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FEATURE DESTINATION: Vancouver,
British Columbia
Vancouver is one of my favorite North America cities and is worth a visit
any time of the year for any reason. Originally know as Gastown, it was
the watering hole for lumber workers in Western Canada. It has matured
into a sophisticated multicultural city with beautiful waterfront architecture
and will be the host of the 2010 Winter Olympics.
During the summer months, Vancouver is the home port for the
majority of the ships heading northbound on sailings to Alaska.
So many ships and cruise lines are now scheduled in port on Saturdays
and Sundays, a second pier, Ballantyne Pier is also used in addition
to Canada Place for loading and unloading passengers.
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Vancouver
is just 24 miles from the Washington state border, a short plane
ride or three hour drive from Seattle.
My favorite mode of transportation is to take the #510 Amtrak Cascades
which leaves Seattle about 7:45 in the morning, meanders right
along the gorgeous Puget Sound coastline and delivers you to
the main Vancouver
train station. From there you can hop a cab to downtown or board
the Sky Train across the street from the station which will take
you to Canada Place.
Hopefully,
even if you only have an afternoon in Vancouver, you’ll
use the time to see some of its many attractions. I’d
suggest a day or two extra to really enjoy all that the city
and the area has to offer. Some special things that I’d
suggest you not miss include: |
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Stanley
Park – whether you jog, stroll, bicycle or take
a hop on/hop off bus around Stanley Park, there’s no bad
way to see it. Inside the park is a sensational Aquarium with
adorable beluga whales on exhibit as well as a totem pole carving
demonstration area, a children’s farmyard, a beach and
picnic areas.
Granville
Island – a great
place to stock up on provisions for the cruise, just in case
you think there might not be enough food and liquor aboard.
There are
also good restaurants, artists’ demonstrations, a kids market
and a maritime market.
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Capilano
Suspension Bridge – located in North Vancouver,
this wiggly, wobbly bridge crosses the Capilano River at a height
of 230 feet. Also in the area is the Capilano Fish Hatchery where
you can watch salmon swim upstream. Heading further north is
the Grouse Mountain Sky Ride, where you can ascend 3700 feet
and overlook the entire Vancouver area.
Whistler Mountain – two hours north
of Vancouver and home of the ski events for the 2012 Olympics,
Whistler is a beautiful
area that offers everything from bungee jumping and mountain
biking to spa treatments and golf. Whistler Village is pedestrian
only, but there is plenty of parking around the village.
Once back in Vancouver, if you still have time for a bite, Joe
Fortes Seafood and Chophouse on Thurlow is an institution. Also
excellent is The Fish House in Stanley Park.
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