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Stanley Park: Our Top 10

Why do we love this 123-year-old urban woodland? Let us count the ways

By Kristina Urquhart

"Girl in a Wetsuit" overlooks Stanley Park. Photo by KK Law

1 Seawall

If your boots are made for walking, lace up to stroll the 8.8-km (5.5-mi) section of the seawall that winds around the perimeter of Stanley Park—which, at 400 hectares (1,000 acres), is larger than New York’s Central Park. Or rent a two-wheeler from Bayshore Bicycle & Rollerblade Rentals or Spokes Bicycle Rentals & Tours. A lap around the seawall yields several famous landmarks. The Nine O’ Clock Gun, an 1816 cannon, blasts nightly at 9 p.m. The seaworthy “Girl in a Wetsuit,” sculpted by Elek Imredy, makes a frequent perch for seagulls. Shutterbugs pause for gorgeous views at the lighthouses at Brockton Point and Prospect Point. Near the Lions Gate Bridge, a 32-million-year-old sea stack called Siwash Rock rises from the water. A quick detour off the seawall brings you to the Hollow Tree, a 700-year-old trunk of a Western red cedar.

2 Vancouver Aquarium

The “smiling” beluga whales are a hit at this marine conservation and research centre, which houses more than 70,000 creatures from the land and sea. See both local and foreign sea life, including the mesmerizing jellyfish and giant sea turtles that look as if they swam straight from the screen in Finding Nemo. Watch dolphins and otters frolic in daily shows or book an animal encounter to get up close with belugas, sea lions or other critters in an interactive training session. New this summer: the swooping stunts of bald eagles, hawks and falcons in the Birds Up Close aerial show.

3 Totem Poles

Nine towering totem poles and three cedar gateways welcome visitors to Brockton Point, their colourful carvings depicting First Nations stories and culture. The totems, which are British Columbia’s most visited attraction, were carved in the late 1880s and replaced with lookalike versions in the 1980s to keep the originals preserved. In summer, visit Klahowya Village, which celebrates First Nations culture with two daily dance performances, on-site artisans and a storytelling circle.

4 Outdoor Activities

Golfers rent clubs to tee up at the Pitch & Putt, an 18-hole course with lush fairways and a separate putting green. Get your swinging arm into shape with lawn bowling or cricket, or try tennis on one of 21 courts. Stanley Park is chock-full of both wide-open spaces and secret places, ideal for an impromptu game of tag or hide-and-seek.

View of Lions Gate Bridge from the seawall. Photo by KK Law

5 Beaches

Beach bunnies gravitate to the park’s two sun-soaked strips of sand. Bring a towel to stake your claim at Second Beach on the southwestern side of the park. Nearby is a heated infinity-style pool, perfect for warming up after a chilly dip in the ocean. Further north, Third Beach is one of the park’s lesser-visited gems.

6 Kid-Friendly

If wee ones aren’t tuckered out after a few hours at the Vancouver Aquarium, plenty else will keep them busy. A miniature train chugs through the forest, offering a relaxing way to see the park for those with little legs. Hop aboard an old-fashioned carriage with Stanley Park Horse-Drawn Tours. Kids love to climb on four colourful playgrounds, cool off with water cannons and fountains in the waterpark at Lumbermen’s Arch or embark on fun, educational nature walks with the Stanley Park Ecology Society.

7 Gardens

Darling buds grace the Shakespeare Garden, which is cultivated partly with plants mentioned in the Bard’s plays. Beyond lie the perennial and rose flowerbeds, a popular spot in the sunny season with more than 3,500 plants. Spring is when most of the 4,500 rhododendrons and azaleas bloom in the Ted & Mary Greig Rhododendron Garden, but several varieties blossom throughout June and into the summer.

8 Lost Lagoon

Before the Stanley Park causeway was built in the 1920s, the tide flowed in and out of the pond, leading local poet Pauline Johnson to write “Ode to the Lost Lagoon”—which likely gave the pond its name. To commemorate Vancouver’s Golden Jubilee in 1936, a fountain was installed in the middle of the lagoon, which now serves as a bird sanctuary and filtration pond for run-off. The Lost Lagoon Nature House mounts interactive exhibits chronicling the park’s flora and fauna. Keep your eyes peeled for peacocks or other wildlife strutting by.

