, I just walked/jogged around the town. I also packed bread, canned meat, juice boxes and a few energy bars. When it came to expenses it really came down to cab fare to my room, souvenirs, beer and a good dinner. I'd probably have done that here too.
I would not spend money on a cab, it’s too expensive. I would use public transportation as it is a great way to see the city taking the public transit as all the places you want to see may not be close in proximity. Taking the public transit will save you time.
Hey Mike. When get on the Canada Line, there's a free option for "Sea Island Centre Station" which is just one station away. If you get get that ticket and get off the at the Sea Island Centre station, and purchase your day pass there, you should be able to bypass the $5 airport surcharge. Great videos!
Sadly it applies to all 3 stations on Sea Island. Best way to save yourself the $5 is to take a free hotel shuttle into Richmond - like the Radisson. Time consuming but saves the $5.
bird time I'm saying it's possible that I've met one of the people in the comments in passing, I live in Vancouver and I've seen some people talking about places I regularly go to.
So bold and brave of you to book that hotel. Good to see that view of Van. There are people that would be forced to stay in such a scary neighbourhood due to finances so it's nice to see it when it's usually avoided.
Brilliant idea! I was literally holding my breath when you walked into that room. I had a flashback to the time I fell victim to bed bugs at a hotel I stayed at for a work assignment years back. It taught me to be vigilant in checking those sheets! Love this concept though. Might be neat to make this a full blown challenge for other travel vloggers on lockdown. 🤔
E Hastings street is considered the worst part of Canada and the highest concentration or drug use in North America. Im from Toronto, never left of been to E Hastings but I'm also not ignorant, I know nowhere else in Canada compares to it. There are some parts of Toronto near city hall that have a lot of homeless people but its nothing like E Hastings, they have city workers who full time job is to walk along e Hastings picking up used needles. Nowhere in toronto is like that. Ive been everywhere in this city, I'm never scared, people hear leave you alone even in the worst areas. Even Montreal is sketchier than Toronto. Toronto is considered one of the safest places in North America.
@@R.B.90 I live in Toronto and I fear getting shot every night walking home, ur definately privileged to live where u do cause trust me toronto isn’t as safe as u think
@@AliGgamer and how many times have you been shot at? That's an irrational fear. I am born and raised in one of Toronto's 13 priority neighborhoods still live here, I'm now 30. I've never been shot at once in my life. Have I seen some sketchy stuff over the years, ofcourse. But every city in the world has sketchy areas. In comparison to other cities in North America and even Canada Toronto is incredibly safe. Vancouver, Montreal, Winnipeg all are more dangerous canadian cities. We don't even need to have this conversation you can just look it up if you don't believe me. I also went to York for a Masters in Planning and have an undergrad in Urban Studies from UofT. I know what I'm talking about.
Awesome job, Mike! Considering the circumstances and our current situation, I really respect and appreciate your creativity and commitment to showing both the beauty and the, uh, grit of the city. Much respect.
I once stayed at the Cobalt because literally nowhere else had room available. The guy asked if I was paying for the month, and I said no just the night. He said don't show cash anywhere upstairs. I got in the room and there was blood in the sink and a condom wrapper in the corner of the room. Other than that, the bedding was clean and no bed bugs, so I couldn't really complain for the 40 bucks I paid last minute. Still pretty sketchy. I would recommend getting a hostel. They're shared rooms but it's super cheap.
Tight budget but you would have a harder time seeing sights and eating that well in any other city in BC. Bedbugs were definitely a downer though. Great challenge idea for a video.
I'm drawn to the ocean and I have great memories of Vancouver from earlier visits in my life. It's nice to see this and know that you do not need to spend boat loads of money to have a great time in Vancouver if your visiting or a resident. Thanks Downielive for yet another great video. The research you do to give us the history of different areas is also a nice addition to your general knoweldge of not just Vancouver but many other places across the country you have filmed.
for whoever visiting vancouver, it is ideal to carry some rain protection because this place rains 24/7 non-stop (not big rain, just a lot, a lot, a lot, and a lot of small rains)
Now I know what the 9 o’clock means! I have had very limited travel in Canada before Covid so I really love learning about all these great spots. Your videos are so informative and I love that you take the time to really show off this beautiful country. My travel days are pretty much over, so thanks for letting me “tag along” on your journeys. God bless!
At least real-estate is cheap in Detroit. Those gutted and abandoned home in Detriot that you can buy for under $5000 would cost at least $1 million in Vancouver.
@@Dantinus Detroit is like Canada's Sarnia .. Both right at a Canada\US crossing, real estate is cheap, and noone really wants to live there on purpose in the armpit of their respective countries :)
@@DownieLive the good thing about your unfortunate hotel...I didn’t know what to look for as a sign of bedbugs before watching your video. So glad you could go home!
If you are budgeting, I’ve booked private rooms on Airbnb at the same price or cheaper than that hotel. Benefit is bigger room plus kitchen and washer use. Feel safer as most people won’t tolerate bedbugs in their own home.
as a person that is looking to move to Canada next march I am EXTREMELY grateful to have found your channel. Lots of tips and tricks and such a likeable guy. Thanks for your effort and for uploading these. Hope to cross with you once there and i'll take you out for breakfast, for 2.95,because I'm already super broke just thinking about living there lol
@@theclazzclown Its not true at all, if it was then it would have gone viral by now. I know many people that ride the TTC anywhere between McCowan Rd. LRT to Kennedy Station to Kipling Station including subways, busses and street cars. Theyve heard some rumors too so we've all been on the look out as if its true then we will raise hell. The fares are not cheap and to have to deal with that too, nope. Fortunately it hasn't been true as of yet, atleast not from what anybody I know have seen. Same goes with the city itself. Because Toronto is the largest city in Canada, by quite a bit, its bound to have more issues then a town with 1100 or less. There are specific areas of Toronto that have run into issues, its usually low income housing, homeless shelters, that sort of thing. I'm sure nobody wants them but some people are in a situation that allows them to be picky.
