I know what you’re thinking, I live in nature so why would I go to a city to find it? Well, I wanted to go to Costa Rica, but that plan just wasn’t working out. This seemed the next best option (or I’ll tell myself that anyway). It was a last-minute, whirlwind trip and I was only on the mainland for about 24 hours but I managed to make the most of it. Here’s how it happened . . .
The deal
stayvancouverhotels.com had a spring promotion on that would give me a $25 Visa e-card (per night, can be used anywhere online or by phone) and a $50 e-voucher ($75 for two nights or more) for use on the website vancouverattractions.com.
The outcome
I chose The Sylvia Hotel because of its location next to Stanley Park and English Bay in a very walkable area.
It rained, of course, but I was extremely grateful when I looked out the window in the morning that we didn’t get the 10-15 cm of snow forecasted.
After a second visit to the Amaze-ing Laughter sculpture, this time without the rain from the previous evening, I was off to my first, technically free, attraction.
Did I go to Costa Rica after all?
I went to the Bloedel Conservatory in hopes of feeling like I was somewhere completely different. It was a huge success! The humidity, exotic plants and free-flying birds meant that I could trick my brain into thinking I really was somewhere else.
The plants and trees were green and gorgeous but what captivated me the most was the birds.
The outside area would be worth revisiting during the summer months when the leaves are out and the snow is gone.
The Capilano Suspension Bridge Park
The other attraction I decided to do that used up my $50 e-voucher was the Capilano Suspension Bridge Park. I wasn’t sure how I would react to wobbling bridges, heights and cliff walks but the trees in the area and the totem poles were worthy enough for a visit.
Turns out the height thing wasn’t bothering me at all so I started with the Cliffwalk. This is a series of cantilevered, suspended walkways that are anchored into the granite cliffside. The walkways are very high and rather narrow which could be a deal breaker for some.
Next up I had to cross the actual suspension bridge. This is the only way to reach the other side so you aren’t just crossing it once, you have to come back the same way. It is 450 ft long and 230 ft above the river. Did I mention it wobbles?
Once on the other side of the river there’s a very nice, non wobbly, trail through the forest. It is literally built around the trees.
If you still need some height and wobbly bits, you can take to the treetops to see what the squirrels see on seven more suspension bridges attached to giant Douglas fir trees.
I didn’t have a set schedule for my time in Vancouver, but after visiting the conservatory and and the suspension bridge, with a trip to Ikea in between, I felt I had been there long enough. I hopped back on the ferry and headed off into the sunset, another mainland adventure complete.
I was heading home but still had adventures planned. A stay in a tiny house near Campbell River was next on the agenda – stay tuned for that one.
Absolutely wonderful photos – a lovely photo essay. Always a treat to see your photography…..thank you