Travel for Life: August 2017

Friday, August 18, 2017

From Steveston to the Strait: Whale Watching in Vancouver

Based on Google Search results, the following two locations near Vancouver are top whale watching spots in North America:

Vancouver Island, British Columbia

An estimated 85 orcas live in the waters around southern Vancouver and the southern Gulf Islands.

San Juan Islands, Washington

Later I have watched the below video and found out about Vancouver Whale Watch located in Richmond, British Columbia.

According to Google Search, two of the best whale‑watching destinations near Vancouver are:

Vancouver Island, British Columbia

Roughly 85 orcas are believed to inhabit the waters around southern Vancouver and the southern Gulf Islands.

"Vancouver Whale Watch" in Richmond, BC

The company offers exciting 3–5 hour tours from Steveston Village, with chances to see orcas, humpbacks, sea lions, seals, eagles, and more in the Gulf Islands and Strait of Georgia—boasting a 98% sighting rate.

Whales and Bears of Vancouver Island with Campbell River Whale Watching (YouTube link)

What follows is a travelogue from my whale‑watching trip on a gorgeous summer morning. As the photos show, we didn’t spot any whales that day, but the outing was still incredibly rewarding. The tour company even provided a complimentary, no‑expiry return pass for a future whale‑watching adventure.

How to Get There

To reach Steveston Fisherman's Wharf, you can transport:

From YVR

Take Canada Line Skytrain heading for Waterfront
Exit at Bridgeport Station
Transfer to Canada Line heading for Richmond-Brighouse

From Vancouver City

Take Canada Line Skytrain heading for Richmond-Brighouse
You can take the SkyTrain toward YVR-Airport, but you’ll need to get off at Bridgeport Station and transfer to the line heading to Richmond-Brighouse.

For both routes, you can:

Exit at Richmond-Brighouse Station

At Richmond-Brighouse Station

Transfer to one of the following buses: 401 (One Road), 402 (Two Road), 406 (Steveston Village), 407 (Bridgeport/Gilbert).
Ride south to Steveston Village (buses typically go along No. 1 Rd, No. 2 Rd, or Steveston Hwy).
Exit near Chatham St & No. 1 Rd or Steveston Hwy & No. 1 Rd/No. 2 Rd (close to the wharf; the 406 is often the most direct for the village core).

Walk a short distance (5-10 minutes) to Fisherman's Wharf along Bayview St or Second Ave.

Photo Gallery

The photos below were taken on 07/30/2017. The morning started off cloudy, but by midday the weather had turned sunny, reaching 28°C. Before the tour, I decided to visit nearby Garry Point Park—and I’m so glad I did. I was rewarded with stunning shoreline views.

Around 8:30 a.m., I walked from the park to Fisherman’s Wharf. A crowd of tourists had already gathered, but I still managed to book a spot on the Express, a 45‑passenger zodiac‑style vessel. The whole trip on the water took about 4 hours.

Garry Point Park

Steveston Fisherman’s Wharf

Gulf and San Juan Islands

GCT Deltaport

References

Visit Richmond, BC (video)
Vancouver Whale Watch

12240 Second Ave #210, Richmond, BC V7E 3L8, Canada

Richmond/Delta/Tsawwassen
25 TOP DESTINATION TO VISIT IN CANADA
A Solo Trip Can Be A Disaster If You Forget These 7 Rules
Super, Natural British Columbia
11 THINGS TO DO ON VANCOUVER ISLAND

Wednesday, August 16, 2017

Vancouver Travel: Queen Elizabeth Park

Vancouver Travel: Queen Elizabeth Park (YouTube link)

Attention: Click here to view a mobile-friendly version.

At 152 meters above sea level, Queen Elizabeth Park (or QE Park ⭐⭐) is the highest point in Vancouver and makes for spectacular views of the park, city, and mountains on the North Shore.

The 52-hectare park is home to the Bloedel Conservatory. There is also a gorgeously landscaped quarry garden, the arboretum with its collection of exotic and native trees, sculptures including one by internationally renowned artist Henry Moore, and diverse recreational offerings such as tennis, lawn bowling and pitch & putt. The park is also the perfect setting for fine dining at Seasons in the Park, a picnic or stargazing!

How to Get There

If you use public transit system like I do, here is the way to get there:

Taking Canada Line Skytrain to the King Edward Station
Walking south towards the Park along Cambie St

You can also read the official site for more directional details.

Photos

Below photos were taken on two days (07/28 and 07/29) in 2017. On both days, the weather (temperature: 24°C) was great. The pictures are ordered roughly by the route of my visit:

Duck pond
Small Quarry Garden
City and Mountain View from the Top
Large Quarry Garden

Duck Pond

Small Quarry Garden

City and Mountain View on the North Shore

"Photo Session" Statues

Bridge Over Large Quarry

Walkway in Large Quarry

Maple Tree in Large Quarry

Bloedel Conservatory View from Large Quarry

References

Saturday, August 12, 2017

Vancouver Travel—Grouse Mountain (The Peak of Vancouver)

Vancouver Viewed from Grouse Mountain Top

Grouse Mountain ⭐⭐is one of the North Shore Mountains of the Pacific Ranges in North Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Exceeding 1,200 m (or 4,000 feet) in altitude at its peak, is the site of an alpine ski area, Grouse Mountain Resort, which in the winter season overlooks Greater Vancouver with four chairlifts servicing 26 runs. In the summer, Grouse Mountain Resort features lumberjack shows, a birds of prey wildlife demonstration, and a scenic chairlift ride.

