February 21, 2010 | 2010 Olympics >
Vancouver, Ferry
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On the way to visit the Russian Sochi Olympic House at Vancouver’s Science World, we took a leisurely tour of False Creek by ferry. Starting at Granville Island (home to loads of boutique art galleries, microbrew pubs and great seafood restaurants) we hopped on the little rainbow-striped Aquabus and puttered across the water.
On our right we passed the pretty Charleston Park, with the Olympic Athletes Village further ahead. A brand new complex, the apartments will be snapped up by local residents after the Games. We continued across to trendy Yaletown, towards glossy pale green skyscrapers. Local author Douglas Coupland’s book City of Glass also captures this unbelievable, sparkly view of the city when the sun shines.
After our visit to the Russian House, we got back on the ferry (all rides are just a few bucks - great value) and chugged back down, past expensive looking yachts, sleek kayaks and dragon boat teams in training. We passed English Bay on our right, with its huge statue of an Inukshuk (an Aboriginal symbol of friendship and welcome). Crossing the water, with beautiful views of the North Shore mountains and beyond to Howe Sound, our final stop was the Maritime Museum in Kitsilano.
Amid a collection of restored wooden sailing boats, we stepped back onto dry land. A great fun and cheap way to check out the heart of Vancouver and its Olympic celebrations.