3 Days in Vancouver: Day 1 (Afternoon)

Setting Off

In the afternoon I decided to hire a bike to cycle around the Stanley Park Sea Wall, Now it is important to note I probably haven’t ridden a bike properly since I was roughly 13. So with some very rusty cycling skills I set off on my adventure. I hired the bike from along the waterfront and was pleased with the conversion rate as I paid on my debit card. It is law in Vancouver I believe to wear a helmet so these are supplied to you as well as a bike lock. Now I must say the bike was super comfortable and after a few wobbles I was off.

My first stop was going to be Klahowya village. Well I got a little lost that resulted in the purchasing of some delightful blueberries and stumbling upon the Beaver Lake in the middle of the park. In the end I reached the village with its artists market area displaying First Nation craftwork. The craft workshops are run at set times so I opted to take the story train ride. The year I visited the theme was Salmon and through dance actors interpreted the story being piped to us through the carriage speakers.  I would say it is more aimed towards children than adults but it was interesting nonetheless.

Next stop Vancouver Aquarium:

I managed to get a cheaper entrance fee with my international student card so that was a bonus. Inside the jellyfish exhibit and the area on Canadian ecosystems were very interesting. I was also surprised to see birds and small monkeys in the tropical area. The Aquarium is also home to Beluga Whales, which I had mixed feelings about. They also house Harbor Porpoises and Seals that have been rescued from the local area that I felt better about. Then there were the cheeky Sea Otters who seem to draw a lot of visitor attention. The sight isn’t huge but it is worth a visit.

 

It was then back onto my bike to visit the wonderful totem poles. There is ample parking and bike storage in the area. I spent a while taking in the amazing craftsmanship before looking in the great near by gift shop. The next point I came across where I stopped for a while was under the Lionsgate Bridge. This green bridge joining Downtown with the North shore is impressive. I watched people fishing, a tour boat whizzing through the rapids and large container ships whilst I took a few minutes rest. Then it was on past Siwash Rock to Third Beach. This is where I made friends with a Crow who seemed to have stolen part of someone’s sandwich.

      

I then cycled back towards the city, making it in time to watch the Disney cruise liner leaving the docks. Heading back the bike I then spent some time taking in the sight of seaplanes coming in and out of the harbor. Dinner was a grilled cheese and a doughnut courtesy of Tim Horton’s. Having eaten it was a short wander back to the Vancouver Lookout where I had begun the day. I headed up and spent a good hour or so watching the light change as the Sun set and the city lights turned on. Having had my fill of the view and not wanting to be out too late I walked back to my hotel room, grabbing a hot chocolate on the way to enjoy with some of the blueberries brought earlier. With that it was then time for bed ready for another day of adventure.