Public access to the mountain top can be by

Swiss Garaventa aerial tramway, or
Grouse Grind hiking trail (Open for hiking May-October.)

Photos

Below photos were taken in the afternoon (temperature: 27°C) on 07/26/2017. They are roughly ordered in the time of my visit.

Lumberjack Show

Eagle (Birds in Motion)

Eagle Perched on Demonstrator's Hand

Vulture (Birds in Motion)

Vulture Also a Good Hopper

Owl (Birds in Motion)

Owl Flying towards Camera

Falcon (Birds in Motion)

Falcon Following Bait

Falcon Captured Bait

Grouse Mountain Resort Viewed from Top

Cable Car Viewed from Parking Lot

Cable Car over Parking Lot

References

Grouse Mountain Official Site
Vancouver Travel—Climbing Grouse Grind Trail to the Peak of Vancouver (Travel for a Purpose)

Friday, August 11, 2017

Conquering the Grouse Grind: A Guide to Vancouver's Stairmaster Hike

View from the Grouse Mountain top

The Grouse Grind ⭐, also known as Mother Nature's Stairmaster, is a 2.9-kilometer (1.8-mile) trail with 2,830 stairs that takes hikers to the top of Grouse Mountain. The official website warns that the trail is very challenging and not for the average hiker.

On average, it takes up to an hour and a half to complete the hike, but first-timers should allow for two hours. The hike is one-way (downhill travel is prohibited) and almost non-stop, as mosquitoes may bite you if you stand still or sit down. Finally, try to carry a backpack as light as possible, or you may regret it.

Updates on September 3, 2023:

This article was written in 2017, before the COVID-19 pandemic. It is important to note that some things may have changed since then, such as the hours of operation, the cost of admission, and the availability of amenities. Please be sure to check the official website for the latest information before you visit.

Figure 1. The entrance to the trail (locked in the Winter)

How to Reach the Trailhead

For most locals, they drive to the parking lot at the base of mountain. However, for a traveler like me, I have taken public transit system to there:

Taking Canada Line Skytrain to the Waterfront Station
Transferring to Seabus from Waterfront to Lonsdale Quay
Transferring to Bus 236
Walking across the main road from the bus stop to the trailhead (see the photo above; note that the gate was closed in the picture; however, it will be opened if the trail is open)

Note that I have bought a DayPass Ticket (i.e., Paper Compass Card) for the above transportation, which costs 10 CAD on that day. On the way down, I have spent 10 CAD for the cable tramway ride and, then, have taken free shuttle bus back to Canada Place.

Photos

These photos were taken on July 26, 2017, early in the morning, when the temperature was 26°C. As you can see in the middle photo, there are signposts along the trail that mark the quarter, half, and three-quarter distances to the summit. If you make it to the top of Grouse Mountain, you will be rewarded with stunning views of Vancouver in the distance, as seen in the first photo. For more information, please read the companion article below.

Vancouver Travel—Grouse Mountain (The Peak of Vancouver)

Trail with steep slopes

Road mark (1/2 Mark)

References

Saturday, August 5, 2017

Stanley Park: A Vancouver Gem

Stanley Park Seawall—a popular spot for walking, cycling, and jogging

Stanley Park ⭐⭐⭐is a 1,001-acre (405 ha) public park that borders the downtown of Vancouver in British Columbia, Canada. It is almost entirely surrounded by the waters of Vancouver Harbour and English Bay, and is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the city.

The park was established in 1886 on land that was previously occupied by non-aboriginal settlers. It was named after Lord Stanley, 16th Earl of Derby, who was the Governor General of Canada at the time.

Stanley Park is home to a variety of attractions, including:

Vancouver Aquarium

This world-famous aquarium is home to over 70,000 animals from the Pacific Ocean

Stanley Park Seawall

This 14-mile (23 km) long waterfront path is a popular spot for walking, cycling, and jogging

Brockton Point Lighthouse

This historic lighthouse offers stunning views of the city and the harbor

Rose Garden

This beautiful garden is home to over 7,000 roses

Beaver Lake

Beaver Lake is a lake in the middle of Stanley Park. It is starting to fill in with sediment and is mainly covered in foliage. It is very diverse wetland. There is a large beaver dam that can be seen from the main view spot.

There are also several bike rental companies near the park, so you can explore the more than 17 miles (27 km) of forest trails. Travelers recommend biking the South Creek Trail, which leads to the lily pad-covered Beaver Lake.

Stanley Park is a must-visit for any visitor to Vancouver. It is a beautiful and relaxing place to spend a day exploring the city's natural beauty.

Bike Riding

I rented bikes twice in the summer of 2017 from two different shops:

I prefer Bikes and Blades Rentals because it is cheaper and the service is more personal. For example, when I rented a bike to ride the 14-mile-long Seawall in Stanley Park, I only paid $12 for two hours. I recommend not renting from the closest shop (Spokes Bicycle Rentals) to the bus Stop. Instead, walk a little further down Denman Street to check out other bike rentals. You won't be disappointed.

All cyclists should follow the purple path up Denman Street to Vancouver Harbor. Once at the waterfront, ride along the red path. Remember, the 14-mile Seawall bike route is one-way, so ride counterclockwise. Always stay on the designated bike path (left: bike or roller/ right: pedestrian) and follow the direction indicated by the arrows.