Wine and cycling in Kelowna
Vancouver is the staring point for any West Canada road trip, before heading into the nature it is worthwhile to visit this beautiful city. It took us a full day to explore the sights in downtown Vancouver.
Walking tour in downtown Vancouver
Hotel
The hotel we stayed at was the YWCA Hotel, actually a hostel but they also offer spacious private rooms. After a good night of sleep we walked onto Robson Street and had breakfast at Le Petit Belge (strawberry waffle for me). With our tummies filled we strolled all the way through Robson Street towards Stanley Park.
Walking along Robson Street
Stanley Park
Just before entering Stanley Park there are multiple bike rental shops, all of them asking $7 an hour for perfectly good bikes. We used Freedom Bike Rentals. We declined the use of a helmet, the rental store had to inform us that wearing a helmet is mandatory by law, but in practice this isn’t really enforced.
For a full 2 hours we made use of the rental bikes, as we made many photo stops along the way. It was an easy loop to cycle with views of the city, the Lions Gate Bridge, and seaplanes sometimes flying by. Stanley Park is definitely a highlight of the city!
Panorama view of the city from Stanley Park
English Bay Beach
Upon returning the bikes, we definitely could use some refreshments. It was time for some iced coffees! All refreshed we walked along Denman Street towards English Bay Beach.
It was a beautiful sunny day to enjoy the beach or simply sit in the shade of the many trees. The whole western strip of downtown is covered in beaches; English Bay Beach and Sunset Beach Park.
Granville Island
Taking the Aquabus to get to Granville island is already part of the fun. These Aquabusses cost around $3.5 one way and come every 5-10 minutes.
On Granville we came into this relaxed atmosphere, with various galeries, plenty of street artists and out of the ordinary stores. But the large indoor food market is definitely the main attraction.
Taking the Aquabus to Granville Island
Yaletown
The last stop of the day was Yaletown. A perfect place to get dinner at one of the many restaurants with outside seating too. We enjoyed a delicious pizza at “Capo & The Spritz”.
By now it was time to head back to the hotel, relax and edit some photos.
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