Monthly Archives: October 2015

Vancouver in a Day – Part Three

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Ok so it’s raining in Vancouver today, but what’s unusual is they’ve not had rain for a while? We’re heading for the Capilano Suspension Bridge Park for a rainforest experience.

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Our group is gathered here today for a Rainforest Walk. And, we’re not disappointed …

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Oh, you want me to cross the Suspension Bridge? Ok, righto … Just a minute while I think about it.

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On our way. The bridge is 140 metres (460 ft) long and 70 metres (230 ft) above the river and draws over 800,000 visitors a year.

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Just one quick glimpse down.

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Easy to see why it’s one of Vancouver’s best attractions for visitors near and far.

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Granville Island Public Market, fun part of the city and a massive drawcard – even for locals every weekend.

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My friends with pooches would certainly not leave this place empty handed.

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For a take home item, some might like a broom stick! You know who they are …

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Love hats, should be more millinery stores about for customisation and better fittings.

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And just when you thought time stood still, you can venture to one of the back street areas under the bridge.
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At the Aquabus ferry wharf whereby you can take a ride up or down the river to other popular areas within the city.

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OSGEMEOS, which literally means “the twins” is the Brazilian twin brothers Gustavo and Otávio Pandolfo who are known for their public art, transforming buildings and walls into colourful spray-painted characters. The Granville Island Silos is their best work so far.

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We’re heading for Yaletown dock, then a tour through to the historical neighbourhood once known as ‘Gassys’.

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At the Gastown Steam Clock area there’s no shortage of fab shopping, bars and eateries.
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A number of ships are in port. Easy enough to combine a cruise with a Rocky Mountaineer journey from Vancouver, as well as Seattle.

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And at dusk, you can do some ship spotting from the Vancouver Lookout whereby you can capture spectacular panoramic 360 degree views of the city.
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Rocky Mountaineer Rail Journey, Seattle to Vancouver – Part Two

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The Rocky Mountaineer’s newest addition to its already sensational tapestry of itineraries is the Coastal Passage which begins in Seattle, USA. We’re heading to Vancouver, Kamloops and Banff by train and motor coach to Calgary.

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Arriving at the King Street Station in Seattle we can already see the kind of classiness we’re about to encounter over the next few days.

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The face of Rocky Mountaineer is here to greet our group on board for a site inspection and rail journey of a lifetime.

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The Gold Leaf Dome carriage has two levels and below seating is reserved for passengers to choose between two sittings of breakfast and lunch.

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As a group, are we excited about this trip? You bet!

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You might be lucky enough to spot the resident Osprey nesting along the river.

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Bye Seattle.

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Just a starter …

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We’re on our way along Washington’s coastline with spectacular views all along the way.

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And this is only the beginning of what you’ll see from the Gold Leaf carriage.

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The train hugs the coastline almost all of the way.
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You’re able see farms, towns and look into people’s backyards with rail travel, something you just aren’t able to do by car and driving along the highway.

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Mmmm, time for dinner – very smart and can’t wait.

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Meals are prepared perfectly and you don’t need to be a connoisseur to know this is going to be delish!

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Arriving into Vancouver for an overnight stay at the Sheraton Wall Centre Hotel, all luggage handling is included in the fare. The train stops at the Pacific Central Station whereby all passengers must clear Immigration/Customs. Your arrival documentation will be given whilst on board and provided you’ve filled it out correctly and have your passport ready, it’ll be a quick and easy process.