9 Outdoor Events

Pack a blanket on summer nights for concerts at Malkin Bowl, which also hosts open-air musicals at Theatre Under the Stars in July and August. Starting June 20, Dance at Dusk kicks off in Ceperley Meadow. Novice and advanced toe-tappers learn Scottish country moves, international folk dances or ballroom routines.

10 Dining

Casual bites are on the menu at Stanley’s Park Bar & Grill and Prospect Point Cafe. Expect superb Pacific Northwest fare and North Shore views at the historic Teahouse. Seafood seared to perfection can be found at the charming Fish House in Stanley Park. To pack a picnic basket of your own, try Urban Fare or Edible British Columbia for a trove of gourmet goodies.

Hot Shopping: Shop Talk: Garden Grow

Pineridge Hollow owner Jan Regehr likens her growing business to her burgeoning gardens. What began in 1992 as a small shop selling hard-to-find collectibles on the property of her country home has grown organically to today’s picturesque shopping, dining, and event destination. The drive from Winnipeg is pretty, and just long enough to escape urban bustle. Six acres of winding garden paths and playhouses made from growing sunflowers reaffirm the rural ambience. Meanwhile, inside the carriage house store, indoor and outdoor furniture, home accessories and gifts tempt a variety of aesthetic tastes. In the kitchen, dishes start closer to home and Manitoba produce and products flavour each bite of the menu. Reflecting on her business acumen Regehr says, “I listen to what people are interested in. I have an ability to see opportunities; it took awhile for me to realize not everyone is like that.” Off Hwy 59, east on Garven Rd , 204-777‑3882.

Spring into Spring!

Spring comes early in Victoria, bringing with it plenty of blossoms, blooms and other treats for the senses.

A blossoming city…
Arguably Victoria’s prettiest season, spring turns Victoria’s streets and boulevards into quite the blossoming affair, thanks to hundreds of spring-flowering trees.
Enjoy a stroll through the city’s historic streets, feed the ducks at Beacon Hill Park, or venture into the picturesque neighbouring communities of Fairfield and James Bay. Walkers from all over North America will enjoy the scenery April 15 to 17 when local Volkssport clubs host the Victoria Volkssport Phoenix Festival.

Hike these hills
The Capital Region is home to more than a few natural parks, excellent spots to get out and enjoy the fresh air, early spring wildflowers and breathtaking views of the city. Take an easy stroll through Oak Bay’s Anderson Hill Park, overlooking the water and Victoria Golf Course, drive or hike to the top of Saanich’s Mt. Douglas Park for a 360-degree view, or lace up for a good hike up Mill Hill Park in View Royal – renowned for its native flowers each spring.

Take a spin
Cover more ground on two wheels! Take in Victoria’s dynamic waterfront via the scenic Marine Drive, which will eventually connect you with the Lochside Trail, a 29km multi-use path along an old rail line, that travels out the Saanich Peninsula. Lochside also connects closer to town with the 55km Galloping Goose Trail, travelling west to Sooke.

Tee time
Greater Victoria enjoys an ideal climate for golf year-round but spring’s longer, drier days and mild temperatures are drawing more and more golfers to the local links. Olympic View and Bear Mountain offer unique 18-hole experiences, while Prospect Lake is an excellent nine-hole option.

Garden tours
Whether you prefer your gardens on a grand scale – like the world-famous Butchart Gardens – something more intimate, like Fairfield’s charming Abkhazi Garden, or something in-between, like the lovely gardens at Government House, Victoria is a gardener’s paradise. Glendale Gardens and Woodland, designed by gardeners for gardeners, is a must for green thumbs, while the University of Victoria’s Finnerty Gardens is a fine example of late-winter/early-spring beauty. Feeling a little more tropical? Take in the beautiful Victoria Butterfly Gardens, minutes from the Butchart Gardens.

