Canada
Watch out for the stone statues that are created by an amazing artist working on the beaches year round. Also try a walk around beaver lake where the wildlife is awesome!
Wonderful hiking trails through stunning scenery and a suspension bridge that avoids the crowds at Capilano - and it's free to cross.
Hwy 1 to Lynn Valley Rd and follow signs
The world's longest (and highest!) suspension bridge, over a river at the foot of Grouse mountain. Get the SeaBus from the Waterfront Station, and then a bus towards Grouse Mountain (a two zone ticket will cover the whole journey). There are great filmset-like views from the bridge itself, plus a network of platforms linking huge pine trees once you reach the other side. Keep your ticket for a discount on entry to Grouse Mountain. Get the SeaBus back to downtown Vancouver in the evening for fantastic views of the skyline as the sun sets.
The best place in North America to grab an all-over tan and partake in Amsterdam-style smoking.
Trail 6 from the University of British Columbia. Ask anybody how to get there. Locals, police, politicians, artists and visiting Americans all know how to get there.
I lived in vancouver for 4 months. I did this almost every second day and it just never lost its magic. the scenery is jaw dropping, the atmosphere is so relaxing and the contentment in everyone's face is tangible.
Head for Stanley Park and follow the coast
In the heart of China Town there is an oasis. The Chinese gardens are the biggest replica outside of China (I think) and are beautifully kept.
In the summer you can see turtles floating in the ponds and the flowers are stunning.
The guided tours are free and really interesting.
Well worth popping into especially if you happen to be in China town.
578 Carrall Street;
tel: 604 662 3207;
www.vancouverchinesegarden.com
Just outside downtown Vancouver, Stanley park is a delightful wooded and grassed park on a peninsula in Burrard Inlet with wonderful views of Lion's Gate Bridge and Vancouver Harbour. You can spend several days here wandering around the forest paths, bathing at the beaches, seeing the impressive totem poles, as well as visiting the fantastic aquarium or relaxing in the Rose Garden.
Just go there and see for yourself why it's so great!
1 mile to the west of downtown Vancouver;
www.city.vancouver.bc.ca/Parks/parks/stanley
Great place for a drink or brunch, with a wonderful view of the beach.
1154 Gilford Street;
tel: 604 681 9321;
www.sylviahotel.com
Probably the best park in the world. One thousand acres of gardens, trees, recreation areas, with rowing, sailing, swimming, aquarium, miniature railway, 'lost' lagoon and more. The best part though is the seawall that extends round the 10km perimeter, allowing for walking, running, skating and cycling next to the ocean. Great views too.
It is a 10km along the coastal perimeter of Stanley Park. It is a great place to view Lion's gate Bridge, cruise liners heading up to Alaska, and just for people watching. Ideally, hire a bicycle at the north end of Denman Street.
Stanley Park
A Chinese garden of the Ming Dynasty 'Scholar's Garden' style. It is the first full-sized classical Chinese garden outside of China. Located in Vancouver's Chinatown, it is tranquil and beautiful. Take a tour or experience a musical presentation here, then enjoy a meal in Chinatown.
578 Carrall St. (604) 662-3207 www.vancouverchinesegarden.com/index.html
Go for a run, rollerblade, cycle or simply meander along the seawall at Stanley Park, the 3rd largest urban park in North America. Take time out to see the totem poles and the view from Prospect Point (where in June gangs of graduates converge to drink champagne after their prom). You can spend the day walking, go for a horse drawn tour, take a swim from any of the beaches along the seawall, or visit the Aquarium. In the summer, Stanley Park hosts Theatre Under the Stars in Malkin Bowl, showcasing local talent in 2 musicals each year.
My favourite by far is Lynn Canyon on the North Shore. Spend a day or an afternoon hiking around second growth rainforest, and be sure to include a trip over the suspension bridge.
The most beautiful Japanese gardens outside Japan. A short walk from the Anthropology Museum.
University of British Columbia, 6804 SW Marine Drive;
tel: 604 822 9666;
www.nitobe.org
Nearby to Commercial Drive there is a quiet and unique park.
Trout lake is beautiful in all seasons. You can walk the perimeter of the lake taking in the breathtaking views of the rocky mountains with the echoes of children giggling whilst paddling in the water.
You will find Vancouverites riding bikes, reading books, sunbathing, swimming and occasionally even a samba band practicing!
In the summer it houses one of the best farmers markets in British Columbia.
Good place to visit if you need to warm your heart and soul.
Trout Lake Park (also known as John Hendry Park) is located at East 15th Avenue and Victoria Drive in East Vancouver.
A few blocks south and one east of Broadway and Commercial, John Hendry Park is a little oasis in suburban East Van. A dog-walker's delight, the park is essentially a circuit around Trout Lake, which used to be a peat bog. Nearby is one of my favourite cafes in the city, Libby's, little known to those outside the neighborhood. Work by local artists is usually up on the walls (and changes frequently), the food's decent and the staff have good taste in music. Just don't steal my couch at the back.
Broadway/Commercial skytrain stations are a ten minute walk away. Sits between 13th and 19th n/s, and between Victoria and Garden e/w;
www.city.vancouver.bc.ca/parks/cc/troutlake/
Libby’s Kitchen: 3249 Porter St (Victoria and 18th);
tel: 604 874 5547;
www.libbyskitchen.com
Richmond Nature Park is a natural peat bog that has been managed and has trails to show and shelter many native plants, birds and other animal species. There is a Nature House that is always staffed and has displays and information about native flora and fauna.
The bog has cranberries and blueberries growing freely and the Richmond area is a major supplier of cranberries to the world market.
There are frequent free talks by experts.
11851 Westminster Hwy. at No. 5 Rd;
Catch the 401, 403, 406 or 407 bus to Richmond exchange, then transfer to 405 bus.
tel: 604 718 6188
Cricket in Vancouver? Yes. Since the late 1800s.
Don Bradman said it best about Brockton Point ground: "In my opinion, the Brockton Point ground is the prettiest upon which it has been my pleasure to play. It is a really magnificent setting."
If only all cricket could be played in places like this. Harbour, mountains, forest. Bella, bella, bella. Whites on green. Relax after a day of sightseeing.
Brockton Point is located in Stanley Park. There's usually cricket on Sundays and if you see my mates from the Meraloma Club playing, say hello.
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