VANCOUVER

Vancouver, a city situated on a peninsula, captivates the hearts of travelers with its parks adorned with waterfalls and lakes, enriched by elements of Indigenous origins. Consistently ranking at the top of the list of the world’s most livable cities, Vancouver is the largest city in the British Columbia province, located on the west coast of Canada. Vancouver Island lies just across the mainland city.

Despite its expected cold climate due to its location, Vancouver experiences average temperatures of around 20°C during the summer months, with daytime temperatures reaching double digits from early March to the end of October. I personally experienced its mild but warm weather in May. The winter months are more rainy than snowy. Those interested in unique nature tours may prefer the summer and spring months.

Another feature that enhances Vancouver’s appeal is the affordability of studio and venue rentals, leading to the filming of many American TV series and movies here. This has earned the city the nickname “Hollywood North”.

Let’s begin exploring the city from the center. Gastown Historic District, the first settlement in Vancouver, is located north of the city center. This area, ideal for accommodation, serves as the heart of the city both gastronomically and artistically. Named after steamship captain John ‘Gassy Jack’ Deighton, who opened the first bar here in 1867, the residential area boasts Victorian-era architectural structures, boutique shops showcasing original designs, art galleries, and restaurants offering the city’s best cuisine. A must-see place, the historic district’s cobblestone streets house the Steam Clock and the statue of Gassy Jack Deighton.

The Steam Clock, created by Raymond Saunders in 1977, draws its power from a steam line that heats Georgia and Beatty Streets for warmth, and its metalwork is the work of Doug Smith. It is the second steam clock produced in the world but incorporates an electric mechanism as well. Constructed to attract tourists after the Gastown area underwent restoration, the clock emits a short whistle made up of two tons of steam every 15 minutes. On the hour, the mechanism at the top lifts, releasing steam into the surroundings. The melody it plays is the same as that of Big Ben.

The Vancouver Art Gallery, a focal point for art enthusiasts, was established in 1931. It consists of the main building, formerly a courthouse, connected to an additional building designed by Arthur Erickson through an underground concourse. The museum houses over 11,000 artworks and hosts temporary exhibitions. During my visit, there was an exhibition titled “From Monet to Matisse: French Moderns” which showcased the works of these prominent artists. My admiration for Monet knows no bounds, and it seems the universe supports it, as I consistently find magnificent Impressionist works in every city I visit.

If Vancouver central is a cake, then the famous Stanley Park is its cream. Providing a green escape from the city’s hustle and bustle, this park covers a vast 405-hectare area and has served as a shelter for the region’s Indigenous peoples for over 3000 years. The area was colonized by the British, who arrived during the 1858 gold rush movement, and in 1886, it was declared a city park by the then Governor-General of Canada, British politician Lord Stanley. Many of the structures in the park, which houses over half a million trees, were built between 1911 and 1937. Among these structures, the aquarium, zoo, and Seawall attract the most attention today. The Seawall, which began construction in 1917 to prevent erosion along the park’s shoreline, is a 22-kilometer-long uninterrupted seawall, making it the longest in the world. The wall, supporting breathtaking views of English Bay and the mountains, was a significant contribution by stone mason James Cunningham, who retired in the late 1920s. To commemorate Cunningham’s 35 years of service until his retirement, there is a plaque on Siwash Rock. The journey along the Seawall offers stunning views of the English Bay and the mountains.

In this massive park, there are various elements ranging from sunbathing beaches to marinas, endless greenery, lakes with ducks swimming, and much more. For families, there are lush meadows where children can run around, enormous trees for those seeking tranquility, and dedicated areas for our animal friends. Vancouverites feel a strong connection to their Indigenous roots, and the area with totem poles is very popular among tourists. There is detailed information about totems, which are specific to the British Columbia province and serve as symbols of the region. Totems, which are primarily made from red cedar wood, have meanings for all the figures depicted on them. For example, the eagle symbolizes the kingdom of the sky, the whale represents the ruler of the sea, the wolf signifies the genius of the land, and the frog symbolizes the transition between land and sea.

Vancouver Aquarium, located within Stanley Park and welcoming visitors since 1956, hosts over 50,000 marine creatures in themed areas. Known as one of the first facilities worldwide to offer the opportunity for professional naturalists to interpret animal behaviors, the aquarium also conducts conservation and rehabilitation efforts. However, I personally prefer animals to live in their natural habitats regardless of the conditions, so I did not visit.

The English Bay on the Pacific Ocean coast is a place for travelers who enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and socializing. The area, with its green spaces and bike and walking paths running parallel to the beach, is a peaceful place. Numerous restaurants, popular among the locals, operate in the vicinity. The beach area adjacent to Stanley Park hosts festivals during both the winter and summer seasons. The 2007 bronze sculpture “Amazing Laughter,” created by Yue Minjun, featuring the ‘Laughing Man’ figures, is one of the most eye-catching points in the bay.

