Plan your visit to Vancouver in 2010

Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympic Games - A view from the Inside Out

2010-02-05T22:06:00.000-08:00

With the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympic games days away local Vancouver 2010 Organizers (VANOC) are doing a great job of showing their poker face. With the Weather in the Metro Vancouver region at season highs, VANOC is trying their best to ensure the games go off without a hitch.

From high security road closures to trucking in snow from not so nearby Manning Park, the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympic Organizing committee has their hands in so many pots, it is hard to keep track of all the money flowing from the rapidly diminishing Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympic Games coffers.

From day one, the reaction to Vancouver winning the 201o Winter Olympic Games bid have been mixed. Being fairly split in the political spectrum, the left side has argued against what they call wasteful government spending while the right has been anxiously awaiting the promise “Big Olympic Payout” for local business and Industry.
Although one can definitely argue for the positive effects on the construction industry, the left also has an equal amount of ammunition in the increase in the Cost of Living in an already expensive region to live and work in. Add to that the ever billowing cost overruns the Vancouver 2010 Winter Games may well go down in History as the biggest flop.

Now for what is on everyone’s mind, the lack of snow in Metro Vancouver, particularly the North Shore Mountains and Cypress Bowl (The location for the Freestyle ski competitions.) To get a picture of the seriousness of the weather one need simply look at the 7 day forecast for the Vancouver region. With predicted highs around 8 or 9 degree’s Celsius (Well above freezing) and lows only getting down to 3 Degrees Celsius (Still above freezing). The very slim possibility of precipitation will at most be a spring rain with lots of mud for the skier’s to slide down.

Of Course, the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games organizing committee is doing their best to limit the damage of the warmer weather and muddy hills by trucking in hundreds of truckloads of snow from not so nearby Manning Park. This combined with the constantly running snowmakers is eating a very big hole in the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games contingency fund.

Add to this, lower than expected accommodation bookings and the promised boost to the Vancouver tourism industry may very well be a flash in the pan. Of course the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympic Games Organizing committee still has the income from over priced poorly made souvenir trinkets (Made in China) to fall back on. Seriously, I checked out one of the local Trinket barns at the local Bay to find pins which cost a maximum of 2 cents to make going for anywhere from $10 to $30. The clincher was a “Collectors edition” Teddy bear which was going for close to $300. With prices like that and the lack of availability of tickets for locals to attend the games, one has to wonder “What is in it for us?”

There are, however, some local businesses hoping to make a few extra dollars off the event. Steve, the owner of Granville Island Boat Rentals, for example, has just put a 12 passenger covered and heated boat into the water hoping to ease the pain of commuters having to make the trek through the heavily restricted roadways of Vancouver. Having felt the brunt of the drop in consumer spending and European tourism, Steve is hoping his investment will pan out. For those interested, Granville Island Boat Rentals is located right below Bridges Restaurant and close to Granville Island market.

Mario, of Mario’s Gelati (A local favorite for fans of high quality Italian Ice Cream) is not counting on any substantial boosts to his business. Being in the “Red Zone” just doors away from the Olympic Village, Mario has found himself behind an iron curtain of sorts. Surrounded by wire fence, Mario is hopeful the Vancouver 2010 Organizers will continue to leave a pathway to his retail outlet as well as his Shipping bays. Failing that, the Organizers of the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympic Games will not only cut visitors and athletes off from Mario’s delicious Italian Gelato, the will also effectively be cutting off a supply chain to many local restaurants who rely on the Daily delivery of fresh Italian Gelato.

On the other side of the coin, the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympic Games Organizing committee, along with local governments, have gone through substantial lengths to ensure locals and visitors alike have plenty of opportunities to take in on the festivities of the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympic Games. With many free things to do during the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympic Games (Aside from hunting down Vancouver 2010 Olympic Events Ticket Scalpers) it is hoped the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympic Games will be a positive and memorable experience for locals and visitors alike.
Labeled the Vancouver 2010 Cultural Olympiad events are being held any many local parks with the hope of calming the protests and creating a fun and memorable experience for locals to remember for the years to come as they continue to pay off the massive debt created by VANOC. For a list of Vancouver 2010 Cultural Olympiad events, check out the VANOC site.

