Public Library<\/a>, which was erected in 1993.<\/p>\nTake in the interesting architecture and peruse the library’s collection of local and alternative newspapers.<\/p>\n
Take a stroll through Yaletown, where you’ll see abandoned warehouses converted into art galleries and restaurants.<\/p>\n
If you’re into clubs, head back to this neighborhood after dark.<\/p>\n
Walk or bus to Vancouver’s Chinatown, which is the oldest Chinatown in Canada.<\/p>\n
Stop for lunch at Hon’s Wun-Tun House on Keefer Street.<\/p>\n
Or visit Foo’s Ho Ho Restaurant on E Pender and support local business.<\/p>\n
Warning: We learned the hard way that you should avoid W Hastings Street.<\/p>\n
After lunch, head to Gastown.<\/p>\n
There you’ll find Cobblestone Streets and the famous Steam Clock at Cambie and Water Streets.<\/p>\n
Poke your head in some of the local shops.<\/p>\n
Afterwards, watch the float planes take off while sipping local brew at Steamworks Brewing Company.<\/p>\n
Next, you can hop on the bus and head to Granville Island Public Market.<\/p>\n
Here, you can browse local artists’ goods and buy local vegetables, meats, and baked goods.<\/p>\n
Pick your favorite of the food selection, find a table, and dine while you listen to the music of Vancouverite street musicians.<\/p>\n
If you’re in the mood to sample more of Vancouver’s beer offerings, cross over to Granville Island Brewery, where brews include Kitsilano Maple Cream Ale, Robson Street Hefeweizen, and Gastown Amber Ale.<\/p>\n
<\/span>Photos from the Road: Driving Vancouver to Lake Louise<\/span><\/h2>\n![\"trancanada.jpg\"](\"https:\/\/gogreentravelgreen.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2008\/06\/trancanada.jpg\")
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![\"revelstoke.jpg\"](\"https:\/\/gogreentravelgreen.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2008\/06\/revelstoke.jpg\")
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![\"wildlife](\"https:\/\/gogreentravelgreen.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2008\/06\/wildlife-collision.jpg\")
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<\/span>Biking in Stanley Park: Vancouver, BC<\/span><\/h2>\nOne minute, I was walking my bike across busy West Georgia Street.<\/p>\n
The next, I was cruising past totem poles with the ocean breeze in my hair.<\/p>\n
With its 1,000 acres of luscious grass, giant trees, goose-filled lakes, and gorgeous ocean views, Stanley Park is a green haven in a metropolitan city.<\/p>\n
And if you’re lucky enough to visit Vancouver on a sunny day, rent a bike and ride around Stanley Park.<\/p>\n
It’s a must.<\/p>\n
Even on a cloudy day, the loop around the park provides amazing views of the city.<\/p>\n
You won’t get these views anywhere else.<\/p>\n
It houses gardens, wildlife, playgrounds, restaurants, and even arts events.<\/p>\n
You can even volunteer with the Stanley Park Ecological Society – just be sure to contact them in advance.<\/p>\n
On our trek, we saw a huge Pileated woodpecker, goslings and geese, swans, ducks, and even a raccoon.<\/p>\n
<\/span>![\"stanley_park.jpg\"](\"https:\/\/gogreentravelgreen.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2008\/06\/stanley-park.jpg\")
\nBiking in Stanley Park, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada<\/span><\/h2>\nHead to Denman Street in the West End and rent a bike from Spokes Bicycle Rentals or Bayshore Bike Rentals for as little as $8\/hour (with a helmet).<\/p>\n
Stop by a local market on your way to grab bread and cheese or your favorite picnic food.<\/p>\n
Then take a break on the shore of Beaver Lake, Lost Lagoon, or English Bay to eat and people watch.<\/p>\n
The entire loop takes about an hour at a relaxed pace with a few short stops.<\/p>\n
Elizabeth and I were able to steal away for a relaxing ride around Stanley Park the day before the wedding.<\/p>\n
The laid-back alone time helped me stay sane through the next day.<\/p>\n
<\/span>Vancouver, BC Canada: First Impressions<\/span><\/h2>\nRoyal BC Museum in Victoria was our favorite about Vancouver.<\/p>\n
