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by Terry Breen
www.terryslog.com
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With a limited amount of time what do you want to do in Vancouver? A good place to start is Robson Square, the hub of downtown. Here you'll find vendors and street performers as well as the Vancouver Art Gallery. During sunny summer days the steps are a favorite spot for lunch. One of the original shops of Robson Street is Murchie's Tea. Started in 1894, Murchie's is to Vancouver as Starbuck’s is to Seattle. You will find fine blends of tea and exquisite china tea sets; plan on enjoying a cuppa in the tearoom along with a scone or cake.
Across the street from Robson Square is the iconic Fairmont Hotel Vancouver with its green copper roof and the Bill Reid Gallery, home to some of the finest First Nation’s art in Canada. Directly across the street from The Fairmont on 690 Burrard, is the Christ Church Cathedral, one of those secret gems of downtown Vancouver. The cathedral has recently been restored and features breathtaking stained glass windows. Open to the public.
Vancouver, British Columbia
2012 population metropolitan area 690,000; Greater Vancouver 2,286,965
Vancouver is the largest city in British Columbia, the third largest in Canada after Toronto and Montreal and the country's largest and most important port. Greater Vancouver has a current population of over 2 million. Vancouver is proud of its ethnic diversity and its spirit of inclusion. The city is divided into colorful and distinctive neighborhoods; Vancouver’s Chinatown is the second largest in North America. Vancouver was home to the 2010 Winter Olympics and the 1986 World's Fair called, "Expo." The cruise terminal at Canada Place was the Canadian Pavilion during the Fair. Next door, the red, white and blue ferries you see plying the harbor are Sea Buses; they connect downtown Vancouver and North Vancouver. Each Sea Bus can carry 400 people and makes the trip in 15 minutes.
The first area to develop in 1867 is what is now called Gastown, so named for Gassy Jack Deighton. It's said that Gassy Jack, not happy that the mill, the only building in Burrard Inlet, didn't allow drinking, he challenged the workers to build him a saloon where he'd sell them whiskey. The saloon was built in a day and Gastown was born. This downtown neighborhood of historic brownstones and warehouses is popular with locals and visitors. Next door is Chinatown with its pagoda- shaped telephone booths and outdoor food stalls; it is one of the most vibrant neighborhoods of the city. From here, it is just a few blocks to downtown and commercial district. To get a look at modern Vancouver, take the elevator up the observation area of Harbor Center where you get a panoramic 360° view from 500 feet up. At the observation level, helpful guides will answer any questions you may have about the city.
Iconic landmarks within the city include Granville Island Market and beautiful Stanley Park. No matter what time of the year you are visiting there is always something to see and do in the world-famous park.
FUN and FREE
Christ Church Cathedral – One of those secret gems every city protects, the Christ Church Cathedral has recently been restored and features beautiful stained glass windows. Open to the public. It is directly across the street from the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver at 690 Burrard.
Stanley Park – There is not your normal city park; there are parks within this park. Stanley Park, is one of the largest urban parks in North America. It was established in 1889 and contains 1,000 acres of wooded land with a 70,000 species aquarium, lighthouse, rose garden, open air theater, pitch ‘n putt, tennis courts, miniature railway, children's farmyard, horse drawn carriage tours, First Nation village, 8 km sea wall, totem park and cricket field. From the cruise terminal it is about a 30 minute walk, or you can hop on the #19 Stanley Park bus on Pender Street and Granville. Bicycles are available for rent within the park.
Granville Island Market – The colorful and bustling farmer's market at Granville Island is fun to explore; bring your appetite, as there are plenty of places for a great meal. Don’t forget your camera; you'll want to capture the beautiful fruit and flower displays and maybe some prize winning salmon!
Vancouver Library – Located on Georgia and Homer, the Vancouver Public Library is a must-see for anyone interested in creative urban architecture.
Vancouver Visitor's Centre - For maps and schedules on what to see and do during your stay in Vancouver, stop by the Visitor Centre, conveniently located across from the Canada Place cruise terminal, on the plaza level at 200 Burrard Street.
Lions Gate Bridge - At the north end of Stanley Park, the majestic Lions Gate Bridge, named for the Lion’s Gate peaks, stretches to North Vancouver. The bridge is 1500 feet wide from support to support, and 200 feet high from waterline to mid-span. The Lions Gate Peaks, which can be seen from Vancouver, were so named because they look like the crouching lions in front of the British Museum.