Protesters and critics of the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympic Games alike are joining in the festivities by creating several events of their own. Look for them at various Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympic events. They will be easily recognizable by their placards declaring a lack of support for the homeless and unemployed as well as various Social housing and Free Heroin for junkies related causes. Be careful not to follow these protesters too closely unless you like the feeling of a Police Taser gun or a rubber truncheon up your backside.

Here are some more pictures of the road to Cyprus Bowl the site of the Free Style Mud skiing competition. The security chicks had me stopped about 3/4 of the way up. I was hoping to catch a picture of one of the snow dump trucks, but they were gone for the day.

Vancouver 2010 "Ticket King" Bypasses the Ticket line-up

2009-11-19T17:34:00.000-08:00

Those lining up online and in telephone que's for Vancouver 2010 Olympic tickets who thought they had a decent shot at getting prime tickets for Vancouver 2010 Olympic games were sadly mistaken. So what does it take to get prime tickets to the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympic Games? Well, according to reports, 15-million to VANOC, and $20-million to the U.S. Olympic Committee has guaranteed Yugoslavian Millionaire Sead Dizdarevic the right to jump the Vancouver 2010 ticket line and scalp Vancouver 2010 Olympic tickets to the highest bidder.

Sead Dizdarevic has made his millions off the backs of Olympic Athletes by hocking, often illgotten ticket bounties on the rich and famous around the world. If you have the Money, Sead Dizdarevic has the Olympic tickets you want.

So where does this leave other tour agencies who wish to purchase tickets for the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games? Well, a Canadian based tour company found out the hard way, re-selling tickets was not a right given to just anyone. As a result of their efforts to sell travel packages including tickets to the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympic Games, Roadtrips Inc. found themselves in court battling VANOC over who has the right to re-sell Tickets to the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympic Games. According to VANOC, Roadtrips Inc was violating Olympic rules by selling tickets to the Games as part of its travel packages.

Hmmmm, isn't that exactly what the self proclaimed Vancouver 2010 "Ticket King" Sead Dizdarevic is doing? I guess in the Olympic game, at least, Money talks and normal people are left without tickets to the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympic Games.

As a side note, the Canadian tour company wanting to sell Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympic Games ticket packages must purchase their tickets from Sead Dizdarevic. Oh ya, Sead Dizdarevic cleaned himself up real nice since the Salt Lake City ticket scandal which brought him to light.

VANCOUVER 2010 Olympic Jobs

2009-10-03T18:53:00.000-07:00

The local paper ran a front page story today on how VANOC is struggling to find bodies to fill the over 10,000 VANCOUVER 2010 OLYMPIC GAMES JOB OPENINGS. Perhaps the reason VANOC is having trouble finding people to fill the VANCOUVER 2010 OLYMPIC GAMES JOB OPENINGS is because they are doing a crap job of posting the openings. Yes, there are some radio commercials talking about VOLUNTEER POSITIONS at the VANCOUVER 2010 OLYMPIC GAMES but this is asking for free labour and in an economy like the current one, that is alot to ask for when talking about unpaid VANCOUVER 2010 OLYMPIC GAMES JOB OPENINGS.

Your Ad Here

The fact of the matter is, it will take a substantial workforce to make the VANCOUVER 2010 OLYMPIC GAMES a reality and a workforce takes money, which is a thing VANOC is running low on. Grandiose plans, corporate bailouts (Millennium Project), and lack of planning are rapidly making the promise of a Cash cow look more like a dried out old donkey.

Looking at the list of VANCOUVER 2010 OLYMPIC GAMES JOB OPENINGS online, it seems VANOC has a long way to go in defining the critical VANCOUVER 2010 OLYMPIC GAMES JOB OPENINGS, let alone filling them and training potential VANCOUVER 2010 OLYMPIC GAMES Employee's. So does it surprise me the Province had the VANCOUVER 2010 OLYMPIC GAMES JOB OPENINGS as a front page story? Not really.

To add to this fiasco, I was just talking to a customer who has a sister that works for the PNE. Apparently, the PNE has signed on to have all their staff filling VANCOUVER 2010 OLYMPIC GAMES JOB OPENINGS under the employee loaning program. This is an arrangement which happened awhile back and covers quite a number of positions. This is something which should make filling VANCOUVER 2010 OLYMPIC GAMES JOB OPENINGS easier. The thing is, as of October 3, 2009, the on loan employee's of the PNE still do not have any idea of what they will be doing during the Olympics. They have not been trained, they have not had their required security clearances and they do not even know what jobs they will be filling or whether they will be working part-time or full-time.

