| A LOVELY DAY IN THE PARK |
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Vancouver's Stanley Park is the city's big, green, respiring heart. Despite recent storm damage, the park is still (if not even more so) a favourite spot for locals and visitors. Locals escape to the park during their lunch hour or after work to get in touch with nature and feel the sand between their toes at one of the park's beaches, while visitors flock to admire the stunning views and the many activities available. At 1,000 acres, Stanley Park is bigger than New York's Central Park, and is a great anchor for any story on Vancouver. The following are just some of the ways to spend a day in the park.
- Take a 15-minute ride on a miniature replica of Locomotive Engine #374, the first transcontinental passenger train to pull into Vancouver in 1886.
- Make friends with goats, ponies and even a llama at the Children's Farmyard.
- Fore! Enjoy a round of golf on the 18-hole pitch and putt course.
- Enjoy a fabulous dining experience at the Fish House in Stanley Park, the Sequoia Grill or the Prospect Point Café.
- Experience a holdover experience from Vancouver's colonial days by watching a game of cricket or rugby at Brockton Oval.
- Feed a beluga whale on a Beluga Encounter at the Vancouver Aquarium.
- Get wet! Choose from the free children's water park, or the heated pool at Second Beach.
- Lace up your hiking boots and tackle one of the trails that criss-cross the park.
- Take a horse and carriage ride to see all of the park's stunning views and main attractions with Stanley Park Horse-Drawn Tours.
- Rent a bicycle or rollerblades and circumnavigate the park via the 9km (5.5 mile) Seawall. (Note: due to recent storm damage, a portion of the Seawall is temporarily closed).
www.vancouverparks.ca
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| OCEAN BOUND |
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Water is a common theme in Vancouver. It's just about everywhere you look and it's exactly where people want to be come summertime. There are lots of fun ways to get off solid ground and experience the city's unique attributes - sail into a sunset, kayak up Indian Arm, or learn about BC's Coast Salish Indian culture as you paddle a cedar canoe.
- Sunset Sailing: Visitors to Vancouver looking for a unique way to see the city can take a three-hour sunset sail around Vancouver's English Bay with Simplicity Sailing Charters. Up to six people can climb aboard the S.V. Simplicity, and enjoy majestic views of the city skyline and coastal mountains as they reflect the golden sunset. Guests are encouraged to bring their favourite bottle of wine to go with the included cheese platter and strawberries. Cost is $425 CAD (approximately $397 USD) for a group.
www.simplicitysailingcharters.com
- Guided Kayaking Trips up Indian Arm: Deep Cove Canoe & Kayak Centre offers a variety of guided canoe and kayaking trips. Try the "Deep Cove Explorer & Natural History Tour" that runs every afternoon in the summer and sends you peacefully gliding through the water and exploring marine areas unavailable to other boats. Head out along Indian Arm in search of eagles, seals, salmon and other marine life while learning proper water safety and paddling techniques. Tours range in price, with this one priced at $80 CAD for adults (approximately $75 USD).
www.deepcovekayak.com
- Wilderness Paddle and Beach BBQ: Wilderness kayaking awaits you just 30 minutes from downtown Vancouver. Lotus Land Tours offers an exciting six-hour wilderness paddle including a sumptuous BBQ salmon lunch on an uninhabited island. You are guaranteed to return to the city exhilarated and renewed. Cost is $155 CAD for adults (approximately $145 USD).
www.lotuslandtours.com
- Takaya Tours - A First Nations Experience: Looking for an active outdoor experience with a First Nations focus? Takaya Tours has the perfect trip for you. Join guides from the Coast Salish nation on a unique two-hour canoe adventure up Indian Arm. Paddle a 13-metre cedar canoe as First Nations guides sing traditional songs, tell stories and point out ancient village sites. Cost is $54 CAD (approximately $50 USD).
www.takayatours.com
- An Ornithologist's Dream Come True: Travel along the rugged coastline en route to the George C. Reifel Migratory Bird Sanctuary via a Steveston Seabreeze Adventures bird-watching tour. The sanctuary consists of nearly 300 hectares of managed wetlands, natural marshes and low dikes in the heart of the Fraser River estuary. The most famous resident is the bald eagle, but keep your eyes peeled for sandpipers, red-tailed hawks, peregrine falcons, cormorants, tufted puffins, guillemots and great blue herons. Cost is $25 CAD per person (approximately $23 USD).
www.seabreezeadventures.ca
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| SUMMER OUTDOOR DANCING - FOR FREE! |
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If the playful Vancouver vibe, summer nights and salty air make you feel like doing the tango, check out these two options for free outdoor dancing this summer. It's a unique Vancouver experience and anyone can join in - even those folks with two left feet!
