Stanley Park - The Jewel of Vancouver

Just a little west of the transvestites on rollerblades, you will find Stanley Park. In the summertime you will find the park swarming with tourists from around the world, so much so, walking around the seawall on a sunny day can be more of an obstacle course than a Beijing market on a Saturday afternoon. That being said, the view is absolutely breathtaking.

Second only to the North Shore mountains and Whitcliff park, Stanley Park is truly the Jewel of Vancouver. On any sunny afternoon, you will find a mixture of office workers who have taken off work early to enjoy a walk around the park. If you prefer to ride a bike, check out Simons' Bike Shop on Robson Street. Simon is a great guy with lots of insight into what Vancouver has to offer.

Attractions include the many beached which surround the park as well as the historic Siwash rock which, according to legend is "Skalsh the unselfish," who was transformed by "Q'uas the transformer" into rock so he could live forever.

Walking around the park will give you an unimpeded view of the North Shore mountains as well as a front row seat for the parade of the cruise ships. If a close up view of nature is more your thing, a walk through the bowels of the park will bring you up close and personal with the many forms of wildlife indigenous to British Columbia.

After your walk around the seawall, you might wish to take in a dinner at one of the many restaurants inside Vancouvers' Stanley Park. If you are looking for more of a casual treat, check out the many stores on Dave and Denman Streets. Just beware of the Transvestites on rollerblades. If high fashion is your thing, Robson Street is not far away.