False Creek, one of the city’s most famous recreational areas, got its name during the hydrographic survey conducted by George Henry Richards between 1856 and 1863. The area, which is distinguished from other neighborhoods in the city center, is home to 10 marinas with a capacity of 1500 watercraft. Since 1986, it has hosted a yachting festival. The region, where many waterfowl reside, includes notable places to visit such as BC Place, Plaza of Nations, and Science World.

Granville Island is a delightful alternative to complete the day, serving as the city’s shopping and entertainment hub. You can reach the island by road over the bridge or by boat. Located just across False Creek, the island is a place where artists showcase their works, and musicians perform live. Originally used by Indigenous peoples for fishing, the island began hosting factories, fields, and carpentry workshops from the early 1900s. The area now features a large public market where you can taste products from local producers and hosts many theaters for cultural activities. Near Granville Island, Kitsilano Beach is considered one of the city’s most popular beaches, with its saltwater pool, sports facilities, and walking areas.

While in Vancouver, a visit to the Museum of Anthropology is a must. Established in 1947, the museum has been operating in a building designed by Arthur Erickson and Cornelia Oberlander within the campus of the University of British Columbia since 1976.

The Museum of Anthropology showcases a collection of 38,000 ethnographic and 535,000 archaeological artifacts from around the world, including artworks from the region’s original inhabitants. The museum holds a rich cultural and historical treasure trove, providing insights into the diverse cultures and histories of different societies. Visitors can explore a wide range of exhibits, gaining a deeper understanding of the traditions, art, and lifestyles of various communities across the globe. The museum’s focus on Indigenous peoples and their art adds a unique and valuable perspective to the cultural narrative it presents.

You will immerse yourself in Native American culture, and the atmosphere and architecture of the museum, where you will relive the extinction of a race, are very impressive.

I shouldn’t skip mentioning the campus; the grand buildings shaded by towering trees, beautiful green spaces adorned with colorful flowers, and splendid views of the bay made me think, “Should I go back to university?” honestly.

For nature enthusiasts, I highly recommend taking the time to explore the surroundings of Vancouver. All the options are equally impressive. With numerous gigantic canyons shaped by water over centuries in the region, experiencing a suspension bridge is a must. The grandfather of suspension bridges in the area is the Capilano Suspension Bridge, built in 1889. Spanning seventy meters above the Capilano River, the bridge measures one hundred and thirty-seven meters in length.

Crossing the canyon with towering trees on both sides, my suggestion is to stop right in the middle, open your arms wide, close your eyes, and feel the infinite sense of freedom provided by both the wind on your face and the sun warming your skin. After the formation of Capilano Valley with glaciers, it has taken its current form with the Capilano River, and the transformation is still ongoing. Located within rainforests, the canyon hosts a variety of wildlife, and the steel cables of the bridge are made strong enough to carry two Boeing 747 planes.

In the park, there are two more activities: The first one is the Treetops Adventure, consisting of 7 bridges built in the trees (some places reaching heights of approximately 20-30 meters). The planning phase is commendable. Everything has been done by hand to avoid harming the ecosystem, traditional ropes and pulley systems have been used instead of large machinery, and nothing has been nailed to the trees; instead, steel clamps that distribute the force equally have been used to attach them (they mention that this is considered as an exercise since the slight pressure is beneficial for the trees). As a simple and effective measure against writing names or carving letters on the trees and wooden railings of the platforms, they have put up signs with the following sentence from the mouth of nature: “This is our home, we do not come to your home and write on your walls.”

The second activity, the Cliffwalk, has been created to observe how water tames the rocks and is a walking path that surrounds a large granite rock. At the end of this route, there is a design that showcases how water has shaped nature. Similar features exist on three separate rocks, with water flowing for 15 years on the first, 25 years on the second, and 50 years on the third. Witnessing how water has shaped the rocks, you appreciate once again the magnificent canyon that nature has sculpted over thousands of years.

In Capilano Natural Park, there is also a section where owls, hawks, and falcons are exhibited. The weekdays typically have less crowd. The entrance fee to the park is 40 Canadian dollars, and 2-3 hours are sufficient for a visit.

Point Atkinson Lighthouse, an integral part of Canada’s national history, is located within Lighthouse Park, near the Capilano Suspension Bridge. It is one of three lighthouses serving the Vancouver Harbor, with the original lighthouse made of wood in 1875. The current structure dates to 1912 after a restoration using concrete.

