Vibrant Vancouver
=================

  By Paul Robert Lloyd
  <https://v2.paulrobertlloyd.com/2011/12/vancouver>
  Thursday, 29 December 2011

Sat in the front seat of a [Saltspring Air][1] float plane, I enjoyed breathtaking views of Vancouver as I descended into its harbour, landing just in front of Canada Place. For such a densely populated city, I felt I'd arrived somewhere small and friendly, certifying [its status][2] as one of the world's most liveable cities.

After checking into the [St. Regis Hotel][3] (worthy of mention, and highly recommended) I briefly explored the waterfront before meeting up with [Stephanie][4], [Dave][5] and other web geeks at the [Alibi Room][6] in Gastown. In the company of several beer experts, I sought recommendations on which four I should sample on my 'Frat-Bat'. I ended up drinking quite a mix: King Heffy, Fat Tug, Tree Vertical and Long Boat. I forget which was my favourite.

## Stanley Park

I was unsure how to spend my single day in Vancouver. Dave recommended visiting [Stanley Park][7] if the weather was good; luckily the predicted rainfall was absent so I headed in that direction. I was easily drawn into this expansive park; beautiful in and of itself yet also a great spot to find magnificent views of the cityscape. Always on the look out for a good walking trail, I spotted the 8.8km Seawall and followed the circumference of the park.

<figure>
    <img src="/_assets/2011/12/vancouver_stanleypark.jpg" alt=""/>
    <figcaption>
        <p>Brilliant Autumn colours in Stanley Park.</p>
    </figcaption>
</figure>

From this trail I saw the Harry Jerome statue, the 9 O'Clock Gun, the Lionsgate Bridge stretching across the harbour, and in the distance much of Vancouver's industry, including mounds of Sulphur located irresponsibly close to such a populated city. Halfway round, I stopped to admire the limitless views across the Salish Sea, where sailboats and oil tankers floated upon a still mirror-like surface.

<figure>
    <img src="/_assets/2011/12/vancouver_salishsea.jpg" alt=""/>
    <figcaption>
        <p>Ships on the Salish Sea.</p>
    </figcaption>
</figure>

As I reached the end of the trail, the heavens opened. With a distance between me and my hotel, I was soon soaked to the bone. Reverting to type, I ended up in the local mall and regrettably ate something vaguely resembling sweet and sour chicken in the food court. Never again.

<figure>
    <img src="/_assets/2011/12/vancouver_sulphur.jpg" alt=""/>
    <figcaption>
        <p>Sulphur mounds across the harbour--too close for comfort?</p>
    </figcaption>
</figure>

That was it. Just one day in Vancouver, but I'd seen enough to warrant a return visit. At 5am, I took a taxi to the railway station, where I caught a coach to Seattle to catch the Coast Starlight to San Francisco. This involved crossing the border; cue an arrogant, unfriendly border guard, with a line of questioning that assumed guilt. I was back in the United States.

  [1]: http://saltspringair.com/
  [2]: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-pacific-14716442
  [3]: http://stregishotel.com/
  [4]: http://stephaniehobson.ca/
  [5]: http://mezzoblue.com/
  [6]: http://alibi.ca/
  [7]: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stanley_Park