– Jennifer Blyth

You Are Here: Deer Lake Park

This park combines art, heritage buildings and fun activities for the family

By Kendra Wong

Deer Lake Park lies in the heart of Burnaby. Photo by Marie Ishikawa

STATE OF THE ART
Learn about Burnaby’s history through paintings, sculpture and ceramics by local artists at 1 Burnaby Art Gallery and 2 Deer Lake Gallery. Catch Canadian pop rockers Hedley performing Sep. 11 in the amphitheatre at the 3 Shadbolt Centre for the Arts.

TIME TRAVEL
Travel back in time at the 4-hectare (10-acre) 4 Burnaby Village Museum, which educates people of all ages about urban villages using costumed townsfolk and real-life demonstrations. Take a leisurely ride on the old-fashioned carousel, or stop by the Burnaby Centennial to pick up themed candy, books and trinkets.

Qualicum Beach scallops at Hart House Restaurant. Photo by Hamid Attie

WHERE THE HART IS
Visit eight rustic houses for a hands-on experience of Canadian life in the 1920s. The Mathers House offers 20th-century art studios and a pottery-making store, or check out the 98-year-old Anderson House. One of the heritage houses currently functions as the elegant lakeside 5 Hart House Restaurant, serving Pacific Northwest fare.

FUN IN THE SUN
Get up close with turtles and beavers in a pedal boat, kayak or canoe from 6 Deer Lake Boat Rentals (604-839-3949). Search for rare birds, including great blue herons and bald eagles, in the wildlife-viewing tower, and photograph beautiful rhododendrons in Century Garden. Don’t forget your water bottle when venturing along one of the many hiking trails.

Drive eastward on Hastings Street and take Highway 1 east until exit 32. Or take the SkyTrain to Metrotown Station, then hop aboard the #144 SFU bus.

15 Things We Love About Vancouver: August

Satisfy your sweet tooth with the treats at Cupcakes. Photo courtesy Cupcakes

1 Zimsculpt, an exhibition of impressive stone sculpture from Zimbabwe, at VanDusen Botanical Garden (Aug. 13 to Sep. 26).
2 Cheering on the BC Lions football team.
3 A “voyage” on False Creek Ferries or Aquabus Ferries to the Public Market on Granville Island for early-morning coffee and fresh baked goods beside the water.
4 Soaking up the sunshine along the seawall.
5 Sweet treats from Cupcakes and other tasty spots along Denman Street.
6 Riding the Canada Line SkyTrain right up front, with an unobstructed view of the tracks all the way to—or from—Vancouver International Airport.
7 Leisurely afternoons strolling through the Vancouver Art Gallery.
8 Douglas Coupland’s Digital Orca art installation, near the new Vancouver Convention Centre. The local author/artist also has an eye-popping clothing line in Roots stores this summer.

Flowers at Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden. Photo by Kristina Urquhart

9 Blasts from the past such as Melissa Etheridge (Aug. 20) and Van Morrison (Aug. 7).
10 Meeting for dim sum at big and bustling Chinese rooms such as Floata, Kirin or Sun Sui Wah.
11 The hundreds of stores (not to mention the air conditioning) in Park Royal.
12 The world’s most spectacular golf. Don’t forget your camera.
13 Walking across Granville or Burrard bridge for the best free city views with an ocean and mountain backdrop.
14 All the restaurants with fantastic patios, ideal for summer dining.
15 Exploring local gardens.

Garden Party

Pack a picnic lunch and spend a day exploring Vancouver’s magnificent gardens

By Kristina Urquhart

VanDusen Botanical Garden
Please, walk on the grass. So say the signs at this impressive 22-hectare (55-acre) horticultural haven, where you’ll discover 7,500 types of flowers and plants from all four corners of the world. Embark on a guided or self-guided walking tour down gravel pathways, which meander through groves of Japanese maples, magnolias and giant redwoods. Young gardeners-in-training love to get lost in the hedge maze. Another highlight is the collection of ginkgo trees, which are considered to be “living fossils,” meaning they haven’t evolved much from their Jurassic-era ancestors 200 million years ago. Plants that change with the seasons make VanDusen gorgeous any time of the year. This month, take note of vibrant perennials at their peak, including fragrant lilies and South African bulbs. A vivid array of herbs and veggies are also on display in the Heirloom Vegetable Garden, which is styled after the Victorian era this year. On your way out, be sure to visit the Garden Shop, which offers botanical booty such as plants, seeds, tools, books and decorative tchotchkes.

