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Vancouver BC, Canada--Gleaming sailboats
and skyscrapers stand in contrast to the blue surroundings--steel blue bays,
muted mountains and azure skies serve up a natural paradise in refreshing Vancouver.
Considered one of the most scenic West Coast cities in North America, it's a
"must see" destination that's perfect for Californians on vacation. Unique, yet familiar enough to make
you feel right at home, this English-speaking city in British Columbia
offers hiking, sailing, arts, entertainment, shopping, dining and beaches
all within reach of major coastal cities such as Seattle, San Francisco and
Los Angeles. In less
than three hours you can take a plane from L.A. and be there.
What are
you waiting for? The blue
jewel awaits!
Gearing up for the Winter Olympic Games
2010, several million hospitable Vancouver citizens are excited or nonplused
about building expansion and additional tourism that such an event promises.
On a daily basis they see new construction change the face of the city they
love. Meanwhile tourists pour into Vancouver for Alaskan cruises or local
sightseeing at places such as Capilano Suspension Bridge. With a public
transportation network that ties the city and its attractions together, even
locals can enjoy their surroundings without having to hop in a car and
drive. That's but one of the simple pleasures that make you want to leave
L.A., pack your bags and move.
Got beach? On a trip to Vancouver to see
my dear friends who moved there on a whim from the U.K., I discovered that
their lifestyle and home are so perfectly situated as to make them some of
the happiest, luckiest people on the planet. Not only is there a public
transportation a block from their condo, they can walk four blocks to the
beach shown above, walk a bit further to a huge forest called Endowment
Lands next to the University of British Columbia (UBC), and even walk to a
fabulous market, Granville Island Public Market .
Thanks to an
incredible network or buses, trains and boats that get people from one place
to another, you're afforded the luxury not possible elsewhere. These
healthy, outdoors-minded folks spend lots of time walking, and
when the weather's gorgeous, you'll find them sunning and strolling at the beach. With a
spectacular
bay and sweeping coastal mountain range framing the city filled with boats, bays,
high rise buildings and forested parks, what's not to love?
Vancouver enjoys approx. 12 beaches fronting the bay
and North America's second largest port. Some are ideal for sunbathing and
swimming, and most offer plenty of opportunity
to relax in the sand and soak up the vibes that surround you in this very
special place. Jericho Beach Park (above) is connected to Locarno Beach and
Spanish Banks Beach along Point Grey's 3.7-mile or 6-km shoreline. Popular
for picnics, kids' play and even impromptu concerts, you'll find the park
filled with activity on terraced lawns leading to the oceanfront beach where
huge logs are strategically placed in the sand, perfect to sit on. Each year
in July there's a special three-day Vancouver Folk Festival that
attracts thousands of people. Throughout the year there's tennis, a fishing
pier and
Jericho Sailing Centre at Jericho Beach Park. It is but one of the many
beaches and parks offering lots of things to see and do for all ages.
Another popular beach that some consider
the shining star,
Kitsilano Beach, is a white sand beach filled with lovely
bikini-clad girls during the warm days of summer. Located on the South side
of the Burrard Street Bridge within walking distance from downtown, it
features food concession, a salt water pool and large grass areas.
If you beaches are your passion, there
are many to explore along Vancouver's shores. All but clothing optional
Wreck's Beach staff lifeguards in the summer. While a recent court
case allows for women to go topless on Vancouver beaches and in public
swimming pools, use your best judgment in deciding what's appropriate as a
visitor. Vancouver markets itself as a gay-friendly destination and that,
combined with the clothing policies for women, are a breath of fresh air for
U.S. citizens seeking more open environments.
Below is a list of some
Vancouver beaches:
English Bay (First Beach) Beach Ave.
between Denman and Bidwell St.
Jericho Between North ends of Wallace and Discovery St.
Locarno West of Trimble to Blanca St. on NW Marine Dr.
Second Beach (Stanley Park) Stanley Park at North Lagoon Dr.
Spanish Bank East West of Tolmie St. on NW Marine Dr.
Spanish Bank Extension West of Spanish Bank West on NW Marine Dr.
Spanish Bank West West of Spanish Bank East on NW Marine Dr.
Sunset East of English Bay on Beach Ave. between Thurlow and Bute St.
Third Beach (Stanley Park) Stanley Park at Ferguson Point
Trout Lake 2100 block E. 19th Ave. off Victoria Dr.
Wrecks Beach (clothing optional)
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