Vancouver, BC

Ah Vancouver, wet Vancouver. We arrived in the rain and left in the rain with one day in four that didn't rain too much. Even so it was an interesting city to visit and there certainly was no shortage of places to visit. In many ways it resembles a Canadian New York. You need plenty of money to live comfortably there, and everything is fine while you have money to spend, but as soon as you have no money there is very little you can do. 

Yep! It's Vancouver alright.

We arrived on Sunday afternoon and spent all of the extra time that we had hoped for exploring, on getting our car partly dismantled and almost completely unpacked to make it less attractive to thieves.

The underground car park was too low for our van and top box, so at first we decided to leave it at the back of the hotel in a reserved parking area. But after dubious looks from the concierge, dire warnings from another guest and at least 4 "casual" passersby (who were obviously of no fixed address) eyeballing our car with the air of experienced pawnbrokers - we decided it was more prudent to spend the hour or two getting the van behind locked gates. It was not "just in case it is burgled" it was because it WOULD BE burgled if we left it out. A sombre reminder that we were in a big city.

The first day (Monday) we hopped aboard the hop-on hop-off trolley bus that circles a large part of Vancouver city. Unfortunately it was raining on and off (more on than off) and so we didn't get off much.


The view from our trolley bus tour on day 1.

 However, at Granville Island we decided to take the plunge and get out for a stroll about and a look-see. There was a kids market (games parlour, toy shops, etc.) and a huge public food market where we had lunch.

Vancouver fashion statements.

After a while on the tiny island we decided to try our luck at catching another trolley car. Because it was wet we didn't fancy waiting around for long and there is no way of knowing when the last or next trolley will arrive. Luckily for us one came along after about 3 minutes - the limit of the kids patience at waiting.
There was still plenty to see, albeit through wet windows.

Totem pole in Stanley Park.

Lions Gate Bridge.

At the end of the trip we visited a Tim Hortons for hot chocolates and donuts - a warming treat for a dreary day. It was a treat we could manage thanks to the incredible generosity of staff at my school.

The next day we visited the Vancouver Aquarium, and thankfully the rain had eased off to threatening with occasional rain. The aquarium was wonderful and we all loved it. There were so many things to see.

Clever Beluga whale shaking hands.

 

Sea otter taking it easy.



Sleek dolphin enjoying being a sleek dolphin.

 After the aquarium it was back on to the trolley car and off to the Vancouver Observation tower or deck or..? I can't remember. It was not much when compared to the views from other high places we have visited, but it was still a fun thing to do.

Late afternoon in downtown Vancouver.

 

Rail yards on shore of Vancouver Harbour.

For our last day in Vancouver, we decided to visit the science centre. As always this was such a hit with the kids that after 4 hours we literally had to hustle them out the door. There were a huge range of interactive activities for children and adults alike. Not all were flattering for those of us in our more advanced years.



C'mon Jilly stretch that liiitle bit further.

One highlight of the visit was an IMAX film about the Hubble space telescope with footage from space shuttle astronauts as they worked on it in space. The film stretched all the way over our heads and was particularly immersing, making you feel like you were in space orbiting the earth.


The kids enjoyed it, although it was a little long for Paige seeing as there were no cute doggies!

 The visit ended on a wet note. Rain as we left and even frozen rain with a small patch of snow as we drove to the ferry. It was not looking promising for our stay on Vancouver Island.