Be a Tourist in the Beautiful City of Vancouver

Having lived in the surrounding communities of Vancouver all my life, I have also played tourist in this city that so many wish they could visit. Many people never visit the attractions of their own hometowns preferring instead to travel to faraway places.

Vancouver has many lovely places to visit. The following are only some of them:

Stanley Park - at 125 years old is the third largest park in North America. It has an 8.8 km seawall where people bike, skate and jog. The park is over 1,000 acres of serenity and beauty with a view of the ocean, many old trees and multiple gardens. Also in the park is a popular train, a replica of a CPR train from the late 1880's. It winds its way 2 km over trestles and through tunnels and forests. During Halloween season it becomes a ghost train and at Christmas it is specially decorated for the season with thousands of lights. At the Aquarium, also in the park, there are many different exhibits. Particularly interesting are the jellyfish, and beluga and dolphin shows. There are over 50,000 varieties of species as well as many colourful butterflies for your enjoyment.

Science World - is a learning experience. Each visit is different and a day is hardly long enough to see everything. One time on a visit, dinosaur's were featured and another time, it was the science of the human body. They have many shows and exhibits making Science World a great place for children and adults alike to visit.

Capilano Canyon Suspension Bridge - built in 1889 gives access for walks through the surrounding rainforest. There is also a cliff walk, and a tree top adventure ideal for viewing 1,300 year old old-growth Douglas Firs. It is a great place to visit even if you are like me and want to enjoy the experience without the necessity of looking down into the great abyss below.

UBC Botanical Garden - is home to the Greenheart Canopy Walkway, a 1,010 foot aerial trail system offering a view of the natural beauty of the west coast forest. Many of these trees are over a century old. There is also the Nitobe Memorial Garden, an alpine garden and the Asian garden. We have been there in late Spring and early Summer but every season is beautiful.

Canada Place - home of the unique sails, hosts many events. We recently attended 'Fly Over Canada' which was a wonderful experience of soaring over our country with the breeze in our face as well as mists from Niagara Falls. From Canada Place you can look out over the water and see Stanley Park.

H.R. MacMillan Space Center (the Planetarium) - has exhibits, activities and various shows. It is very educational and is interesting for adults as well as the children in your family. Most of us who live in and near a city will never see the real beauty of the stars in the sky, the milky way or any part of the solar system. A visit here will show you what it's like.

Granville Island - is not only a public market with fresh produce but is also home to galleries, childrens' shops, jewelery stores, pottery, a brewing company and restaurants where you can sit and savor the beautiful views of the water and enjoy a great meal.

Gastown - is Vancouver's oldest area, the original city. It has retained its historic atmosphere with cobbled streets, original buildings and old-style courtyards with shops and restaurants. There are tourist shops and a statue of 'Gassy' Jack Deighton who arrived in Vancouver in 1867 and opened the area's first saloon. There is also an old steam clock which produces a Westminster-type chime to signal the time of day.

Grouse Mountain - in North Vancouver has a skyride, a zipline, paragliding, the popular grouse grind used by hikers and golfing on top of the mountain. For those more inclined to enjoy the mountain in a less exuberant manner, there is the gondola ride to the peak for dinner where you can overlook the skyline of Vancouver with its beautiful sunsets and mountain vistas.

The Seabus to Lonsdale Quay Public Market - where you can purchase fresh produce at the market as well as assorted other foods. Sitting at tables provided for an impromptu lunch, you can admire the city of Vancouver and contemplate looking further at flower arrangements, arts and crafts, jewelery or sweets. The Seabus is an adventure in itself.

Even as a resident of one of Vancouver's suburbs, and one who has been to these attractions often, I can still appreciate all that Vancouver has to offer. Any one of them make for a great day of entertainment.

Sylvia Behnish has had numerous articles published in magazines and newspapers in both Canada and the United States on subjects relating to travel.

She has also published a non-fiction book entitled 'Rollercoaster Ride With Brain Injury (For Loved Ones)', 'His Sins', a three generation family saga and, 'Life's Challenges, A Short Story Collection'.