Dance at Dusk in Queen Elizabeth Park Plaza
From June 18 to August 22 locals and visitors can enjoy free outdoor dancing in Queen Elizabeth Park Plaza. Learn Scottish country dance on Mondays with the Scottish Country Dance Society (kilts optional), international folk dance on Tuesdays with the Vancouver International Folk Dancers (dances from Europe, the Americas and the Middle East), and ballroom dance with experienced instructors every Wednesday (jive, swing, cha-cha, rhumba, mambo, samba, etc). The classes are free, no partner is necessary, and all ages and levels are welcome. What more can you ask for? Please note that the event is weather permitting.
www.vancouverparks.ca
Summer Dancing in Robson Square
Robson Square dancing is a Vancouver tradition. Locals and visitors can join in every Friday night until August 31 for a free night of dance instruction and demonstration. This community event has been held every summer since 1979, and best of all, it is open to the public, people of all ages and dance skills. Each evening starts with a free dance lesson given by a local instructor followed by show-case dancers and then a "general dance" where everyone is encouraged to join in.
www.dancesportbc.com
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| 100 DAYS OF SUMMER™ - GREAT DEALS FOR AUGUST VISITORS |
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Tourism Vancouver's sixth annual 100 Days of Summer guide offers a variety of fun and exciting activities throughout the summer including outdoor adventure, attractions, festivals and events. Visitors can pick up their complimentary copy of the guide at the Tourism Vancouver Touristinfo Centre at 200 Burrard Street, or view the calendar by visiting www.tourismvancouver.com.
Here are just some of the great deals available throughout the month of August:
- Tickets for Festival Vancouver performances (August 5 - 19) are $5 off when purchased at Tickets Tonight.
- Buy one movie ticket for the Vancouver Queer Film Festival (running August 16 - 26) and the second one is 50% off when purchased at Tickets Tonight.
- On select dates, tickets for BC Lions and Whitecaps games are 2-for-1. Vancouver Canadians tickets are also discounted.
- Along with all of these great summer deals, the Touristinfo Centre also offers year-round, exclusive discounts on tickets for top Vancouver attractions such as the Vancouver Art Gallery, HR Macmillan Space Centre, IMAX Theatre and VanDusen Botanical Gardens.
www.tourismvancouver.com
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| THEATRE UNDER THE STARS PRESENTS GREASE AND OKLAHOMA |
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July 11 - August 18
Theatre under the Stars, also known as TUTS, started in 1934 as an outdoor band shell in Stanley Park for summer afternoon concerts of choral or orchestral music. In 1940, a group of local theatre people formed a not-for-profit society called Theatre under the Stars to produce quality musicals during the summer. Since then, TUTS has been delighting audiences with summer musical theatre productions "under the stars" at Malkin Bowl in Stanley Park. The 2007 season includes Grease and Oklahoma. Tickets for TUTS performances are available through Tickets Tonight, located in the Tourism Vancouver Touristinfo Centre at 200 Burrard Street.
www.tuts.ca
www.ticketstonight.ca
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| GROUSE GRIND SOCIAL NIGHTS |
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The "Grouse Grind" trail is a Vancouver institution. This popular 2.9 km (1.8 mile) trail is commonly referred to by locals as "Mother Nature's Stairmaster" and over 110,000 hikers per year take on the challenge of the rugged terrain and steep climb. "Grouse Grind Social Nights" are aimed at uniting like-minded hikers together and a great way to meet some energetic locals. These nights are new to Vancouver's social scene and take place every Wednesday night, giving "Grinders" the opportunity to mix, mingle and compare Grind times with other zealous trail trekkers. The night begins at 6:00pm at the trail head and proceeds to Altitudes Bistro where a live DJ, drink and food specials, and great company await at the top. Please note: the Grouse Grind is a steep trail and hikers should come prepared with ample water and proper footwear.