Bed bugs, I'm scratching just thinking about it. I think I would have rented a car and slept in it instead. Every city has its sketchy parts, glad to know where to avoid if i ever visit Vancouver again. I'll also make sure to bring more than $100 with me, lol. Nice gutsy try. Mike
Bed bugs can be found everywhere in most cities, that said, I opted for sleeping in my car when travelling. Obviously only an option when you have a car.
We stayed at the Riviera on Robson for quite cheap and it exceeded our expectations - the rooms were so clean and huge and you’re right in the middle of everything and close to most areas of downtown. Highly recommend if you’re on a budget or even if you would rather spend more on activities!
Haha woow bold move Mike to actually go into a hotel in E Hastings. That public washroom next to victory square also very sus especially at night 🤔 anyways love your channel!!
I have so much admiration and respect for him for being honest about the situation in some areas and that there are good people hit with mental illness and other issues. We need to dismantle the beliefs that everyone in poverty or homelessness are bad and focus on the issues that push those people to those situations. Also respect and appreciate the indigenous and chinese acknowledgements. Would be interested in seeing him do this again, but focusing on accessible transportation, and areas to eat (supermarkets, etc.) that could offer cheaper, healthier and safer food options for those with illnesses/allergies, etc.
Great video Mike. Personally, I would have skipped lunch after that big (and cheap) breakfast, and booked either the La Quinta Inn Airport or Coast Vancouver Airport hotels for $62 and $64 respectively - yes they really are that cheap right now, and very well-rated! The Coast offers an airport shuttle, and both hotels offer free breakfast.
I've lived in Vancouver for 4 years and have learned more about the city after watching this video. Keep up the great work and look forward to more awesome content!
@@crazycrookerri wish i was joking, maybe at a convenience store it would cost around 2-3 dollars for a pack of gum but i went to walmart and usually things are pretty pricey there.
I just want to say on 8:30 its not the worst neighborhood in Canada in Toronto there are many places that beat that place in Vancouver downtown trust me.
Before these covid times, I actually remember going to the Canadian Pacific Railway for the seabus and going through the long tunnel! Also when you arrived, I also went to the top of those stairs where the sign and i also remember the fence where all the locks where. Vancouver is a awesome place! Great video too!
Pity about the bedbugs! I did wonder why you didn't go for a hostel instead of a hotel if it had to be cheap, but I guess that wasn't the challenge you had set yourself? Also, if I ever make it to Vancouver I think Chinese food will be at the top of my list :)
I thought a hostel was just the European word for hotel until I read your comment and googled it. 😂 never heard the word hostel spoken in Canada. I just know of the movie.
Vancouver has hostels. I hitch hiked Canada once and stayed in hostels all over the country. Stayed in two in B.C., one in Vancouver and another in Squamish. Tons of fun.
my cousins live in surrey so sometimes we go to Vancouver and I've been to the places that you went to. Pretty accurate, except you've never said anything about the constant rain ;)
NOT TRUE! There are at least two months out of the year when it only rains here twice a week!!! Heheh 😂😛 seriously the forecast on my phone shows rain for the next 10 days tho. 😖
WOW! Almost did it! Thanks MUCH as you toured the old neighbourhoods of my youth! Especially tribute to the thousands that died making the railroad, my heritage, and ancestors thank you.. Too funny you trying to stay at the Pat, my Dad's old watering hole, as him and Granny lived down the alley from there. Great finale with the 9 0'clock gun! Again, all the BEST to you, and a great view, share and THANK YOU from south of the closed border! Cheers :)
Loved the video (btw). It is so hard to do anything for under $100 here, now. A few of my favourite choices are Granville Island, Lynn Canyon, and just riding the skytrain to "see" neighborhoods.
Hi Cas. As someone who lives in downtown Vancouver, this video is accurate. The two most popular Vancouver hostels on Granville are only marginally cheaper than the Patricia. And it's not uncommon to encounter "issues" at the front door of these hostels.
I can’t thank you enough for showing the bed bug issue. Honestly it’s not insulting to anyone establishment or person. It’s a pandemic across Canada! We moved out of Toronto bc we couldn’t afford proper housing & ended up in a horrible spot w bed bugs. They’re a nightmare. I know that some might be upset bout you showing that but it’s important ppl know why things are CHEAP-& if he stayed he might in that “hotel” with bed bugs it would have costed him OVER A THOUSAND DOLLARS to rid them of his home etc. So thanks
I remember when I was an Aupair in Washington State, other AuPairs and I went to Vancouver for a few day. We took the cheapest hotel, which was in Chinatown. It was really fishy there. We saw junkies in the streets and everything was a little decrepit. One night we went out. A police man, who was guarding the street because Jessica Alba was shooting "The Eye" there (we saw her actually), said to us that this is not a place for young women.
@@jaycvu He lives in Vancouver and said in the video he wouldn't overnight at that hotel. He only checked in to show that it's possible to spend a day there spending under $100. He went home afterwards.