For more information on travel, near and far, go to: http://sebehnish.blogspot.com

Pictures of the various places are on the site as well. Enjoy!

Article Source: Sylvia_Behnish

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10 Places to Visit In Canada

So, you've dreamed of traveling the world - Paris, Milan, Tokyo... but what about Canada? It may not seem as glamorous as one of those exotic locations, but you may be surprised at the incredible beauty Canada has to offer! If you're ready to explore breathtaking natural beauty and rich historical areas, look no further.

Here are 10 places to visit in Canada:

1) Montreal, Quebec

Montreal, Quebec is a city full of rich culture and history. It blends busy city life with historic buildings and architecture. It is actually the second largest French-speaking city in the world. Visiting Montreal is like stepping into an exotic locale - without travelling all the way to Paris! Shop and explore to make the most of this unique Canadian city.

2) The Prairies

Imagine looking up at a perfect blue sky and looking out to see seemingly endless prairie land. This beautiful natural sight is what defines the Prairies, which are located from northern British Columbia into western Ontario. This Canadian landscape is truly unforgettable - one that needs to be seen to be believed.

3) Toronto, Ontario

Toronto is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Canada because of the busy city life, diverse culture, and of course, the CN Tower. The tower is 553m tall and offers a spectacular view from the top. There is so much to do and see in the city that there is really something for everyone!

4) Prince Edward Island

Prince Edward Island is one of the most beautiful places you can visit in Canada. It has lush green scenery and red-coil cliffs, which make this area aesthetically pleasing and fun to visit. Many tourists love to see the famous Green Gables from the classic book series, Anne of Green Gables.

5) Niagara Falls, Ontario

Natural beauty defines Niagara Falls, Ontario. The falls border the United States and Canada, but it is the Canadian side that is truly picturesque. It has an incredible horseshoe shape that cannot be missed! The Canadian side of the Falls also offers a fun tourist section with novelty attractions and dining that will keep kids and adults entertained for hours.

6) The Canadian Rockies

Looking for natural beauty? The Canadian Rockies are a great place to start! They are located at the British Columbia and Alberta border and are truly a sight to be witnessed. These sharply pointed mountains are separated by distinct U-shaped valleys that cannot be seen anywhere else in the country.

7) Vancouver, British Columbia

Another exciting city in Canada is Vancouver, British Columbia. This is a bustling city in the southwest corner of BC. It has shops, restaurants, and gorgeous scenery that only British Columbia can provide. Other areas in BC also offer places to ski, swim, and sail, making this area of Canada a popular place for visitors.

8) St. John's, Newfoundland

Head east and take in the unique Newfoundland landscape! St. John's, Newfoundland is the capitol and largest city in Newfoundland and Labrador, home to nearly 40% of the Newfoundland population. Take a peek into the amazing local culture and natural beauty and get ready to experience a place unlike any other.

9) Churchill, Manitoba

You may be thinking, Churchill, Manitoba? Why? Well, this incredible Canadian city is truly spectacular. It is considered the polar bear capital of the world and it is also a prime location for viewing the Northern Lights. This is truly a remarkable place to visit in Canada.

10) Ottawa, Ontario

Ottawa, Ontario is the capitol of Canada. It is also the home to the Parliament building. Visitors can watch the changing of the guard on Parliament Hill or take in some of the many different museums. This city features a ton of Canadian culture and is a wonderful place to sightsee.

If you're looking to do some travelling, think about taking in some of Canada's most unique and beautiful places. These are the best 10 places to visit in Canada... consider checking some of them off of your bucket list!

Article Source: Or_Sela_Canaduct

Unique Things To Do When Visiting Toronto

If you really want to take a trip that will get you away from it all and give you a whole variety of fun experiences for the whole family, Toronto is an excellent choice. When visiting Toronto, you will not only get to see a whole plethora of lovely sites and scenery, you will have many things to do and enjoy right at your fingertips. This Canadian city is well known for its welcoming attitude toward visitors and you will most likely feel right at home from the moment that you arrive. If you are planning on visiting Toronto, there are a few things that you should make sure that you do not miss.

