Vancouver Adventure
Starting with a few nights in Vancouver just as trees and leaves were beginning to change colour for Fall, I absolutely fell in love with its outdoor lifestyle and vibrant city life with the areas of Gastown and Yaletown being my favourite spots with the bars and restaurants to satisfy every taste. The city views from Stanley Park, a 1000-acre public park which borders downtown Vancouver with the city skyline one side and snow-capped mountains on the other, it shows how beautiful this city is and a truly fab place to start your Canadian adventure.
To sum Vancouver up, think glamorous city chic meets the outdoor adventure enthusiast and you might have an idea of how active yet uber-cool the city is. With activities including paddle boarding and kayaking, to taking a trip up the grouse mountain on the cable car for a spot of skiing, or spend the afternoon cycling around Stanley park, there is something for everyone. For the shoppers and foodies amongst you, then Robson street and Granville Market are a must visit, can definitely recommend the foodie tour, tasting stops around the market what’s not to like! Especially with time after to nip back to purchase some treats to take home! Highly recommend the Granville Tea company and their Chai tea!
A visit to Vancouver must include the Kia’palano (Capilano) suspension bridge, more than 70m over the river below and if you think that’s scary enough try the cliff walk and walk in the treetops on the other side, an experience and great to test that fear of heights! Back in the city don’t miss Canada’s flyover situated in Canada place, state of the art technology takes you on a seated ride where you are suspended with feet dangling from East to West Canada, special effects including wind, mist, and scents make this ride an absolute must do! Best not to give too much away for this as not to spoil the experience but a fabulous journey!
We also took to tasting what Vancouver has on offer in craft beers with the Vancouver Brewery Tour Company and visited the Vancouver Aquarium located in Stanley Park an Ocean Wise initiative with its resident Sea lions, Whale and dolphins and beautiful life from under the sea. Vancouver Lookout, the place you can see it all! 360 views and a 40-second ride in a glass elevator up the side of the building!
Now for the ultimate in experience, taking off from the water in Vancouver Harbor and views from the sky on a float plane! Wow, I wouldn't say I enjoy flying plus a tiny plane with just 5 seats and a propeller, then add the small detail of taking off and landing in water, however, I could not miss out on this! The most amazing 20-minute flight from above the city and coast! Surprisingly peaceful experience and so glad I took the opportunity to do it!
Leaving the city and heading over to our next location, Vancouver Island, 2 hours on the ferry and heading across by road for a further 3 hours we arrived in Tofino, this small town on the far west coast has everything for even the most active traveller, activities such as Whale watching, Bear watching, Pacific Ocean surfing and some of the coolest café’s and bar’s, and craft shopping, add some of the most amazing beaches and incredible views of the ocean all from this uber chilled location. Not only is this a top destination in the summer but out of season offers something totally different, storm watching is a massive draw for guests and one of the most luxurious properties we visited The Wickaninnish Inn, is often fully booked with guests enjoying a beachfront location with incredible viewing opportunities of the Pacific storms crashing in! views from its guest rooms with floor to ceiling windows, just imagine a glass of wine in hand, fire alight and taking in the sounds all from your bathtub!
We were lucky enough to take both the Whale and Bear watching tours with Jamie’s Whaling station, main season from the end of April to early October, along with a guide we headed out for a 3-hour trip and felt extremely privileged to spot Grey Whales and Black bear! To see these amazing creatures in the wild and in the most stunning scenery, literally took my breath away. Leaving Tofino we headed back over to the East (“Wild to the mild” according to our guide!) Parksville is a perfect spot for families with its great beaches, shallow waters and gentle tidal movements and great spot for experiencing Vancouver Island with its easy travel to the port back to Vancouver and shorter drives for sightseeing.
Canada was more than I expected it to be and a truly exceptional experience and will be sure to head back for more adventure quite soon!