“To live will be an awfully big adventure.” –Peter Pan
In all of my travels, I’ve never visited such a modern city that has embraced the green as much as Vancouver, British Columbia. Large parks, small parks, and everything in between…it seems Vancouver was built with keeping nature in mind. Surrounded on three sides by water and a healthy amount of rainfall, it comes as no surprise that urban outdoor lovers should make this city their home. Vancouver is the Hollywood of Canada, and yet nothing about her resembles southern California. So many films and TV shows have been shot here. Unless you just don’t watch television, you’ve no doubt seen something that was filmed here. It is often less expensive for production companies, as Canada offers lucrative tax breaks for the entertainment industry. The shining star of Vancouver has got to be Stanley Park. As Vancouver’s first official green space, it is truly a rainforest in the city! The park is stunning and massive – set on its own little peninsula northwest of downtown. A jogging/bike seawall trail runs around the edge of the water offering magnificent views and historic landmarks throughout. There is the Stanley Park Train, horse-drawn carriage rides, and even an aquarium. Bring a picnic lunch, or dine at one of the cafes around the park. My absolute favorite thing is to take the ferry to Granville Island. Just south of the downtown area is Sunset Beach Park and the Vancouver Aquatic Centre – here is where you hop on the ferry to the market for less than five bucks. There are several places along the waterfront to take the ferry. Then I hit the ground running at the market. Once home to Vancouver’s factories and sawmills, the area has been transformed into an entertaining mecca, with artisan workshops, theaters, outdoor shopping, and great places to eat. It’s the perfect place to people watch, or just sit on a bench with an iced latte. By far the most daring thing I have ever done is the famous Capilano Suspension Bridge. You’ve no doubt seen photos of this narrow, swinging bridge high amongst Canadian greenery. Set in a forest north of Vancouver, the scent of pine fills the air as you make your first tentative steps across the bridge. Don’t look down! Well, you can if you dare. But if you have a fear of heights, it's best to keep your eyes straight ahead! The Capilano River is a harrowing 230 feet (70 meters) above the river. Don’t worry, the bridge is completely safe and kept in perfect working order! Side note! There is a fee for the Capilano Bridge but for a budget-friendly, free option, go to the Lynn Canyon Suspension bridge about 10 km east of Capilano. It is just as stunning and the crowds are thinner. Hint: if you go early in the morning or during the winter months you just may have the bridge all to yourself! This makes for some great photo ops. Read More
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