Vancouver Savvy • Attractions

Klahowya Village in Stanley Park

Klahowya Village is an event in Stanley Park that celebrates Aboriginal culture through song, dance, art and food. The event includes:

A spirit catcher train (aka the miniature train ride)
3 performances daily (12pm, 2pm, and 4pm)
Vendor booths featuring wood carving, weaving, and painting crafts
Aboriginal cuisine
Cultural tours every hour from 11am – 5pm

MORE PICTURES OF KLAHOWYA VILLAGE

Event Date: July 1 – September 6, 2010 (10am – 6pm Daily)

Location: 611 Pipeline Road, Vancouver, BC V6G1Z4‎ (map)

SkyTrain Stop: Waterfront Station, Bus #019

Price: FREE

More Info? More Information // Stanley Park Map & Guide

Steveston Village: buy your seafood fresh off the boat

StevestonSign

It’s funny how some people I’ve met, who are from Vancouver, have never been to this part of the city. I think this a fabulous place to bring guests from out of town, rain or shine. Steveston Village is a beautiful little community in Richmond – about a 25 minute drive from Vancouver. The area is primarily residential, but Steveston Landing is where all the action is. On the weekends, you can find seafood for sale right off the boats! There’s always fresh fish and shrimp, and more recently we saw sea urchin for sale. Most items are either fresh or flash frozen at sea. Even if we do not plan to buy any seafood, it’s always fun to look at what the boats are selling.

FishingBoats2 Fishing Boat

There are also many shops and restaurants in the area that are worth visiting. Romania Country Bread is one stop you must make. The bread is baked daily in the large wood oven, which occupies half of the store. Try the free samples and you will definitely be convinced to purchase a loaf to bring home.

Bread Oven Bread

If you’d like to do some whale watching or you would like to go on a fishing charter, Seabreeze Adventures offers these tours. Personally, I have never taken one of these tours but I think they would be great for a summer trip.

ActivitiesSign2

One of the famous fish & chips stands at Steveston is Pajo’s. In the summer, you will find extremely long lines here. Your meal is made fresh and it is served in a cone. The portions are large and they make eating fish & chips fun.

Boardwalk Pajos

Location: Bayview Street & 2nd Avenue, Richmond, BC (Map)

SkyTrain Stop: Aberdeen Station, then bus #410

More Info? http://www.steveston.bc.ca/

Grouse Grind: Climb Grouse Mountain

The Grouse Grind is a popular giant Stairmaster for locals and travellers. It is known as Vancouver’s peak, because it is located in North Vancouver, which is very close to the city center and offers a beautiful view of the city. The first time I went up the mountain was with a two of my best friends who were visiting and we took the lift up. There are also small animal shows at the top of the mountain that are very entertaining. The Grind is open during the summer months from about May to October.

grouse grind trail sign grouse grind beginning of trail grouse grind middle of trail grouse grind quarter mark sign

A few weeks ago, my partner and I decided to climb up the mountain because we were planning to do the hike all summer. It is a moderate hike of stairs with some rocky and steep areas. It takes about 1 ½ to 2 hours to reach the top if you take small breaks to catch your breath. We saw a wide range of people from children to older adults doing the trail. If you are travelling on a budget, this is recommended because it is FREE to go up the mountain and only $5 to ride the lift down – compared to about $40 for one adult admission. It is not recommended you head down the mountain by foot. The view at the top is well worth the the trek up the mountain.

grouse mountain at the top

Location: 6400 Nancy Greene Way North Vancouver, BC (map)

Getting There: From Vancouver, take the Lions Gate Bridge towards North Vancouver where you will see signs to Grouse Mountain There is lots of free parking at the base of the mountain, but the paved lots are pay parking. The trail is beside parking lot D.

Price: FREE to go up, $5 to ride the lift down.

SkyTrain Stop: Waterfront Station, take the SeaBus Northbound to North Vancouver, Bus #236 goes directly to Grouse Mountain.

More Info? Grouse Mountain, Grouse Grind

The Big Bus: Value and Convenience for Travellers

the big bus

I was given the opportunity to experience the Big Bus Hop-On Hop-Off tour with three of my friends about a month ago. I was recently very busy with visitors in town which was perfect. I also just came back from my own vacation, which is why this is a little delayed. I have always seen the buses throughout the city and I have always wanted to try the Big Bus because of the convertible style buses. The welcome centre and the first stop of the tour are located in Gastown beside the famous steam clock. Look for the red signs and the big ice cream cone figure outside the store – the first goodie is FREE ice cream or fudge with the tour from the welcome centre.

Although the first stop is located in Gastown, you do not have to start the tour there. You can Hop-On or Hop-Off at any of the 22 stops on the route, check out the route map and the schedule. Just look for the Big Bus stop signs on the route. Tickets can be purchased online and printed out or you can simply provide payment when you Hop-On.

The Big Bus is not just a tour, but also a great value for travellers to see the city at their own pace. It is highly recommended for single travellers, travellers who are staying in the downtown vicinity, and anyone who does not have a car or does not want to worry about parking. The single adult fare is $37 and is valid for two days. The stops include the Vancouver Art Gallery, Granville Island, English Bay Beach, Stanley Park and the Vancouver Aquarium, Robson Street, and Chinatown. The best part is, you don’t have to worry about finding parking and paying for parking! In some areas of the city, parking is about $10 around each attraction.

The complete tour is about 90 minutes long if you do not get off. The bus driver doubles as a tour guide who is very knowledgeable about the city and the current city happenings. When our guide stopped in Stanley Park, he got off the bus and provided direction for everyone because the park is very big. If you’re interested in visiting specific attractions (Vancouver Aquarium, Vancouver Art Gallery, Harbour Cruises, etc.), the Big Bus website offers package deals. Overall, it was a unique experience for all of us and it was definitely BIG FUN!

Location: Welcome Centre – 317 Water Street, Vancouver, BC (map)

Getting There: If you are driving to the 1^st stop, Water Street is a one-way street. There is paid parking in the area. Use the route map for parking around each stop.

SkyTrain Stop: Waterfront Station, then walk to Gastown.

Price: Hop-On Hop-Off Tour – Adult (18-64) $37.00; Senior (65+) & Student (13-17, Student ID) $34.00; Child (6-12) $18.00; Family Pack (2 Adults & kids under 12) $85.00

More Info? http://bigbus.ca/

Klahowya Village in Stanley Park

Steveston Village: buy your seafood fresh off the boat

Grouse Grind: Climb Grouse Mountain

The Big Bus: Value and Convenience for Travellers

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