February 2018

I flew in on Thursday night after work. Took a train to the Seabus, boarded that, and sailed for 15 minutes to Lonsdale Quay, North Vancouver. Had dinner and slept.
Fun fact: Feb 2018 was my first time seeing snow FALL from the sky!!

Day 1:

I woke up and saw snow fall…it was seriously a winter wonderland that I’ve never had! I had toast for breakfast, took the Seabus to the waterfront of Downtown Vancouver and explored. First stop was the library.

I walked around downtown, saw all of the brand stores, etc. Then, I went to Granville Island… I was going to take the bus, but unfortunately, it snowed so hard that the buses were all delayed. So, I walked from downtown all the way to Granville Island. On the walk, I met a really kind elderly lady. We talked about Canada, the snow, California, and healthcare differences. She was so positive and inspiring. She told me along the lines, “I’m going to the doctor’s right now and I can tell you that my heart rate will be high – but it’s high in a good way, because I am walking and exercising!”

The bridge to get to Granville Island. It was underneath the freeway/bridge area.  It was like a loop underneath and here it is…

It was empty outside, because of the snow and it was also a Friday afternoon. I heard that Granville Island is more fun during the evenings and weekends, because there are live bands, etc. Then, I went inside the market and it reminded me of Seattle’s Pike Place Market. I grabbed some soup and bread for lunch and enjoyed the setting.

After lunch, I went on the small boat aqua tour around the river. While I was waiting for the boat, there was a heated seating area for the passengers. I thought that was such a kind touch for us. The boat ride was a bit awkward, because it was just me, the sailor, and a couple. After the couple got off at a stop, it was just me and the sailor. It was a quiet sail.

The snow definitely lighten up and the buses were back on track. I remember I saw the bus #55, jogged to it, and the bus driver put his hand up. It was a sign that he will wait and I was in awe and shocked. I was surprised, because where I live…the buses will not wait for you and will drive off. This was just another +1 to Vancouver. Before I paid, I asked the bus driver if this was going towards downtown, and he kindly said, “Actually, it’s on the opposite side.” He stopped the bus, I thanked him and got off. Then I took the correct bus back to downtown.

Once I got to downtown, I was planning to take the Seabus back to North Vancouver, but I stumbled upon Steamworks Brewery! Not going to lie, when I saw the front of the brewery, I was nervous, because it was crowded. A lot of people there were in groups. I went downstairs and sat at the bar. I never thought I would ever sit at a bar by myself but I did! I was a bit self conscious because I was alone and everyone was with family or friends. The bartender was nice. I got a flight and he gave me an extra one to try out. The total was $12.00 USD.

Then, I took the Seabus back and that’s end of Day 1 in Vancouver! This photo below was on my way to the Seabus…and this was so pretty to me. It reminded me of The Polar Express (I never watched the entire movie though LOL).

Day 2:

I woke up and the snow has cleared up and the sun came out. It was beautiful! And again, went to the Lonsdale Quay Market and got toast for breakfast.

I took Bus #236 up to Capilano Suspension Bridge. A lot of people had their snowboarding and skiing gear, heading up to Grouse Mountain (which was the next couple of stops after Capilano Suspension Bridge). I like that it was just 1 bus that can take you to 2 or more attraction locations.

I arrived to the Capilano Suspension Bridge and there was no line!! I loved that. Also, I went pretty early. The cashier told me that half of the park was closed due to the heavy snow yesterday, so there was a discount on the park. I asked if the park will be fully open tomorrow and she said she couldn’t tell. I was already there, so might as well go.

It was absolutely gorgeous. I felt like I was in the Twilight series movie. Surprisingly, I had service in there and so I FaceTimed my mom on the bridge!

After that, I took the bus to the Seabus, boarded, and went to downtown. I went to Japadog and got lunch. It is a Japanese fast food place. The food was bomb (it doesn’t look bomb in my photo…but believe me, it was so good! Thanks for the recommendation, Ginny!

Then, I took a bus to Stanley Park. I took about 2-3 stops before the park and walk towards there. I remember reading a blog and they recommended to rent a bike and bike around Stanley Park, because it’s huge. Wow…Stanley Park is huge. I feel like it’s 3x Central Park.

