Hello,
I hope you had a great week! I sure did. This week’s blog will focus on Vancouver which is the third part of my experience while traveling by train on one of the world’s most beautiful itineraries across the Canadian Rocky Mountains. In case you missed the first two parts where I shared the details about my journey on the train, you can find them on my website by clicking on my Travel Blog.
My ten-day adventure started in Vancouver where Joyce and I spent 2 full days exploring all the city has to offer – and wow does it offer! It’s such an eclectic city, equal parts India, China, England, France, and the cool Pacific Northwest vibe.
Vancouver is surrounded by majestic mountains, sparkling ocean waters, rainforests, and beautiful foliage throughout all four seasons. And of course, with all these natural beauties, this makes Vancouver one of the most beautiful cities in the world.
Canadians are well known for their friendly nature, and the people of Vancouver take it to a whole new level, showing great pride in their welcoming, clean, safe streets – day or night. There is so much to see and do in Vancouver that it would take weeks to really see it all. But no need to worry as I have mapped out my visit with plenty of suggestions for how to make the most of your short time there.
Here are some of our fun-filled adventures!
Dr. Sun Yat Sen Classical-Chinese Gardens
Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden was named as the world’s top city garden by National Geographic. It opened in 1986 and is the first Chinese or ‘Scholars Garden’ built outside of China.
The jade green pond, koi fish, and the collection of 150-year-old trees plus the Tai Hi rock imported from China, are a few of the delights in the garden. It took 53 master craftsmen from China and 950 crates of traditional material using 14th century methods – no screws, glue or power tools to build. It’s a beautiful, peaceful garden, especially in the early morning before most visitors come to enjoy.
Granville Island Public Market
The Granville Island Public Market is the jewel in the island’s crown and a MUST visit. This large indoor market features a fascinating assortment of colorful food and produce stores, showcasing handcrafted products and the very finest in unique gifts. The area is packed with theaters, market stalls, art studios, restaurants, bars and bookstores. It’s a great place for unique souvenirs and for tasting fresh seafood caught just offshore.
Grouse Mountain – The Peak of Vancouver
The best lookout views of Vancouver are 20 minutes from downtown and a quick Skyride up to the top of Grouse Mountain, 4,100 feet above the city. In addition to the view, you can enjoy thrilling activities like Ziplines and Mountain Ropes, the Refuge for Endangered Wildlife along with an expansive network of hiking trails in the summer. There is so much to see and do, that you could make your visit a full day enjoying all the mountain has to offer.
Stanley Park
Stanley Park is beautiful! It is bigger than Central Park in New York City. There are bike trails and running paths along the shoreline, colorful gardens, horse drawn carriage rides, picnic areas, a lighthouse and a totem pole park. It is located northwest of downtown and is one of the most famous parks within the city limits of Vancouver. The park attracts thousands of residents and visitors daily who enjoy the lush forest trails, relaxing lakes and beaches, the water park, and the Vancouver Aquarium.
It is the best place to enjoy spectacular views of the north shore mountains and the lovely Lion’s Gate Bridge. If you are feeling hungry, there are plenty of cafes along the park trails where you can enjoy a light brunch/lunch.
Canada Place
Built as the Canadian pavilion for the Expo ’86 World’s Fair 30 years ago, Canada Place was designed in the form of a giant ship ready to set sail. It’s nice to stroll along the boardwalk and take in the views of the water and a marina in the distance. Due to the size of the pier, it’s the perfect location for cruise ships to dock while in port.
Canada Place is home to the Vancouver Convention Centre, and to the thrill seeking, adventurous attraction called “FlyOver Canada” which is a multi-sensory film experience…a flying adventure over Canada from coast to coast. It’s a bit similar to the ride called Soarin’ at Disney World.
Also being in the center of the action, Canada Place is surrounded by the Olympic Cauldron, Gastown, Granville Street, and Coal Harbor.
Capilano Suspension Bridge and Cliffwalk
The Capilano Suspension Bridge is the longest suspension bridge in the world. It crosses over the Capilano River in the district of North Vancouver. To be honest, it was a little scary especially when the bridge swayed back and forth. I think the little kids enjoyed watching us adults act like scaredy cats as we held onto the railing for dear life. They loved the thrill. For me…at one point my legs were a little shaky so I had to grab the railing. The good news…I made it to the other side. The bad news…I had to go back the same way I came to get to be able to leave the park!
The Park also includes Cliffwalk – a granite precipice along the Capilano River that takes you through rainforest vegetation on a series of unobtrusive cantilevered and suspended walkways jutting out from the granite cliff face above the Capilano River. I was glad that the pathway was built of study wood and metal and didn’t sway to and fro like the Capilano Suspension Bridge.
The scenery was beautiful…a waterfall, a flowing river, the mountains and the fall foliage! As you can see, we loved the experience.
A “Wok” around Chinatown
Established in the 1890s, Vancouver’s Chinatown has been humming busily for more than a century with vivid colors, exotic cuisine, and a vibrant culture. Rich in history and architecture, this area east of downtown boasts North America’s third-largest Chinatown after New York and San Francisco.
We had a fabulous time on our “wok” around Chinatown with “Chef Robert”. We visited the markets, a tea shop, tasted a variety of Chinese specialties like barbequed meat, delicate pastries, herbal products and ended our “wok” with a delicious Dim Sum lunch.
Street Art
In Vancouver, street art and murals have become the status quo. In fact there’s such a concentration of unique art there are several self-guided tours available to explore the art and the stories behind them. Also in August, there is an annual Vancouver Mural Festival featuring 60+ new murals across 11 different neighborhoods. Looking at these pictures you can see why – creativity, diversity, and vibrancy.
Follow along on my social media where I post highlights of my adventures.
Are you ready to join me in experiencing Vancouver along with a journey by rail through the Canadian Rockies? I know you will love the adventure as much as I did! It’s magical and majestic in every way!
If the answer is YES…then let’s do it! I believe, whole-heartedly, that YOU would enjoy a journey by rail that wows you every step of the way. Just send me an email ([email protected]) that you are ready to jump on board the Rocky Mountaineer train!
Let’s pursue a new adventure together! Don’t wait! Life it too short!
Another friendly reminder…we have a fun group that is interested in exploring Egypt! Our itinerary is almost finished and it is nothing short of FABULOUS! Our travel dates will be mid-February, 2023. If you’d like to join us, let me know! It’s a fabulous destination with so much enrichment for all!!
Enjoy your week!!