www.grousemountain.com
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| ENCHANTED EVENINGS IN A CHINESE GARDEN |
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July 13 - September 7
Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden enchants summer evenings every Friday night with musical performances in the Chinese garden. Now in its 14th season, this year's performance repertoire includes classical, Asian, world, gypsy jazz, African and fusion music. All shows start at 7:30pm and cost $15 CAD. Visit the website for a full listing of concerts.
www.vancouverchinesegarden.com
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| MUSEUM OF ANTHROPOLOGY PRESENTS POLES OF THE NORTHWEST COAST |
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The Museum of Anthropology (MOA) welcomes families and individuals interested in learning more about Northwest Coast First Nations cultures. This new program introduces visitors to the significance of some of the totem poles and houseposts at the museum. Participants will learn how to identify crests, create their own piece of artwork inspired by the poles, and learn to play the traditional First Nations game of slahal. The program takes place every other Sunday at 1:00pm and is free with regular admission (family admission of $25 CAD includes two adults and up to four children), and is suitable for children six to 12 years old.
www.moa.ubc.ca
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| WEST COAST AIR OFFERS GOURMET FLOATPLANE TOURS |
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For both locals and visitors, taking a float plane is a popular mode of transportation as well as a great way to get a bird's eye view of the city and surrounding areas. West Coast Air takes the float plane ride to a whole new level with two gourmet tours. The "Fly & Wine" tour takes guests to Saturna Island, a sparsely populated urban hideaway nestled amid the Southern Gulf Islands, for a varietal wine tasting. Priced at $299 CAD per person (approximately $279 USD), the tour includes a one-hour flight, one-hour stopover, guided vineyard tour, wine tasting and a souvenir bottle of wine. The second tour, the "Fly & Dine" package, takes guests on a Vancouver scenic flight tour followed by dinner at The Cannery Seafood House to savour some of the freshest and best seafood in the city. Priced at $189 CAD per person (approximately $177 USD), this tour includes a 20-minute floatplane tour, $50 per person food voucher for The Cannery plus limo transfer back to your downtown hotel.
www.westcoastair.com
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| GOLF IN VANCOUVER |
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Vancouver's natural beauty and mild climate are a perfect fit for duffers and pros alike. The Greater Vancouver area boasts a number of excellent golfing facilities ranging from pitch and putt to Canadian Professional Golfers' Association-rated golf courses.
Fore of the Best
Vancouver offers the golf enthusiast a range of courses to fill their needs year-round. Below are four of the best.
Considered one of the most beautifully landscaped playgrounds in the province, Furry Creek is situated north of Vancouver, en route to Whistler. This par 72, 18-hole golf course was designed by Robert Muir Graves and built in 1993. It offers panoramic ocean views and abundant wildlife. www.golfbc.com
Located on the University of British Columbia's scenic campus for over 75 years, University Golf Club offers visitors the chance to combine 18 holes with a sense of history. Open year round, the par 72 course is set among a mature landscape of towering majestic trees - it's easy to forget that you're just 20 minutes from downtown Vancouver. www.universitygolf.com
Westwood Plateau, set high up on Eagle Mountain, offers great golf in a spectacular mountain setting. Course designer Michael Hurdzan has incorporated large Douglas firs, massive granite rock faces, and rugged ravines into this par 72, 6,770 yard course. Hole #5 was named one of Canada's best 18 holes by Score magazine. www.westwoodplateaugolf.com
Located in Richmond, close to Vancouver International Airport, Mayfair Lakes is known for fast, well-protected greens, lush fairways and distinctive water. Designed by Les Furber, its inspired layout offers a unique challenge on every hole. www.golfbc.com
Pitch and Putt
In addition to three full-length golf courses (Fraserview, Langara and McCleery), the Vancouver Park Board also operates three pitch and putt courses around the city (Queen Elizabeth, Rupert and Stanley Park). The Queen Elizabeth course offers beautiful city vistas surrounded by unique trees with 18 short, contoured par threes. The Stanley Park course is right downtown, and with 18 holes ranging from 40 to 100 yards, this course is surrounded by a beautiful rhododendron garden. Pitch and putt is great value at $11.75 CAD for adults and $8.75 CAD for youth.
