Vancouver Things to Do Tips by btex

It wasn't that big, but it was good. I saw seals, dolphins, otters, baluga whales and other sea life. Here's a useful tip...if you have a hostelling international membership card, you get a $3 discount off the admission price.
The sea otters in the picture float on their backs and use their chests as dinner plates...I'm gonna try that!
Check out the beluga whale live web-cam on the website.

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Address: In Stanley Park
Website: http://www.vanaqua.org/

Stanley Park is surrounded by a seawall. While walking the wall, you'll see people jogging, rollerblading, walking, a public pool, paths into the park, a lighthouse, a water canon that shoots off every night, a mermaid statue, etc.... It would have been a good idea to rent a bike or roller blades, but...no...I just walked it. The picture shows part of the seawall and the Lions Gate Bridge.

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Directions: Stanley Park

The Totem poles are just off the seawall near the cricket field. Each pole has its own story...carved at different times by different artists. If I remember correctly, some are authentic and a few are re-creations. Anyway...there is an interpretive center/gift shop nearby to provide more info. The totem poles are another good site in Stanley Park to take some photos.
http://www.seestanleypark.com/totems/page6totems.htm

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Directions: S.P.

There are a number of beaches in the Vancouver area. The ones I saw were Sunset Beach, English Bay Beach, Second Beach and Third. I was there in April, so there weren't many swimmers or sunbathers. The first night I was in Vancouver, I walked along Sunset and English Bay, and the weather wasn't too great. The wind coming off of the water was pretty cold and strong; it was blowing the sand...which felt like little bullets hitting me. It wasn't really that bad. I bet the beaches are much better with warmer weather.

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Directions: Sunset Beach was right down the road from the hostel. The others I mentioned are on the way to and in Stanley Park.

It's a pretty big Chinatown with lots of markets that sell some different foods. The markets all seem to have the same tubs of dried seafood for sale in front. I don't see how all of them stay in business. I did find those milk candies where you eat the wrapper...those are great! Although, you can probably buy them in any Chinatown you visit.

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Address: downtown Vancouver

Lynn Canyon was incredible. It's a very scenic spot. I can't describe it too well with words...just go there. My only criticism with Lynn Canyon was that the suspension bridge wasn't rickety enough. It was cool, but I wanted it to be like the one in Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom.... Oh yeah, it's free to get in.

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Directions: from downtown you make your way down to the Sea Bus, then take the bus to Lynn Canyon. It's only takes a minute or two to walk to the park from where the bus drops off.
Website: http://www.findfamilyfun.com/lynncanyon.htm

From Lynn Canyon, I followed a trail which led to the Seymour Demonstration Forest. I came across the incredibly tranquil Rice Lake. There was hardly anyone out there: a fisherman and a few joggers running the path which surrounds the lake. The lake was perfect.

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Website: http://www.findfamilyfun.com/ricelake.htm