Scully and Mulder of the X Files know there are adventures to be had in Vancouver, many for next to nothing. The truth is out there – if you know where to look.
Check out our top tips on how to travel cheaply in Vancouver. From entertainment to dining to enjoying nature, we’ve got you covered.
Moviemaking: The X-Files folks filmed a lot of their shows in this sublime Pacific Northwest city, known as Hollywood North. Although the iconic series is no longer in production, there’s ample opportunity to see movies as they’re made. Go to the BC Film Commission’s Web site.
Stargazing: Head to the Gordon MacMillan Southam Observatory. It’s just outside the Space Centre in Vanier Park. Admission to the observatory itself is via donation. On a clear weekend night stargaze, perchance dream a bit.
Chinatown: Chinese immigrants had a dream in the late 1800s when they arrived in British Columbia to build its railroads and mine its riches. They established North America’s third-largest Chinatown, located on the eastern side of downtown Vancouver. It’s the ambience of the place that transports you, the smell of spices suspended in the early morning fog as you amble through traditional markets. Take a while and sip a cup of tea as early-morning exercise to the gentle rhythm of traditional tai chi.
Too unadventurous? Stick around for the Chinese New Year parade Sunday February 6.
Nature: Fireworks not your style? Get a bike and head to the University of British Columbia’s Pacific Regional Park. The lush, richly-forested enclave is a great place to unwind, the meshing of sprockets and gears interrupted only by the call of gulls overhead.
Something fishy: Depending on the time of year you might spot a few gulls at North Vancouver’s Capilano Salmon Hatchery. Steelhead Salmon are prevalent March through April. Fall is the most dramatic time of year, as retuning salmon struggle up fish ladders to spawn. There’s an interpretive center to help explain it all, and admission is free.
Lighthouse Park: If you really seek semi-solitude consider Lighthouse Park on the North Shore. It’s wreathed in rainforest. Trails wind their way through some of Vancouver’s oldest trees, leading—ultimately—to Port Atkinson Lighthouse.
Granville Island: One of Vancouver’s greatest attractions is Granville Island – home to artisans, craftsmen and magic. Take the first Aquabus www.theaquabus.com of the day and watch the place wake up.
Public Market: Head first to the Public Market, and bring along a recyclable bag. Ecological ethic is deeply embedded among Vancouverites. Load up on strawberries form Fraser Valley, then stop by a deli and procure a pastry. Sit on a bench and rest a spell while street musicians serenade.
Cheaper flights on the way: If you live in southern California and plan a trip up the coast this spring know that discount airline WestJet plans to launch daily nonstop service from Orange County to Vancouver International May 2. While there is plenty of airlift from Los Angeles International to Vancouver, OAG indicates—at least right now—there are no such nonstops from Orange County’s John Wayne Airport. Introductory airfares start at $99.
Story by Jerry Chandler