Queen Elizabeth Park's main Quarry Garden is a spectacular spot for weddings. Photo courtesy Vancouver Park Board

Queen Elizabeth Park
If you’re looking for something more than blossoms to take your breath away, don’t miss the panoramic views from Queen Elizabeth Park, which sits atop Little Mountain and is Vancouver’s highest point, at 152 m (501 ft) above sea level. What started as a basalt quarry in the early 20th century is now a 53-hectare (130-acre) refuge popular for its lawn bowling space, tai chi pavilions, picnic areas, tennis courts and pitch-and-putt. The expansive arboretum houses about 1,500 of the park’s 3,000 trees; guided walks are offered several times a year. Get your camera ready at the edge of the former mine pit—below lies the main Quarry Garden, with its manicured lawns, shrubs, waterfall and colourful blooms. Take a break from the sun to admire the exotic plants and free-flying birds in the park’s much-loved Bloedel Floral Conservatory. This month, watch an open-air, evening production of Robin Hood.

Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden
Step back in time to the 15th century at this popular Chinatown destination, which is a near-authentic replica of the social areas in a Ming Dynasty scholar’s residence. Sequestered behind high walls in downtown Vancouver, the peaceful oasis opened in 1986 after 52 Chinese craftsmen laboured for a year using traditional building methods—that means no power tools, screws or glue. The guided tour is a

The Jade Water Pavilion represents yin with its circular Heaven gate and yang with its square Earth gate

must to learn the full scope of the garden’s symbolism. Everything in the space is a masterful blend of yin and yang: the white walls, abundance of plants and smooth, light rocks represent yin; the dark roof, angular windows and sharp, dark rocks invoke yang. A jade-green pond, intentionally murky to better reflect the stunning sanctum, is home to koi fish and turtles. Adjacent, Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Park is free to the public and provides a pretty view of the garden’s outer walls.

Stanley Park
Vancouver’s biggest horticultural paradise is more than 400 hectares (1,000 acres) and larger than New York’s Central Park. A short walk on Stanley Park’s seawall or trails and you’ll see trees, flowers and plants everywhere. Darling buds grace the Shakespeare Garden—look no further than the massive tulip tree or the cluster of daybreak cherry trees. A monument bearing the Bard’s likeness overlooks this quiet arboretum, which is partly cultivated with plants mentioned in Shakespeare’s body of work. Bard buffs relish the plaques bearing relevant quotations that accompany cedar, red oak and black walnut trees, among others. Beyond lie the perennial and rose flowerbeds, a popular spot in sunny season with more than 3,500 plants. Pose for photos or enjoy the shade under the arbour, draped with old-fashioned rose varieties. At the foot of Alberni Street, local residents maintain the flora in the community garden. Spring is when most of the 4,500 rhododendrons and azaleas in the Ted & Mary Greig Rhododendron Garden are in bloom, but many of the hybrids blossom in late summer, making for a picturesque stroll around the pitch-and-putt course.

In summer at Minter Gardens, enjoy fragrant roses and see many perennials and annuals at their peak. Photo courtesy Minter Gardens

Worth The Drive
Plan day trips to see two of BC’s most spectacular gardens. A 90-minute drive from downtown Vancouver, Minter Gardens is a 13-hectare (32-acre) showstopper popular for weddings. The oasis, awash with colour and dotted with topiaries in summer, is situated at the foot of 2,134-m (7,000-ft) Mount Cheam. Cedar trees, brooks and rock walls are found throughout, and the hedge maze is popular with both tykes and adults. A ferry or short plane ride away, Vancouver Island is home to The Butchart Gardens, also a National Historic Site of Canada. This 22-hectare (55-acre) Eden was created in the early 1900s on an abandoned limestone quarry, which is now the magnificent Sunken Garden. Fifty full-time gardeners tend to the one million-plus plants used every year on the grounds and in the 26 heated greenhouses. Shutterbugs have endless photo ops at their fingertips, from the Japanese gardens to the lookout at Butchart’s Cove. Summertime brings daily performances on the concert stage, light displays every evening and fireworks on Saturday nights.

