Vancouver’s Active Playgrounds

March 4, 2013 at 11:45 pm

Breathe. Just breathe.  Skulking across the Capilano Bridge, one of the longest suspension bridges in the world, I tell myself not to look down, yet I have to. It is dreamily lush and woody. I must take in the rainforest splendor, but the distance between me and the Capilano River below is a nasty 230 feet. That part I, the acrophobe, do not like.

One foot in front of the other. I have made it across the 450-foot, undulating arm of steel supports.  It was not so bad, and I feel sense of victory, for I did it without beads of sweat breaking across my forehead.  On the way back, another tourist is not so fortunate.  An adorably tiny, young Japanese tourist is clinging onto the steel suspension cable with a grip so tight I think her fingers will not be able to unfurl.  The guide is trying to calm her down, but all she is doing is shaking her head with eyes shut tight crying, “No, no, no!”

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Capilano Bridge

Taking a trip this summer with your outdoor lovin’ pals? Look no further than Vancouver where you will be mesmerized by the sheer volume of adrenalin-rushing things to do inside the city and on the outskirts. And yes, if you are like the Japanese tourist described above, you will be relieved knowing low-intensity, non-death defying activities are also in abundance.

While the Capilano Bridge in North Vancouver has been around since 1889, the bridge has become quite the tourist attraction and is now called the Capilano Bridge Park. It has evolved to become a natural adventure zone that includes, as of 2011, Cliffwalk, a series of cantilevered walkways and suspension bridges that jut out from a granite cliff. Also included in the $31 adult admission is the Treetop Adventure, seven suspension bridges that link fir tree to fir tree. While there, families can spend the day watching First Nations performances and bringing their kids to the soaring tree house made with recycled wood.

Also found in North Vancouver is Grouse Mountain, a ski and summer resort replete with a zip line, snow sports, an aerial tram, hiking trails, and casual and fine dining at The Observatory which has 360-degree views.  Both soft and hard core explorers will benefit here, for no one will go home feeling like she was not challenged. The annual Grouse Grind Mountain Run is a 1.8 mile sprint where participants zip straight up the Grouse Mountain. Locals call the incredibly steep trail “nature’s Stair Master.”

Capilano Reservoir - Whistler Mountain

Capilano Reservoir – Whistler Mountain

About two-hours outside of Vancouver are the famous communities of Whistler and Blackcomb Mountain, both renown for their Olympic level ski mountains. You do remember that the Vancouver and Whistler region hosted the 2010 Winter Olympics, yes? So you are in for a treat when you go skiing here. Everything was remodeled and retooled in time for those games. And the surrounding lodging consisting of condos and hotels was also spiffed up.  Around the Whistler and Blackcomb area are a number of lakes for fishing, boating, and swimming.  Like Grouse Mountain, while known mainly for skiing, the Whistler region is popular in summer as well with many, many activities to enjoy for all ages.

Gondola at Whistler and Blackcomb Mountain

Gondola at Whistler and Blackcomb Mountain

Need another reason to come to Vancouver? Best times to come are winter or summer, all dependent on what you love to do. Several major festivals will show you how Canadians can party with gusto.  In April, the Vancouver Sun Run features some 54,000 runners who will trod the six-mile course. Then in June, the Vancouver International Jazz Festival brings talent out to 40 venues throughout the city.  The same month, the Dragon Boat Festival celebrates with 5,000 dragon boat contenders from around the world.  In the fall, keep on the lookout for the Vancouver International Film Festival and the Vancouver International Writers & Readers Festival.  And during the holidays, a myriad of celebrations sprout from every suburb and village.

Skiing, hiking, festival hopping.  In winter or summer, you’ve come to the right place for adventures both physical and cultural.  When you plan it right, you can partner a festival with excursions to remember.  For a family trip, multi-generatoinal reunion, guy or girlfriend getaway, Vancouver is suitable for all activity levels and all ages.

For more information about Vancouver, check out California Tours Vancouver Vacations.

Kathy Chin Leong is an award-winning travel journalist who has trekked the world. As founder of www.bayareafamilytravel.com, she is passionate about helping people step out of their comfort zones and challenge themselves to try new things and visit new places. Her work can be found in National Geographic Books, Sunset Magazine, and many others.

Vancouver: Canada’s Great All-Around City

February 4, 2013 at 10:01 pm

When you think of a vacation spot that has it all, Vancouver tops the list. Great climate? Check. Easy-to-use public transit? Check. Awesome cuisine? Check. Safe and clean streets, scenic wonders, unique neighborhoods, trendy shopping outlets?  Check, check, check, check, check.

Vancouver

Vancouver

Perched on the coast of British Columbia, Vancouver is a peacock of a city: colorful, proud, beautiful, vibrant. This multi-ethnic metropolis, bordered on 3 sides by water, boasts more than 603,000 residents and was named recently as Canada’s best destination and the world’s most reputable city. Urban pleasures abound with a plethora of music and cultural experiences, balanced with outdoor adventures such as hiking, biking, and skiing. Best time to visit are in the summer months.