Victoria, the capital of the British Columbia province, located in the southeast of Vancouver Island, attracts boating enthusiasts, retirees seeking a temperate climate, and students interested in art education at the Victoria College of Art with its winding coasts and tranquil lifestyle. Transportation from Vancouver is comfortable and convenient with BCFerries. The journey takes about 1.5 hours, with a cost of $57 for a vehicle and $15 for a passenger.

The major attraction, the Butchart Gardens, is a paradise symbolizing a woman’s passion and vision. Robert and Jennie Butchart moved from Ontario to Vancouver Island to build a cement factory in a depleted limestone quarry. As the cement production consumed the limestone beds, Jennie envisioned creating a large garden on the site that could be used for generations by both her family and visitors. The story of the first attraction point throughout the Butchart Gardens, the Sunken Garden, began like this. Between 1906 and 1929, she expanded the area by first designing the Japanese Garden, then the Italian Garden on the site of the old tennis court, and later the Rose Garden with its enchanting scents. Her grandson, Ian Ross, transformed the gardens into the world-renowned attractions we know today, adding outdoor concerts in the summer and Christmas Magic activities with night lighting in the winter. Starting in 1977, the family’s great-grandson, Christopher, has been putting on a choreographed fireworks show every year. The younger generations of the family continue to contribute; recent additions include the Mediterranean Garden, the Children’s Pavilion with a carousel, and totem poles reflecting indigenous culture.

Each season has its own botanical world here, and the fieldwork is like a beehive of activity, with the team tirelessly working to ensure the perpetuity of this colorful symphony. The information about the areas and plants is quite satisfactory.

Here is a summary of other places to visit in Vancouver:

• VanDusen Botanical Garden: Named after lumber trader and philanthropist Whitford Julian VanDusen, this botanical garden is one of North America’s top 10 public gardens. It houses over 255,000 plants ranging from Arctic tundras to Himalayan flora and South American tropical species. The gardens feature pools, wooden totems, impressive stone sculptures, a botanical library, and a plant maze.
• Canada Place: Originally built in 1927 to serve ships operating in the Pacific Ocean, Canada Place hosts a variety of events, from educational activities to national celebrations. Besides being a cultural and trade center, part of the building is also used as a hotel. If you’re there at noon, you can hear the first four notes of the “O Canada” anthem played by the 12 O’clock Horn, consisting of 10 horns producing a total of 155 decibels.
• Queen Elizabeth Park: Situated on Little Mountain, 152 meters above sea level, this park is a popular venue for weddings and photo shoots. It offers various sports facilities, walking paths adorned with sculptures and a painter’s corner. The park also houses the tropical-themed Bloedel Conservatory, and its restaurants provide a delightful setting for an evening meal with a unique sunset view.
• Cascade Falls Suspension Bridge: With a width of 20 meters and a length of 35 meters, this bridge leads to a stunning emerald-like pool where a waterfall cascades from a height of 30 meters. The surrounding area features walking trails and wooden platforms for a closer look at the waterfall.
• Lynn Canyon Suspension Bridge: Connecting two ends of a canyon adorned with a river and waterfall, this bridge is shorter than the Capilano Suspension Bridge but offers a more swinging experience. Taking time to explore the walking trails is recommended, and a few minutes’ walk to the left after crossing the bridge leads to a beautiful natural pool. Turning right after the bridge leads to a peaceful walking path that eventually reaches the Twin Falls Bridge.
• Ski Resorts: For skiing enthusiasts, there are three major mountains near Vancouver: Grouse Mountain, Mount Seymour, and Cypress Mountain.

FOOD and DRINK

Ancora-located at the waterfront, across from Granville Island, offers a menu that features a fusion of Japanese and Peruvian cuisine. The menu includes a variety of raw fish dishes with flavorful and spicy sauces. The taste experience is incredible, although the prices may be on the higher side. The quality of the flavors and the service provided make it worth the cost.

Pagliacci’s– Localized in Victoria City center is a charming Italian restaurant that can be a delightful option for pasta enthusiasts.

Kissa Tanto-my favorite place throughout the trip, is an Italian Japanese fusion restaurant that captivates with its flavors. The atmosphere is incredibly calm and pleasant, accompanied by light jazz music. After tasting their dishes, you’ll feel the desire to try everything on the menu. After the meal, they gift you with a short poem, a Haiku, elegantly describing themselves in a few lines, drawing inspiration from an essential element of Japanese literature.

Tuc-Offering Canadian flavors interpreted with a rustic touch, has young chefs who change the menu seasonally. It was a very delicious and enjoyable experience.

Nightingale-It has adapted Canadian flavors to a modern palate and is quite popular with a lively atmosphere. Sharing portions to increase tasting options is the best alternative.