For more information on these gardens and others in the city, click here.

Hot Entertainment: A-maze-ing Garden

Wind your way through the maze at VanDusen Botanical Garden

You don’t have to time travel to Elizabethan days to find a hedge maze: VanDusen Botanical Garden boasts one of just six in North America. VanDusen, a not-so-secret garden in the centre of the city, is bursting with flora and fauna waiting to be examined by budding green thumbs, seasoned gardeners and nature-lovers—not to mention those seeking a little tranquillity.—Sheri Radford

Top 10 Reasons to Return

If you think Vancouver is beautiful right now, just wait until you see the city in the summer

by Sheri Radford, Jennifer Patterson and Kristina Urquhart

Downtown Vancouver and the North Shore mountains, as seen from the oceanfront between Kitsilano Beach and Vanier Park. Photo copyright Ann Badjura/Dreamstime.com

1 Gorgeous Scenery
Vancouver has no shortage of breathtaking outdoor escapes: the rolling waves of the Pacific Ocean, the almost-year-round snow-capped mountains, and greenery as far as the eye can see. Wriggle your toes in the sand at one of the many public beaches, including Kits Beach—rated one of North America’s top 10 sexiest beaches by Forbes Traveler—or Wreck Beach, where clothing is optional. Head up the mountains for scenic 360-degree views, challenging hikes and glimpses of local wildlife. Grab your camera and visit one of the city’s many green spaces, including VanDusen Botanical Garden and Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden. Bike, walk or run Vancouver’s famous seawall, a 22-km (13.7-mi) shoreline stretch that wraps around Stanley Park, past Science World and Granville Island, finishing up at Kits Beach.—J.P.

2 Major Attractions
Seek refuge in Stanley Park, where you can see summertime displays of roses and rhododendrons, catch outdoor theatre

A team races in the annual Dragon Boat Festival in front of Science World at Telus World of Science. Photo by Tom Ryan courtesy Tourism BC

shows, frolic on beaches and ogle baby beluga whales at Vancouver Aquarium. Views abound at Capilano Suspension Bridge and Grouse Mountain, where observing the antics of Grinder and Coola—two orphaned grizzly bears—is a popular summer activity. False Creek forms the backdrop for Granville Island, a hub for artist studios. Impromptu street performances are common, the Public Market boasts seasonal bounty from local farmers and the public fish sales dock is a local favourite for buying fresh, in-season seafood. Closed through most of March, Science World is spending our Winter Games as the pavilion for the Sochi 2014 Winter Games. This iconic “golf ball” is a fixture in the Vancouver skyline; inside you’ll find hands-on exhibits, science demos and educational films in the OMNIMAX Theatre.—K.U.

3 Festivals & Special Events
July and August brim with outdoor events that take full advantage of the long, sun-soaked days. Bard on the Beach presents Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing, Antony and Cleopatra, Falstaff and Henry V against a stunning ocean-and-mountains backdrop. Theatre Under the Stars mounts Joseph and the

The ferris wheel at the PNE. Photo by Sheri Radford

Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat and Singin’ in the Rain on alternating nights in Stanley Park’s Malkin Bowl. The Pacific National Exhibition (PNE) celebrates its 100th anniversary with rides, midway games, outdoor concerts, parades, the PNE prize home, mini-donuts and, of course, the Superdogs. The Vancouver Folk Music Festival brings musicians from around the world to Jericho Beach Park for three days of groovy sounds. Pride Week bursts with a rainbow of gay-pride events, culminating in the Pride Parade and Sunset Beach Festival. The HSBC Celebration of Light marks its 20th anniversary with fireworks over English Bay that light up Metro Vancouver.—S.R.

