The City and People of Vancouver
After three wonderful days on the Rocky Mountaineer we arrived at the rail terminal in Vancouver. Once again the Rocky Mountaineer organisation, like clockwork, had some eight coaches waiting to ferry all passengers to our varying destinations within Vancouver. The Rocky Mountaineer is a sensational and professional organisation. They exceed in customer service within all aspects of their business. You will not be disappointed – so many companies could learn so much from these guys on a whole lot of stuff!
Our first night’s accommodation was very good and was right opposite the Canucks Ice Hockey team’s home stadium. We had made alternate arrangements for our accommodation for the next four nights at the Pinnacle Hotel which was closer to Vancouver’s Harbour and waterfront.
Like most big cities, Vancouver has its fair share of homeless people and this was very apparent when we embarked on our first adventure on foot. The homeless seemingly were isolated to one area of the city so we never really experienced it again once we had shifted to the Pinnacle. Apart from the usual “Mister can you spare me a dollar ?” We never felt at risk.
Our daughter Tess, who resides just outside of Vancouver had now joined us for the remainder of our trip. We hired a car and I had the pleasure of adjusting to a left hand drive car, operating on the wrong side of the road in a major city – piece of cake!!
Having Tess with us was like having a local on board – Go here, turn right, get in the left lane, DAD YOU’RE ON THE WRONG SIDE OF THE ROAD!!! Oh yeah forgot which side to turn on to !! No harm done – sorry champ I’m from Australia ? Phew that was close! I did settle in and after a while I was driving like a local.
Vancouver is a great city. It has a great harbour that always has something coming or going. The seaplanes are like a bus service, ferrying people to and from Vancouver Island. Jutting out from the mainland sits Stanley Park that has great cycle and walk ways that surround the area. Great parks and wonderful cafe’s and eateries are dotted along this beautiful parkland. Mariners filled with beautiful boats, old buildings from another era and a surprisingly well maintained cricket pitch with a charming clubhouse were all part of the scenery
Granville Island is another treat that hosts a collection of artisans, crafts, and fresh produce markets along with some very tasty eateries all within a vibrant market environment. Local buskers are playing – having had to book their spot. It’s a great place to relax and take in the lifestyle and atmosphere.
We took some leisurely time to sit and listen to local live music with a great choice of food and watch the city of Vancouver go by.
Taking a drive around greater Vancouver showcased beautiful and grand homes, with modern apartment developments in the more dense areas closer to the CBD as in most cities. Real estate is very expensive and the city is known for its high cost of living. It seemed that overseas investors buying up high end real estate was just as topical here as in Australia.
I’d definitely recommend taking a ride on the gondola to the top of Grouse Mountain to check out the Grizzlies or if you are keen, climb or run up the Grouse Grind – all 2,830 steps that are near vertical, covering 2.9 kms to arrive at an elevation gain of 2,800 feet. Sensational views, activities and local displays await you, that’s if you have any energy left! I took the Gondola. Deb & Tess did the Grind. Hey, I had to carry the back pack and camera !!!
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We spent a few days visiting local areas like Maple Ridge where Tess resides and was shown such wonderful hospitality by Greg , Leslie, Riley and Aaron. We stayed in a great B&B called River Rose.
We hiked through Golden Ears Provincial Park which was an easy drive from our B&B – again beautiful scenery.
I also had the pleasure of a round of golf at the spectacular Swaniset Golf Club in Maple Ridge with Greg and his mates JJ and Wayne – great guys and I enjoyed every moment of this spectacular course – put this one on your list.
Being on the west coast, Vancouver doesn’t experience the extreme Canadian winter temperatures. Not that it means a balmy climate, winter is still very cold and will regularly get down to minus 8 degrees. The snow settles on the higher surrounding areas and some good winter skiing is close by. Vancouver does get high rainfall, we were lucky to have good sunny days but as with most Canadian areas, a cold wind or fall in temperature can be sudden – a bit like Melbourne !
Vancouver and its surrounds are busy, vibrant and friendly, all adding up to a great city. It’s easy to settle in and enjoy the relaxed Canadian way of life. Vancouver is known as one of the top liveable cities in the world and it’s of no surprise. Air Canada flies daily out of Sydney and Brisbane with direct flights to Vancouver. Get yourself a ticket asap.
One stop to go – for next time, the Village of Whistler.
RD
Photo credits – all original photo’s by RD
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