How to get around? Newcomers can rent a car, but they don’t have to. Some tourists may recoil at the thought of going into a major city without the use of an auto, but in Vancouver, a sky tram and bus system works hand-in-hand to get visitors and locals to the places they need to go.

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Granville Island Market – Fresh produce

For the first timer, several  key attractions are must-sees.  First, pedestrian-only Granville Island is a foodie’s and shopper’s paradise. This hopping farmers’ market surrounded by eateries and charming stores filled with handmade items provides a sensory explosion, topped off with outdoor music around its many courtyards and public spaces. Jugglers, minstrels, mimes, you name it, are here to entertain, not harass, although tipping is highly encouraged.  In September, the island will again host the Vancouver Fringe Festival, an event that promotes 400 independent plays in 11 days. The acts  range from comedy to drama and everything in between. For theater junkies, this buffet of theater is an ideal reason to come to Vancouver while supporting the work of playwrights and thespians.

For families, one of the best place to take kids (and anyone for that matter) is the uncomprable Stanley Park. The 1,000 acres in beloved Stanley Park is comprised of rose gardens, serene trails, lakes and lagoons, trails, playgrounds, and herculean cedar trees. Of note are the myriad of artists who come out of hiding from their studio enclaves to paint, sketch, and sell their wares which adds for wonderful people watching on a sun ripened afternoon.  Another blessed gem here is the Vancouver Aquarium, The giant tank famous for its beluga whale, tropical forest, and regional and international aquatic life.

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Totem Poles at Stanley Park

While walking and picnicking at Stanley Park is highly recommended, visitors can bike or leisurely admire the park via vintage car, double decker bus, or horse drawn carriage.

Meanwhile, Gastown, Vancouver’s oldest neighborhood established in 1886, gives all a lesson in urban revival. Now honored as a National Historic Site since 2009, the cobblestone streets of Gastown will give goosebumps to those enamored by Victorian architecture and history. Here you have quaintness juxtaposed with a hipster verve where creativity seems to merge with the molecules of the air.

Gastown is the newest restored enclave where writers, artists of every ilk, architects, and interior designers live and breathe. This tony village has become quite the high-tech hub for entrepeneurs wanting to establish digs. Explorers will find eateries and fine dining by the monikers of Chronic Tacos, Judas Goat Taberna, and Nelson the Seagull. At last count, Gastown officials counted 180 shops, restaurants, bars, cafes and restaurants, a subset of the 550 businesses in this hood of 100 antique buildings.

Be sure to take a photo of the signature icon, a restored, whistling steam clock, a popular meet-me-there corner for locals. Don’t rush through Gastown. The Inuit and fine art galleries, gourmet food hops, and fashion-forward boutiques with colorful window displays must be savored. Gastown is one of the venues for the annual Vancouver International Jazz Festival held every June.

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Gastown Steam Clock

And no trip to Vancouver can be complete without trekking to the 55-acre Buchart Gardens, which draws visitors around the globe for its abundance of waterfalls, manicured flower beds and trees. A full-day visit always leaves tourists flabbergasted and flummoxed at the variety of the flora and fauna.  These are all kept in tip top shape by 50 gardeners who will practically sterilize the walking paths, keeping them leaf and blossom free. And it’s not just a place for grandma and her garden club. The place is plenty kid-friendly with an enormous gift shop with stuff for all ages.  And for kids, there is a carousel at only $2 a ride. Families can also book children’s parties in the dedicated party room.

How long to spend in Vancouver? You can never spend too long in this B.C. city that never seems to sleep. However, if you spend time at Granville Island, Gastown, Stanley Park, and Buchart Gardens, you’ll have enjoyed the tip of the city’s tourist iceburg. After tasting the pleasures of Vancouver, you will be back for a second helping.

If you need assistance planning your vacation, check out California Tours Vancouver Vacations.

Kathy Chin Leong is an award-winning travel journalist who has trekked the world. As founder of www.bayareafamilytravel.com, she is passionate about helping people step out of their comfort zones and challenge themselves to try new things and visit new places. Her work can be found in National Geographic Books, Sunset Magazine, and many others.

San Francisco Spring Festivals

April 5, 2012 at 5:15 pm

Although it may seem like it’s springtime in San Francisco year round, there’s no question that the subtle change in the air is signaling that spring is here. As the rain stops pouring, those few extra degrees of warmth will make way for plenty of perfect days in Dolores Park or Baker Beach.

April and May start off the many festivals yet to come, as San Franciscans break out their costumes like it’s permanently Halloween. Though you can never run out of things to do in the city by the bay, these festivals come only once a year. Make the most of your spring in San Francisco and don’t miss any of these events.

 

Cherry Blossom Festival

When: April 14, 15, 21, 22, 2012

Where: Japantown

What: See the best of Japanese culture with Japanese music, tea ceremonies, and martial arts closing with the giant parade on the final day.

SFJAZZ Spring Season Concerts

When: Now through June 2012

Where: Throughout San Francisco

What: Jazz bands from all over the world display their talents at concerts through San Francisco.