@@timsummers870 ya I know he lives in Vancouver. I used to live in Vancouver as well, and that part of town, just walking thru , you might get infected with some medieval diseases...
@@raynemichelle2996 ya , that area has a few streets, that I has a 225 lbs men , avoid at all costs. It's the drugs, the poverty, the people out of their mind, the vehicle traffic trying to avoid the people out of their mind... its crazy town 😳
As someone who works in retail, if you go into a smaller store with a camera it's pretty normal to get above average service. But that restaurant still looks great.
@@DownieLive It was actually close to that hotel you didn't stay at but there were no bedbugs at all it was quite clean I mean I did have to share the bathroom down the Hall but that's about it but I gotta sink in my Room
I think I've reached a point in life where I don't have to choose a hotel on East Hastings. Actually, a couple years ago I stayed at the Pan Pacific on Canada Place. The price wasn't bad, mainly because I was traveling off season in early December. If you can swing that, and don't mind the weather that time of year, just do it. I've even stayed at the Hyatt next to RBC Royal Centre in late October. It wasn't horribly expensive either. Good video.
hmmm I set my location to Russia even tho I live in Canada Vancouver but I still got recommended this video. ya UA-cam is definitely tracking you and knows where you live btw cool video
Yep. I will get videos recommended to me, that are based on subjects a friend was telling me about 10 minutes earlier. It’s also listening to you when you’re not even touching it. Hate to put a damper on the good time here, but it’s creepy. One time I went through the drive through and ordered a Mcdonald’s hashbrown for the first time in like 10 years...and an hour later I was recommended a video by youtube on how to re-create the mcdonalds hashbrown at home. Getting weird out there people... very weird. Can’t say I hate being recommended content made so close to home though 😂
My first thought when you entered that hotel was bedbugs. I’m glad you decided not to stay the night there. Wise move! I do love the concept of taking a limited amount of money for the day and seeing what all you can do with that amount. Up until the hotel, you were rocking it.......especially that $2.95 breakfast! 👍 Love, love love your videos, by the way!
The area of Regina near Mosaic Stadium is "worse" that the DTES. More drug addiction, more crime, more poverty, but since it's Regina and nearly 100% of inhabitants are indigenous and it gets zero tourism, it gets none of the attention that DTES gets. I love Vancouver and loved this video but the national obsession with DTES ignores the even more serious plights of urban and rural (esp on-Reserve) indigenous Canadians.
I tried to comment about all the guns, gangs and killings in Regina but I keep getting shadowbanned (I sign out to see if my comment appears but it does not)
reminder there is always hostels if you don't mind sharing. around $30 a night in downtown. and the hostel is literally next door to the warehouse. you can also get private rooms for around that $50 mark.
Oh man, good call on ditching the bed bugs I would've done the same. I stayed in hostels on Granville and Dunsmuir and they were okay, fortunately. I can actually see the sign for Samesun Hostel at 11:20 where I stayed!
I probably will never travel to Vancouver, but I enjoyed learning about your town. Every video is an adventure for me. We no sooner got out of quarantine than a snow storm took out our electricity for three days. We're getting back to normal. Will keep up with you and. Looking forward to the next adventure. Sorry about the bedbugs. 😔😷❄️
pro tip: book an Airbnb instead of a hotel room, you'll end up saving a lot compared to a hotel plus might even get it in a good neighborhood
Still need to check for bedbugs!
We found them in an airbnb on the OBX, NC!
This! There are so much airbnb's that are cheaper than that shitty hotel.
What were you able to pay per night? The few times we’ve been to Vancouver we found Airbnb to cost over $250 a night, and we also would need to clean the place ourself at the end of the stay. We decided to stay at coast corral harbour downtown which was only $180 a night with an ocean view and daily cleaning.
@@Dundun4793 Well your case is different as you were probably renting the whole place. I booked a room for a week at 30 bucks a night. It was in a house with a bunch of homestays. It was in west van and the place was pretty good too
Buying your bus pass at the 7-eleven in the airport avoids the $5 fee, depending on your needs. Barclay Hotel on Robson can be around $40 and Sandman Hotels will often have 2 for 1 nights, making it $40-$60 depending which one you stay at. And with Stay Vancouver credit card deals, we have stayed where the cost of the hotel was less than the amount of the prepaid credit card you get and can use at check-in, so we actually got money back.
You beauty!
Thank you for your honesty about places that are sketchy. I’m sorry there are so many people living in a rough place with little support. It makes me grateful you’re helping through the sales of the hats.
Oh man I remember when The Warehouse was 4.95 for a meal, great video!
Yes! Thank you!
Can’t even get a combo at McDonald’s for that much
@@DownieLive hi
Only 6.95 now, not bad at all.
My fav spot in toronto!
What can you get for a $100 in Canada?
Me who lives near Vancouver: Maybe a cardboard box in the East end.
Me who lives in Richmond: Maybe a soggy cardboard box (due to all the precipitation)
Me who lives in east Vancouver jack shit
@@leongao5120 preach it.
@@leongao5120 maybe get mugged on my way back to my alley.
@@DevAndVic2022 I just realized that my grandma used to live in the sros in that hotel or right outside
Q: What can you get with $100 in Canada?
A: You need more than $100.