We’re traveling around Alaska and Western Canada, will focus on environmentally-friendly travel, food, and activities in those areas.<\/p>\n
I had high expectations for Vancouver.<\/p>\n
I’d never been to British Columbia, but I had heard great things about it; it’s green (literally – tons of trees), the people are friendly and eco-conscious, and it’s on the water and the mountains so it’s gorgeous.<\/p>\n
We were only in Vancouver for 24 hours before we hopped on the cruise ship, so I’m still on the fence about it.<\/p>\n
We’ll be back next week and stay for four more days, so I’ll be able to form a fuller opinion then.<\/p>\n
In the meantime, here are my first impressions of Vancouver, BC.<\/p>\n
<\/span>So far, here’s what I like about Vancouver:<\/span><\/h2>\nAbundance of locally-owned delis, restaurants, and markets<\/p>\n
Diversity of food – you can find everything from Himalayan and Mexican to Japanese and Indian on the same block<\/p>\n
Independent, non-conformist vibe – kind of like Seattle or Portland<\/p>\n
Everyone rides bikes and there are lots of bike lanes<\/p>\n
You can walk a block off of a busy, vibrant street and be in a quiet, tree-lined neighborhood<\/p>\n
People are incredibly friendly – a welcome change from Washington, DC<\/p>\n
You can walk to the mountains or the ocean<\/p>\n
There’s a ginormous park (Stanley Park) in the city<\/p>\n
Recycling bins everywhere – they’re easier to find than trash cans are on some streets<\/p>\n
Very walkable<\/p>\n
Good public transportation, specifically the buses<\/p>\n
Diversity of the people – it’s a very international city<\/p>\n
<\/span>And here’s what I don’t like about Vancouver<\/span><\/h2>\nTall buildings – it doesn’t feel as claustrophobic as New York City, but it’s still too tall for my taste; the short buildings in DC are one of my favorite things about it<\/p>\n
McDonald’s, Cinnabon, Safeway, Subway, American Eagle – American brands everywhere (I know, I know – it’s inescapable, but I still don’t like it)<\/p>\n
Too much concrete, especially near the water front; the buildings and street weren’t as pretty as I expected them to be<\/p>\n
West Hastings Street near Chinatown – unless you’re looking for prostitutes, drugs, or really enjoy the smell of urine, you should avoid it (long story about how we ended up here)<\/p>\n
No easy way to get from the airport to downtown via public transportation; right now you have to switch buses, but they’re building a SkyTrain that will link the two areas<\/p>\n
When we decided to expand our recent Vancouver trip to include Victoria on nearby Vancouver Island, the Royal BC Museum jumped to the top of my \u201cthings to do\u201d list.<\/p>\n
I\u2019ll admit, what won me over were the photos on the museum\u2019s website of the natural history collections — there\u2019s a special place in my heart for ancient, extinct creatures — but there\u2019s so much more to the museum than that.<\/p>\n
There are so many fascinating things to see that even my 18-month-old son was entertained for an hour and a half.<\/p>\n
The bottom line: If you\u2019re in Victoria, Canada, you should definitely plan a stop at the Royal BC Museum. Here\u2019s why.<\/p>\n
<\/span>Royal BC Museum in Victoria<\/span><\/h2>\nAs I mentioned above, I love natural history museums and the the natural history section of the Royal BC Museum did not disappoint.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s full of fossils, stuffed mammals and birds, and live fish.<\/p>\n
My favorite specimens on display were a woolly mammoth and a gigantic sea lion.<\/p>\n
My son enjoyed the touch-and-feel animal footprint and egg replicas.<\/p>\n
<\/span>Human History of BC: Totem Poles and Ninja Turtles<\/span><\/h2>\nI wasn\u2019t sure exactly what I would find in the Human History collections at the Royal BC Museum, so I was thrilled when I discovered everything from First Nations totem poles and masks to a display of clothes over the decades.<\/p>\n
