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| Vancouver itineraries |
| Urban Athlete |
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Vancouver, British Columbia is definitely the place for hiking, kayaking and other outdoor activity enthusiasts. The temperate climate of the West Coast allows the locals to spend their time off exploring the city and natural surroundings. This Vancouver travel itinerary is best enjoyed on a clear day, with hiking the Grouse Grind being the exception, as it is covered by a canopy of trees and can be enjoyed in most weather, except when snow & ice cover the mountaintop.
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| 11:00 a.m. |
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You will arrive at the lower Grouse Mountain parking lot. Follow the signs to "The Grind". It's to the east of the Gondola. You will find the entrance behind a chain-link fence.
The Grind is a trail that ascends Grouse Mountain , which is sometimes referred to as "Mother Nature's Stairmaster." While it doesn't sound like a long hike, 2.9km, it's steep! It rises over 850 meters (2,800 feet). It used to be the only way up to the top of the mountain to ski, before the gondola was built. Now it's a great cardio workout. The average time it takes to ascend the natural staircase is 1 hour and 30 minutes, so be prepared with water.
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| 10:00 a.m. |
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Travel to the Grouse Grind.
From Vancouver, take the SeaBus to North Vancouver. You will arrive at Lonsdale Quay and the bus loop. Hop onto Bus #236 to the foot of Grouse Mountain.
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| 12:30 p.m. |
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When you get to the top, relax. Head into the building and grab a drink and a bite to eat. Enjoy the view, as you let your heart rate return to normal.
There are several places to rest your weary legs once you've reached the mountaintop. One is Altitudes Bistro. It offers a great view of what you just accomplished and the city beneath, as well as a range of food to replenish your energy level. What are the others... The Observatory Fine Dinning Restaurant, Lupins Café, Grouse Grind Coffee Bar and the Rusty Rail.
Once you are ready to head back down, you have two options. You can return down the Grind the way you came, or enjoy a three-minute descent via the Gondola. You can buy a one-way return-to-earth Gondola ticket in the Crows Nest for $5.00.
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| 2:30 p.m. |
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Return to the base of the Mountain.
Catch the #236 bus back to Lonsdale Quay where you will board the SeaBus. Take the SeaBus back to Waterfront Station. Walk out front of the station to Cordova. Catch the #50 Bus (False Creek). Get off at the entrance to Granville Island.
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| 4:00 p.m. |
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EcoMarine
1668 Duranleau Street
Granville Island
Walk under the bridge to the entrance to Granville Island. Stay to your left. Go to 1668 Duranleau.
You can take a kayak lesson, or rent and go out on your own. Enjoy the late afternoon as you glide around False Creek. Explore Granville Island from a vantage that few people ever experience.
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| 7:00 p.m. |
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The Sand Bar
535 Johnston Street, Granville Island 604.669.903 With your urban activities behind you, decide on a well-deserved dinner.
The Sand Bar, offers West Coast fare. The food is as intriguing as the open décor. Ask for a table on the patio, so you can watch the indescribably beautiful sunset.
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| 9:30 p.m. |
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Bridges
96 Duranleau St
604-687-4400 After dinner, you can head to Bridges for an after-dinner drink. Walk to the street and turn left.
Bridges is the large yellow building on the waterfront, next to the Granville Island Public Market. You can't miss it! The pub entrance is around the building on the left.
To return downtown to your hotel, you can catch a cab in front of the Arts Club. Walk back towards the Sandbar. You should see the cabs waiting. Alternatively, you can catch the Aquabus, wich docks near Bridges. This quick trip across the water will leave you at the foot of Howe in the West End of downtown Vancouver.
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Recommended Hotel |
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Hampton Inn & Suites
Vancouver
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