Vancouver, British Columbia

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Vancouver, British Columbia--Another ferry ride, not as tough as the first one, as the boat was bigger and the drive in and out was easier. Vancouver is a large, cosmopolitan city with many residential skyscrapers downtown and lots of building activity for the 2010 Olympic winter games. We stayed at an RV park just across the Lion’s Gate Bridge, the only park near the city, in West Vancouver.

Vancouver is an easy town to drive in; we had dinner in Chinatown and explored Gastown, with a large steam-generated grandfather clock on one corner. We shopped at a wonderful market on Granville Island, where individual vendors sell beautiful produce, bakery items, fresh meats and fish (great local salmon), artisan cheeses, and lots of specialty items. There were vendors of all nationalities and food items from around the world. Granville Island is home to an art school, many wonderful galleries, and cute little shops as well.

We rode the local water taxi over to the Telus Science Center, where we visited the BodyWorks exhibit, actual human cadavers cut away and plasticized for preservation to show muscles, nerves, bones, and internal organs. Sounds morbid, but it was quite fascinating, as they were posed in all sorts of different ways. The donors willed their bodies to science just for this purpose—quite amazing.

The Capilano Suspension Bridge was of interest as well. Somewhat of a tourist trap, nevertheless, it was a must-see. Built in the 19th century (and updated since, we’re glad to report), it spans a deep canyon in the rain forest and the walk across was just a bit unnerving, since it does sway. On the other side, there are raised platforms and bridges high up in the forest where you walk between the trees and enjoy the view of the Pacific rain forest.

Grouse Mountain was another stop. We rode the aerial tram up to the ski area, where we joined the audience for a lumberman’s competition and saw a huge bear. OK, the bear was behind an electric fence, but he climbed onto a large rock and seemed to pose just for us. I swear he could have jumped off the rock right into the crowd, but of course, he couldn’t……could he?

Next destination—Lake Louise and Banff in Alberta.

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Photos

BC Ferries
We took Coco and Rhonda on a ferry just like this one from Victoria to Vancover.

Driving into the City
Approaching Vancover....that's Jim and Chris's bus "Lily" in front of us

Telus Science Center
Great children's museum and home to BodyWorks exhibit.....we took the water taxi over

Capilano Suspension Bridge
Just a little nerve-wracking for someone with vertigo

Grizzly Bear
Grizzly bear at Grouse Mountain

Glacier View
A lunch stop on the way to Alberta

Comments

[bellaouch]

my fave
this the place i would love to visit as soon i can B.C heaven of the world i love ittttttttttt