Visiting Vancouver

Strolling in Stanley Park.



We have returned from our first weekend in Vancouver. The weather was not the best, but we didn't let the rain dampen our spirits too much! It was rainy the whole weekend, and cloudy so we couldn't see the mountains around the city. Everyone we spoke to said that we were experiencing typical Vancouver weather!

We drove down on Friday afternoon after work. This was our second trip on the infamous Coquihalla Highway and it was better than the first, but we still struggled a little in traffic works, rain and the dark, finding it a bit hard to see the road markings. We had a similar trip home on Sunday but with snow just outside Kamloops.

The totem poles.

We stayed in West End, a couple of kms from downtown, but in walking distance to Stanley Park, our destination for Saturday. The park is huge, and it really feels like you are out in the forest somewhere with tall cedars, blackberry nettles and the most beautiful black squirrels! We went straight to the Vancouver Aquarium, which is in the park,  which was a good spot to be in the rain! They have a great collection there including Beluga whales, dolphins, seals and otters. We spent most of the day at the aquarium.

Phoebe with Mountie Moose and Liam with Mountie Bear.

Looking towards downtown from Stanley Park

Liam and Al at the steam clock in Gastown.

In slight drizzle we wandered up to see the First Nations totem poles in Stanley Park, and then walked along the sea front downtown. What we noticed about downtown Vancouver was that there seem to be LOTS of apartments, and relatively few office buildings? It was on dusk when we made it to downtown and we wandered through modern and historical buildings to the steam clock.

We got a cab back to our hotel where we freshened up to go out for Frank's birthday. The West End has lots of restaurants, and we decided on a Japanese one. It was spectacular with great seafood, and we happily enjoyed the all-you-can-eat option, indulging in some great salmon, prawns, tuna and other faves from our time in Shiida, all washed down with a pitcher of Sapporo draught! Liam and Phoebe really enjoyed the food and it was a great night out together.



Frank contemplating his shishamo!





Frank pondering his 56th birthday!





On Granville Island.



The rain was still coming down when we awoke on Sunday morning. We drove to Granville Island, an 'arts' island right in the centre of the city and spent the whole day looking at markets, workshops, galleries and shops. It was a great day. There is a dedicated kid's market there and we enjoyed looking at the toy shops and playing in there. Frank chose an etching for his birthday just before the close of business and we drove straight back to Kamloops.

I feel there is a lot more to experience in Vancouver and planning is already underway!