Your Ad Here

I know I am starting to sound like a big downer on the VANCOUVER 2010 OLYMPIC GAMES but I was not always like this. To be quite honest, I was a staunch supporter of the VANCOUVER 2010 OLYMPIC GAMES, I saw the whole VANCOUVER 2010 OLYMPIC GAMES coming to Vancouver as a positive thing. I was excited about the frenzy and looking forward to the boom it would be bringing.

As for the boom, well all the contracts seemed to go to friends of VANOC as the whole contract posting procedure was a farce. As for frenzy, it seems to only frenzy will be caused by the chaos of disorganization. VANOC promised a boom for local businesses, how can this be when businesses located in the red zones do not even know if they will be allowed to show up for work before, during and shortly after the VANCOUVER 2010 OLYMPIC GAMES. So what, is everyone who owns a business in the "Red Zone" supposed to shut down for a month and just eat the loss in revenue? Where is this "Boom" you promised us Mr. Furlong?

Your Ad Here

So again, am I surprised by this "new" report of potential VANCOUVER 2010 OLYMPIC GAMES disorganization?? NOPE!!!

For those who came here looking for a LISTING OF VANCOUVER 2010 OLYMPIC GAMES JOB OPENINGS / VACANCIES, here ya go, a list of te 60 some odd jobs currently listed as VANCOUVER 2010 OLYMPIC GAMES JOB OPENINGS as well as their location and posting dates on the VANCOUVER 2010 OLYMPIC JOB BOARD. More VANCOUVER 2010 JOB OPENINGS can be found on the VANCOUVER 2010 OLYMPIC GAMES JOB SITE or through Workopolis.