In Vancouver atleast lol
@entItyVR yeah but over here in Alberta I could probably do all the stuff he did for cheaper
Danger 2007 yeah,Vancouver is different than the rest of Canada
@entItyVR lol yeahj totaly right(100$ a day = 400$ a month)
@@sonicfan82 Toronto is getting just as bad as well... But no doubt Vancouver is expensive asf to do stuff down there
I'm glad you knew how to check for bedbugs! I wouldn't have known a thing. It's a shame because it really did look like they were trying to keep the place clean. But you smartly had reservations about staying in that part of town in the first place. On the plus side, that mishap made the episode different and memorable, not just another travel blogger being comped in the luxury suite .
Hahaha. Thanks John.
Gotta trust your gut and check
Yeah that was a shame about the bed bugs but why get bit up if you can just go home...sucks for folks who have no other options :(
it was smart of him to not let the bed bugs bite.
@@IDGAFS21why are there bed bugs in winnipeg, i keep hearing that?
@@moonstrike100 I live in Winnipeg, I have no bed bugs in my house but maybe there are some in other places, but I like clean areas.
I've spent a decent amount in most of the cities in canada except halifax, toronto and winnipeg.
Manitoba is probably the dumpiest province in canada. Especially a place called Dauphin
@@Adura61 u can have them when your clean too they don't use the rigth shit to kill the kits all a fucken scam!
Not so much that they bite its that they imagrate to ur home
Actual name : "what can 100$ get you in the most expensive city of the country"
Have you been New York, Shanghai and Moscow? Vancouver is far away of the most expensive.
@@杨军-y9b "The most expensive city in the COUNTRY", he didn't say the WORLD.
@@杨军-y9b read the sentence again, slowly
Toronto
@@杨军-y9b he’s talking about Canada not the Us, China and Russia
I appreciate the dedication of going to the airport even though you’re already in Vancouver 💯💯
Great as always, Mike. My last stay in Vancouver was at the Olympics. I used my AirMiles and flew from Alberta (free), stayed with my niece and family in North Van (free), volunteered at the communication centre and received a transit pass, which allowed me to get around as you did. I especially loved taking the little ferry back and forth. For any travelers who want to spend time in and around Vancouver, zipping about on public transit - get the pass.
That is awesome! Wow, sounds like you spent less money than I did! 😄
Thank god you noticed those little bastards. I got some from a neighbor and couldn't get rid of them for maybe about 2 years. Had to eventually throw away almost all of my furniture. It was a total nightmare! Glad that you managed to find nice things to show about your city despite covid :)
Mike, I've seen you do many adventures but I have to say I was the most nervous watching you in the "rough" part of town. My family and I actually have been in that area, we stumbled upon it while wondering/getting lost. It was a balance of being nervous and feeling compassion for those living in those conditions and situations. I'm glad the bugs were the only challenge you faced. Thank you for showing the balance of being aware and vigilant to your surroundings and not being judgmental of the folks there. Adding to the list of reasons why I love your channel
Thanks Jymn. It's a very real place and while most tourists are sheltered from it, it is a reality here in Vancouver, and it's important to show.
You could buy a hell of a lot of Tim Horton’s with that
If Tim's was worth buying in the first place.
Ehem *correction* : 1 small coffee
Lol
Less than 50 large coffee's. I used to like paying $2.25 for the extra large. Then i stopped going then they raised the price and I'm like i ain't paying $2.50 for this crap
yea, but you cannot sit inside anymore to enjoy the warm heaters and bathroom!
1 dislike from the hotel's owner
Hahaha 😂
😭😂😭
It's an SRO. Believe me, they're not worried.
@@raynemichelle2996 what is SRO
@@likeasambud9817 it stands for single room occupancy. Most of those old hotels have been turned into low-income housing. en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Single_room_occupancy
1 minute in and I have to pause to say THANK YOU for taking the time to start at the airport!!! Super helpful as opposed to just talking about it. Love the work that goes into your content.
Thanks Cassie!
I really enjoyed this video. It reminded me of an activity I did in college. We were in small groups and were given $5 each and we had to survive a day in downtown Pittsburgh together. We decided to pool our money and buy a loaf of bread and baloney. We looked for free things to do. Your adventure was awesome! Thanks!
Wow! $5?! Now that’s an adventure.
I toured Montreal on a budget that small once. Rather than wasting my money on transit costs, I just walked/jogged around the town. I also packed bread, canned meat, juice boxes and a few energy bars. When it came to expenses it really came down to cab fare to my room, souvenirs, beer and a good dinner. I'd probably have done that here too.
I would not spend money on a cab, it’s too expensive. I would use public transportation as it is a great way to see the city taking the public transit as all the places you want to see may not be close in proximity. Taking the public transit will save you time.
Hey Mike. When get on the Canada Line, there's a free option for "Sea Island Centre Station" which is just one station away. If you get get that ticket and get off the at the Sea Island Centre station, and purchase your day pass there, you should be able to bypass the $5 airport surcharge.
Great videos!
I think the $5 surcharge is still applicable there. But good thinking
Sadly it applies to all 3 stations on Sea Island. Best way to save yourself the $5 is to take a free hotel shuttle into Richmond - like the Radisson. Time consuming but saves the $5.
@@DownieLive it applies for the whole island the airport is on such as templeton, sea island and airport
Yup. Done it!
It's so weird scrolling through the comments and knowing that I could have possibly met one of the people in the comments.
Ya I know the 1 in 7 000 000 000
bird time I'm saying it's possible that I've met one of the people in the comments in passing, I live in Vancouver and I've seen some people talking about places I regularly go to.
