Vancouver, a City of Variety
Canada's Exciting West Coast Metropolis
Glass has been used extensively and effectively in the city. There are buildings in clear, blue, black, pink and copper-colored glass. Some of the reflections are wonderful - especially where they are of the older buildings.
This is especially true of The Marine Building on Burrard Street (near to the waterfront). At one time it was planned to pull down this Art Deco monument, but commonsense prevailed and the delightful building remains. It is truly magnificent with carving and sculptures - inside and out. These are of all things marine and are a mixture of terra cotta, brass, stone and marble.
The Lookout!
This is at the top of the Harbour Centre. From here there are fantastic views of Vancouver. Places such as Christ Church Cathedral and the square green roof of the Vancouver Hotel (another well preserved lady of an earlier age) can be seen.
With binoculars it is possible to see the narrowest office building in the world: the Sam Kee Building on the corner of Pender and Carrall Streets. This was built in 1913 and is only 1.8 meters (6 ft) wide.
Gastown
The Harbour Centre is near Gastown which was the original Vancouver. It is full of character with shops, restaurants and the world's only Steam clock.
Something not to be missed is the statue of Gassy Jack. He was an Englishman called John Deighton. One day he turned up with a barrel of whisky and told the mill workers that they could drink it if they helped him build his saloon. As the nearest drinking hole was a day's walk away Gassy Jack's saloon was built in twenty-four hours.
The Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden
From Gastown to Chinatown is but a short walk and there is the ideal place in which to relax - the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden. This is something unique outside of China. Here is a Water Pavilion reflected in jade green water, there some rocks with plants and trees, elsewhere are the Main Hall and a Scholar's Study. It is a re-creation of a Ming Dynasty garden.
And it changes with the seasons. Flowers in spring and summer, autumn foliage in fall and snow in winter. All create a different aspect but never detract from the essential serenity.
Shopping and Dining
Vancouver has some fantastic shopping centers, from Robson Street to the Pacific Centre, the Vancouver Centre and several other shopping malls. For people who enjoy markets then Granville Island is the place to go.
There is also no shortage of restaurants from fast food to fine dining. A pleasant way to spend an evening is strolling along Robson Street window shopping and deciding exactly which restaurant to choose.
A very popular restaurant on Thurlow Street near Robson Street is Joe Fortes Seaford and Chop House. Great food and service in an elegant setting.
For more information about Vancouver contact their tourist board.
Vancouver is a port used by many shipping lines both for cruises to Alaska and Relocation Cruises going south.
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