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 It is a dynamic city full of contrasts that blend in perfect harmony. It is beach-meets-mountains. Skyscrapers-meet-gardens. Historic-restoration-meets-modern luxury. It’s young, hip and urban, yet very family friendly. Vancouver is extremely diverse, with as many cultures represented as in any other major city on the West Coast. It also has excellent public transportation and a wealth of dining options. I spent a long weekend in Vancouver visiting a friend who plays viola for the Vancouver Symphony. It’s been a few years since I’ve traveled internationally, so a few things have changed. The only real kinks I hit: when I stood in the wrong customs line at the airport, and some international phone charges. Vancouver was clean, friendly and well organized. Traffic and congestion were surprisingly light for a city of its size. My friend lives in a bi-level house in a suburban garden district. The brick-and-stone homes are covered with blooms, and it reminded me very much of England, except that there was a distant view of the bay. The first morning, I ventured out to see the city. My first stop was the Big Bus Tour. I have found that taking public transportation is the most entertaining and efficient use of my time when trying to experience a city in a limited amount of time. In the past, I shunned tours as strictly for the amateur traveler. How wrong I was. I have realized I’ve wasted more time trying to navigate unfamiliar cities on my own. And as a result, I don’t learn one fraction of the history, geography and trivia that I learn on a professional tour. It is the perfect way to get the lay of the land. We toured the Olympic sights, including the Air Canada Center. As we went across the bridge to Granville Island, I suddenly realized that the city reminded me very much of San Diego, with the cruise ships coming in and beautiful high-rise condos going up. Granville Island reminded me of Coronado – beautiful, laid back and beach-towny, and Gastown is very reminiscent of San Diego’s Gas Lamp District, with its historic pubs, antique stores and hip shopping locales. Stanley Park is referred to as the “green heart of the city,” and it is a masterpiece of urban planning. With bike and walking paths, lush lawns, gardens and fountains, it brings a balance of nature to urban progress at every step. Gastown looks like British Columbia’s version of the Old American West; it has the feel of a Western movie lot – think Universal Studios or Knott’s Berry Farm. Vancouver offers Native American art, artifacts and culture at nearly every turn; totem poles juxtapose modern structures. The local history is almost palpable – as if a time long ago once stood still, only to be re-created and integrated into the present. The next day, we spend a lovely afternoon strolling the famed Van Dusen Botanical Gardens. What are some of the great things for families to do and see in Vancouver? > The Capilano Suspension Bridge is a park surrounding the area’s primary rope bridge, which sways high above a river that snakes through a rainforest. You can walk among the treetops on a network of smaller bridges suspended between larger trees. > The SkyTrain is a highlight for many families. If kids can get a seat at the front, they can feel like they’re driving. > Take an Aqua Bus mini ferry to Granville Island and enjoy North America's largest free water park . > Head to Kitsilano “Kits” Beach for a day of fun. In addition to the usual beach activities, the park offers a playground, swimming pool and tennis courts. > Don’t miss Vanier Park, where you can hit the Museum of Vancouver, the Vancouver Maritime Museum and the H.R. MacMillan Space Centre in one amazing day. Go to visitvancouver.com or vancouvertourism.com for additional information. |
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