@@mayacrod ok
@@mayacrod I know right it’s weird
@@mayacrod facts
Please do this with every major Canadian city!
Quebec 🤘🏼
Edmonton
Toronto
Calgary
Halifax
Charlottetown
Ottawa
@@snjh08 winnipeg :)
Saskatoon
So bold and brave of you to book that hotel. Good to see that view of Van. There are people that would be forced to stay in such a scary neighbourhood due to finances so it's nice to see it when it's usually avoided.
Brilliant idea! I was literally holding my breath when you walked into that room. I had a flashback to the time I fell victim to bed bugs at a hotel I stayed at for a work assignment years back. It taught me to be vigilant in checking those sheets! Love this concept though. Might be neat to make this a full blown challenge for other travel vloggers on lockdown. 🤔
Oh No! Bed bugs are the worst. I’m sorry you experienced that.
Yeah, I should try to challenge some other local vloggers. Good idea 👍🏼
“I don’t know where I am going next but I want you there with me “quotes by downielive.love and support for the brother ❤️❤️
Alright! Thanks!
This guy has obviously never heard of Jane and Driftwood Toronto
Lmao 😂 big facts
Yea
E Hastings street is considered the worst part of Canada and the highest concentration or drug use in North America. Im from Toronto, never left of been to E Hastings but I'm also not ignorant, I know nowhere else in Canada compares to it. There are some parts of Toronto near city hall that have a lot of homeless people but its nothing like E Hastings, they have city workers who full time job is to walk along e Hastings picking up used needles. Nowhere in toronto is like that. Ive been everywhere in this city, I'm never scared, people hear leave you alone even in the worst areas. Even Montreal is sketchier than Toronto. Toronto is considered one of the safest places in North America.
@@R.B.90 I live in Toronto and I fear getting shot every night walking home, ur definately privileged to live where u do cause trust me toronto isn’t as safe as u think
@@AliGgamer and how many times have you been shot at? That's an irrational fear. I am born and raised in one of Toronto's 13 priority neighborhoods still live here, I'm now 30. I've never been shot at once in my life. Have I seen some sketchy stuff over the years, ofcourse. But every city in the world has sketchy areas. In comparison to other cities in North America and even Canada Toronto is incredibly safe. Vancouver, Montreal, Winnipeg all are more dangerous canadian cities. We don't even need to have this conversation you can just look it up if you don't believe me. I also went to York for a Masters in Planning and have an undergrad in Urban Studies from UofT. I know what I'm talking about.
I love the honesty on this video! Thanks for not letting go and finishing what you had planned!
Awesome job, Mike! Considering the circumstances and our current situation, I really respect and appreciate your creativity and commitment to showing both the beauty and the, uh, grit of the city. Much respect.
I appreciate that!
I once stayed at the Cobalt because literally nowhere else had room available. The guy asked if I was paying for the month, and I said no just the night. He said don't show cash anywhere upstairs. I got in the room and there was blood in the sink and a condom wrapper in the corner of the room. Other than that, the bedding was clean and no bed bugs, so I couldn't really complain for the 40 bucks I paid last minute. Still pretty sketchy. I would recommend getting a hostel. They're shared rooms but it's super cheap.
Tight budget but you would have a harder time seeing sights and eating that well in any other city in BC. Bedbugs were definitely a downer though. Great challenge idea for a video.
I'm drawn to the ocean and I have great memories of Vancouver from earlier visits in my life. It's nice to see this and know that you do not need to spend boat loads of money to have a great time in Vancouver if your visiting or a resident. Thanks Downielive for yet another great video. The research you do to give us the history of different areas is also a nice addition to your general knoweldge of not just Vancouver but many other places across the country you have filmed.
Wow...what an eye opening smart move checking underneath the bed in a hotel room. I just learned something.
for whoever visiting vancouver, it is ideal to carry some rain protection because this place rains 24/7 non-stop (not big rain, just a lot, a lot, a lot, and a lot of small rains)
What can you get with $100 in Canada?
Answer: A pack of gum 😂
*before tax*
@@cristianochin8655 yup 🤣
But we have a giant duck.
@@paul.c1810 fml. I almost repressed that memory...
@Dapper Canuck oh dang you are right! I forgot that we get less of each item every year and the prices always go up! 🤣
Now I know what the 9 o’clock means! I have had very limited travel in Canada before Covid so I really love learning about all these great spots. Your videos are so informative and I love that you take the time to really show off this beautiful country. My travel days are pretty much over, so thanks for letting me “tag along” on your journeys. God bless!
Worst neighborhood in Canada.
American: laughs in Detroit
At least real-estate is cheap in Detroit. Those gutted and abandoned home in Detriot that you can buy for under $5000 would cost at least $1 million in Vancouver.
@@Dantinus Detroit is like Canada's Sarnia .. Both right at a Canada\US crossing, real estate is cheap, and noone really wants to live there on purpose in the armpit of their respective countries :)
@@cantfindausernamedam Its more comparable to Windsor.
@Reign Dm I know they're right across from each other lol.
Yea that was an exagerration about being the worst neighbourhood in canada
hope he got a refund on that hotel room when he left... that's gross.
You’re gross.
@fatuma supremacy "discriminate"
If it’s going to involve bedbugs, I don’t care where you’re going, I’m NOT going with you!!!😂
HAHAHA. Good point, Debbie 😄👍🏼
Great comment Debbie!
Haha! Spot on !!