VANCOUVER 2010 OLYMPIC GAMES JOB OPENINGS
Coordinator, Parking Operations Vancouver, British Columbia, CANADA Oct 02, 2009
Webmaster Vancouver, British Columbia, CANADA Oct 02, 2009
Venue Logisitics Manager Vancouver, British Columbia, CANADA Oct 01, 2009
Item Number Clerk Vancouver, British Columbia, CANADA Sep 30, 2009
Supervisor, Call Centre Vancouver, British Columbia, CANADA Sep 30, 2009
Production Coordinator, Alpine Skiing (Whistler Creekside) - Sport Production Whistler, British Columbia, CANADA Sep 29, 2009
Production Coordinator, Bobsleigh, Skeleton & Luge (The Whistler Sliding Centre) - Sport Production Whistler, British Columbia, CANADA Sep 29, 2009
Production Coordinator, Cross Country Skiing & Biathlon (Whistler Olympic Park) - Sport Production Whistler, British Columbia, CANADA Sep 29, 2009
Production Coordinator, Curling and Wheelchair Curling (Vancouver Olympic/Paralympic Center) Sport P Vancouver, British Columbia, CANADA Sep 29, 2009
Production Coordinator, Freestyle Skiing & Snowboard (Cypress Mountain) - Sp Sep 29, 2009
Production Coordinator, Ice Hockey & Sledge Hockey (UBC Thunderbird Arena) - Sport Production Vancouver, British Columbia, CANADA Sep 29, 2009
Production Coordinator, Long Track Speed Skating (Richmond Olympic Oval) - Sport Production Vancouver, British Columbia, CANADA Sep 29, 2009
Production Coordinator, Ski Jumping (Whistler Olympic Park) - Sport Production Whistler, British Columbia, CANADA Sep 29, 2009
Associate Venue Producer ,Cross Country (Whistler Olympic Park)-Sport Production Whistler, British Columbia, CANADA Sep 27, 2009
Associate Venue Producer, Alpine (Whistler Creekside Park)-Sport Production Whistler, British Columbia, CANADA Sep 27, 2009
Associate Venue Producer, Biathlon (Whistler Olympic Park)-Sport Production Whistler, British Columbia, CANADA Sep 27, 2009
Associate Venue Producer, Ski Jumping (Whistler Olympic Park) -Sport Production Whistler, British Columbia, CANADA Sep 27, 2009
English Announcer, Parallel Giant Slalom (Cypress Mountain)-Sport Production Vancouver, British Columbia, CANADA Sep 27, 2009
Field Producer, Cross Country and Biathlon (Whistler Olympic Park)-Sport Production Whistler, British Columbia, CANADA Sep 27, 2009
Field Producer, Ice Hockey and Ice Sledge Hockey (UBC Thunderbird Arena)-Sport Production Vancouver, British Columbia, CANADA Sep 27, 2009
Field Producer, Long Track Speed Skating (Richmond Olympic Oval)-Sport Production Vancouver, British Columbia, CANADA Sep 27, 2009
Field Producer, Ski Jumping (Whistler Olympic Park)-Sport Production Whistler, British Columbia, CANADA Sep 27, 2009
French Announcer, Cross Country, (Whistler Olympic Park) -Sport Production Whistler, British Columbia, CANADA Sep 27, 2009
French Announcer, Snowboard (Cypress Mountain)- Sport Production Vancouver, British Columbia, CANADA Sep 27, 2009
Music Director/DJ, Cross Country & Biathlon (Whistler Olympic Park) -Sport Production Whistler, British Columbia, CANADA Sep 27, 2009
On- Camera Videoboard Talent, Alpine Skiing (Whistler Creekside)-Sport Production Whistler, British Columbia, CANADA Sep 27, 2009
On- Camera Videoboard Talent, Richmond Olympic Oval-Sport Production Vancouver, British Columbia, CANADA Sep 27, 2009
Stage Manager, Alpine Skiing (Whistler Creekside)-Sport Production Whistler, British Columbia, CANADA Sep 27, 2009
Stage Manager, Bobsleigh, Luge & Skeleton, Whistler Sliding Center, Sport Production Whistler, British Columbia, CANADA Sep 27, 2009
Stage Manager, Cross Country & Biathlon (Whistler Olympic Park) -Sport Production Whistler, British Columbia, CANADA Sep 27, 2009
Stage Manager, Freestyle Skiing & Snowboard (Cypress Mountain)-Sport Product Vancouver, British Columbia, CANADA Sep 27, 2009
Stage Manager, Ice Hockey and Ice Sledge Hockey (UBC Thunderbird Arena)-Sport Production Vancouver, British Columbia, CANADA Sep 27, 2009
Stage Manager, Long Track Speed Skating (Richmond Olympic Oval)-Sport Production Vancouver, British Columbia, CANADA Sep 27, 2009
Stage Manager, Ski Jumping (Whistler Olympic Park)-Sport Production Whistler, British Columbia, CANADA Sep 27, 2009
Assistant Venue Logistics Manager Vancouver, British Columbia, CANADA Sep 25, 2009
Coordinator, Broadcast Integration (Mountain Competition Venue Support) Vancouver, British Columbia, CANADA Sep 24, 2009
Coordinator, Food and Beverage - Mountain Transportation and Accommodation Venues Vancouver, British Columbia, CANADA Sep 24, 2009
Coordinator, Food and Beverage/ Snow Management, Cleaning and Waste - Mountain Venues Vancouver, British Columbia, CANADA Sep 24, 2009
Manager, Broadcast Integration (WMC, WCP, Mountain Competition Venue Support) Whistler, British Columbia, CANADA Sep 24, 2009
Makeup and Hair Supervisor - DAEP Vancouver, British Columbia, CANADA Sep 23, 2009
Representative, Village Guest Pass Services Vancouver, British Columbia, CANADA Sep 23, 2009
Coordinator, OPTT Program Integration Vancouver, British Columbia, CANADA Sep 22, 2009
Talent Coordinator - DAEP Vancouver, British Columbia, CANADA Sep 17, 2009
Representative, Olympic and Paralympic Welcome Centre - Vancouver Vancouver, British Columbia, CANADA Sep 16, 2009
Maintenance Supervisor Fleet Systems Vancouver, British Columbia, CANADA Sep 14, 2009
Assistant Manager, Fleet Systems Vancouver, British Columbia, CANADA Sep 11, 2009
Assistant Venue Transportation Manager Whistler, British Columbia, CANADA Sep 11, 2009
Coordinator, Snow Removal, Cleaning and Waste - Vancouver Vancouver, British Columbia, CANADA Aug 19, 2009
Coordinator, Snow Removal, Cleaning and Waste - Whistler Whistler, British Columbia, CANADA Aug 19, 2009
Manager Snow Removal, Cleaning and Waste - Mountains Vancouver, British Columbia, CANADA Aug 19, 2009
Manager Snow Removal, Cleaning and Waste - City Vancouver, British Columbia, CANADA Aug 19, 2009
Supervisor, Remote Vehicle Screening Site (RVSS) - Whistler Whistler, British Columbia, CANADA Aug 14, 2009
Co-op, Translation (Regular or Extended Terms) Vancouver, British Columbia, CANADA Jul 21, 2009
Coordinator, Remote Vehicle Screening Site - Whistler Whistler, British Columbia, CANADA Jun 24, 2009
Overlay Site Coordinator Vancouver, British Columbia, CANADA Jun 18, 2009
Sled Truck Driver Position Whistler, British Columbia, CANADA Jun 18, 2009
Technician, Desktop Support Vancouver, British Columbia, CANADA Jun 02, 2009
Assistant Venue Technology Manager Vancouver, British Columbia, CANADA Apr 27, 2009
Revision Specialist Vancouver, British Columbia, CANADA Apr 03, 2009
Technology Implementation, Assistant Manager