www.vancouverparks.ca
Heli-va-View Package Returns
Enjoy a high-class golf experience with the "Heli-va-View" package this summer. Start with a two-night stay at the Fairmont Waterfront, and then get ready for urban golf like you've never experienced before! Fly into Vancouver's spectacular Westwood Plateau Golf Course (nestled among the mountains) via Helijet and enjoy a round of golf for two with continental breakfast, golf cart and a fully stocked cart cooler, then return to your hotel via helicopter to enjoy a celebratory bottle of BC bubbly. Package starts at $1,899 CAD for two (approximately $1,775 USD).
www.fairmont.com
www.westwoodplateaugolf.com
www.helijet.com
Sewell's Marina Takes Visitors from Sea to Tee
Turn 18 holes into a full day by making the journey to or from the golf course part of the experience. Sewell's Marina offers the "Sea to Tee Safari" which takes guests from Horseshoe Bay to Furry Creek via a 28-foot rigid hull inflatable boat. On the way, you'll zip around West Vancouver's Howe Sound stopping for views of the islands, lighthouses, seals and varieties of sea birds. Cost is $179 CAD per person (approximately $167 USD)
www.sewellsmarina.com
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| VANCOUVER CHARACTER PROFILE |
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Kent Hurl, Tourism Vancouver blogger
Kent Hurl has the dual distinction of being Tourism Vancouver's travel media relations coordinator and the Tourism Vancouver blogger. According to his personal bio, Kent is big on elephants, MADtv, the Vancouver Aquarium and muscle cars. Since his blog began in May he's covered skate parks in Yaletown, Indian festivals on Commercial Drive, celebrity sightings on Robson Street and much, much more. Check out Kent's blog.
1) How long have you lived in Vancouver and where did you come from?
I'm a prairie boy, born and raised in Edmonton. After high school, I went travelling to California with some friends. We made a pit stop in Vancouver and I totally ditched my friends and stayed because Vancouver is so great.
2) How did you get the job of writing the Tourism Vancouver blog?
I hired someone to hack into our server and upload my monologues. Is that believable? No? Ok, the truth is that 2007 is identified as a lucky year for Sagittarians (which I am) and, in the Chinese calendar it's the lucky year of the pig (which I also am). All of it must be true because I'm definitely the luckiest guy in Vancouver to have the opportunity to explore my city and write about it. Oh, and I work part-time for the travel media relations department. That may have had something to do with it.
3) What would you recommend to a visitor who only has 24 hours in Vancouver?
- Go to Stanley Park. Follow the signs to Beaver Lake and experience one of the most magical spots in the city. Then, go to the Vancouver Aquarium to see over 70,000 amazing marine creatures.
- Have a look at the heritage homes along West 10th Avenue between Quebec and Yukon streets. You'll feel like you've taken a horse and carriage ride back to the 1800s.
- Visit Granville Island for a cup of coffee at the Blue Parrot followed by a stroll through the Public Market. Finish by checking out the turtles that sun themselves on the rocks in the creek beside the community centre. Speaking of creeks, hop aboard one of the mini ferries on False Creek. You'll sail past parks, restaurants, beaches, museums, shopping and the urban bling of Science World. The ferries are a really fun way to get around Vancouver.
- Spend some time on Commercial Drive. If you want to hang with the locals, this is the place to go. It's one of our most interesting neighbourhoods. Sangria at Havana is always a nice option and people-watching in Grandview Park never fails to display a kaleidoscope of local colour.
4) What tops your list of Vancouver souvenirs?
My favourite souvenir is the inukshuk. It's a stone landmark created by the Inuit to offer directions for travellers. There's a beautiful inukshuk at English Bay. It's probably too big to fit in your suitcase, but you can grab miniature replicas in Gastown.
6) What is your favourite restaurant for a casual meal with friends?
I really like Joe's Grill on West Fourth Avenue in Kitsilano. It's simple, tasty and wallet-friendly. Dockside Restaurant is a great spot too. It's part of the Granville Island Hotel and has a secluded patio beside the floating homes. And at the White Spot on West Broadway - you can still get fast food car service!
For more information about Kent Hurl or Tourism Vancouver's blog, please contact Amber Sessions at asessions@tourismvancouver.com.
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