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Here is my trip report for a week’s holiday in Vancouver. I live in rural Alberta so a visit to a city is highly desirable to me.
We arrived late in the day and ‘checked’ in to the condo in Kitsilano that we were to house sit for a week. A hurried cab ride took us to Vij’s restaurant - #1 on trip advisor – where we joined the small crowd awaiting the 5.30pm opening. Vij’s didn’t disappoint at all. It was not cheap but three of us shared two appies and three entrees and were well fed. The service is excellent and they are geared up for a crowd. We capped off the evening with a trip to Granville Island to watch the production of ‘The Alter Boyz’, a fun musical.
Our condo was walking distance from Granville Island, along the waterfront in the dark.
Next day we golfed at Mcleery, one of Vancouver Park Board’s municipal golf courses. It was a fairly nice course but not spectacular. Dinner was at Brown’s Social House, a local chain. The décor here was designed by the latest ‘Bachelorette’ from the TV show.
Food was pretty good but not what I would call a destination meal.
Wednesday we walked about an hour on the waterfront, across the Burrard Bridge, to Stanly Park. This is where Vancouver shines. The waterfront scenery is amazing and there were lots of different people to people watch. A bicycle ride around Stanley Park was a quick way to see the sights although there were many others doing the same thing. I am glad we did that but were sure missed the whole inside of the park. We did a late lunch at the Stage Door lounge in Granville Island that was not impressive.
After a day golfing inland Thursday in the oppressive heat we set out the next morning for a stroll around White Rock. There are lots of ocean front pathways and, being low tide, we were able to walk way out on the beach. Really nice there.
Saturday we spent most of the day sailing on English Bay. This was a WOW. The views were awesome and we were able to learn the basics of sailing from our skipper. (a cousin)
Final day was Sunday and we walked (and walked) pretty much all of downtown Vancouver. It was interesting to go to different districts, seeing different types of people in each. – Especially when walking from Gastown to Chinatown you walk pretty much into the East Hastings area where the drug and homeless culture rules. Gastown seems to be becoming less of a tourist area with interesting little shops and more into a yuppie centre with upscale furniture stores. We went up the viewpoint at the Harbour Centre (worth it) and also visited the Dr. Sun Yat Sen Garden in Chinatown (maybe not worth it). Returning across False Creek to eat supper at Sand Bar we took the new Canada Line train which is open to YVR Airport. Sand Bar was a good experience, lots of people, good seafood and excellent views of the downtown area.
It was an awesome time exploring just a small bit of this city. I think we could easily spend a month there and not run out of different things to do and see.
Till we return …
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Only a week in amazing Vancouver
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I loved Vancouver, too. I agree that the Dr. Sun Yat Sen Gardens are overrated. Gastown is not worth the effort. The walk around the sea wall (or bicycling as you did it) was great fun and the scenery is pretty wonderful, too. There's lots to do in Vancouver. From one tourist to another tourist: you would have no trouble spending a month in Vancouver as you suggested. Thanks for posting.
Watching English Bay (and the people and mountains surrounding) from English Bay Beach being one of my favourite things to do anywhere, reading that you were *sailing* in English Bay just sounds phenomenal. I'm jealous! Thanks for sharing your trip!
Daniel
We were very fortunate to have a good friend in Vancouver who owned a sail boat and every time we visited Vancouver and him he took us sailing. I have such beautiful memories of sailing in English Bay. Vancouver is one of my favorite cities. I hope you can get back there again lunabug.
As a Vancouverite, born and raised here, there are still lots of undiscovered places and things to do in this "amazing" city! Thanks for your trip report!
You've inspired me to try "Vij's" restaurant and it's been years since I cycled around Stanley Park!
By the way, the Vancouver Art Gallery has an exhibit of Dutch Masters from the Rijksmuseum (Amsterdam) for another week or so. Shall take that in on the weekend.