Things to do in Vancouver at Dusk and Beyond
In a recent article in the New York Times entitled 36 Hours in Vancouver, the writer waxes poetic about how easy it is to be smitten by this city, and we couldn’t agree more! By day, Vancouver offers a dizzying array of activities aptly suited for a West Coast city surrounded by nature: on the water there’s kayaking or canoeing; on the seawall along the water’s edge there’s strolling, cycling or in-line skating; in the nearby local mountains there’s hiking up the Grouse Grind, and of course in various neighborhoods including the downtown core you could spend countless hours exploring and meandering about, but at dusk, this jewel in the Pacific Northwest truly comes alive.
Capilano Suspension Bridge for a Walk on the Wild Side
What do a former world leader, a renowned British actress of stage and screen as well as an American rock icon all have in common? Margaret Thatcher, Helena Bonham Carter and Bruce Springsteen, along with visitors from all over the world have all experienced the Capilano Suspension Bridge, which is 230 ft or approx 70 metres above the ground. In the middle of a temperate rainforest and spanning 450 ft across (140 m), the bridge attracts up to 6,000 visitors a day during the summer which translates to 800,000 visits per year; it’s no wonder that the Capilano Suspension Bridge is one of the most highly rated local attractions in metro Vancouver.
Spring is Happening in Vancouver!
No matter where you look, it’s hard not to notice the first signs of spring: young leafy tendrils poking up from the earth, newly blossomed branches of yellow forsythia swaying gently in the breeze or full on pink frothiness of Japanese cherry blossoms decorating parks, city streets and even in the courtyards of downtown; spring has definitely sprung in Vancouver much earlier than in previous years and well in advance of the Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival in April. For the best views of blossoms, birds and breathtaking waterfront vistas, here’s an insider’s guide to some off the beaten track locations:
Takin’ a Look At Vancouver’s Visitor Centre
Tucked away in a hidden corner directly across the street from the Convention Centre and just steps away from The Auberge, Tourism Vancouver’s Visitor Centre is one of the city’s best kept secrets which many visitors and locals stumble upon just by chance.
Walkin’ Around Coal Harbour, Vancouver
What’s the #1 New Year’s Resolution on most everyone’s list? Without a doubt, it would have to be keeping or getting fit, fitter and fittest. And what better way to kick start the year than to go for a walk especially when your route takes you by some of the most fascinating public art pieces in the downtown area, conveniently located near The Auberge Hotel, so lace up your running shoes and just do it!
Vancouver Aquarium’s Amazing Aquatic Adventure
What is one of the top ten must see attractions in Vancouver ‘s Stanley Park, which according to Trip Advisor, is the #1 park in the world? It’s the home to 70,000 fascinating creatures from the Arctic to the Amazon: if it swims in an ocean, lake or river, you’ll be able to find it at the Vancouver Aquarium, where marine life is housed in 9.5 million litres of water in 166 tanks!
Along for the ride with The Vancouver Trolley Company
You can embark on a hop on, hop off sightseeing tour in virtually any large city in the world, but the Vancouver Trolley Company prides itself on being a little unique from it’s competitors.
Letting Off Some Steam in Gastown
Every day rain or shine, a crowd of visitors is clustered around Cambie and Water Streets with cameras at the ready, looking up and waiting expectantly for the exact moment to happen.
Vancouver Insider Secret: The Bill Reid Gallery
Discover a world class gallery tucked away in the heart of downtown by sauntering up Hornby St., liberally dotted with numerous luxury boutiques and an assortment of restaurants, bars & cafés.