@@DownieLive the good thing about your unfortunate hotel...I didn’t know what to look for as a sign of bedbugs before watching your video. So glad you could go home!
If you are budgeting, I’ve booked private rooms on Airbnb at the same price or cheaper than that hotel. Benefit is bigger room plus kitchen and washer use. Feel safer as most people won’t tolerate bedbugs in their own home.
I live in Van, this video has made me realize all the shit I take for granted living here, it's a beautiful city.
ngl you would fit well as a Loki double from Marvel
as a person that is looking to move to Canada next march I am EXTREMELY grateful to have found your channel. Lots of tips and tricks and such a likeable guy. Thanks for your effort and for uploading these. Hope to cross with you once there and i'll take you out for breakfast, for 2.95,because I'm already super broke just thinking about living there lol
Greetings Mike! Now that was a perfect travel show for public television! Informative and fun, except for the bed bugs! Ugh!!! haha
Hahaha. Well, it shows that you can’t win them all. Thanks Larry.
Be careful if you ever visit Toronto. It was recently declared the Canadian city with the worst bed bug problem. 😖
@@musingwithreba9667 Thats bullsh*t
@@a1driver982 I heard it's true- even in the TTC seats.
@@theclazzclown Its not true at all, if it was then it would have gone viral by now. I know many people that ride the TTC anywhere between McCowan Rd. LRT to Kennedy Station to Kipling Station including subways, busses and street cars. Theyve heard some rumors too so we've all been on the look out as if its true then we will raise hell. The fares are not cheap and to have to deal with that too, nope. Fortunately it hasn't been true as of yet, atleast not from what anybody I know have seen. Same goes with the city itself. Because Toronto is the largest city in Canada, by quite a bit, its bound to have more issues then a town with 1100 or less. There are specific areas of Toronto that have run into issues, its usually low income housing, homeless shelters, that sort of thing. I'm sure nobody wants them but some people are in a situation that allows them to be picky.
So refreshing to have a Vlogger who is so honest about reality. Nice work.
I appreciate that!
Bed bugs, I'm scratching just thinking about it. I think I would have rented a car and slept in it instead. Every city has its sketchy parts, glad to know where to avoid if i ever visit Vancouver again. I'll also make sure to bring more than $100 with me, lol. Nice gutsy try. Mike
Damn dude you got the best content on youtube right now. Keep bringing out the dope Vancouver vids!
You got it! Thanks
Bed bugs can be found everywhere in most cities, that said, I opted for sleeping in my car when travelling. Obviously only an option when you have a car.
*10:10* Tell me why I thought he was checking for monsters under the bed...
Man, I am dumb.
you can get a hot dog and a coke for $1.50 at costco lmao
costco food is cheap as hell in canada, but ever since the whole pandemic thingy there's always a long ass line.
@@bruhsauce644 true
ok
Yeah the diarrhea comes free of charge
You can't even get in without a Costco card lol yes they said that to me, then I found out you have to buy 60 Bux membership haha
For anyone wanting to legit stay for $100 a day: You could get an Airbnb private room for 40-50 bucks, or PandaPod is another idea!
i was thinking the exact same thing
Great concept for a video. Everyone should explore their hometown more, there are usually so many things we don't know exist that are so close by.
We stayed at the Riviera on Robson for quite cheap and it exceeded our expectations - the rooms were so clean and huge and you’re right in the middle of everything and close to most areas of downtown. Highly recommend if you’re on a budget or even if you would rather spend more on activities!
It's not an expensive city..it's an expensive country
yup, and they make for damn sure you cannot leave and find a better life elsewhere.
Vancouver is definitively more expensive than most Canadian cities..
@AIDEN X AEVAH u didn't get a heart thi
I've been to three different province alberta Saskatchewan and manitoba and alberta is by far the most expensive
Nah, I live real close to Vancouver (legit 3 hours away) and it's not half as expensive.
You can stay at the Downtown Hostel which has no bedbugs for 42$ a night in a 4-dorm room. For longer stays AirBnbs can be found from 50-85$ a night
Haha woow bold move Mike to actually go into a hotel in E Hastings. That public washroom next to victory square also very sus especially at night 🤔 anyways love your channel!!
Aren't those the washrooms that have the security/attendant guy watching behind plexiglass?
Very important to check the room before you stay in it. That speaks volumes to folks that don't do so often. Thanks.
Very true!
For a clean and cheap bed, Hostelling International hostels are always recommended. They've never let me down through my US and European travels.
I have so much admiration and respect for him for being honest about the situation in some areas and that there are good people hit with mental illness and other issues. We need to dismantle the beliefs that everyone in poverty or homelessness are bad and focus on the issues that push those people to those situations. Also respect and appreciate the indigenous and chinese acknowledgements. Would be interested in seeing him do this again, but focusing on accessible transportation, and areas to eat (supermarkets, etc.) that could offer cheaper, healthier and safer food options for those with illnesses/allergies, etc.
I thought this was going to be a 3 second video,
"A Half gram, a two-four, pack a darts and the rest in Nevada's"
You didn't get a heart 💔
Josh, that shit is funny asf. I nearly spit my morning coffee out.
Need me a half ounce
@ENDLockdowns DotOrg lol I'm not talking about weed
@@mastersamurai7683 I also figured it was deserving 😤
We always stay at a air bnb when we go to Vancouver. It’s always way cheaper than a hotel. Plus all of our hosts have been amazing.
I remember when Bon’s was a 99 cent breakfast.