Make Plans for a Visit to the CN Tower

The CN Tower is perhaps, Toronto's most recognized landmark in the city. This amazing tower stands over 1,800 feet tall and is definitely one of the thing you will want to see when visiting Toronto. This tower boats two observation decks, a glass floor at one level, and a 360 degree revolving restaurant. If you choose to eat at the restaurant near the top, your ride up will be free. Therefore, it is a good idea to take advantage of the site and take in a good meal while you are visiting Toronto. This is sure to be an experience that the entire family will thoroughly enjoy.

Take A Trip to Toronto Island

When visiting Toronto, it is best if you take the time to take in all of the beautiful and natural sites that are offered. Toronto Island is one place that you can do just that. At the harbor, which is located right downtown, you can hop on a ferry and take the short ten minute ride to the island. Here you'll find a variety of fun adventures to enjoy and sites to be beheld. The Centreville Amusement Park, which operates during the summer months is perfect for keeping your kids entertained while you are there. This park features a variety of different rides and games geared towards kids under the age of twelve. Here you will also a find a small restaurant if you want to grab bite to eat while you are there.

The Royal Ontario Museum

If you are visiting Toronto, you must make sure that you fit a trip to the Royal Ontario Museum into the agenda. This is known as one of the best museums in Canada and really does have a lot to offer people of all age groups. It is nearly impossible to miss this amazing architectural structure that is situated right in the downtown area. There are many kid friendly zones inside of the museum including a bat cave, discovery gallery, and dinosaur dig. When visiting Toronto, it is just as important to keep your kids entertained and this is the perfect place for you to do just that. However, there are just as many things here that will be just as entertaining for anyone who is young at heart.

MyReviewsnow.net offers information regarding unique things to do when visiting Toronto. For more on visiting Toronto and where to stay, please visit us at MyReviewsNow.net.

Article Source: Cookie_Maxwell

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Be High, But Be Safe!

For those who have never heard of Alaska Heliskiing until now let's just say that is the newest, hottest thing in the winter sports spectrum and most enjoyed by the adrenaline seekers. Even if you are an experienced skier, you should still be aware of the many risks involved in expert heliskiing and not think only about the excitement or the unique experience the ride will offer you. Still if you are determined to give it a try, you should definitely get some help in planning your adventure from certified and experienced companies. They can help you with everything from training to accommodation, whether you are a rookie or a devoted skier. It would be easier to have such a provider help organize your holiday, as Alaska heliskiing lacks the administrative touch of a ski resort - hence the attraction for the sport - and you might find yourself in the middle of a land battle where "I got here first" rule applies. By employing the services of professional providers, you could enjoy a certain exclusivity on several slopes. Regardless of your choice in the matter, what's a must is for you to consider all the risks before embarking such an adventure.

The first pretty big risk in expert heliskiing is the unpredictable weather and the high chances of snowstorms from the Gulf of Alaska. What happens is that the storms carry significant amounts of snow and then bestows the fresh snow on the slopes making it even more dangerous to ride. And while one might find plenty of settled forests in Western Canada, in Alaska the terrain situation doesn't look so good. Another strong reason to call a professional operator for some of them have staged special bases for exactly this kind of situations, when the weather prevents the helicopter from flying. The experience may be tempered with, but keep in mind that safety comes first. And there are greater threats when going on Canadian mountain holidays, such as avalanches. They are usually provoked by people, therefore avalanches are easily forecasted and averted, but even so you ought to be extremely aware and well-informed in order to minimize the risk of getting caught in one.

Avalanches are influenced by several factors, the most important of which is the terrain. You should know for example that there are higher chances of avalanches on slopes with a 35 to 45 degrees tilt, as they enable the deposit of fresh snow the easiest. The terrain interacts with the snow pack and the weather - two other major factors - in producing the avalanches. In order to have the ability to save your own life, you should be capable to distinguish fresh or unstable snow. Canadian mountains holidays are not exactly famous for their still wind or lack of precipitation. Any of these influencers or even shifting temperature can trigger an avalanche because the snow pack may not adjust to the new conditions in time or may be redistributed by the powerful wind.