4 Outdoor Adventures
When the temperature rises, outdoor enthusiasts take to the seas for kayaking, scuba diving and whale watching. From late April through October, the waters surrounding Vancouver and Vancouver Island are abundant with orcas (formerly called killer whales). Whale-watching trips offer glimpses of other wildlife, too, including porpoises, sea lions, harbour seals and eagles. Thrill-seekers in both Vancouver and Whistler ride high above the treetops of rainforests while

A pod of orcas. Photo copyright Lazareva Evgeniya/Istockphoto.com

harnessed to a cable called a zipline. Avid cyclist? Participate in myriad bike races, or head to the Whistler Mountain Bike Park for 1,507 m (4,946 ft) of bike trails and a jump park. Hike the mountains and nearby national parks, or take a low-key stroll around the seawall. After a long day in the sun, relax like a Vancouverite with a yoga session on the beach.—K.U.

5 Golfing, Sailing & Skiing
You might have heard a rumour that it’s possible to golf, sail and ski in Metro Vancouver, all on the same day. Unlike most rumours, this one is true. Highly rated courses such as University Golf Club, Westwood Plateau, Furry Creek Golf and Country Club, and Nicklaus North Golf Course boast views so stunning that it may be difficult to keep your eye on the ball. Local companies such as Sewell’s Marina can take you on a sea safari or—if you’re up to the job of captain—rent you a boat to go exploring on your own. As for catching

Nicklaus North Golf Course in Whistler

some powder in the summertime, Whistler Blackcomb’s Horstman Glacier stays open for intermediate and advanced skiers and riders through July.—S.R.

6 Winter Games Sites
Relive exciting moments from the 2010 Winter Games with a tour of Olympic and Paralympic venues, either by yourself or guided by Enjoy Tour and Travel. Canada Hockey Place, otherwise known as GM Place, is home to our NHL team, the Canucks, and sits alongside BC Place. Up on Cypress Mountain, take in the view of the Vancouver Convention Centre. To the east is the Pacific Coliseum, the showcase for figure skating. Experience your own medal-worthy moment with a lap around the Richmond Olympic Oval, open to all levels of fitness after the Games. In Whistler, follow the path of gold-medal bobsledders with a guided tour of the Sliding Centre and Olympic/Paralympic Park.—J.P.

7 Sports Teams
You’ll hear the hoots and hollers of Vancouver Canucks fans until regular-season games wrap up Apr. 10—but if the team advances to the Stanley Cup playoffs, ’Nucks fever can last into June. September marks the start of the 2011 game season for both the Canucks and the Vancouver Giants, the city’s major junior hockey team. Football fans root for the BC Lions

Canucks goalie Roberto Luongo. Photo by Jeff Vinnick courtesy Vancouver Canucks

(Jun. to Nov.), and the Vancouver Canadians play the ol’ ball game at historic Nat Bailey Stadium (Jun. to Sep.). The Vancouver Whitecaps don their cleats this summer (Apr. to Oct.) before beginning their major-league soccer career in 2011.—K.U.

8 Day Trips
Head to Squamish and Whistler for outdoor activities aplenty, including windsurfing, mountain biking and canoeing. Hop aboard BC Ferries for a trip to Victoria, the capital city of British Columbia and home to our historic parliament buildings. A skip-and-a-jump between Vancouver and Vancouver Island are the Gulf Islands, and there’s no shortage of charming getaways on Salt Spring, Galiano and Mayne islands. The Fraser Valley is the perfect spot to grab farm-fresh cheese and u-pick raspberries. The province’s wine region can be found in the Okanagan, known for its dry, sunny climate. South of the border is Seattle, home to rock legends Nirvana and Jimi Hendrix, as well as the iconic Space Needle.—J.P.

9 Restaurants
Vancouver boasts world-class cuisine, but many of our best restaurants are rented out or booked solid during the 2010 Winter Games. Return in the warmer months, then, for an eating-and-drinking tour of the city featuring summer’s cornucopia of fresh