Posts

Showing posts from August, 2017

From Steveston to the Strait: Whale Watching in Vancouver

Image
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 W...

Vancouver Travel: Queen Elizabeth Park

Image
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 Y...

Vancouver Travel—Grouse Mountain (The Peak of Vancouver)

Image
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 ...

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

Image
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 en...

Stanley Park: A Vancouver Gem

Image
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 ho...