Aging Whistler Gondola Tower fails cold test

2008-12-16T19:24:00.000-08:00

Whistler, the home of the 2010 winter Olympic games has been put to the test today and failed. Whistler is located in British Columbia Canada and is known for several scenic Gondola Lifts one of which collapsed leaving dozens of skiers stranded.
One of the supporting towers on the aging Excalibur Gondola lift on Blackcomb Mountain Snapped due to the cold temperatures leaving 53 people stranded in 30 Gondola's suffering the icy cold sub zero temperatures. Rescuers did manage to save all 53 skiers who were trapped in the 30 Gondola's.
This recent development has many skeptics and supporters alike wondering if the aging resort of Whistler will stand up to the rigors of an international event such as the 2010 Winter Olympic Games. Although there have been several improvements to the region, including extra highway lanes and a New Gondola connecting Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains, the resort still does have some strategic problems.
Although the Highway has been improved, many are questioning the 126 KM drive between Whistler and Vancouver. The highway is still a mountain highway and as such has many dangerous corners.
\

Your Ad Here

Today's Collapse of the Excalibur Gondola has added fuel the the fire of those questioning the success of the Olympic Games. Collapsing Gondola aside, I feel the extra business in the region will definitely help the economy, however the traffic congestion of those traveling long distances between the various venue's will make living, commuting, and working between Whistler and the Fraser Valley difficult for most residents.

The Wooden Rollercoaster at the PNE

2008-06-19T21:11:00.000-07:00

Depending on when you visit, be sure to check out this classic Vancouver Attraction.

The first drop is the best - or the worst, depending on how you look at it.

One of a few remaining wooden roller-coasters still in working order, Vancouver's classic coaster celebrated its 50th anniversary Tuesday.

The old-fashioned scream machine reaches speeds of more than 70 kilometres per hour after dipping over its first hill, prompting shrill cries from riders as they plummet down the track and bounce around in their seats.

"It's my favourite ride," Ariana Louwe, 16, said after taking a free ride as the Pacific National Exhibition celebrated the anniversary.

"The first hill is the best, definitely, it's really fast. It's not so much scary, just exciting."

The ride - simply named The Coaster - was built in 1958, and now sees half a million riders each year.

It's made from Douglas fir wood and stands 23 metres tall at its highest point.

The 90-second ride is mostly powered by gravity. The trains are pulled by a chain on a motor up each slope, allowing momentum to carry forward to the base of the next big climb.

As the trains twist through the track, riders are held in only by a lap bar, compared with the seatbelts and snug shoulder restraints on modern-day roller-coasters.

And while Vancouver's wooden coaster doesn't go upside-down or travel at the same break-neck speeds as its modern-day steel cousins, riders say it still provides a thrill.

"It's got great hills and it's got great curves," said Paul Kool, 47. "Growing up here, I remember wanting to ride it ever since I was not tall enough to ride it."

Ulyana Yordan, a 31-year-old Ukrainian currently studying in Vancouver, rode the roller-coaster more than two dozen times Tuesday.

"I love it - we don't have such roller-coasters in Ukraine," she said. "I like how you fly around, because in other ones you are fully fixed, you don't feel it as much."

The ride was designed by Carl Phare and built by Walker LeRoy. It's now the only standing roller-coaster built and designed by Phare and LeRoy, who are legendary in the coaster world.

Phare's daughter, Nina Faley, and granddaughter, Jennifer Juelich, attended the anniversary ceremony.

