My sister-in-law told us about Burnaby mountain. It was a nice sunny day and it would have be perfect for a nice relaxing spot.
When we got there, I couldn’t believe my eyes. The wooden structures were huge and gorgeous.
When we were driving, I saw some people climbing the log, so when went there, I immediately walked on it (on the other side there was a sign saying No climbing, I was unaware). As I was reaching the half it got windy enough that I got my pictures and came down.
It was so clear and beautiful that day, you can see downtown Vancouver BC!
When we were planning a mini road trip, I told everyone I had to meet with friends on Monday Night.
Since Monday was BC day, everyone had it off. It was the long weekend for them.
It was decided to go to Sea to Sky Highway, in which I thought to see the Gondola ride and suspension bridge. Ate Joan said there was a lake that was up that way and had clear water. I thought it was “close enough” to reach when in reality it took 2.5hrs to drive, not including the stops for food and gas.
Once you reach Pemberton, you start driving in an area that I believe belongs to the St’at’imc or Lillooet tribe. Then the drive starts going up hill into the mountains.
Having our kids, Nanay and Ama and my limited time, we couldn’t make the 3.5 hour trek to the middle lake, which we heard was better! It is one of those things you need to leave early and do all day.
When this was first purposed, I really wanted to check it out and when Jasmin asked me what time should we leave, I said 6am. She said 930am, which we did, but told them we can’t do the big hike.
We saw many things on the way there that warrant future exploration with day trips. This was also great to see how we would travel as a big group and with our kids (10 of us).
It was a gorgeous day and we were gonna go to Joffre Lakes… which I didn’t know was really deep North! Sea to Sky Highway goes along the coast. On the opposite side of the road is the mountains… so it is awesome to just see!
I’ve taken pictures in the past, but I don’t think I ever took them when the weather was this great.
The end destination was Joffre Lakes Park, which is 2.5hrs north of North Vancouver. There are so many spots along the way that needs to be explored themselves.
After Joffre Lake, it was just as gorgeous going home!
It was time to revisit Capilano Suspension Bridge. It has been a few years, Cliffwalk is now available and now we all have kids.
Price in Canadian Dollars
Prices have gone up, I think $47 for each adult, $15 for Jacob and 6 and under are free (Gab, Isaiah and Lucas). 30% off after 5pm.
The first was Cliff walk. I’ve been wanting to on this… it was truly hard to video, take pictures and even keep up with the kids. Like any place that is super crowded and attractions like this where moving is essential, I was only able to get a few pictures. I wanted to take more, but it wasn’t easy.
Cliffwalk was to the right, before the suspension bridge, you would walk along the cliff, and then circle back with a small walk in the forest. Besides the pathways being small and busy, it was actually pretty cool.
Cliffwalk:
We then crossed the suspension bridge. When we crossed, there were tons of people coming back, so the bridge started to swing. Lucas became impatient and was wanting to get off the bridge by going back. I was gonna go back with him, but he went the other way.
Once across, there are a few things to do. Walk around the Living Forest, go along the edge of the forest (which was closed off) and Treetop Adventures. Lucas was kinda still agitated, but slowly calmed down. Once we got up to the tree tops, he got excited and started to run ahead (He and I were behind, but the rest of kids were ahead).
Treetop Adventure:
My lovely Lucas finally was happy! He kept running everywhere! It was tough to keep up with him.
He was great going back. Jacob was tired and wanted his Icee (he loves cold drinks).
There are stamps throughout the park and at the end you can redeem for a Completion Certificate. I got one, unfortunately, I left it in the rental vehicle and forgot about it. At least I have this picture of the embossed stamps.
Here are my basic recommendations in no particular order:
1: Capilano Suspension Bridge. Located in North Vancouver, you will drive up a what feels like an neighborhood main road and the you will see parking on the right side. This has definitely changed from my last visit which was in 2012 (these are from 2007). Tickets are $47. It can get crowded, but the attraction itself has expanded to have a cliff walk component to it.
2. Grouse mountain. On the same road that takes you to Capilano, maybe another 15mins, you will arrive at Grouse Mountain. Parking is $8 for all day. Taking the lift to the top is $65 per adult. There are many activities to do while there. Hiking trails, zip lining, Eye of the Wind, (certain times +$15 per person),
But the great thing about this, if it is clear, is the view of Vancouver BC if it is clear Summer of 07.
3. Lynn Canyon. The other suspension bridge is Lynn Canyon. It is also in North Vancouver.
This is also a good hike and the water from the stream is clear. Other things include 30ft pool, Twin falls trail, and a nice stair climb as well. from 2015.
4. Continuing with North Vancouver, going more east, you will come upon Cates park. This is where you can rent kayaks and paddle boards. It’s a park where people love to bbq or have lunch.
5. Further up the road is Deep Cove. I feel this place can be busy, but it is nice. There is a small shopping area coming in (which features some nice local gift shops), but also a place to relax and do water sports.
6. Along the water, everywhere, there are trails to walk and exercise.
7. Stanley Park. After crossing Lion’s gate bridge, you will come upon Stanley Park. it’s pretty much like Golden Gate Park. A big area with things to see (Aquarium, gardens, mini steam train ride…)
The outside of Stanley Park is like a circle for biking and driving. Walks are absolutely gorgeous and there are some beaches that when it is nice, people are out and about.
8. After exiting Stanley Park, you can head to the west end. English bay and Sunset beach are great places to stroll and enjoy. Once you get near Hornsby, there are a few places to eat.
9. on the opposite side of the west end, is Gas town. I haven’t gone there in years as far as night time because it is a where people like to party and drink. It might have changed since then, but I am unsure.
11. Even within some of the neighborhoods are community centres. While it might not sound appealing, many of the community centres there are pretty big and offer many things such as indoor pools and even classes in various subjects. Just in case you wanted to spend the morning swimming.
Sea to Sky area is a highway that is absolutely gorgeous as you have the water on one side and mountains on the other. It is a good drive with small spots here and there to park and enjoy nature.
When you get to Squamish, there is a Sea to Sky Gondola ride and also another suspension bridge. I was trying to go last time, but didn’t have time.
I feel this is a good experience. Of the freeway between Richmond and Vancouver BC you cannot miss it as it has lights and there used to be a big yellow duck. $4.25 to get in. I believe it is in the evenings only.
I was always told that the dragon’s beard, crispy wonton tacos and strawberry rice cakes are the good things to eat.
If you are wanting to see some scenery and what not, I suggest heading out East. Chilliwack has the Bridal Veil Falls and just further is Othello tunnels.
Ferry to Vancouver Island.
If you want to Visit Victoria (and Nanaimo), which is on Vancouver island, you will have to take a ferry or by flight. I haven’t gone that way as the ferry is a 4 hour ride each way. By plane it is 35 minutes. There is a lot to see in Vancouver island, so people say dedicate a day or 2 to spend there.
Food is great in Vancouver BC and surrounding areas.
