Hopefully they're coming with enough money to support themselves.

How old are they? Most young adults appreciate a free place to stay and some meals, but I would expect them to bring their own spending money for everything else.

I'd start by talking with my sister to learn what she has already committed to.

Once you meet them, or have talked with your sister about their likes/dislikes and plans, some gift cards for restaurants, passes to museums, gardens or other attractions in or near your city. Or go with them to some of your favorite places. Take them on a car tour of places you enjoy or scenic spots.

Thank you everyone!

They are in their early 20s. I have spoken to my DS and apparently they are just financially able to do hikes and that's about it. Plus contributing to the food situation. I would like them to enjoy their time here so will do the wonderful suggestion of gifting them with tickets to things they enjoy.

When they come here, the gardens, beaches and Stanley park are a must see. Plus the museums etc.

For up at DS's there's horse back riding and I'm also checking into river rafting and so on on. They don't drive so bus passes will work for sure.

Thanks again! You've gotten my wheels turning and that's exactly what I needed.

Hike up the Grouse Grind and then take the skyride down it's only $10. Otherwise it's $45. They just have to be in decent shape and take water and wear decent shoes.

Do the suspension bridge in Lynn Valley instead of Capilano. Lynn Valley is free and they can do some hiking. Take the bus up Lynn Valley road to The End of the Line coffee shop, and across the street is a map or get a map from End of the Line or print a map off the internet.

One of the things we enjoyed most was renting bikes at Spokes for a sunset ride around Stanley Park, hugging the shore line. Gorgeous. It is also fun to ride the various ferries to the areas with markets. I forget the one downtown on the little island, and then there is the night market, which also affords a nice view back to the city.

Is your grandniece your sister's granddaughter? How well does your sister know her visitors? Is she coming with her boyfriend or best friend? Why are they coming.... to vacation and tour the area for three months, or are they going to your sister's seeking peace and quiet to write or do research or study while she works?

I ask because even though they're young, not all young people want to be busy and physically active all the time. Also, why stock the freezer? They probably eat very differently from Americans and may prefer doing their own shopping and cooking. When my American kids travel the world, they love eating the local fresh food and preparing some of it, but they also do not ever want casseroles, at home or away!

I don't mean to be cantankerous, but maybe just stocked credit cards and good suggestions and maps etc. so they can eat, do, and choose what appeals to them at the moment. Like others have said, surely they have enough money to support themselves, you would be supplying a few extras. Three months is a long time to be or have houseguests!

I would stock the refrigerator with cheese and sausages and cold cuts for sandwiches and picnics instead of casseroles.

Thank you.

Funny you mentioned stocked CCs. sheesh. That's exactly what DH said this morning. :) Not cantankerous at all, just good suggestions. I really drew a blank when realized they came a month earlier than I thought they were supposed to. I appreciate any help.

They are one of our deceased brother's son's daughter and her boyfriend. So she is our niece once removed? Anyway in the family we've always called them grand nieces and nephews but I know that's wrong.

Our nephews have visited many times but this is the first visit of one of our nephew's children by themselves. It is a long time, which is why I want to ease the burden for my sister, who is the only family member with the physical space for longer term visitors.

After talking to my sister, I won't be making casseroles as I've found out more about their tastes. They eat very healthily with a huge portion of it being fruits and veggies. They don't eat much red meat and sandwich meat. They definitely are cheese eaters though, so will stock up. :) They eat mostly whole grains and whole grain pasta and brown rice, etc. as sides. I will help with all of that. Thanks again.

I don't know which term, great or grand, is correct, either, but now I understand the relationship. We've always used "great." Enjoy your time together!

Farmers markets would be a great idea for them then. I hope the weather improves and stays warm for them.

You might want to give your sister some "guest relief". One way to do this is to take them somewhere or pay to have them go somewhere for a long weekend/few days. Take them to the Ferry, buy tickets to Victoria or Seattle and reserve beds at a hostel. They are old enough they can get their way around and they are at the hostel age. (Make the offer first).

What great ideas!

All I can say is yes yes yes to all of the suggestions! I will ask them of course, but I'm all in. :) This is going to be a great visit! :)

We say that Arne (for example) is my great-uncle, but I am his grand-niece. He was my Farmor's brother. I am his nephew's daughter. (I can also tell you all the first, second, and third cousins, and all the once- and -twice removed cousins lol, and some other relationships we don't have terms for in English, or Danish probably either.)

One more activity: when we've had visitors, they love going to the store. Grocery especially. The kids like bringing home cereals! And when we go to Canada, we love going to the grocery store, too!

Lol I like grocery shopping in new places too. It must be a thing then if others do it too. :)

So the whole great grand thing isn't just my family? I always thought we had made it up. :)

I'm seeing them on Sunday and we will be figuring out what to do. We are looking at RVs right now and will be parking it on my sister's place. They'll be able to escape in that. :)

What about helping out with household items rather than food or experiences? Toilet paper, shampoo, laundry detergent, toiletries, personal items-those things do add up and I'm sure your sister would appreciate not having to be buying TP for two more people each week.

Did anyone mention street fairs and art fairs? Just driving around? When we visited friends in Vienna we went for a drive and as we passed along a border with Hungary, just HAD to get out of the car and walk in. The last time we were there it would have been all barbed wire with armed guards, so this was pretty memorable.

and since it's family, be sure to have pictures and memorabilia available to thumb through and share stories.