Vancouver, British Columbia (plus Victoria, Whistler) – Episode 60

Ted

Thanks for all the great shots of the area!

Darren

I’m not sure if people look to these comments for advice, but here’s three pieces

First, If you don’t have much money a good substitute for Buchart Gardens in Victoria are the gardens at Royal Roads University – italian, japanese, rock, water, rose, etc. all set around a 19th century baronial mansion. You can drive, take the bus or cycle there on the Galloping Goose Trail on a rented bike.

Second, a good substitute for the Capilano Suspension Bridge is the suspension bridge in Lynn Canyon park, also on Vancouver’s North Shore. It’s shorter than Capilano, but just as high and hte canyonis more dramatic. Turn left after you cross and the trail leads to a deep coldwater pool where teenagers dive in from cliffs to impress their peers.

An area of Vancouver I suggest people visit that you did not mention is the campus of the University of B.C. Take the low road along Spanish Banks beaches to get there. the views are spectacular. There’s a youth hostel at Jericho Beach and reasonable pub food with a view at the Jericho Marina. On the campus itself is Vancouver’s best museum – the Museum of Anthropology designed by Arthur Erikson, the Chan Centre for Performing Arts, Nitobe Japanese gardens, Wreck Beach (nudist beach), sports faciliites, libraries and everything you expect at a top global university plus stunning views up Howe Sound (especially from Cecil Green Lodge if you can get in there).