Italian Cultural Center – If you want to reconnect with your Italian roots or learn about the history of Italians in Vancouver and Canada, stop by!
Jimi Hendrix Shrine – Set in an old café where the legendary rock guitarist's grandmother was said to have worked, the shrine is something Hendrix fans flock to see. Union & Main in Strathcona.
TOURING and EXPLORING
As one of the most densely populated urban areas in North America, the good thing about exploring Vancouver is everything is fairly close. It is easy to get around and most of the major attractions can be done independently; but if you want to save time, a tour will do the trick. A good compromise for those wishing to have some structure but freedom as well, is the Hop-on, Hop-off Bus that tours the city stopping at all the major points of interest. You can buy a ticket outside of Canada Place at the Visitor’s Center opposite the entrance to the Pan-Pacific Hotel.
Take the SeaBus – The red, white and blue ferry crossing Vancouver Harbor is the SeaBus. They can take 400 people to North Vancouver in less than 15 minutes. If you want to hop over to North Vancouver or just get a difference perspective on town, you can buy a SeaBus ticket in the terminal just outside of Canada place; ferry terminal is to your left on Cordova Street. As part of the public transportation system, SeaBus connects up with the SkyTrain.
Grouse Mountain – If you have chosen to explore North Vancouver with the SeaBus, you can continue your adventure by heading up to Grouse Mountain, Vancouver's closest ski resort. During the summer the lifts operate to take visitors to the top of the run for a great view of the city. Also there is a wind-turbine that is open to the public. As one of the most environmentally friendly city's in the world, the turbine supplies the energy for the resort. There are great hikes and trails along the ridge and a new zipline for the adventurous.
Capilano Suspension Bridge – The 450 foot long bridge suspended 230 above the Capilano River is one of the favorite “get away from it all” day-trips for locals and visitors. While ethere take in Treetops Adventure, a series of bridges 100 feet above the forest floor which gives the visitors a “squirrel’s eye view” of the forest. The newest addition is Cliffwalk which is a series of narrow walkways and glass platforms above the river. It is described as a “pulse pounding nature walk!”
Olympic Legacy Program – If you were not able to attend the 2010 Winter Olympic Games in Vancouver you may want to check out some of the venues like the Olympic Caldron, Olympic Village and the Richmond Olympic Oval.
Vancouver Art Gallery - The museum or "gallery" is worth a visit; don't miss the Emily Carr exhibit on the fourth floor. Born in Victoria; her work truly captures the spirit of the Northwest. There is an excellent gift shop. Throughout the 2012 summer the current traveling installation is from one of my favorites, Henri Matisse. Admission $20 CAD.
University of British Columbia Museum of Anthropology - Have an afternoon free? Then you won't want to miss the University of British Columbia and its fantastic Museum of Anthropology. Perched on the cliffs of Point Grey, the museum has one of the most comprehensive collections of Northwest Coast First Nation's art. There is hall after hall of totem poles, house boards, potlatch bowls, masks and weavings representing the Kwakwaka'wakw (Kwakuitl), Nisga'a, Gitxsan, Haida, and Coast Salish people. Slide open a drawer and discover precious artifacts or walk through the grounds and explore replicas of Haida clan houses. Don’t miss the exhibit of work by world renowned Haida artist Bill Reid. The museum is open daily 10 am – 5 pm during the summer with extended hours (10 am – 9 pm) on Tuesdays. The museum shop features an excellent collection of art, jewelry and books. If you are exploring on your own take the #4, #10, #25, #41, #42, #49 or #99 bus to the UBC campus; the museum is a ten-minute walk from the UBC bus loop.
Klahowya Village – Nestled in Stanley Park is a family-friendly First Nations experience. You will feel like you have stepped back into a Coast Salish summer village. Things to enjoy include; live cultural performances, storytelling, arts and crafts, food and gifts, and the Spirit Catcher Train.
