Vancouver, Whistler & Vancouver Island 6th & 7th July, 21st - 25th July, 31st July - 2nd August 2011

We had a few days in wonderful Vancouver both before and after the cruise.  Vancouver is now one of my favourite cities. Such a lively and beautiful city that is easy to walk around, with so many interesting things to do and see.  I had a great day exploring Stanley Park both walking through and cycling around the sea wall.  Granville Island is a funky little market and artisan island that was great for lunch and to wander around.  We also headed up Grouse Mountain for what are meant to be spectacular views of the city .... only on non foggy days :-)  While the Capilano Suspension Bridge and skywalk were a cool attraction in North Vancouver.  I could easily live here!

Cycling the seawall of Stanley Park

Vancouver from the harbour

Granville Island Markets

Taking in the city views from Stanley Park

View of Vancouver from Grouse Mt. 

Such a pretty harbour city

Sky walk - so cool! 

Capilano Suspension Bridge

While in Vancouver we also had a day trip to Whistler on the Rocky Mountaineer. The Rockies are just spectacular! Whistler even in summer, with the hiking, mountain biking and swimming is just bustling.  A float plane flight over the Whistler mountains was an amazing way to see how massive and beautiful the rockies are.

The famous Rocky Mountaineer

Heading into the Rockies

The float plane

Co-pilot Bea! 

Spectacular views

just WOW!

Looking towards Vancouver!

Peak to Peak gondola between Whistler
and Blackcomb!

A black bear on the side of the road!

Just eating on the side of the road! 

It is a wonder anyone goes hiking with
signs like these around

At the end of our West Coast visit we had three wonderful days on Vancouver Island.  Staying at the very posh and fancy Empress Hotel was indeed quite the experience!  Victoria, the capital of BC was also a wonderful city to wander and explore.  Splash Symphony was on while we were there, a barge in the harbour with bands and a symphony orchestra playing all afternoon!  A lovely, lazy way to spend an afternoon in Victoria, especially after a delicious High Tea at the Empress Hotel!

The ferry across to Vancouver Island

Through the Gulf Islands

Victoria Harbour & Empress Hotel

High Tea at the Empress Hotel

Victoria Harbour

Splash Symphony in the Harbour

Victoria Harbour by night

On Vancouver Island I took a day sea kayaking trip through the gulf islands - wow!  Although I was completely exhausted and aching after 7 hours of paddling, the sea life and scenery certainly made it worth while. 

Just out for a paddle

Paddling with friends

Very curious seals

Stopping for lunch

The Gulf Islands - spectacular!

What an incredible day! 

A very sore and tired me :-) 

Our final day on Vancouver Island we went out to the amazing Buchart Gardens. I now have over 200 photos of flowers!  The gardens were just incredible to walk around, so beautiful and peaceful!

magical

Just one of the many lovely gradens

passionfruit flower!

So many beautiful roses