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    Home » Travel

    Vancouver - Being a Tourist in Our Own Hometown

    Published 24 August 2016 by Liz Gardner | Leave a Comment

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    Arriving in Vancouver by cruise ship several decades ago the city's instant beauty and spectacular mountain scenery were the reasons I, like thousands of others, chose to make this city my adopted home. Vancouver - a jewel in the Pacific North West of Canada and a world-wide tourist destination.  It has been many years since spending a day in our own city and now to play tourist in our own hometown is still a special treat. Here is a small glimpse of why so many people love Vancouver, British Columbia.

    Canada Place: cruise ships, float planes & the North Shore mountains
    Canada Place: cruise ships, float planes & the North Shore mountains

    Vancouver on a Sunny Sunday

    It was such an incredibly lovely sunny Sunday when we arrived at the Pan Pacific, Port of Vancouver early allowing time to stroll around the Convention Centre and the Canada Place Sails before our special brunch at Oceans 999 restaurant. There were two large cruise ships docked, and a steady flow of people all the time we were there.

    Food Court Fountain
    Food Court Fountain

    Ocean Views, Cafes & Mountains

    The entire Coal Harbour area is a waterfront eatery with cafes and shops and across the street there is a large food court where there was a sizeable crowd whom I suspect were playing Pokemon. It was relaxing to sit in the shade of the trees and listen to and watch the water dancing in the fountains while looking across Burrard Inlet to the North Shore mountains.

    Welcoming shade trees downtown
    Welcoming shade trees downtown

    Vancouver - the Perfect Tourist Town

    There was also a constant stream of tourist buses at the Welcome Centre where you can book a bus tour of the city, which is always a great way to see different sights in a short period. Many people were simply relaxing, appreciating the ocean and mountain views, watching the people and street performers entertain, while enjoying their favourite cup of coffee in the shade of an umbrella.

    Welcome Centre tourist bus
    Welcome Centre tourist bus

    Places to See & Visit

    Take time while in Vancouver to visit one, or all, of the following spectacular destinations:

    • Stanley Park, Lost Lagoon & the Seawall - this was one of my first views of  Canada and is always a favourite. Watch for Great Blue Herons, squirrels, raccoons and perhaps a coyote or two
    • Granville Island - is a bustling market to visit with spectacular food choices and unique gifts
    • Queen Elizabeth Park - another personal favourite and a memorable park to be married in. The Bloedel Conservatory, a lush tropical paradise, is a must-see in the Park. The park is on the City of Vancouver's highest point with inspiring views
    • Vancouver's spectacular beaches - visit one just for fun. There is a  choice of at least nine including Spanish Banks, Kitsilano Beach and English Bay. A super way to spend a day.
    Save room for delicious desserts
    Save room for delicious desserts

    Fine Food & Fun

    Our special luncheon which included an incredible array of fresh, delicious food surpassed expectations. The view of the ocean, mountains and cruise ships at dock was most pleasurable and simply enhanced our luncheon. We will certainly be returning again instead of waiting for another special occasion. It really is easy to see why Vancouver is visited by almost 9 million people each year.

    Wherever you live, take time to play tourist in your own home town. Safe and happy travels!

    Celebrity "Infinity"
    Fountains
    Downtown Vancouver
    Food Court
    Welcome Centre
    Dock walkway
    Downtown business centre
    Lions Gate Bridge

    Links & References:

    • Vancouver Convention Centre 6 acre roof top garden
    • Vancouver Convention Centre 
    • Canada Place Sails history
    • Port of Vancouver terminals and cruise information
    • If you are touring British Columbia, Vancouver Island is a wonderful place to visit
    • Family and friends visiting from Australia highly recommend a cruise and tour to Alaska and a Rocky Mountain Train tour
    • Why I love Where I Live
    • Why I love Where I Live - Part 2 

    Photos taken with Samsung Galaxy Grand Prime Android phone

    More Travel

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      Why I Love British Columbia #4
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      Nanaimo - A Ferry Ride Away
    • Sugar Shack, Quebec
      Visit to a Family Maple Syrup Farm in Quebec
    • Fraser River in Fraser Canyon - summer
      Why I love Where I live - Beautiful BC
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    Hi, I'm Liz! I have been a happy gardener all my life. My goal on this blog is to share tips and resources to help you learn how to garden too. Passionate about all things "healthy". Life long learner and asker of "how".

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