Faley rode her first roller-coaster when she was just two years old, one of Phare's creations at his own amusement park, Seattle's Playland, which closed more than 40 years ago. She said she was happy to see one of his coasters still standing.

"I can't tell you how glad I am," said Faley, before taking a ride herself.

"And we're really glad that it's going to last another 50 years, hopefully," added Juelich. "Because he might not be here physically, but his spirit is making hundreds of thousands of people really happy."

A few years ago, the city talked about relocating the amusement park, leaving some worried that a move could mean the end.

American Coaster Enthusiasts, a U.S.-based group devoted to the rides, listed The Coaster as "endangered."

But the relocation plans have since fizzled away, and the city's deputy mayor, Suzanne Anton, said it isn't going anywhere.

"This historic roller-coaster, with all its creaks and groans and stomach-stopping excitement - it has to stay here for another 50 years," said Anton.

Steve Gzesh of American Coaster Enthusiasts said Vancouver's wooden roller-coaster is one of the best in the world.

"It doesn't look like much from the street, but let me tell you, it delivers every time you ride it," he said.

"One of the things that many coaster enthusiasts really adore is air time, that sensation that you're lifted up out of your seat, and this coaster does it on every single drop. It's just phenomenal."

Harrison Hot Springs - The Jewel of the Fraser Valley

2008-03-24T14:02:00.001-07:00

Hot springs are natural springs which mineral rich water which is naturally heated by the Earths' Core. British Columbia has several hotsprings available for the sore muscled tourist. If you are in the Vancouver area, the closest natural hotspirngs destination is Harrison Hot Springs. Located about 2 hours from downtown Vancouver, Harrison Hot Springs is set by the beautiful Harrison Lake.

Activities available include Horse back riding, boat rentals, hiking and of course, soaking your stresses away and the naturally heated spring water or Harrison Hot Springs.

There are several Hotels, motels and Bed and Breakfasts' to accomodate your needs, if you are more into camping, there is also that option available to you. You could camp at any of the existing campgrounds, or pack a tent and find your own spot in paradise. Just remember to pack out your garbage.

The Harrison region is also well known for the mythical Sasquatch. Apparently there have been several sightings of this half human half beast... either that or it was a dunken native who forgot to shave. Either way, make sure to bring your camera, you may just have a one of a kind photograph to take home with you.

To get there, follow Highway 1 (Trans Canada Highway) due east from Vancouver. Once you pass Chilliwack, start looking for the sign on your right. If you pass Dino Town, you have gone too far. Minter Gardens is also at the same exit. Very hard to miss.

Vancouvers' Historic Gastown District

2008-03-07T09:04:00.000-08:00

Named after Gassy Jack, Vancouvers’ historic gastown is a favorite among tourists from all over the world. Yes, the area does have a definite seedy underbelly and one must be weary of the beggers and crackheads. However, Vancouvers’ Gastown does offer a very quaint historic atmosphere with plenty of little touristy shops and galleries to browse through.

If you are more into relaxing and people watching, Vancouvers’ Gastown also has plenty of coffee shops, tea house and restaurants to fulfill your needs. In addition, being in the downtown Vancouver core, Vancouvers’ Gastown is a hopping place for those seeking nocturnal clubbing activities. Covering all area’s of interest, the various clubs in the gastown district of Vancouver British Columbia will help you stay entertained during your visit to Vancouver British Columbia, now or during the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Games.

View Larger Map

Seeing Vancouver from the Water

2008-02-20T21:15:00.000-08:00

With so many things to see in Vancouver British Columbia and so many ways to see them, there are hardly enough hours in the day to fully appreciate what Vancouver has to offer.

One of the best ways to enjoy the sights of Vancouver is by boat. Being a coastal city, Vancouver is pretty much surrounded by water. Beit the Pacific Ocean or the Fraser River, boating in Vancouver offers by far the best use of your travelling time.

If you do not have access to a boat of your own, there are several places around town to rent them. I have found Granville Island Boat rentals to be the best place for renting boats in Vancouver. Located right outside Bridges Restaurant on Granville Island, Granville Island Boat rentals has a great selection of rental boats to suit your needs.

