February 22, 2010 | 2010 Olympics >
Vancouver, Beaches & Swimming
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If the Vancouver 2010 Olympics crowds are getting too much, a great way to escape is to walk or jog along Jericho Beach to Spanish Banks in laidback Kitsilano.
On (yet another) perfect sunny morning, I took the dog for a walk down to Jericho Beach, passing the Jericho Sailing Club, whose diner/bar, the Galley offers one of the best patio views of downtown Vancouver and the North Shore mountains. During the Olympics they’re offering buffet breakfasts and are open to 10pm, serving burgers, fish & chips with big screen TVs to watch the Games.
I discovered the Jericho Beach parking lot had been converted into an RV park for the Olympics and got chatting to Jean and her husband who’ve come all the way from Scotland. “It’s far cheaper to stay here than in hotels and it’s such a beautiful, quiet spot,” she said. “It means we had more to spend on Olympics events tickets.” A friendly community had formed, with RV residents hanging flags out and standing around, chatting to their neighbours.
Continuing on, we strolled along Locarno Beach and on to Spanish Banks. Huge logs lie on the sand as shelter for sunbathers and in the summer, this area is packed with volleyball players, joggers and families barbequing. To make a day of it, we sometimes walk right around the coastline to the clothing-optional Wreck Beach and up to Pacific Spirit Park, then back through Kitsilano.
Wildlife-watching opportunities here abound, look out for herons, Harbour seals, and even the odd Bald eagle.