maria hasenecz

Hi, <BR>I'll be visiting Vancouver for 3 1/2 days. I am interested in gardens, hiking, biking and electic shops. Any ideas would be most welcome? Also, trying to decide if it makes sense to stay at the English Bay Inn the whole time.

Scott McDonald

Maria: <BR> <BR>There are several acclaimed gardens in the Vancouver area. One is the Van Deusen Gardens at 47th and Oak. Another is the UBC Botanical Garden at the University of BC. The Rose Garden in Stanley Park is also well known. <BR> <BR>There is plenty of biking in the Vancouver area. There are bike routes throughout the city...the largest one follows the Skytrain route from downtown Vancouver to New Westminster...about 15 km. There is also a 10km route around the Seawall at Stanley Park and many hiking/bike trails through Stanley Park. The most challenging "hike" in the Vanouver area is "The Grouse Grind"...a 2,500 foot vertical trail...well used and quite busy from the parking lot at Grouse Mountain Tram to(almost) the top of Grouse Mountain. Local buses will ge you there...it's actually in North Vancouver...a suburb. There are many other hiking areas nearby...Golden Ears Park, Richmond Dike. <BR> <BR> <BR>You could also ride your bike across the Lion's Gate Bridge from the West End, along Marine Drive through West Vancouver...out to Horseshoe Bay. Take the little ferry($10 return)to Bowen Island(it goes every hour or so) and ride your bike around there. It's about 15 km to the ferry from the bridge. <BR> <BR>Eclectic shopping is on Commercial Drive near First Avenue or on Fourth Avenue in Kitsilano. Also, make sure you visit Granville Island. <BR> <BR>I don't know the English Bay Inn, but from the name, I assume it's in the West End, and that's where you want to be. <BR> <BR>Enjoy your visit! <BR> <BR>Scott

April

It makes sense to me to stay at English Bay if that's where this inn is located. From there you can walk to Stanley Park (bicycles can be rented nearby) or downtown, and the ferry-boat to Granville Island is not far. <BR> <BR>Queen Elizabeth Park is somewhat like Victoria's Butchart's Gardens, but it's free! (There is a fee to enter the conservatory, however.) Signs point to several of the mountain peaks you may be wondering about. A restaurant and cafe are on the grounds. <BR> <BR>Scott mentions West Vancouver. Get there if you can. It's beautiful.

G. Kremer

Go to Lynn Canyon near North Vancouver. Be in good shape & have good hiking shoes. There's a suspension bridge there & plenty of beautiful trails.

Mike Bilinski

Sorry,no cyclist or pedestrian access to the Lion's Gate Bridge for the foreseeable future,ongoing repairs. <BR>For listings of Cycle Rentals go to www.mybc.com