Once you are finished your day on the water, sit back and enjoy the wide variety of free entertainment available on Granville Island. If renting a boat is not within your price range, you could always hop on one of the many water taxi's leaving from Granville Island, or other docks in and around Vancouver. These rides are shorter, but they are a great way to get to and from various vancouver destinations such as Stanley Park, Vanier Park, Science World and Mario's Gelati (Home of the Best Italian Gelato in Vancouver)

Mario's Gelati

View Larger Map

Granville Island Boat Rentals

View Larger Map

Science World

View Larger Map

Stanley Park - The Jewel of Vancouver

2008-02-16T18:11:00.000-08:00

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.

The Beaches of Vancouver

2008-01-19T09:55:00.000-08:00

Being a port city, Vancouver is encompassed by beaches.

1 English Bay
2 Jericho
3 Kitsilano
4 Locarno
5 Second Beach
6 Spanish Bank (East, Extention, West)
7 Sunset
8 Third Beach
9 Trout Lake

Not listed is Wreck Beach, Vancouvers' clothing optional beach which is located in the UBC lands just beyond Spanish Banks. There is a steep walk to the beach, but if you are part of the naked scene, the trip is definately worth while.

Aside from Vancouver, if you travel due south on Oak Street which leads to highway 99 you will find the town of White Rock. Here you will find Crescent Beach and the Famous White Rock Beach and peer. Here you can walk the prominade to enjoy the view, or pop in to one of the many restaurants for Fish and Chips, coffee or Italian Gelato.

Just across the Lions gate Bridge from Downtown Vancouver you will Find West Vancouver. The more affluent area of Metro Vancouver, west Vancouver boasts Ambleside beach, Whitecliff park, light house park and several other beautifully secluded mini beaches.

Buntzon Lake

If you enjoy inland lakes, Trout Lake in Vancouver, and Deer Lake in Burnaby offer great places for family fun. You can also travel 30 minutes NE or take a boat up the Indian arm to Find Port Moody and Belcarra where you will find beaches as well as Buntzen lake.

Lynn Canyon Suspension Bridge

2008-01-13T17:10:00.000-08:00

Pretty much everyone knows about the world famous Capilano suspension bridge as well as the accompanying tree tops adventure. There is, however, an admission free version not too far away.
The Lynn Canyon suspension bridge can be found in North Vancouver, part way up Lynn Valley Road. The narrow cable strung bridge towers an impressive 20 stories above the sometimes thundering Lynn Creek.

Directions:

By Car
From Highway 1 (Trans-Canada) take the Lynn Valley Road exit.

Turn right onto Lynn Valley Road.
From Lynn Valley Road turn right onto Peters Road.
The Lynn Canyon Park entrance is at the end of Peters Road.

By Public Transit
From Vancouver, take the Sea Bus to Lonsdale Quay.
From the Lonsdale Quay bus loop take the #228 or the #229 bus. The #228 stops along Lynn Valley Road. The #229 stops at the corner of Peters Road and Duval Road, a 2 minute walk from the park entrance.
Alternatively, if you are coming over the Second Narrows Bridge from Vancouver, take the #229 bus from the Phibbs Exchange bus loop in North Vancouver.

Once there, you can enjoy a plethora of scenic adventures and trails. If you are looking for an education experience and don't have much time, take in the ecology centre. If you are looking for a relaxing afternoon and picnic by the river, take a short hike through the rain forest down to the 30 foot pool. Just make sure to pack your garbage out with you.

If you are more into the torturous adventure hike, the park serves as an access point to many of the North shore mountain trails, including the Baden Powell Trail.

Here is some information on the Park.

Baden-Powell Trail
Named after the founder of Scouts Canada, Lord Baden- Powell, this trail winds from Horseshoe Bay to Deep Cove. The section of the Baden- Powell trail in Lynn Canyon Park can be hiked in about one hour and 15 minutes. It runs alongside Lynn Creek, through the floodplain forest.

Trail to 30 Foot Pool
One of the most popular destinations in Lynn Canyon Park, 30 Foot Pool is an easy 15 minute walk from the parking lot. Once across the suspension bridge, walk north along fairly level terrain until you reach the base of a daunting staircase. Fear not! The emerald waters of 30 Foot Pool are to your left.

Trail to Twin Falls
Another popular and scenic hike is the Twin Falls loop. This 40 minute hike starts at the suspension bridge and finishes in the parking lot. Once across the suspension bridge, take the boardwalk leading to the right. At the fork in the trail, turn right and follow the signs to Twin Falls. Enjoy the view from Twin Falls bridge and then ascend the stairs that lead up, up, up... At the top of the stairs, you will come to a clearing. Turn right and follow the trail beside the fence, to finish the loop in the parking lot.

