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| Be a Tourist in Your Own City |
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We travel all over the world seeking out museums, beaches, monuments and famous restaurants but we often don’t take the time to be tourists in our own city. Why is that? Vancouver has so many things to offer. You could spend an entire day just hanging out in Stanley Park. There’s the never-ending seawall to walk, run, rollerblade and ride your bike on, or just find yourself a bench and enjoy the view. The aquarium, children’s farm yard, the train ride and the water park are always a favorite for the kids. But don’t forget there are also the 3 beaches that pave the way to fun in the sand. And of course don’t forget the fish and chips, a favorite of mine. But if you just want to run around with a soccer ball or play badminton there are great grass picnic areas too. The possibilities are endless.
Another great place to spend the day is Granville Island Market. They have a "kids only" market for the little ones and plenty of unique shops to tempt Mom and Dad. There’s an abundance of food and flowers that are always fresh and amazing. If you’re looking for an evening out with the teenagers, catch a show and dinner at one of the many theatres and restaurants. It will be an adventure your kids won’t soon forget. Also, why not take a ferry ride. The ferries can take you to and from just about anywhere downtown.
Ok, now let’s talk shopping. There’s nothing like shopping downtown, especially with teenagers. They seem to get taken in by all the hustle and bustle of the busy shops and streets. Speaking of streets, Robson Street has always been a favorite for window-shopping and, let’s face it, people watching too. They have everything you could possibly need: clothes, shoes, accessories, music and delicious restaurants to suit the tastes of all ages and to give your feet a rest from all the walking at the end of the day. South Granville Street is the perfect street to spend an afternoon browsing stores like Pottery Barn, Restoration Hardware, Purdy’s, Urban Planet, Chapters and of course Starbucks. Getting a coffee is all part of the shopping experience, well at least for me it is. There are also many galleries to tempt your inner artist, boutiques with specialty items and maybe even stop into UNICEF for your kids to give a quick donation. Don’t forget to stop at Meinhardt’s Deli. If you're planning a special meal, make this store your ingredients destination and create a jaw-dropping meal that won't easily be forgotten. This South Granville market has a great selection of fine foods, gourmet local and imported products and fresh produce and meats. You can also pick up fresh flowers, visit the deli and sip something hot at the cappuccino bar.
If you’re interested in some trendy shopping or celebrity spotting in restaurants head down to Yaletown, you won’t be disappointed. The stores are filled with distinctive items from all around the world and restaurants that will entice your taste buds to ensure that you come back for more. If you’d like a sampling of a taste of the good life, take a drive down Commercial drive. You will find amazing trinket stores, delis with tasty meats and cheeses and bakeries to ease your sweet tooth. Fratelli bakery is a favorite of mine; the only problem is deciding what delicious treat to eat first. Good luck getting the kids out of that place.
Vancouver is also known for its beautiful Art Gallery. The architecture of the building is just as amazing as the exhibits inside. This is my daughter Madison’s favorite thing to do in the city. Other places to see are the Vancouver Museum, Science World, and the Planetarium. If you are more adventurous, you might want to try snowshoeing at Grouse mountain or walk across the Capilano suspension bridge in North Vancouver.
If you are looking to stay closer to home, check out one of the local swimming pools like, Sungod, Newton Wave pool, Watermania or North/South Surrey with each facility having its own unique fun. Movies are always a hit with the kids and usually theatres have special showings during spring break (The Jonas Brothers 3D concert). Bowling can be fun for you and your kid’s. Why not try out The Zone in Richmond or Excalibur in Surrey. They are a blast. Chapter’s is having free activities for younger kids at 2pm everyday for the first week of spring break. And finally, you might just want to register for one of the many spring break camps provided in your area. Check out your local listings for more information.
And of course my favorite thing to do during Spring Break is have my kids totally re-organize their bedrooms and sort through all of their clothes to see what still fits and what needs to be tossed or donated. My kids are so lucky…
Sherry Halvorson
Below you will find a list of times and prices for some of the great adventures I’ve mentioned above. All prices are in approximate amounts. Take a look at the Entertainment book for coupons to many of these places.
Ferry rides – Granville Market, Yaletown, Science World, English Bay
- Adults $4
- Youth $2
- Day pass $14 & $8
Art Gallery – Open 10am to 5:30pm
- Adult $17
- Student $12
- Children $7
- Under 4yrs (Free)
- Family of 4 $47
Vancouver Museum – Open 10am to 5pm, closed on Monday’s
- Adult $11
- Youth $7
- Under 5yrs (Free)
- Family of 4 $32
Science World Open 10am to 6pm
- Adult $19
- Youth $15
- Child 4yrs to 12yrs $13
- Family up to 6 people $65.50
Vancouver Planetarium – Open 10am to 5pm closed Monday’s
- Adult $15
- Youth/Child $11
- Under 5 (Free)
- Family up to 5 people $45
Capilano Suspension Bridge – Open 9am to 6pm
- Adults $28
- Youth $17
- Child under 12yrs $9
- Child under 6yrs (Free)
Grouse Mountain – Snowshoeing
- Youth to Adults $20
- Kids under 12yrs $12
Aquarium – 9:30am to 5pm
- Adults $20
- Youth $15
- Child $12
- Under 3 (Free)
Farm Yard & Train at Stanley Park – 11am to 4pm
- Prices unavailable
For more information on any of these events or places go to, www.vancouverlookout.com Or call your local visitor information center.
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