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By
Arnie Greenberg (A symbol of energy from the earth, above, rises before skyscrapers in downtown Vancouver, British Columbia) It may be a cliché, but I was blown away by a city I thought I knew. I had visited Vancouver many times over the years, but now, after an absence of four long years, I returned to find one of the most beautiful settings for easy living. Imagine a city built around quiet coves next to an ocean alive with wonders -- and all this in the shadow of huge mountains that beckon visitors to their incredible vistas. There is nothing usual about the modern city of Vancouver. I have seen it grow over the last 50 years from a village to a mega-city, but preservation is a main consideration. From the modern airport it is only a short drive through areas covered with peaceful streets and inviting houses. Just the greenery makes you feel the importance of nature in the city's design, with universities occupying great tracts of tree covered heights. Vancouver is a city that seems to grow by the minute. A view of the growing residential areas is the first sign of a well-planned living space with the future in mind.
(Vancouver skyscrapers form a backdrop to the city's growth and power) Skyscrapers rise and their glass or silver exteriors shine like a welcome beacon. The wonders that once brought people to this Pacific paradise are there to welcome you even now. From English Bay through Stanley Park to the great bridge that takes you to North Vancouver, the vistas are overwhelming. And within the city limits, people take tiny commuter boats to Granville Island, where there are markets, art exhibitions and a long list of popular places to enjoy a drink, a lunch or a feast.
(The Aquabus will take you to Granville Island to enjoy markets, art exhibitions and many popular places for food or to enjoy a drink) The old city is preserved in Gastown, with museums, retro shops and a steam-driven clock that attracts tourists as it rings out the hours. There is a zoo, a marine park and totem poles dotting the great Stanley Park as a reminder of the natives who fished the salmon-filled rivers and sea coves. And just to the west is Vancouver Island, reachable by ferry from Horseshoe Bay. In one and a half hours you can cross the straits to Nanaimo and land at the perfect place for touring a wilderness island with growing communities of retirement homes, parks and golf courses. From here you can go west to Tofino, where the highway ends, or north to the peaceful city of Qualicum. A few hours south is the great provincial capital at Victoria, a haven for retirees. The nearby Butchart Gardens is one of the wonders of the region. And
if ferry travel is too slow, there are flights from Vancouver to Victoria by regular
jets or tiny seaplanes. The cost is minimal and the views spectacular. I attended
a wedding on the BC shore and during the ceremony, great whales drifted by in
the background. For many, the desire to commute has meant moving to the islands. Here the land is treed, plentiful and a little less expensive. But hurry. That's changing as we speak. While there I traveled to Bowen Island, one of the closest. I drove around and took pictures in the solitude of nature.
(A False Creek Ferry to Granville Island. This is a must and once there you'll have markets, restaurants, boutiques and even upscale boathouses worthy of any imagination) I
drove up Cypress Mountain and went to the top of Grouse. Here I could see the
new shining apartments by the water's edge.
(Deep
Cove, a veritable slice of paradise) During the time I was in the area I visited some of their great restaurants and a few bars. Vancouver is like a large resort and eating, drinking or relaxing is the order of the day. The Irish Heather is in Gastown where things are well worn by age and sheer numbers. Here in a very old pub-like establishment I sipped cold beer and nibbled on my fresh salad. I examined the very large painting on the wall showing visitors from a day long ago when this place was the in place. There were fewer people there now but I could see why it still flourishes. It's old world décor with the best of today's offerings.
(The Mill is one of the best places to be on a sunny day or after work)
This is one of the great places to have a drink at the end of the day and eat some delicious meals. The ambiance is pure outdoors Vancouver with sea planes coming and going right in front of you and water fountains playing in the nearby square . The service by young smiling and beautiful people was obvious as our server Tamara talked with pride of being part of their staff. I enjoyed their special soups and smoked salmon salad while others ate thin crust pizzas with Chicken pesto, mushrooms and mozzarela. Get in touch with them for more possibilities at www.millbistro.ca Read about the bistro's location and history. Watch the water fountains, the seaplanes and the boats along Coal Harbor. Opened
only after my last visit, I was thrilled to find a new, upscale place to meet
the in crowd, at the best part of the harbor.
(Ferry Travel on Canadian waters...always a gentle pleasure) Travel to Vancouver Island from various places along the mainland shore. Here you will see virgin forests and quaint fishing villages. It's the perfect place for a holiday on the Pacific North West. Other recommended places to eat or sleep: Caffe
de Medici 109-1025 Robson Street www.caffedemedici.com The
Galileo Room is a truly unique experience, perfect for small or large private
parties, weddings or business meetings. Chongqing
Seafood Restaurant Coal Harbor facing Grouse Mountain to the north. A short walk to Stanley Park False Creek Ferry to Granville Island. This is a must and once there you'll have markets, restaurants, boutiques and even upscale boathouses worthy of any imagination. From Granville Island there's a small boat to get you back to your beach area. It's fast, inexpensive and charming. Dining on Granville can be exciting at Dockside near the Granville Island Hotel. With mountain vies and boats going by, this is an exciting and rewarding place to eat. You can even arrange to stay overnight. Call toll free to (800) 663-1840 or go to their web site to learn more. www.granvilleislandHotel.com If you are looking for a bay side hotel near Stanley Park, I suggest Sylvia Hotel. It has old world charm and great food facilities at bargain prices. Check their site at www.sylviahotel.com
Other landmarks include: A Kettle of Fish www.akettleoffish.net O'Doul's Restaurant and Bar www.odoulsrestaurant.com Take 5 Café for the best coffee,panini, wraps and deserts www.take5café.com I cannot praise the new Vancouver enough. City planners and business people have turned it into the perfect holiday Mecca. And to think that they are gearing up for the 2010 Winter Olympics with new highways to Whistler, recreation centers, hotels and an extended sky train. There's nothing like it…I promise, you'll want to go back. (Click
below for more travel).
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