These collections walk you through the history of BC, starting with First Nations cultural artifacts and ending in the 1990s (with Ninja Turtles, among other things).<\/p>\n
The First Nations section has examples of baskets, tools, ceremonial clothes, and even a traditional house that\u2019s been moved into the museum.<\/p>\n
The Modern History section reminds me a bit of the American History Museum in Washington, DC (which I also love).<\/p>\n
You can see the cabins in a boat, walk into a 1920’s movie theater, and learn about BC\u2019s gold rush.<\/p>\n
<\/span>Race to the End of the Earth: Antarctic Expedition<\/span><\/h2>\nThe Race to the End of the Earth exhibition tells the story of two exploration teams, one British and one Norwegian, as they attempt to beat each other to the South Pole in 1911-1912.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s a dramatic tale that involves extreme freezing temperatures, unimaginable hardships, many deaths… and eating dogs and ponies.<\/p>\n
The exhibition features journal entries, photos, and artifacts from the explorations and is truly fascinating.<\/p>\n
In fact, I think I\u2019m going to buy a book about it so I can learn more.<\/p>\n
This traveling exhibition will only be at the Royal BC Museum until October 2013, so be sure you catch it while it\u2019s there.<\/p>\n
And after this expedition is gone, I’m sure an equally fascinating one will take its place.<\/p>\n
The Royal BC Museum in Victoria, BC is one of the best museums I\u2019ve been to lately.<\/p>\n
It has something for everyone — from a woolly mammoth to dresses from the 1940’s.<\/p>\n
If you go to Victoria, visit the Royal BC Museum.<\/p>\n
A bonus: You\u2019re sure to pick up a few fascinating facts that you can share at your next dinner party.<\/p>\n
<\/span>Reasons to See Vancouver Island, BC<\/span><\/h2>\nWhile planning a trip to British Columbia, Canada, many visitors neglect to include a Vancouver Island itinerary in their travels.<\/p>\n
Yes, it’s out of the way (you’ll need to access Vancouver Island by ferry or float plane from Vancouver, BC , Seattle, or the San Juan Islands), but visitors who make the trek are rewarded with what’s possibly the most beautiful “detour” in the Northern Hemisphere.<\/p>\n
This 12,000 square mile island is visually stunning and teaming with wildlife (and very few of the pesky human variety).<\/p>\n
Have you been to Vancouver Island, BC?<\/p>\n
What was your favorite sight to see?<\/p>\n
What were your best Vancouver Island photos?<\/p>\n
<\/span>Vancouver Island with Kids<\/span><\/h2>\nWhen people ask me why we choose to visit Vancouver Island, BC with our kids, I answer with the following travel anecdote: within minutes on a Tofino, Vancouver Island beach, my son Calvin spotted a bright pink, five-legged sea star clinging to a rocky tide pool.<\/p>\n
Amazed with his find, he turned around to tell me about it, and spotted another one.<\/p>\n
And another.<\/p>\n
That first day, he endeavored to discover 100 sea stars before he left Vancouver Island.<\/p>\n
By the time we took the ferry home, his running total had topped 700.<\/p>\n
You may go to Vancouver Island for the natural beauty, but I guarantee you’ll remember most the stunning abundance of protected wildlife.<\/p>\n
There’s so much uninhabited space on Vancouver Island (which is over 12,000 square miles in size), visitors need at least two weeks to reach the remote northern port towns along the Inside Passage.<\/p>\n
But if you only have five days to explore the island, you can still cover a lot of (incredibly gorgeous) ground.<\/p>\n
<\/span>Day 1: Vancouver BC to Ucluelet, BC<\/span><\/h2>\nGetting to Vancouver Island: There are only a few ways to arrive on the island, and you can bet that all of them involve water.<\/p>\n
We launched our trip from the city of Vancouver, BC on a Vancouver Island ferry, as ferry passage is limited in Seattle.<\/p>\n
Alternatively, float planes fly from both Vancouver and Seattle, but be advised that you’ll need to rent a car on the other side.<\/p>\n
From Vancouver, book a morning passage on a BC Ferry<\/a> for Nanaimo, BC.<\/p>\n