DAY TRIPS FROM VANCOUVER

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The Parliament Buildings, Victoria,

VICTORIA:

A 3 - 4 hour trip from door to door will bring you to the charming city of Victoria on Vancouver Island. The one hour and forty minute ferry ride is a lovely meander through the Gulf Islands to Schwartz Bay outside of Victoria. You can take your car or arrange to take a bus or bus tour through Pacific Coach Lines [604-662-1211].
Victoria, with its British traditions and flavour, has a great deal to offer its visitors. Visit the BC Provincial Museum, the Parliament buildings [This is British Columbia’s capital.], stroll through the inner harbour and enjoy many restored Victorian era homes, some of which are open to the public. Don’t miss the Butchart Gardens, and if you think it's worth the money, have High Tea at the old Empress Hotel. It’s a long day trip, but many of our guests do it and really enjoy their day. Some use Vancouver as their base and stay in Victoria for one night.

Whistler :Two hours from Vancouver --- that is if you don’t stop at all the fabulous sites along the way -- along the stunning Sea to Sky highway lies the ski resort of Whistler. Voted the top ski resort in North America for a number of consecutive years (sorry, Aspen), Whistler is also a great summer resort. This community has an alpine charm with lots of outdoor activities for everyone. During the day you can ski, canoe, kayak, fish, mountain bike, hike, swim, play tennis, or golf on one of the three championship courses, and then in the evening enjoy the many top restaurants in the area. The setting is lovely and you will understand the "Rocky Mountain High" feeling -- although you’re not in the Rockies!

Along the way

• West Van Village: Interesting shopping, good restaurants
• Lighthouse Park: Old growth forests, working lighthouse, great views
• Whytecliff Park: Good views of Bowen and Gambier Islands. Good scuba diving area
• Horseshoe Bay: Ferry terminal to Nanaimo. Restaurants, pubs, boat rentals.
• BC Mining Museum: In an abandoned mine at Britania Beach. Often used as movie set.
• Shannon Falls: Spectacular, very short walk in from highway. Stop on way up.
• Squamish ( BC Rail Museum ): Lumbering town. Premier area for rock climbing, wind surfing
  History of railroading in BC.
• Brandywine Falls: Near Whistler, watch for signs, wear hiking shoes--watch for bears!

Directions : Cross the Lion’s Gate bridge and follow Hwy # 1 / 99 to Whistler for the fast route Make a day of it and take the scenic Marine Drive through West Vancouver to Horseshoe Bay and then Hwy # 1/ 99 to Whistler.

Bowen Island: This 52 square kilometer island is 20 minutes by ferry from Vancouver. Visit the Steamship Company Store, a tourist info centre and enjoy hikes through the Crippen Regional Park. Lunch at Caroline’s Deli, browse the craft shops and bike to Killarney Lake for a summer swim. It’s a great way to capture the flavour of Island life when you don’t have a lot of time to explore the harder-to-reach Gulf Islands.
Directions: Hwy # 1 ( Upper Levels ) to Horseshoe Bay, then ferry.

Fort Langley : Established in 1827 as a supplier to forts in the interior during the Goldrush and fur trading days, this is a restored historic site with the living aspects of the 1800’s recreated for all to enjoy. A drive through the farmlands to Langley brings you to this interesting site.
Directions: Hwy # 1 East to 232 nd St.--follow signs to Fort Langley.

Gibson’s Landing: Famous as the setting for the long running T.V. program, The Beachcombers, Gibson’s has marinas, restaurants, shops, beaches, and nearby hikes. The short and picturesque ferry ride to get there makes it a worthwhile day trip.
Directions: Hwy # 1 to Horseshoe Bay, then Langdale ferry

Vancouver Zoological Center : Dedicated to the preservation and breeding of endangered species, the zoological centre has 126 species from around the world. There is a petting zoo and train ride.
Directions: 5048 264th Street, Aldergrove

Grouse Mountain : Ride the Skyride to the top of Grouse where the views of the city and surrounding areas are breathtaking. Enjoy skiing in season, fine dining, hiking trails, and the Theatre in the Sky.
Location : Top of Capilano Road, North Vancouver. 604 984 0661

Harrison Hot Springs: This picturesque health and vacation resort has two mineral hot springs and a sandy beach on Harrison Lake. A favourite spot for wind surfing , this area is the home of the legendary (and very illusive) Sasquatch. The world's Champion Sand Sculpture Competition is held here the week after Labour Day.
Directions: Hot Springs Road

Ladner: Enjoy the peace and beauty of a farming community of marshes, sloughs, houseboats. Visit the Reiffel Bird Sanctuary, and the Deas Island Regional Park. Expect to see grazing horses, wild rabbits, several species of birds, and enjoy the swans on the river.
Directions : South on Hwy # 99 then River Road exit off Hwy. 99 [just after you emerge from the Deas Tunnel]. 25 minutes from Vancouver.

Minter Gardens: See section on Gardens for description and directions.

Lower Seymour Conservation Reserve Forest :: A 25 minute drive from downtown Vancouver will bring you to a future watershed park. Learn about our forest industry and conservation methods from the info centre, and then hike through some old growth forest...You’ll understand why we try so hard to preserve this natural beauty. Watch for black bears!
Directions : North / East over the 2 nd Narrows Bridge to Lillooet Rd

Steveston Village :50 working canneries once sat in this fishing port just across the Oak Street bridge. Today it remains Canada’s largest fishing port with more than 1000 vessels. Smell the river ‘aromas’, buy fresh fish off the boats, visit the Steveston Museum, then enjoy a stroll on the boardwalk and dinner at one of the many seafood restaurants. For the romantic and poetic, soak up the glowing sunsets here.
Directions: Oak St. Bridge to the Steveston Hwy, turn right, left on #1 road.

Other Useful Tour Links:

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Pacific Coach Lines : Downtown Vancouver to Victoria. Fare includes cost of the ferry. A convenient way to see Victoria on a day trip.(604-662-8074 )
Vancouver Wilderness Paddle: Experience for a few hours the majic of paddling in Canada's most southern glacial fjord--Indian Arm
Horse Drawn Tours of Stanley Park by magnificent Grey Shires, Clydesdales, Belgians and Percherons