February 25, 2007 | Tips from Travellers >
Vancouver, Attractions
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My Great Find includes a Great Sleep. A few years ago, I slept over at the Vancouver Aquarium with my family, a few seals, and a pool full of sea stars.
We had the whole place to ourselves (and a few other families), including a host who showed us the entire Aquarium at night. We went behind the scenes and fishtanks to tour the operation - the part visitors normally don't see.
We fed the fish, otters, frogs, and other creatures and fell asleep watching the Beluga's - our heads rested on pillowcases we made while sipping our pre-sleep hot cocoa.
Overall we had a once-in-a-lifetime experience that totally surpassed visiting the Aquarium during the day. It cost just a bit more than the usual admission price and a nights stay at a hotel, but well worth it.
February 25, 2007 | Tips from Travellers >
Vancouver, Dining
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Downtown Vancouver has an abundance of quick-and-easy (and economic) eatiers, which I find myself frequenting more and more. Here are some of my favourite food places, where I can take the food to go, which means...to the beach, to the park, to the stairs on the Vancouver Art Gallery, to the middle of the Burrard Inlet by boat, etc. There are so many great outdoor places to eat, you just need to bring your own food.
1. Hot Dog Vendors - all over the place, including the waterfront walkway. Veggie dogs too!
2. International Food Courts - mainly concentrated around the Burrard Street and Pender area downtown and in the shopping malls. India Abroad in the food court at Hornby and Pender is a local favourite.
3. Fujiya Sushi - sushi to go on West Pender. I always pick up a package of Pocky for an easy picnic dessert.
4. Markets - there are many farmers markets in Vancouver (but not downtown), with the most popular being Granville Island. I often speak to the farm growers, who fill in the story and detail of the food.
5. Food Stores - IGA, Capers, T&T (asian), Nesters, and Urban Fare all have great selections of local B.C. foods. I love the soup at Capers on Robson and often grab a cup, some fresh bread, and Ginger Beer to go before heading to Stanley Park. Or, I just sit on their patio and people watch.
February 25, 2007 | Tips from Travellers >
North Vancouver, Kayaking & Canoeing
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I always tell visitors to head to Deep Cove. A quick 20 minute drive from downtown Vancouver to Deep Cove gets you into a small treasure trove of coastal life. Deep Cove is a small waterfront community in North Vancouver on Indian Arm, a remote-like fjord off Burrard Inlet.
Things to do include licking ice-cream, hiking the Baden-Powell trail, throwing the frisbee or tossing the hacky-sack in Cates Park, sitting on the wharf, and going on a treasure hunt in the many local shops.
But the Great Find of Deep Cove is the kayaking. I rent a kayak from Deep Cove Canoe & Kayak and head out to explore the area on my own. I love paddling past the architecturally inspiring waterfront homes on my way to Raccoon Island, where I stop for a picnic lunch or dinner and a bit of exploring... and sometimes skinny dipping (as long as no one is around, which is usually the case).
While I haven't done it, you can continue down Indian Arm and turn an evening paddle into an overnight adventure. Perhaps this summer.