Vancouver - The City - Day Trip

This was the second time I have traveled to Vancouver.  On first impression, what strikes me as most about the city is the skyline including the use of very modern architecture with a backdrop of snow clad mountains closely behind.  The city intertwines with False Creek and the shoreline highlights many public parks, bike paths, condos that look like the front of a large ship and many other sights.   A 25 minute small boat tour for $8 is worth the money to get the lay of the land.  The good news is that Vancouver is a very walkable and bike friendly city.  We took the Canada Line sky train right into downtown from the airport on the first trip, then rented bikes to ride around the famous Stanley Park and on a path that completely encircled the city and waterfront.  $15 bucks for the day from Bayshore Bike Rentals.  bayshorebikerentals.ca

This trip, we took the sky train to the Olympic Village station and walked along the waterfront path from the Olympic Village to Granville Island; which, by the way is not to be missed.  Once an industrial area, now turned tourist trap and local community center.  This compact island sports farm fresh vendors with some of the best cheese and meat counters I have seen, local artisans, both high-end craft as well as a good variety of small independent art forms.  The Island also has several public theaters including the local Shakespearean group with Bard on the Beach, a outdoor wonder with lively players and picnics all around.  Great for the summer, June through September.  There are tents also for the rain days.  If you love Shakespeare then please check out bardonthebeach.org

Insiders special note:  By the way - we heard from a very sweet and knowledgable elder volunteer at the airport a trick to the train system.  Downstairs at the 7-11, you can purchase a day pass.  It's only available there.  It is good for 24 hours on/off all the sky trains and city busses.  It's $9.25 each, one way into town is $7.50, so this is a good deal.

One of our favorite vendor was Rio Verde, homestyle salsa.  Lots of favors, and nice and hot.  The mild is good also.  Handcrafted by Robert and friends, using local fruits and veggies based on old world Cuban family recipes.

Take a look at their website: rioverdegourmet.ca

We had a wonderful lunch outside, upstairs overlooking Robson Street  at Earls.  The weather was hot and very sunny for a May 5, Cinco de Mayo, and the respite from the heat and walking with a cold glass of the Rhino pale ale,  a signature lager and a glass of Holsten NA from Germany, was just short of a miracle.  We had the Caesar salads, one with grilled Cajun style chicken and I had a small regular classic.  The chicken, I have to say was sublime, although i don't like to use that term loosely, this chicken was notably fresh and real.  It had a light, not typically dense consistency and was a delight to eat.  Cheers for getting the chicken right!!  earls.ca

During our meal, I decided right there that it was time to start the search for the two most popular items in the Pacific Northwest, 1.  who makes the best clam chowder and 2. who has the best Classic Caesar Salad.  Let the search begin! By the way, Earls had a very good Caesar Salad, light creamy with a twist of lemon.

The Canada Line Sky Train

The Highlights of our trip photos

Granville Bridge

Vancouver city view

 The Inuksuik may have been used for navigation, as a point of reference, a marker for travel routes, fishing places, camps, hunting grounds, places of veneration, drift fence or to mark a food cache. The word Inuksuk means "something which acts for or performs the function of a person" Varying in shape and size, the Inuksuik have longtime roots in the Inuit culture.

Beautiful Challah

The famous Salmon Shop

Some of the very best specialty meat vendors have counters at the public market on Granville Island.   

Cheese from all over the world - heaven

Fresh baguettes, right next to the olives and cheese shop

The best home cooked meal on a Sunday night for $6.95
and a good Guinness and Irish music! located next to the International Hostel.