top ten things to do in...Vancouver

Vancouver is often overlooked as a holiday destination as it's not particularly balmy or beachy - most holidaymakers fly in for skiing on Whistler and that's about it.  Nevertheless it's a clean city with beautiful views and friendly residents.  Plus, there are so many things to see and do very cheaply - even free (especially if you're cabin crew).  Here are my top ten:

1. Cycle around Stanley Park

On a sunny day its a perfect way to spend the afternoon.  There's a designated cycle path running around the seawall with some gorgeous vistas of Grouse Mountain and Mount Seymour.  It'll take you under the iconic Lions Gate Bridge (below).

It's an easy ride on flat terrain and will only take you a couple of hours.  You'll see entire families out cycling (Canadians love the outdoors).

Stop and have an ice cream and a sunbathe on English Bay Beach before hopping back on your bike.


2. Visit the Vancouver Aquarium

Watch the dolphins show off their routines, seal lions lazily stretching out on the rocks and penguins pottering about.  There's lots of deep-sea marine life viewing and an excellent 4D film narrated by David Attenborough about the life of wild salmon that tickles all five senses (you do get wet...)  Best of all, if you're crew it's free - they simply ask you for an optional donation of a loony or a toony (that's one or two Canadian dollars).

3. Savour fresh British Columbian salmon

Although most supermarkets supply excellent quality salmon nowadays, there's simply nothing like freshly caught fish.  For any salmon aficionado, this is the creme de la creme.  I highly recommend the Sand Bar on Granville Island (I had the spring salmon with rice and seasonal vegetables).  Pair with a Gehringer Brothers Pinot Noir (also local - from a vineyard in Okanagan) for a truly Canadian dining experience.

4. Browse the Granville Island market

This market is huge, selling fresh produce, arts and crafts - you name it, they'll have it.  I went at Christmas time and bought the most amazing, richly aromatic coffee.  Nothing in Sainsbury's has come close!  Check out Gandharva Loka while you're there, it's a weird and wonderful musical instrument shop that doesn't sell your run of the mill guitars or keyboards - rather; gongs, chimes, singing bowls, 'sound cradles' (essentially a chair/harp hybrid) and 'tongue drums'.

5. Wobble across the Capilano Suspension Bridge

If you're airline crew this is free (including the bus that takes you there, you just turn up at the bus stop at Canada Place and hop on).  It sways in the breeze, gently swinging as you step on it - quite a heart stopping experience as you realize you're a dizzying 70 metres above the Capilano River running below.  There are many smaller bridges connecting together around the park, and a death-defying 'cliff walk' - with a perspex floor, the only way to look is down...

6. Ski on Grouse Mountain

Now I'm not much of an avid skiier, but Grouse Mountain is practically down the road (and much cheaper than Whistler).  There are baby slopes for rookies like me, and while you're climbing up on the ski lift the panoramas are breathtaking.  If you're lucky you might see a bear or two in the distance...

7. Take a sea-plane ride to Victoria

For anyone who loves aviation, this is a must.  You'll enjoy a scenic route over to Victoria (the lush green capital of British Columbia), and land on the water in a graceful, gliding motion like a swan - it's quite something. Unfortunately sea-plane tickets can be quite expensive, however if you turn up last minute you can get discounted seats on flights already booked by full-fare paying customers - especially if you're crew.  The terminal is located at Vancouver Harbour.

8. Explore historical Gastown

Gastown is a National Historic Site of Canada, the rather flamboyant district named after 'Gassy' Jack Deighton - a Yorkshire seaman who opened the first saloon here in 1867.  Here you'll find art galleries, crazy fashion boutiques and the usual tourist souvenir shops (I come here to buy moose magnets!).  There's a lovely little maple syrup shop where you can sample before you buy (I believe it's called 'Canadian Maple Delights').  Don't forget to check out the famous steam powered clock (pictured below, but it's difficult to see the steam).

While you're in the area, take a short walk towards Downtown and pop in for a gelato at Bella Gelateria - award-winning ice cream with some deliciously interesting combinations (chocolate with bacon pieces, anyone?)

9. Shop on Robson Street

On a Saturday afternoon Robson Street is a bustling thoroughfare of the well-heeled Vancouverites.  Of course I'm loathe to browsing the designer shops, pretending I could afford it all - don't we all - but there are a number of interesting fashion boutiques and affordable high-street chains.  However, my favourite thing to do is to sit on a cafe terrace, order a cappuccino and watch the world go by.

10.  Watch a Canucks game

I'd say this is the ultimate Canadian experience - although, alas, one I haven't had quite yet.  As its national sport, watching a fast-paced, emotionally fuelled game of ice-hockey in Canada is bound to be exciting.  The Vancouver Canucks' home rink is Rogers Arena, where ticket prices can range from $65-$300.  Definitely planning this for my next trip...watch this space!