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

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.

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

October 13th, 2009 | 3 comments - (Comments are closed)

How to Use the Vancouver SkyTrain

skytrain map

New ticket validators on the Canada Line

SkyTrain 411 – what you need to know.

What is the SkyTrain? The SkyTrain is Vancouver’s rapid transit system, which is part of a larger public transportation system run by Translink. It is cool, because the trains are completely automated and driverless. The newest line, the Canada Line connects downtown Vancouver with the Vancouver International Airport (YVR). The trains start around 5:00am and stop at about 12:00am, check the schedules and maps for the first and last trains.

Fare Zones: The fares are based on the where you start and end your trip, check out the fare zone map. The system has 3 zones – named zone 1, zone 2, and zone 3. The fare you pay depends on where you intend to travel. For example, if you are travelling within one zone, you pay a 1 zone fare. If you are travelling from zone 1 to zone 3, you pay a 3 zone fare.

Fares: Fares can be purchased in four main forms: single fares, faresaver booklets (10 single tickets), day passes, and monthly passes. There are also student and employer programs that offer savings. Faresaver booklets and monthly passes must be purchased from faredealers, as there are only machines in the stations. The machines accept coins, credit cards, and debit cards. You can also pay exact cash fare when boarding buses.

Single Fares

  Adult Concession
(Students with GoCard & Seniors)		 Accessibility Passengers (HandyDART)
1 Zone $2.50 $1.75 $2.50
2 Zone $3.75 $2.50 $2.50
3 Zone $5.00 $3.50 $3.75
All Zones (After 6:30pm, Weekends & Holidays) $2.50 $1.75  
4 Zones or more (specially equipped vehicles)     $5.00
DayPass $9.00 $7.00

Proof of Payment System: The whole SkyTrain system is based on a Proof of Payment System. This means all passengers must pay or validate their fare and have proof of this while they are on a train or a bus. Officers do random checks at the entrances of stations or on the trains to ensure passengers are compliant with the system.

Parking at SkyTrain Stations

Parking beside SkyTrain stations is only available at the stations below.  Translink has Park and Ride lots, where customers can park but they are not ALL located beside SkyTrain stations. Some are free parking lots.

University Station - Production Way (Lougheed Highway at Production Way, Burnaby)
Hours: Monday to Friday (except holidays) from 6am to 11pm. Saturday & Sunday closed.
Fees: $1 per hour; $4 all day 6am-6pm; $2 6pm-11pm; $85 monthly random spots; $140/monthly reserved spots

Bridgeport Station (8888 River Road, Richmond)
Hours: Available 7 days a week
Fees: $2/day

Scott Road Station (110th Ave. at Scott Rd, Surrey)
Hours: Available 7 days a week
Fees: $2 all day; $40/28-consecutive-day pass; $55/28-consecutive-day premium parking

King George Station (King George Highway, between 98th and 100th Ave, Surrey)
Hours: Available 7 days a week
Fees: Impark Lot#1303

TIP: Translink has a trip planner on their website, which is very helpful if you do not know your way around.

More Information? http://www.translink.ca

September 27th, 2009 | 4 comments - (Comments are closed)

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.

the steam clock in gastown the big bus welcom centre the big bus 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.

big bus stop sign olympic countdown boarding the big bus

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.

big bus tour guide big bus vancouver sightseeing chinatown stop

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/

September 18th, 2009 | Comments are closed

Summerfest @ Lonsdale Quay Market, North Vancouver

lonsdale quay market sign

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.

the seabus entrance the seabus heading to downtown 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.

Screaming Mimi's on Urbanspoon

salsa dancing at summerfest summerfest at lonsdale quay sign candy in the lonsdale quay market 

boats at lonsdale quay entrance to lonsdale quay market creamy oyster & fried oyster YUMM

mimi's oyster selection cookie shop

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

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June 30th, 2009 | 5 comments - (Comments are closed)
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