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.
   
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 $10 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.
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
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 – 321 Water Street, Vancouver, BC (map)
Getting There: If you are driving to the 1st 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/
The city of Vancouver is currently counting down to the 2010 Olympics. There are 209 days to go! If you will not be in town for the massive event and you are visiting prior to the Olympics, I suggest visiting the Richmond Olympic Oval. One of employees told us it is the first new Olympic venue open for public use prior to the games.
 
If you are only visiting for the day, they offer free public tours on Tuesdays and Fridays at 1:00pm and Saturdays at 1:00pm and 2:30pm. If you would like to test out the facility, they also offer a daily drop-in pass. They have a full fitness centre which overlooks the speed skating rink and gym. Gym use is based on a schedule and includes basketball, volleyball, badminton, Futsal, and open gym time. There are group fitness classes, summer camp programs, skating lessions, childminding, and much more. The complex also has a rowing & cycling studio and a rowing tank, operating in conjunction with UBC’s rowing programs. The facility is a beautiful well-rounded sports complex that offers a wide range of activities and services to the community.
***For residents, promotional memberships are only 3 months for $100, check out my DEALS for more details***
 
 
Location: 6111 River Road, Richmond, BC (map)
Getting There: Free 3 hours parking is available and there are many ways you can get there.
SkyTrain Stop: #401 and #407 Bus, get off at Gilbert and Westminster Hwy
Price: Public Tours FREE; One Day Drop-In: Adult $12.50; Youth (13 to 21) $8; Child $4.50; Senior (65+) $10
More Info? http://richmondoval.ca
We drove to Whistler for a day trip on Canada Day to celebrate our one year moving anniversary. I still can’t believe it has been a whole year. The drive is approximately two hours depending on where you start in the city. The drive is absolutely beautiful because the roads wrap around the mountainsides. Whistler Village is home to many hotels, restaurants, and shopping. I do not suggest dining on top of the mountains, because your selection is very limited. We ended up eating at the Rendezvous on top of Blackcomb, which sounds all fancy but was a cafeteria style eatery with a hot dog and hamburger BBQ outside.
TIP: Buy your lift tickets online or visit the Information Booth in Whistler Village for a $2 discount.
 
There are many summer activities available including hiking, mountain biking, river rafting, many tours (ziptrek, ATV, jeep), etc. We decided to do the easy hiking trials on the top of the mountains. We enjoyed the views and a surprisingly good workout. There were many, many families there so I am assuming there’s something for everyone nearby. The most amazing part of our trip, aside from the breathtaking views, was the PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola. It just opened at the beginning of the 2008/09 ski season and operates between Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains. It is unbelievable how the 4.4km ride is supported by only 4 towers.
 
 
 
Location: 4545 Blackcomb Way, Whistler, BC (map)
Getting There: Free parking is available and there are many ways you can get there.
Price: 1-Day PEAK 2 PEAK includes 1 ride up Whistler or Blackcomb and unlimited rides between the two
Summer Rates effective June 27-October 12, 2009:
Adults $41.95; Seniors/Youths (13-18) $34.95; Children (7-12) $18.95; Children 6 & under FREE
More Info? http://www.whistlerblackcomb.com
There are many markets throughout the city, which is one thing I love about Vancouver. This was our first visit to the Lonsdale Quay Market in North Vancouver. One method of travelling to the North Shore is by SeaBus. I have never taken the Seabus, but it is a frequent passenger boat which travels between downtown Vancouver and North Vancouver.
 
Summerfest is the current event at the market until September 6, 2009. Every weekend different kinds of dance lessons are offered free to the public. The market has a few restaurants, many small food stands, and local craft and clothing shops. The atmosphere is very laid back if you just want to spend a few hours by the water enjoying the music or grabbing a bite from the market shops.
If you are a seafood lover, specifically oysters, you must try Screaming Mimi’s Seafood Deli and Steamer. This was the first food stand I saw when we walked in; it offers creamy baked oysters, jalapeno oyster on a bun, fried oysters, and raw oysters. You can even pick your own live lobster or crab and have them steam it for you.
  
  
 
Event: Summerfest (June 26 – September 6, 2009)
Location: The foot of Lonsdale Avenue (map)
SkyTrain Stop: Waterfront Station, SeaBus
Getting There: If you are driving, you take the Lions Gate Bridge to North Vancouver. Free market parking is available on the weekends and after 6pm on weekdays.
Price: FREE
More Info? http://www.lonsdalequay.com
|
|
