Vancouver

View of Vancouver from Queen Elizabeth Park

When planning a trip to a brand new locale, you have to admit that at times you may feel a slight bit of apprehension.  What’s the place truly like?  Where shall I stay? What shall I eat?  How will I get around?  The questions that begin running through one’s mind can almost be endless when it comes to trip preparation and planning.  And, I’ll admit, that when my friend, Tiffany and I began pondering our trek to the Pacific Northwest that some of those same questions began pouring through my mind.  We knew we wanted to see Seattle, Portland, the Pacific Ocean, but ultimately, we also wanted to see more of Canada.  So, naturally, that would lead us to begin our trek in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, and trek south to our final destination of Portland.

I had always heard of Vancouver, and ultimately knew it more so from their being a host city for the 2010 Winter Olympics, as well as being one of the main filming locations for The X-Files.  But, even with my love and affinity for Canada, the prospect of travelling over 3,000 miles from home was somewhat of a daunting reality.  Nonetheless, as I boarded my flight at 6:00am heading west, I was excited with anticipation of what lay ahead.

First glimpse of YVR after coming off the
jet bridge from the plane

If any of you have ever travelled to Vancouver, you will understand where I am coming from with this next comment.  When I stepped off the jet bridge, I think I was in complete bewilderment at the sight before me within the terminal at the airport. The Vancouver International Airport (YVR) has to be one of the most amazing airports that I have ever been in.  I immediately thought I had stepped into some type of natural habitat or an aquarium, as running water and miniature docks were built into the terminal over pools of water stocked with fish and other critters providing a very relaxing and comfortable atmosphere for greeting you after your journey in the air. All throughout YVR, the motif was a mixture of Native American and all things Canadian with waterfalls scattered here and there.  In late 2016, CAPA Centre for Aviation named YVR as the Best Airport in the World, and I would concur with that recognition, as it was a wonderful experience! (YVR Press Release)

When you’re in Vancouver, in some aspects, you still feel as if you are in the United States of America.  It is such a modernized city, that it is very reminiscent to some American cities – large skyscrapers, apartment complexes, shopping stores and restaurants dotting every street as far as one can possibly see.  Even with the utilization of the Canada Line and buses, Vancouver is a very accessible city.  In some ways, it is almost better to walk as much as you can so that you are better equipped to take in all the sights and sounds of a relatively large city.  In addition to the subway and bus systems, there is an abundance of seaplanes and water taxis that also assist in your navigation of the city and its fingering suburbs.  One of my favorite transportation methods there was the Seabus, which is very similar to a ferry that shuttles passengers over to North Vancouver, which offers one of the greatest views of the city of Vancouver.

The infamous Nanaimo Bar!

Within Vancouver, there are plenty of things to see and do.  A multitude of parks encompass the city and its outer lying areas.  Queen Elizabeth Park offers an impressive view of the city from above, but the hike up there is anything but a ‘walk in the park’.  You can also relax in one of the Chinese gardens in the Chinatown section.  Make sure to take a stroll through Gastown and see the historic steam clock, which will blow its whistle if you are patient enough to wait.  Granville Island is another unique area just outside of the city, where you can wander through a variety of shops and markets.  Please, please, please make sure to purchase a sampling of the native Nanaimo bar.  It is one of the most amazing things I have ever eaten!!

Vancouver Harbour with a seaplane
and tanker among a few things
scattered within the waters.

While strolling down the Canada Trail along the waterfront, you’ll likely to catch a glimpse of tankers floating in the waterways or possibly see a cruise ship or two docked at the terminal.  Seaplanes will buzz overhead and then splash down before you.  You can also go over and visit the actual Olympic Cauldron.  The waterfront was one of my favorite spots to observe all the surroundings and ultimately glance across the pristine Vancouver Harbour at many of the snow-peaked mountains that dot the horizon.  It is one of the most beautiful locations I have ever seen, and the air is so crisp and clear.

So, while, I was initially apprehensive when we departed for our trip, I quickly adapted and realized that Vancouver is one of the most remarkable cities that I have ever visited.  I only wish I had been able to spend a little more time there to see some additional tourist and non-tourist spots, but our train had to depart for Seattle to carry us to our next destination stop.  But, should you ever plan a trip to the Pacific Northwest, be sure to add Vancouver to your destination list.  You’ll be glad you did, eh!

Street level view of Downtown Vancouver just across the street
from where we stayed.  Please note, Tim Horton's is across the street
from our hotel, which was a deadly temptation!

 

Catch a water taxi in Granville Island back over to Vancouver.

 

Sitting on a park bench in North Vancouver glancing back across the Vancouver Harbour at the glorious
city of Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.