Cinco de Mayo

When: May 5, 2012

Where: Dolores Park

What: Join in the celebration of Mexican culture with mariachi music, Mexican folk dance, and salsa bands.  There’s even a Zumbathon if you want to get a workout.  If you get a chance check out the murals on 24th Street in the Mission when you’re done and eat a burrito at El Farolito.

San Francisco Fine Art Fair

When: May 17-20, 2012

Where: Fort Mason

What: Contemporary galleries take over Fort Mason exhibiting fine art, including indoor and outdoor sculptures, installations, and entertainment.  Tickets required.

Bay to Breakers

When: May 20, 2012

Where: From South Beach to Ocean Beach

What: The race starts from South Beach and ends in Ocean Beach but most San Franciscans come to walk the length of the city in costumes taking on the spirit of Mardi Gras.

Carnaval

When: May 26 and 27, 2012

Where: Harrison Street between 23rd Street & 16th Street in the Mission District

What: Latin dance groups and musicians give performances in elaborate costumes for this Brazilian-themed festival. There is a parade through the neighborhood on the last day.

Wondering what’s happening on the other coast? Check out our other posts for travel ideas.

If you’re thinking about booking a trip check out our website for vacation packages.

Interview with Alfred Esmeijer – Vancouver Tour Guide

February 27, 2012 at 5:54 pm

Alfred Esmeijer is a long-time Vancouver tour guide who specializes in private tours of the Vancouver area. In this blog post, Alfred talks about his background and why he chooses to call Vancouver home. Stay tuned to our blog to see Alfred’s best tips for a great Vancouver vacation.

About Alfred:

How did you get started as a tour guide?

I have worked for many years in a lot of different aspects of the hospitality industry. When I was studying at the University of Calgary I went for a summer job to the Yukon and Alaska to be both a motor coach driver and a tour guide. Because I speak a few foreign languages, I was regularly sent to Anchorage to pick up European groups—most of the time I ended up doing the narrations. When in Vancouver and back in school, I worked part-time with a local sightseeing company which eventually became my full-time occupation and resulted in assisting the company to become No. 1 in the industry year after year. In 2003, after a “restructuring” at the aforementioned company I started on my own, exploring a definite niche in the industry.

You said you speak a few languages. What other languages do you speak and where did you grow up?

[I was] born in Arnhem, the Netherlands. I arrived in Canada in 1969. Lived in Toronto, Montreal, Calgary Banff, Whitehorse, Yukon, Alaska (seasonal as tour guide) and Vancouver (my home). I speak English, French, German, and Dutch. I understand a little Spanish and Italian. The product of a Dutch education, I’m proud to say.

What did you study before becoming a tour guide?

[I attended] high school in the Netherlands. [I studied] Political Science for 2.5 years at the University of Calgary and the University of British Columbia. I dabbled in Religious Studies at Regent College (post-graduate), Vancouver, BC.

In what ways does Vancouver/Canada compare to Holland/Europe?

In many ways there are no comparisons. Simply look at the vastness and the landscape of Canada as a whole. Yet, Vancouver is an interesting, fascinating and dynamic place to be. In many ways, I look at Vancouver as “history which is being made” as opposed to Montreal where history has taken place, so to speak. Vancouver has many neighborhoods with different characteristics, yet, very much inter-connected with one another. Today is a sunny day and the backdrop with the local snow-capped mountains is absolutely stunning. Vancouver is a “walking and bicycle” city. There are many places to eat and drink or enjoy a coffee. If you want excellent food and culinary experiences, Vancouver is the place to be. Fresh produce, fish, fresh meats, venison, superb local British Columbia wines are a willing formula for anyone to settle in Vancouver. Additionally, Vancouver is a very multi-ethnic society as well as having a large Asian presence, yet we are a very tolerant society. We enjoy the highest percentage of inter-racial marriages in Canada. Unfortunately, the typical Dutch “gezelligheid” [sense of belonging] is missing. Locals can be very “independent and/or insular.” Overall Vancouver is an amazing city.

Given all the places in Canada that you have lived what makes Vancouver the place you have chosen to settle down?

Vancouver is a fusion of Europe and Asia. Many neighborhoods with different characteristics yet very interconnected. Vancouver is also a pedestrian oriented city and cycling is very popular. We actually have designated bicycle lanes in the streets. I mean, where can you sail and ski at the same time or enjoy the amazing beaches (dressed or undressed).

What do you like best about being a tour guide?

I have always regarded being a tour-guide as a profession and many a time I have defended my position when some colleagues of mine thought differently and “looked down” somewhat on being a tour guide. I enjoy thoroughly what I am doing and the enjoyment is twofold: meeting people from all over the world and from all walks of life to me is awesome, but showing these people the beautiful city and surroundings in which I live is an absolute privilege. The challenge for me is to make my clients understand the intricacies and dynamics of what they visited and to put it in perspective with their own world.

We will also be posting Alfred Esmeijer’s tips for a vacation to Vancouver in our blog. Check back soon to learn about the best sights Vancouver has to offer!