WALKS and HIKES Vancouver is a beautiful city for a stroll, walk or serious hike. Between English Bay, Vancouver Harbor and the trails of Stanley Park, nature abounds. You can explore tide-pools while you comb the beaches of English Bay; enjoy an ice cream while surveying the rose gardens of Stanley Park; or lace-up your hiking boots and head-out up Grouse Mountain. It's up to you. Don't be put off by the weather; the tall trees along your path or trail act as the prefect protection from mist and light rain. In addition to its many nature walks Vancouver is known for its unique urban walks that you may enjoy during your limited time in port like the following:
Gastown – Easy
The historic core of Vancouver, Gastown is a short walk (about five blocks) from Canada Place and your ship. Walking out of the Canada Place cruise terminal stay to the left; take a left on the first street which is Cordova; it will turn into Water Street. Continue down Water Street to the heart of Gastown. Some of the best street carts in Vancouver are here including JapaDog, hot dogs with unusual Japanese condiments like wasabi mayonnaise and shredded rori. In Gastown you will find an eclectic array of shops and restaurants and striking architecture like the Hotel Europe. Visitor’s enjoy the eclectic mix of high-end boutiques and vintage shops. Every summer Gastown hosts an internationally acclaimed jazz festival. The old steam clock – said to be the only of its kind - is a reminder of Vancouver's Victorian past.
Chinatown – Easy
Vancouver's Chinatown is the second largest in North America after San Francisco. There are plenty of shops and restaurants along the brightly decorated streets. Don't miss the Chinese Cultural Center and the contemplative, 15th century-style, classical Chinese garden of Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Park. If you are in town over the weekend, stop by the Chinatown Night Market; open Mid-May through Mid-September, 6:30 pm – 11:00 pmon the 100 block of Keefer Street.
Architectural Walking Tours – Easy
The Architectural Institute of Vancouver offers walking tours of six distinct neighborhoods in Vancouver; Victory Square & Gastown, Chinatown, Stratchona, False Creek North & Yaletown, The West End, and Downtown. Cost is $10 CAD. For reservations call: (604) 683 8588, ext. 325.
Eastside Mural Tours – Easy
A wonderful way to gain insight into the colorful communities of Vancouver; take a self-guided walking tour of the street art and murals. Starting in 2002 as an off-shoot of the Engineering services Graffiti Management Program, the City of Vancouver has been encouraging street artists to contribute to history, heritage and culture of the city as celebrated in art. Four tours have been mapped out in four distinct neighborhoods; Gastown, Chinatown, Japantown, and Strathcona. There are seven audio tours for cellular phones: call (604) 998-8843, code: 33556.
RESTAURANTS and TREATS
Walking through Vancouver I am always taken by the emphasis on ethnic food; French, Indian, Thai, Somali! Vancouverites enjoy a multi-cultural meal. It used to be that all you'd find were small delis with sausage rolls and shortbread. Now the city is filled with exciting tastes and smells to whet an international appetite.
Murchie’s – Dating back to 1894, Murchie’s Tea & Coffee has been the local purveyor of fine teas, coffees and all things yummy and cozy. John Murchie started his career blending teas in Scotland for Queen Victoria during her frequent stays at Balmoral Castle. He came to Canada in 1894. Enjoy the Murchie’s tradition of excellence in any of their area stores.
STAYING LONGER?
If your travel plans include a few days in Vancouver here are some suggestions for day trips from town:
Horsehoe Bay - Located in the far northwestern corner of what is considered the Great Vancouver area, Horseshoe Bay is an idyllic community enjoyed by artists, sailors, fisherman and sports enthusiast. You can rent your own boat at Sewell Marina and spend the day puttering around the bay or hop on the BC ferry and head to Vancouver Island.
Whistler – Whistler is one of the best ski resorts in the world and was home to many of the downhill events during the 2010 Winter Olympics. But Whistler is also a charming four-seasons resorts enjoyed by people all year. Come up, escape from the summer heat and enjoy the many summer activities the resort offers including golf, hiking, mountain biking, sailing and canoeing, gondola rides, railroad, shopping, spa services and just relaxing. Many of the 2010 Olympic venues are open to the public via the Whistler Sports Legacies Program.
Victoria – The beautiful capitol of British Columbia awaits; if you want to hop over for the day your options are; heli-jet or floatplane from downtown, scheduled air from the Vancouver International Airport, or, the BC ferry. Anyway you choose, you are sure to enjoy your stay.