Great video Mike. Personally, I would have skipped lunch after that big (and cheap) breakfast, and booked either the La Quinta Inn Airport or Coast Vancouver Airport hotels for $62 and $64 respectively - yes they really are that cheap right now, and very well-rated! The Coast offers an airport shuttle, and both hotels offer free breakfast.
There’s a pod hotel in Richmond called Panda Pod. It would probably fit the $100 daily budget.
I've lived in Vancouver for 4 years and have learned more about the city after watching this video. Keep up the great work and look forward to more awesome content!
btw if anyone goes to Lonsdale Quay - you need to check out Sharky's - awesome value, huge portions, and great comfort food!
I literally live here and I can say that this is quite accurate
Literally?
@@crazycrookerr yeah, i live in vancouver. yesterday i bought a small pack of gum for 11$. 😭
@@jillianlars130 your joking. Surely. I live in Ontario Canada and stuffs pricey but not that much!!
@@crazycrookerri wish i was joking, maybe at a convenience store it would cost around 2-3 dollars for a pack of gum but i went to walmart and usually things are pretty pricey there.
Live in Ontario, went to a dollar store and got a pack of gum for only 1.25 dollars, it’s cheaper here but still not that cheap
I just want to say on 8:30 its not the worst neighborhood in Canada in Toronto there are many places that beat that place in Vancouver downtown trust me.
That hotel was scary cause the bed bugs but now cause of you I know to look at the top corners of the mattress
Before these covid times, I actually remember going to the Canadian Pacific Railway for the seabus and going through the long tunnel! Also when you arrived, I also went to the top of those stairs where the sign and i also remember the fence where all the locks where. Vancouver is a awesome place! Great video too!
Pity about the bedbugs! I did wonder why you didn't go for a hostel instead of a hotel if it had to be cheap, but I guess that wasn't the challenge you had set yourself? Also, if I ever make it to Vancouver I think Chinese food will be at the top of my list :)
north america doesn't have a lot of hostels if any. motels are what you find usually
@@storm0fnova Canada*
@@hostileenvironment6107 There really aren't many hostels in the US either... maybe in some trendy areas in big cities on the coasts.
I thought a hostel was just the European word for hotel until I read your comment and googled it. 😂 never heard the word hostel spoken in Canada. I just know of the movie.
Vancouver has hostels. I hitch hiked Canada once and stayed in hostels all over the country. Stayed in two in B.C., one in Vancouver and another in Squamish. Tons of fun.
Camping is also another AMAZING low budget idea with Vancouver having so many camping sites in just the tricities and some you can get to on bus
my cousins live in surrey so sometimes we go to Vancouver and I've been to the places that you went to. Pretty accurate, except you've never said anything about the constant rain ;)
NOT TRUE! There are at least two months out of the year when it only rains here twice a week!!!
Heheh 😂😛 seriously the forecast on my phone shows rain for the next 10 days tho. 😖
i remember in the summer once it was raining on my birthday and i was crying. lol
Another Surrey Jack
WOW! Almost did it! Thanks MUCH as you toured the old neighbourhoods of my youth! Especially tribute to the thousands that died making the railroad, my heritage, and ancestors thank you.. Too funny you trying to stay at the Pat, my Dad's old watering hole, as him and Granny lived down the alley from there. Great finale with the 9 0'clock gun! Again, all the BEST to you, and a great view, share and THANK YOU from south of the closed border! Cheers :)
Glad you appreciated it, Marty.
$100 to spend is like $133 before taxes.
Loved the video (btw). It is so hard to do anything for under $100 here, now. A few of my favourite choices are Granville Island, Lynn Canyon, and just riding the skytrain to "see" neighborhoods.
As a backpacker, I would probably just book a hostel bed instead of a cheap hotelroom!
Hi Cas. As someone who lives in downtown Vancouver, this video is accurate.
The two most popular Vancouver hostels on Granville are only marginally cheaper than the Patricia. And it's not uncommon to encounter "issues" at the front door of these hostels.
I can’t thank you enough for showing the bed bug issue. Honestly it’s not insulting to anyone establishment or person. It’s a pandemic across Canada! We moved out of Toronto bc we couldn’t afford proper housing & ended up in a horrible spot w bed bugs. They’re a nightmare. I know that some might be upset bout you showing that but it’s important ppl know why things are CHEAP-& if he stayed he might in that “hotel” with bed bugs it would have costed him OVER A THOUSAND DOLLARS to rid them of his home etc. So thanks
You could've stayed at a hostel dorm for $24. I've stayed at a hostel downtown and there was no problem.
Same! I live right near Vancouver and when I go there i often get something under 100$, especially if its just one night.
I like the gun at night better. Never knew how to look for bedbugs. It's so very cool how honest and forthright you are. Well done!
Thanks Will.
damn 2.95 cad for a whole good breakfast? damn man, tims barely reaches 4 dollars
I remember when I was an Aupair in Washington State, other AuPairs and I went to Vancouver for a few day. We took the cheapest hotel, which was in Chinatown. It was really fishy there. We saw junkies in the streets and everything was a little decrepit. One night we went out. A police man, who was guarding the street because Jessica Alba was shooting "The Eye" there (we saw her actually), said to us that this is not a place for young women.
Patricia Hotel, that's my sisters name. Okay i will tell her to clean up HAHA! Love seeing my city during this time.
