Vast Vancouver

Following a 14.5 hour mostly smooth flight from Sydney with Air Canada, we arrived in the bustling city of Vancouver with its population of 2.6 million. Apparently Vancouver is the second most expensive place in the world to buy real estate, after Hong Kong, and explains why there are thousands of high rise apartment buildings everywhere.

The Hop-on Hop-off bus was a great way to see the city and its wonderful parks. Stanley Park's 4,000 hectares was named for Lord Stanley, the Governor General of Canada, in 1888 and boasts beautiful gardens, and grass which we are told is green all year round. Vancouver is located on the traditional lands of the Musqueam, Squeamish and Tsleil-Waututh peoples and the park also contains a collection of colourful totem poles which document the history of these peoples.

 

Inukshuk, the ancient symbol of the Inuit culture

traditionally used as a landmark and navigational aid

also represents northern hospitality and friendship

 

Vancouver has the third largest film industry in northern America, with many movies and television shows filmed here each year. And for any Sci-Fi trivia fans out there, we passed actor Christopher Heyerdahl on the footpath outside our hotel - he starred in Stargate SGI, Stargate Atlantis and Sanctuary. 

We spent some time at quirky Granville Island, a collection of colourful, refurbished industrial buildings that now house artists, craftspeople and a fantastic Public Market packed full of fresh food. From there we caught a tiny ferry back across the river and walked the two or so kilometres along the waterfront to our hotel, admiring the snow topped mountains in the distance.

 

 

Ferry from Granville Island to Hornby Street Wharf

 

- and the view on the way

 

 

Walking alongside Stanley Park on a beautiful afternoon

 

Close to our hotel is the giant 'A-maze-ing Sculpture' with the notation: May this sculpture inspire laughter, playfulness and joy in all who experience it. Wise words indeed.

 

 

Also close to our hotel is Denman Street, a Mecca for cafés and restaurants. We tried the local Canadian wild salmon which was delicious and very similar to our Tassie salmon. Last night we ate lamb souvlaki and chops at a Greek Taverna. And today we lunched at the Cactus Club Café on the waterfront on delicious healthy salads. Tonight? Well it could be Italian, or perhaps seafood...

And tomorrow we board the Celebrity Millennium, bound for Alaska!