Weather can significantly influence your travel experience. For my three days in Vancouver, the sun was shining, the sky was blue and the temperature was a cool 17°C – perfect for exploring on foot.
I stayed at the bustling Pinnacle Hotel Harbourfront, where the friendly reception staff kindly allowed me to check in early after my 15-hour flight.
This early check-in was much appreciated, providing a chance to shower and take a nap before heading out to explore the city.
My first destination was Granville Island. A 20-minute walk down Thurlow Street, past high-end shops and a large hospital, brought me to Sunset Beach on False Creek. False Creek is a 2.5km inlet in downtown Vancouver with ferries that shuttle passengers along its length.
Granville Island hosts a vibrant public market, renowned for its diverse array of fresh produce, artisanal goods and unique culinary delights.
As I approached, the lively atmosphere was immediately apparent, with street performers entertaining crowds and the scent of freshly baked bread wafting through the air.
The market is housed in a spacious, airy building with high ceilings and abundant natural light, creating a welcoming and cheerful environment.
Inside, the market is a feast for the senses. Stalls brimming with colourful fruits and vegetables greet you at every turn, their vibrant hues drawing you in.
The sound of friendly chatter and the hum of activity fills the air as locals and tourists alike peruse the offerings. My highlights were caramelised custard-filled pastries, cinnamon swirls the size of LP records and 20 different bagel flavours.
Outside, there is an area overlooking the creek, warm in the afternoon sun, featuring live music and a place to enjoy the delicacies purchased at the market.
After an hour or two of moseying around the craft stores, which feature everything from custom jewellery and ceramics to unique home décor items, locally made skincare products and more conventional souvenirs, I wandered back to the hotel for a well-earned sleep.
The next day, I planned to continue my explorations, this time heading to Capilano Suspension Bridge Park. While there is a free shuttle bus from downtown Vancouver to the park, I decided to walk.
The route took me through Stanley Park, a beautiful forest park where you can enjoy a horse-drawn ride, and then across Lions Gate Bridge. This huge suspension bridge connects downtown Vancouver with North Vancouver and offers memorable views.
About 1.5km wide (including the approach) and with a ship’s clearance of 61m, the bridge felt extremely high up as I walked along the pedestrian walkway. The waist-high side barrier didn’t feel quite high enough for comfort!
Once off the bridge, I slogged through the busy roads of North Vancouver before starting the climb up Capilano Road.
Capilano Suspension Bridge Park packs a lot into a small area. The highlight is, of course, the bridge itself. Stretching 137 metres across and hanging 70 metres above the Capilano River, the bridge offers great views of the surrounding rainforest.
Stepping onto the bridge, you feel it gently sway beneath your feet, adding a thrill to the experience. The views from the middle of the bridge are even better, with towering trees and the river flowing far below, although the sheer number of visitors makes stopping to take photos quite a challenge.
After crossing the suspension bridge, I explored the Treetops Adventure, a series of seven suspension bridges attached to 250-year-old Douglas fir trees.
This walk offers a unique perspective of the forest from up to 30 metres above the forest floor. The walkways are sturdy and safe, providing an immersive experience among the treetops, where you can observe the rich flora and fauna of the temperate rainforest.
Boardwalks through the rainforest and trees decorated in golden lights enhance the atmosphere.
Back on the other side of the canyon, the Cliff Walk is a quieter spot that offers great views of the bridge and the river. Staff are dotted throughout the park, giving talks on local wildlife and flora. At Raptors Ridge, I had the opportunity to meet a variety of birds of prey.
In the Kia’Palano tent, you can learn about the heritage of First Nations People and their connection to the area. This tent also houses North America’s largest private collection of First Nations totem poles. The park also features an extensive gift shop and two restaurants.
A short bus ride further up Capilano Road brought me to Grouse Mountain, Vancouver’s closest ski resort. While the ski runs were closed, plenty of snow remained.
My main reason for visiting was to see the two resident grizzly bears, Grinder and Coola, who had recently awakened from their winter hibernation. Viewing these impressive creatures up close was awe-inspiring. They are huge, with claws at least five centimetres long!
Grouse Mountain offers more than just bear viewing. The Skyride, an aerial tramway, provides awesome views of the city, ocean and surrounding mountains. At the top, there are various activities, including hiking trails, a lumberjack show and a theatre presenting a film about the wildlife and history of the mountain.
In the evening, I joined the Lost Souls of Gastown walking tour. Dressed in Victorian garb, our guide led us through the back alleys of Gastown, regaling us with entertaining stories of Vancouver’s history.
Vancouver is a city that invites exploration. Its beautiful scenery, welcoming atmosphere, easy layout and variety of activities make it an ideal destination for travellers seeking both adventure and relaxation.
Whether you’re strolling through its parks, visiting its markets, or taking in its incredible views, Vancouver leaves a lasting impression.
