Vancouver Things to Do Tips by penumbra

First Narrows Lions Gate Bridge Review

Quite a hike, you won’t see many pedestrians on this bridge but you will see cyclists. I would recommend the experience because of the amazing view of the harbor, Stanley Park, West Vancouver and North Vancouver. Bicycles are available for rent along the north end of Denman Street for those who wish to peddle instead of walk. Access to the bridge from the south side is through Stanley Park. Pathways pass along either side of the three lane road that leads to the bridge. The increase in elevation along the pathway is reasonably gentle, but the accumulated effect over the harbor entrance is breath taking.

Burrard Inlet Lions Gate Bridge Review

This is Vancouver’s main harbor. Unfortunately, the majority of the sea access is taken up with industrial parks which make the waterway somewhat grey and foreboding. In downtown Vancouver you probably don’t want to follow the waterway any further east than Gas town. A couple of blocks to the west you’ll find the SeaBus Waterfront Station (ferry to North Vancouver) at Granville Street. A few blocks further West you’ll find the cruise line terminal and eventually the start of the seawall pathway. The pathway rounds the Bayshore Marina and circumnavigates Stanley Park.

Scenic Seawall Pathway False Creek Review

False Creek is a finger of water jutting in from the sea through English Bay and forms the southern and eastern border of downtown Vancouver. Bridges at Burrard, Granville and Cambie cross False Creek. The bridges are eminently walkable and provide excellent platforms for taking pictures of the Vancouver skyline and environs. A seawall walkway circumnavigates the entire False Creek waterway and is frequented by walkers, joggers, cyclists and skaters alike.

Burrard Bridge West End, the Review

The oldest bridge crossing False Creek, the Burrard Bridge was opened in 1932. This bridge has an unobstructed view of English Bay to the west. To the east you can see several marinas and the Granville Bridge. Pedestrians and cyclists share the raised pathways on the outer edges of the bridge. The pathways are quite narrow so foot and cycle traffic is requested to use the west side of the bridge when going south and the right side of the bridge when heading north. Always check for someone coming up behind you when you attempt to pass someone else on the pathway.

Address: Burrard Street at False Creek

Granville Bridge Granville Island Review

The Granville Bridge was built in 1954. This bridge can be somewhat intimidating to walk across. The narrow pathways on either side of the bridge can be reached only by crossing access ramps where motorists seem intent on building up as much speed as possible. Getting off the bridge is just as exciting when you have to cross an off ramp. For your efforts you’ll get a panoramic view of downtown view of Vancouver’s high rises, marinas and the Burrard Bridge to the west. On the south end of the bridge you’ll be passing over Granville Island, an interesting destination in its own right. As you’re passing over the island you’ll wonder if there isn’t some easy way to get down to the island, but unfortunately, you’ll have to go all the way to the south end of the bridge and then work your way back.

Address: Granville Street

Directions: Over False Creek

Website: http://www.granvilleisland.com

"Kits" Beach Kitsilano Review

Vancouver’s muscle beach. This is where the volleyballers show off their stuff. There’s also a large public swimming pool nearby for tanning or even swimming. Oh, and there’s a nice beach here as well.

Directions: Off Cornwall Street (South side of Burrard Street Bridge)

Marinas Downtown Vancouver Review

Since Vancouver verges on the sea, you’ll find that there are many marinas holding boats for the weekend yachtsmen. Not being much of a seaman myself, I still find it interesting to visit the yachts in dock, especially the larger ones that pass through Vancouver on vacation. On the north side of downtown, about your only option is the Bayshore marina in the Westend near Stanley park. On the Southside of downtown, False Creek is almost filled with marinas.

Fireworks Celebration of Light Review

If you’re lucky or skillful enough to time your Vancouver at the end of July / beginning of August, take time to check out the fireworks festival, The Celebration of Light. Held in English Bay on Wednesday and Saturday nights, you’ll feel the makings of a unique competition. Hours before the show begins, police close off roads and reroute traffic in the west end of downtown. People start walking in with their chairs and coolers to claim prime locations near the water’s edge. From a trickle, the number of people increases to a stream but never becomes unruly or ill-mannered. It’s a free show after all, with plenty of kids and kids at heart. The last stragglers arrive just before the first shell goes up. And then the show is on for real, with the fireworks dancing to the broadcast music. All too quickly the final explosion occurs and it’s time to head back with the crowds and wait your turn to get out of downtown. For those that have arranged a hotel in the west end, you’ll find that you’ll be able to get to sleep well before most of the others even reach home.

Address: English Bay, Vancouver

Directions: Viewing is free from any beach off English Bay, either downtown or in Kitsilano

Website: http://www.celebration-of-light.com/fireworks/