It was already around 2pm and I had about 3 hours to explore – I could have had more…but the sun set early and I also didn’t want to be inside a park alone, so I explored as much as I could. There wasn’t any bikes to rent where I was so I walked into the park, saw the aquarium, and then walked around the sidewalk/running/biking area.

Then I saw this tunnel/under bridge walk way and cut through there and saw a lake. It was tranquil.

Then I look at the map that I got in the beginning of the park and saw that I somewhat in the middle of the park. I knew to continue straight then make a loop back out to the front. A man asked to take a look at my map and I asked if he was traveling by himself and he said yes. We ended up walking together for 2 hours and did a half circle of the park. At the time and also looking back, it’s kinda crazy that I walked with a stranger through the park for that long…but also I felt safe (Vancouver overall is so safe and it’s only my 2nd day here!!) and he wasn’t creepy at all. He then headed to Granville Island and I was headed home.

As I exited the park, there was these sculptures with funny faces and poses, and had such a cute quote: “May This Sculpture Inspire Laughter, Playfulness, and Joy in All Who Experience It“. I love it! Another point for Vancouver!

 I had sushi for dinner, walked around and saw the view of downtown, and swam indoors for the night.

The pool was empty and all to me! LOVED it!

Day 3

I woke up a little later and took the bus up to Grouse Mountain. Got off and walked over to the service center to purchase a ticket and wow…I stood in line for 1 hour. When I was stood in line, I heard people said that this is for the season pass and I was afraid to step out of line to go check if there was another ticket location. Then, I finally got up to the front, purchased my 1 day pass up to Grouse Mountain and the cashier told me, “Next time if you’re here, we’re also selling single day passes upstairs next to the gondola lifts.” I was somewhat bummed that I wasted an hour in line, but glad that she told me about it. So, if you’re ever up at Grouse Mountain for 1 day, go up the stairs towards the gondolas lifts and there will be a small box office selling single day tickets!! Learn from my mistake so you don’t have to wait forever!

I went to the line and it was “long”. I can’t believe there’s only two gondola lifts up the mountain for sooo many visitors and season pass holders. There should be a lot more gondola lifts. I did see a smaller one when I was in line, but I wasn’t sure where that one went. Ofcourse, a few people rushed inside to get a window view, but it’s okay, I got a window view going down 🙂 hehe.

At the top was breathtaking!!! And this is not even at the top, top, TOP, of the mountain where the skiiers and snowboarders take the lift to go up. I can’t even imagine how it looks up there!

So my previous sentence..tells you that I did not ski or snowboard. Why would I go up here and not ski or snowboard? Well,

1. I don’t know how to ski or snowboard, yet. (I learned in Denver, in Dec 2018).
2. I did not have proper snow gear. I was wearing two pairs of leggings, two pairs of long socks, rainboots, 2 layers of long sleeve, a jacket over, and this big red puff jacket
3. I only had 3 hours left of Vancouver, because I had a flight home that evening.

So I went up there, watched everyone snowboard, skii, sled, played in the snow, and enjoy my surroundings. It wasn’t freezing cold at all and I had signal up there too! I met 2 guys who had some beer. They put the beer cans in the snow for it to chill and I thought that was so cool, haha! One of them helped me take the photo above ^ (Thank you to whoever you are). They told me they saw someone wear jeans…so they weren’t that disappointed in me for wearing leggings LOL.

The snow was sooooo soft and listening to the “swish” sound of people skiing and snowboard was so soothing.

I saw this photo below at night with the lights on, on Instagram and wish I saw it during the night too. But here it is during the day haha.

Then, I took the gondola ride down and got a window view hehe.

and exited and saw this, “Go Canada, Go!” Indeed.

Then I got Poke and a beer before my flight home.

Cheers, Vancouver! You are definitely one of my favorite travel spots. I can’t wait to be back in the winter – and actually snowboard or ski LOL. I felt so safe, everyone is so kind, it is extremely clean, I loved it. Also, I liked this sidewalk that I walked on. Super cute small little detail.

Thank you, Vancouver! #viviansventures

As always, thank you for visiting Vivian’s Ventures. Have you been to Vancouver? If so, tell me in the comments/reply section of your experience. What should I do there if I go back? If you haven’t been, tell me what you are planning to do there. Any questions or comments, let me know.