Vancouver
Following two weeks trekking and canoeing in the Canadian Rocky Mountains, it was time to board The Canadian again for the thirty-hour train journey from Edmonton to Vancouver. I figured that an economy seat would be fine for that leg of the journey – wrong! Unlike the sleeper carriage, where passengers were friendly and chatty, people kept themselves to themselves in the seated coach. I arrived in Vancouver in the morning, ready for bed!
For five days, I rented a self-contained studio in a house in Collingwood, south-east of the city centre. Less than the cost of a room in a hostal and with good transport links to the city centre, it made for a comfortable and affordable stay in Vancouver.
Vancouver is a vibrant and ethnically diverse city that is easy and comfortable to move around. The legacy of the indigenous nations of the area include many outstanding carvings, art, artefacts, and buildings. Close to the city, there are plentiful gifts of nature to enjoy.
Steveston Harbour
South of Vancouver, Steveston Harbour makes for a peaceful day out from the city and a good choice for fish and chips.
In Search of Orcas
I was glad of the anti-seasickness tablets, and so felt comfortable as well as lucky to be able to watch a pod of orcas. As you can see below, we aren’t that far from shore.
Capilano Suspension Bridge
Capilano Suspension Bridge Park is in North Vancouver and approximately half an hour on public transport from the city centre. It’s worlds apart from the city and a great place to enjoy the forest as you walk suspended above the ravine. Get there early to avoid the crowds!