Trails leading to Other Parks
From Lynn Canyon Park, it is possible to go on longer day hikes to the surrounding parks and reserves. North of Lynn Canyon Park is Lynn Headwaters Regional Park, to the south is Inter River Park, and to the east is the Lower Seymour Conservation Reserve.

Lynn Headwaters is a large protected area with rugged trails leading into the Coast Mountains. The trails in Lynn Headwaters cater to every fitness level. There are easy walks along the river that have minimal elevation gain, a rugged hike up to Lynn Peak, and a long hike to Norvan Falls. Be prepared for cold, wet, weather and don't forget to pick up a trail map at the park entrance.

The Lower Seymour Conservation Reserve is a 56.8 hectare reserve for water use and protection. Trails through the area take you to Rice Lake or along the Seymour River. Visitors can access the Seymour Dam and Hatchery by taking the 9 km paved recreational pathway to the Seymour River, then another 2 km gravel trail through old growth forest. This is a popular trip for cyclists and roller-bladers.

Inter River Park borders the lower reaches of Lynn Creek. The trail in Inter River Park travels through mature streamside forests that are rich in bird activity. It is a pleasant 2 hour walk from the suspension bridge to Bridgeman Park near the mouth of Lynn Creek. From Bridgeman Park it is a short ride on the #229 bus back to Lynn Canyon Park or a short ride to the Phibbs Exchange bus loop, where you can catch a bus back to Vancouver.

For further information, visit the park website at

Vancouver is known for its' sunsets

2008-01-13T15:43:00.000-08:00

With a myriad of unobstructed viewing points and a spectacular mountainous backdrop, Vancouver is a great place for sunset watching.

If you can manage to catch a sunset during Vancouvers' Rainy season, here are some of the premiere places.

Grouse Mountain Skyride
If you plan your trip right, you may be privy to a spectacular sunset as you go above the rainy cloud line.

Sunset Beach
This aptly named beach at the intersection of Davie St. and Denman St. in the West End attracts an eclectic crowd every night at sundown, but is plenty big enough to accommodate everyone. Grab a blanket, get some take-out from one of the nearby restaurants, and take it all in. Be weary of the full moon rising from the transvestites wearing rollerblades.

Lighthouse Park
This little known park in West Vancouver has countless little rock outcroppings that jut out into Howe Sound and offer stunning views of the sunset. It's not too big, but you might want to bring a flashlight to get back to your car after watching Mother Nature's show. It is easily accessible off Marine Drive via Beacon Lane in West Vancouver, just east of Eagle Harbour.

Lookout! At Harbour Centre Tower
This attraction boasts an impressive 360� panoramic of Vancouver and the surrounding area from 42 floors up. At sunset, it also boasts one of the most stunning sights you are ever likely to see.

Cypress Mountain
The lookout located about halfway to the parking lot of Cypress Mountain Ski hill in West Vancouver provides a birds-eye view of the city below. But at sundown, all eyes are focused west at the wonderful and humbling setting of the sun. Take the Trans Canada West and get off at the exit for Cypress Ski Area. Head up the mountain and you'll see the lookout on your right.

The Lions Gate Bridge
A great view, but be careful not to get into an accident as you marvel in the view. Pictured above

Horseshoe Bay Ferry
This is also a great excuse to hop on the boat to Vancouver Island. The Horseshoe Bay Ferries take you on a beautiful trip through the Gulf Islands. You can also depart from Tsawassen, however, I prefer Horseshoe Bay in North Vancouver.

The North Shore Mountains

2008-01-13T15:29:00.001-08:00

Aside from being a Coastal city along side the Ocean, Vancouver British Columbia has a spectacular view of the North Shore Mountains. Consisting of six distinct mountains, including Mount Seymour, Grouse Mountain, Cypress Bowl and the Lions - You will surely be amazed. Below is a winter picture of Grouse Mountain, when in Vancouver, you can take a short trip to North Vancouver where you can board the Grouse Mountain Sky-ride. A Cable Gondola ride taking you high above the city. You can have dinner in the restaurant, check out a movie in the theatre, ski, snow board or simply take in the beautiful view that is Vancouver British Columbia, the Home of the 2010 Olympic winter games.