Canada At its Best
I began my visit by staying in Vancouver City itself in an area called Yaletown which was a great central location. Everywhere in downtown Vancouver is very accessible. I walked everywhere but lots of people use bikes in the city. There was a lovely choice of eateries around our location. I especially liked the local dish of Poutine (chips, cheese and gravy) not normally the food I would go for but as it was a national dish I tried lots of times!
I started my trip with an eco-walk round Stanley Park. The park itself has lots to offer as it is one of the biggest in North America. We walked through the forest which is home to some of the finest cedar, fir and hemlock trees. The park is surrounded by water which is lovely. It is a definite must for anyone visiting Vancouver. The park is also home to the Vancouver Aquarium which was great.
The next day followed with a short trip from the city to Capilano Suspension Bridge. This was not for the faint hearted. As I stood on the bridge and started to walk I did try to turn around and go back but with the support of friends/colleagues I did it. I walked across the bridge which is 70 metres above the river below and 140 metres long. It is so beautiful. Make sure you have enough time to take this in as there are six treetop adventures when you have crossed the bridge!
From here I made my way back into Vancouver to the Famous Granville Island - full of art, food and lots of things to enjoy. I was soon joining in a Foodie Tour which was totally brilliant, getting to sample seven different eateries from the best in the market. Granville is a fantastic and unique place in Vancouver. I followed this up by then doing the brewery tour which took in three breweries. A must if you like to sample different ales on offer in this city.
The next day I got to enjoy the Famous FlyOver Canada! Not knowing what to expect from such a thing, I am so glad I took part as it is certainly an experience not to be missed. Seeing all of Canada from a sensory ride experience is a fantastic thing for adults and children.
I then made my way to take a seaplane over Vancouver City. It was completely amazing! This cost approx. £80pp and it was absolutely fantastic. To get an area view over a city is so brilliant.
In my four days in Vancouver City I got to visit a range of hotels to suit all customers.
Now on to our next adventure. We made our way to the north of the city to Horseshoe Bay to take the two-hour ferry to Vancouver Island. We then made a three-hour journey from the port to the west of the island. We had a stop en route for a lovely lunch in a place called Coombes then on to the most amazing place called Torfino. When we arrived in the town, I cannot explain how it makes you feel. It is simply one of the most beautiful places on earth. The west of Vancouver Island can be rugged and rough. The surfing here is fantastic but if you are like me, snuggling up and watching the storm by a wood burning fire is a good option as well.
Again I got to visit lots of hotels in the area of Tofino but I do need to mention one as with over 20 years travel experience and having been to a lot of hotels there is one particular hotel that stood out and totally wowed me. The Wickaninnish inn is pure luxury with so much character.
I was lucky enough to experience bear watching from a boat which is arranged from Tofino and whale watching. We got to see both. I then had a small amount of free time to take in some of the art galleries and quaint shops in Torino.
After a couple of nights in Tofino we moved on to the east of Vancouver Island. The waters are so much calmer and warmer. This is a great destination for beaches with families. I got to experience three different hotels in this area. I spent the night here before our ferry back to the mainland and our onward flight back home.
The Canadian people we came across were so friendly and helpful. It was a super trip, I cannot wait to return!
