Vancouver, BC 26, 27-Nov-2012
Our last full day in Vancouver picked up where we left off on the previous day's walking tour, then we worked our way towards Granville Island for lunch, followed by exploring the shoreline. The first stop was the BC Hydro Building, now known as the Electra. Both inside and out sported mosaic tiles which echoed the 1950's design. That was quite a contrast to our next stop, the Provincial Law Courts, which is tiered and has a huge, sloping glass roof. It's part of a multi-block complex and includes Robson Square, a small plaza which is below street level and includes a skating rink.
We finished up that one and went a few blocks east to start our last walking tour. The first stop was Library Square, which includes a huge, curving atrium with several eateries. Next we were off to Yaletown which has rail loading docks which were renovated to have shops and restaurants; we went through a similar area the last time we were in Portland.
Vancouver Public Library
After stopping by the Roundhouse to look at the locomotive and turntable, we found our way to Yaletown Landing so we could hop onto a mini-ferry to Granville Island, where we had lunch.
Turntable at the Roundhouse
After filling up on clam chowder pot pie and salmon savory pie we headed out to the Island Park Walk to stroll on the south side of False Creek. Among other things, we walked under the Burrard Bridge (stopping just before to loo at the small totem pole next to the path), admired the sculptures in Vanier Park, explored the salvaged ship parts outside the Maritime Museum (along with the 100-foot tall totem pole there), and walked in the sand at Kitsilano Beach.
Gateway to the Northwest Passage, Vanier Park
Totem Pole at the Maritime Museum
Our tour then took us away from the water, right past a gelato store. We were ready for a snack, so we stopped in. The proprietor seemed happy for the business, and even heated up a muffin and offered it to us for free.
We were at the end of our tour and the last stop was a supermarket, but rather than being Capers, it had changed hands and was a Whole Foods instead. We did our shopping for dinner, breakfast, and snacks for the train, then caught a bus back to the hostel.
The rest of the afternoon and evening were uneventful, and knowing we had to get up early in the morning, we turned in early.
The next morning ended up going like clockwork. We ended up waking at about 4:30, finished packing, then went down to check out. We called for a taxi and by the time we got to the front door it was pulling up.
We got to the train station a bit early, which gave us time to eat part of our breakfast. We got in line when the train started boarding at 5:30, went through customs, then found our seats and finished breakfast. This train ride was uneventful, which was a nice change from the trip north. Even the connection to the bus wasn't rushed but not too long.
Looking back on this trip, it was much more "what do we feel like today?" than our other trips. We had a selection of options for the trip and ended up picking a couple at a time depending on how we felt and what was open. We were also did a lot more improvising with how much cash to get, and ended up with not too much left over, although Canadian money is the easiest for us to eventually use.
We lucked out with the weather, with clear skies and not too cold. Even though we didn't completely get through our list of activities, we know we'll be back at some point.
