Day Two: Exploring Vancouver’s Hidden Gems on the Big Bus
Totem Poles of the First Nations in Vancouver Canada. Photo: Tonya Fitzpatrick
Posted March 26, 2010
A Day of Discovery from Granville Island to Stanley Park
We were up with the sun—bright and early at 6:00 a.m.—ready to make the most of Vancouver. After a quick plan for the day, we boarded the Big Bus (a steal at $35 per adult, valid for two days within a two-week period), the best way to get a taste of the city. Our first stop: Granville Island. Tucked along the waterfront, this vibrant peninsula buzzes with restaurants, galleries, boat rentals, and markets. We couldn’t resist stopping at Granville Island Brewing, grabbing two small tasters—a Honey Lager and a refreshing Hefeweizen. Lunch followed at Sammy J Peppers Bar & Grill, where we dined on the marina with the warmth of outdoor heaters keeping the chill at bay. A quick detour to The Lobster Man seafood market capped off the visit, where we watched a couple of rebellious Dungeness crabs plotting their great escape from the tank. Tempting to help, but we behaved.
Back on the hop-on-hop-off, we enjoyed city views en route to Stanley Park. For this history buff and art lover, Stanley Park is a must. We opted for the horse-drawn carriage ride ($13 per adult), an hour-long, narrated journey through the park’s landmarks, like the totem poles and rose garden. The children’s water park here even features a “kids’ dryer” for a warm air blast after a splash. The park also offers a convenient free shuttle for zipping between stops. Next up, we explored the Vancouver Aquarium ($20 per adult), a small but high-quality collection featuring a 110-pound baby Beluga whale and a mini rainforest with exotic butterflies, three sloths, turtles, and vibrant birds.
Our day continued to Chinatown’s Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Garden, an oasis of calm in the city, before finishing up at The Vancouver Lookout ($13 per person). We took in sweeping views from the top, and, though not hungry, we couldn’t pass up the opportunity to sit in the revolving restaurant. As the sun began to set, we got to chatting with our server, Andrew, a seasoned backpacker who’s journeyed through Southeast Asia and soon plans to explore South America. He’s packed with travel stories and tips, so we’re inviting him on our show soon to share them with our listeners.
With another adventure-filled day behind us, we returned to the hotel, already excited for tomorrow’s journey on the Rocky Mountaineer to Whistler.