Granville Island

Granville Island, the arts, crafts and market area, is a great trip for the day. Can walk across the Granville Bridge, though with no direct walkway down to the island itself you end up doubling back a few blocks, or can take the ferry across and even continue further around the False Creek circuit for city views from the water. The island is connected to the Seawall walkway, which goes around the entire False Creek inlet, if interested in a longer walk.

Many little shops with some great art work., glass, pottery, wood, fabric, some of which is made onsite.

Davie Street and Eco-friendly sustainable community focus

Walking around this area you wouldn’t know that you are in the city area. Davie Street has many single storey and locally owned shops. Close to the water, and a little community garden situated in the midst of the busy streets which gives an eco-friendly feel to the area.

There have been a few places that I have travelled that have these types of gardens, particularly in city areas where backyards don’t exist. It would be great to see more of this occur and a turn back to the natural and sustainable lifestyle, even in the midst of the hectic and chaotic city, which is all too easy to get caught up in; fast paced city life, pre-packaged and full of preservatives.

Stanley Park

At the tip of Vancouver’s Downtown/West End location is the huge Stanley Park with houses, gardens, pool, aquarium and many other attractions and of course walks. It offers locals with place to run, walk, bike, blade or method of choice along the many tracks around the lakes. Also tourists flock to enjoy the natural landscape and features within.

The walk or ride around the perimeter is lovely giving many different views of the city. Whilst flat it is a good 9km, more or less depending on where you start and finish on the Seawall track.