As for any other vacation or even more so, if you have an inkling for Canadian mountain holidays which include expert heliskiing, a little research is due. This article gives you an idea of the safety tips you can find on the Internet in order to make the most of your experience and return safely at home.

The Alaska heliskiing experience is not just about adventure and adrenaline, but a combination of those and balanced behavior. You must educate yourself to be permanently aware of the shifting surroundings and the risks you are exposed to. Only then can you safely experience expert heliskiing.

Want to find out about Expert heliskiing? For more resources about Canadian Mountain Holidays please review these links.

Article Source: Groshan_Fabiola

 

Canadian Travel - 10 Things You Should Experience in Banff, Alberta

1. Hiking Trails (easy) - there are some amazing trails within walking distance from the town of Banff. Some easy and rewarding hikes are to the Vermillion Lakes, the Marsh trail near the Cave and Basin, and to the Bow Falls. These are fun family hikes and great opportunities to see wildlife.

2. Hiking Trails (moderate) - for these trails a little ascent is required. One of the best and most rewarding is the Tunnel Mountain hike. Follow switch backs for about 30 minutes to reach some amazing views of the town of Banff on one side and the Banff Springs Golf Course and Rundle Mountain on the other. A slightly tougher hike is to the Sulphur Mountain lookout. Allow 45-60 minutes to reach the top. There is a gondola to the top which is great for a lot of people, but for those who are adventurous enough to hike up, the ride down the gondola is free.

3. Hiking Trails (difficult) - one of the more difficult trails out of Banff is to the top of Mount Rundle. Allow a full day for this one which can be quite a grueling slog through dense forests that only gets tougher and tougher the higher you go. Once at the top, however, you quickly realize that it was all worth it as the views are indescribable.

4. A night's stay at the Rimrock Resort Hotel - if you're going to do it, you want to do it right. The Rimrock has big rooms filled with all the latest amenities, great facilities like a pool, spa, hot tub and gym. There is also a great selection of restaurants including Eden, a Five Diamond fine dining room (one of only five in Canada) that is renowned for its French cuisine, using local ingredients, and a spectacular selection of wines. The best thing about the Rimrock is that it's set outside of the town of Banff, perched on the side of Sulphur Mountain, surrounded by nature. You can check out the Rimrock Resort Hotel.

5. The best Greek food this side of Greece - Barpa Bill's Souvlaki is a great little hole-in-the-wall located off the main drag on Bear St. You would never find this place unless someone told you about it. Once there indulge yourself with a souvlaki, Greek salad and the best fries in Alberta all at great prices.

6. Take the historic tour of the Banff Springs Hotel - an entertaining 45 minutes led by hotel historian Dave Moberg who has been at the hotel longer than any other current staff member. Besides Dave Moberg's passion for the hotel, the highlight is Mount Stephen Hall. This is a great way to get insight and see the hotel especially if you can't afford to stay in one of their rooms.

7. Try the exotic food at the Grizzly House - this is a Banff landmark situated on Banff Avenue. Famous for its Fondue, the Grizzly House offers everything from steaks and venison to alligator and frogs legs, in a unique setting.

8. Evelyn's Coffee Shop - there are a few different locations around the town to enjoy Evelyn's great coffee and freshly baked goods. This is where the locals drink coffee.

9. Coyotes Southwestern Grill - a great place for lunch and home to amazing veggie burgers. It's a small, cozy place that can get quite busy.

10. Photo along Banff Avenue looking at Cascade Mountain - everyone does it because it really is an amazing sight. Cascade Mountain looks right down on the main street in Banff. No trip to Banff is complete without this photo.

Noal Bram is a freelance writer who travels everywhere. He only submits his work to edgy sources like Canada's Travel Network.

Article Source: Noal_Bram

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