On Our Way At Last ….
We flew out of Melbourne on Saturday 24 August at 9.15 am and arrived in Los Angeles 14 hours later, through immigration, fingerprinted and photographed then transferred to a Westjet flight to Vancouver and arrived at the Sandman Suites on Davie St around 4.00pm the same day. After a really good nights sleep we were fresh and ready for an adventurous bike ride around Vancouver.
On Your Bike ….
We picked up our hybrid bikes from English Bay Cycles just down the road from the hotel and set off on our 8 hour ride. Our first stop was to see these 14 giant bronze shirtless laughing statues called A-maze-ing Laughter. Of course, this was our first photo shot for the day.
Then it was onto Stanley Park, a 1000 acre area of parkland full of walking trails, lakes, childrens playgrounds, eating areas, open air concert stage and a one way cycle path which bike riders love to ride. It was the 125th Anniversary of Stanley Park and a perfect sunny day for every local and every tourist to cycle their way around the 8 km one way cycle path following the Seawall all the way.
There were many different spots for photo shots and rests along the way including a music concert area where we caught up with two local Canadian ladies enjoying a beer in the sunshine. It was great to compare the differences between Vancouver and Melbourne and learn about Vancouver from locals.
It’s A Matter Of Balance ….
One of the most amazing sights we witnessed during our ride in Stanley Park was a rock balancing artist, Kent Avery. This chap randomly picked up rocks from the foreshore and balanced them on top of one another. Rocks were stacked 4 and 5 high and seemed to defy gravity. Just amazing.
From Stanley Park we followed the cycle path around to Granville Island. What an amazing ride. We have never seen so many cyclists and all very courteous and patient. The paths are well designated with signs and are separate from the walking paths. Granville Island is full of art and craft shops, a fresh food market, theatres, unique shops and lots of restaurants all set on an island with a huge boat marina. We had a late lunch here before setting off over the Burrard Street Bridge and back to the cycle shop. It was a perfect weather to see the sights of Vancouver and cycling was an easy way to get around.
By Ferry To Victoria ….
Monday we left for Victoria, on Vancouver Island and the the capital of British Columbia. The ferry run by BC Ferries took 1 1/2 hrs to reach Swartz Bay then 35 minutes by coach into Victoria. The crossing was calm and relaxing in the Sea West Lounge and in no time we were in Victoria.
Victoria is a very pretty and compact town with an inner harbour and walkways along the waters edge. 950 colourful flowering hanging baskets hang in the streets from the light poles. A one hour harbour tour on a small ferry enabled us to get an overall look at Victoria from the water and we called into West Bay Marine Village and Fishermans Wharf where people have built these colourful floating houses for permanent and holiday living.
A Garden Party …..
The next day was off for a city tour around Victoria and then to the world famous and beautiful Butchart Gardens located 23 km from Victoria. These gardens cover 22 hectares, are still privately owned, and host 1 million visitors each year. The gardens consist of six main gardens; the Sunken Garden (the old limestone quarry), The Rose Garden, the Japanese Garden, the Italian Garden and the Mediterranean Garden. As well, there is a very nice gallery, coffee shop, a restaurant and of course the compulsory gift shop. We spent 3 1/2 hours walking the gardens and would definitely recommend a visit.
After an enjoyable, but short, 2 days in Victoria we departed for the Alaskan leg of our trip flying from Victoria to Fairbanks via Seattle.