Stephanie Serino's Travel Blog

I took the Aquabus ferry from Yaletown to Granville Island to explore the local artisans’ studios, along with boutiques, cafes and restaurants. The Granville Island Public Market was my favorite experience, with produce stalls selling baskets piled high with gooseberries, blueberries, black berries and rasberries. The Fish mongers had live spot prawns and Dungeness crabs. I wish I bought more of the Smoked Salmon Candy, lots more (so yummy). Back at the OPUS Hotel , I borrowed a complimentary bike and headed to Stanley Park . This 1000-acre waterfront park is the gem of Vancouver. A seawall promenade includes a bike lane and the views were stunning - pine forest, pond with swans, giant rhododendrons, and snow-capped mountains in the distance.   I passed a charming lighthouse, totem poles, Lions Gate Bridge and several beaches. The bike trail continued even after the park ended, so I followed the water along False Creek back to the hotel. Almost the entire waterfront ...

Strolled over to Canada Place to catch the free shuttle to Grouse Mountain , but the schedule was so limited that I used public transportation instead: took the Seabus to North Vancouver and then the 236 bus to Grouse Mountain.   Opted to skip The Grind (one hour or so hike up the mountain) and enjoy the Skyride aerial tram to the top of the mountain.  Included in the Skyride ticket, you can take part in all the Mountain activities including: " World Famous Lumberjack Show " Birds in Motion Theatre in the Sky P eak Chairlift Ride Most of the activities were geared towards families, but the Wildlife Refuge's grizzly bears were the best! Watching these huge, powerful animals wrestle so close was thrilling. The Ranger chat was also engaging (did you know grizzlies really do like honey and dandelions?). The mountain views were spectacular and there was still lots of snow in mid-June. The grand finale to an amazing day was dinner at Blue ...

The non-stop flight from Newark to Vancouver on United was about 6-hours and uneventful. Vancouver Airport is very nice, with lots of Native American art and a waterfall. Welcome to Vancouver Airport The Canadian Line train connects the airport to the city center for $7.50 per person.   The Yaletown stop was across the street from the OPUS Hotel , which had my Executive Suite ready for the early arrival (love it, thank you!). For lunch. I tried the local street food specialty: a Japadog ! My “ Kurobuta Terimayo ” is made with Kurobuta Pork, teriyaki sauce, fried onions, Japanese mayo and topped with seaweed. Delish. Note to self: they have a NYC location at St. Marks Place... Next stop was Chinatown to explore the Dr. Sun Yat Sen Chinese gardens (very serene Chinese gardens in the heart of the city).  Then I strolled through the Gastown neighborhood to see the Steam Clock .  As I continued along the waterfront, I saw Celebrity C...