Hahaha
found this my accident.. really quite informative and interesting.. well done... looks like a nice city.. never been
When you said you were going to do all those things with a $100 budget, I could bet another $100 that you'd stay in E. Hastings St. 😹😹
Hmm airbnb would have worked. Winter and covid-19 , you probably can get a night for $50 ... I hope you got tested after the stay.
@@jaycvu He lives in Vancouver and said in the video he wouldn't overnight at that hotel. He only checked in to show that it's possible to spend a day there spending under $100. He went home afterwards.
@@timsummers870 ya I know he lives in Vancouver. I used to live in Vancouver as well, and that part of town, just walking thru , you might get infected with some medieval diseases...
@@jaycvu I had 2 propositions to do sex things for money while walking through East Van.
@@raynemichelle2996 ya , that area has a few streets, that I has a 225 lbs men , avoid at all costs. It's the drugs, the poverty, the people out of their mind, the vehicle traffic trying to avoid the people out of their mind... its crazy town 😳
As someone who works in retail, if you go into a smaller store with a camera it's pretty normal to get above average service. But that restaurant still looks great.
I stayed at a hostel in Vancouver still got a privet room for 40 dollars
Yeah, Hostel would definitely be the way to go. I wanted to see if I could make it work with a hotel.
@@DownieLive It was actually close to that hotel you didn't stay at but there were no bedbugs at all it was quite clean I mean I did have to share the bathroom down the Hall but that's about it but I gotta sink in my Room
I think I've reached a point in life where I don't have to choose a hotel on East Hastings. Actually, a couple years ago I stayed at the Pan Pacific on Canada Place. The price wasn't bad, mainly because I was traveling off season in early December. If you can swing that, and don't mind the weather that time of year, just do it. I've even stayed at the Hyatt next to RBC Royal Centre in late October. It wasn't horribly expensive either. Good video.
A Medium Coffee and a LARGE Donut with some small change back ! LMAO 😂!
So glad that Bons is still open!!!! And didn't get shut down by the pandemic! 🙂 Awesome video!
I’m from Vancouver and I can’t even watch what hotel he chooses. He is going to get bedbugs after this.
Great video - diggin' the Anian wooly too!
You and me both!
hmmm I set my location to Russia even tho I live in Canada Vancouver but I still got recommended this video.
ya UA-cam is definitely tracking you and knows where you live
btw cool video
Yep. I will get videos recommended to me, that are based on subjects a friend was telling me about 10 minutes earlier. It’s also listening to you when you’re not even touching it. Hate to put a damper on the good time here, but it’s creepy.
One time I went through the drive through and ordered a Mcdonald’s hashbrown for the first time in like 10 years...and an hour later I was recommended a video by youtube on how to re-create the mcdonalds hashbrown at home.
Getting weird out there people... very weird.
Can’t say I hate being recommended content made so close to home though 😂
@@yomanyohan6828 ya the happens to me i hate it
My first thought when you entered that hotel was bedbugs. I’m glad you decided not to stay the night there. Wise move! I do love the concept of taking a limited amount of money for the day and seeing what all you can do with that amount. Up until the hotel, you were rocking it.......especially that $2.95 breakfast! 👍 Love, love love your videos, by the way!
Thanks Donna! It was definitely a fun challenge
only beautys know the feeling of going home from a novice game with their dad and getting timbits and a hot chocolate
omg, the good old days for sure
During the height of covid, my sister and I stayed at a 4 star hotel 5min walk from Stanley Park for 120/night. It was amazing
Ngl his video edits and narration made Vancouver look wayyyyyy more nice than it actually is 😂
I had no idea El Furniture was outside of Toronto too... really good spot. Solid cheap food and really unique atmosphere.
The area of Regina near Mosaic Stadium is "worse" that the DTES. More drug addiction, more crime, more poverty, but since it's Regina and nearly 100% of inhabitants are indigenous and it gets zero tourism, it gets none of the attention that DTES gets. I love Vancouver and loved this video but the national obsession with DTES ignores the even more serious plights of urban and rural (esp on-Reserve) indigenous Canadians.
I can agree with you on this.
Damn I didn't expect anybody else who's been to/lives in Regina here
I tried to comment about all the guns, gangs and killings in Regina but I keep getting shadowbanned (I sign out to see if my comment appears but it does not)
@@soberstoner1152 I've never been to Regina, sorry, but have read the stats. I live in Calgary and have been to and around the DTES.
@@JohnManzo I see, being a Regina local I can confidently say that you are right. ua-cam.com/video/jYo2ai8UpP4/v-deo.html
reminder there is always hostels if you don't mind sharing. around $30 a night in downtown. and the hostel is literally next door to the warehouse. you can also get private rooms for around that $50 mark.
What can you get for $100?
One day of protection from the Canadian Goose Mafia
Oh man, good call on ditching the bed bugs I would've done the same. I stayed in hostels on Granville and Dunsmuir and they were okay, fortunately. I can actually see the sign for Samesun Hostel at 11:20 where I stayed!
Ahh yes the maple syrup coloured note
Brick Life some say it also smells like maple syrup 👀
@@Qakcle My whole family says it smells like maple syrup, but not me. He he.
I probably will never travel to Vancouver, but I enjoyed learning about your town. Every video is an adventure for me. We no sooner got out of quarantine than a snow storm took out our electricity for three days. We're getting back to normal. Will keep up with you and. Looking forward to the next adventure. Sorry about the bedbugs. 😔😷❄️
Oh wow, Henrietta. That’s a long power outage.
Stay safe!