Day Trips

It's no secret that Vancouver is one of the world's top travel destinations. The Vancouver Park Board wants to give locals the 'insider's edge' in finding the hidden gems, fun things to do and attractions not to be missed with day trip itineraries designed to give you a little vacation in your own backyard.

Check back throughout the summer for more great day trip ideas!

Day Trip #4 - August 31, 2009
Explore Jericho Beach Park

• An afternoon of exploring and lunch
• Transit friendly
• $15 to $30 with concession or restaurant meal

Jericho Beach Park is much more than a place to hang out on a beach log. The 47 hectare park also features lawns, forests, trails, ponds, great ocean views and playing fields. And if you have a dog, bring him along!

Where Is It?
Along the Kitsilano side of English Bay just west of the Royal Vancouver Yacht Club.
Bounded by Wallace Street, West 4 th Avenue and Discovery Street

What to Do?

• Meander through the natural areas of the park
• Birdwatch
• Explore the edges of the duck ponds for ducks and other wildlife
• Rent a kayak, windsurfer, skimboard or sailing dinghy at the Jericho Sailing Centre
• Visit nearby Hastings Mill Park (Alma and Point Grey Road) and check out the Hastings Mill Museum

Something Special!
Try the new "I Spy Trees" Jericho Park walk. Go to the "Step Out Walks" on the Park Board's Active Communities page and download a map and guide. You'll learn interesting facts and identify trees while exploring the park-great for families!

Where to Eat?
The Park Board Concession in Jericho Beach Park -delicious OceanWise fish and chips. The Galley Patio and Grill on the second floor of the Jericho Sailing Club-with a great view "on the side!"

Checklist:

• Sunscreen
• Binoculars
• Camera
• Bird ID Book

		Time	Cost	Kid-friendly
Activity	Walking Trails	2 hours	Free	Yes
Eat	The Galley OR Beachside Concession	1.5 hours OR .5 hours	$30 lunch for two OR $15 lunch for two	Yes
Hidden Gem	Hastings Mill Museum	1 hour	By donation	Yes
Free thing	Great ocean view	-	Free (with your meal)
Total time and cost		4.5 hours OR 3.5 hours	$30+ OR $15+

 

Day Trip #3 - August 6, 2009
A romantic evening in Stanley Park

• Late afternoon and evening
• Transit friendly
• $100+ with restaurant meal

Impress your sweetie with a night on the town that won't soon be forgotten. Set the tone with dinner at the Fish House : call ahead and reserve a spot on the patio. The Fish House is one of four fine dining restaurants in Stanley Park and features exceptional seafood and an award-winning wine list.

 

If you haven't lingered too long over dinner, head across the lawn to Ceperley Meadow for a free dance lesson. Dance at Dusk runs Monday (Scottish Country, 7-9pm), Tuesday (International Folk, 7:30-9:39pm) and Wednesday (Ballroom, 7:30-9:30pm) until mid-August. The outdoor dance lessons are a popular summer activity with both locals and visitors.

 

After the dance class head toward Second Beach pool on the seawall. A few hundred metres past the pool look for the balanced rocks just below the seawall. Dozens of precariously balanced rock sculptures can be seen on the boulders. Try your (steady) hand at rock balancing and see how many your can stack before they fall. Afterwards continue along the seawall toward Third Beach, an ideal spot to watch the last rays of sunlight over English Bay or to spot the first stars in the night sky.

Checklist:

• Restaurant reservation
• Dancing shoes
• Blanket
• Camera

		Time	Cost	Kid-friendly
Activity	Dance lesson at Ceperley Meadow	1-2 hours	Free	Yes
Eat	Fish House Restaurant	2 hours	$100+ (with wine)	Yes
Hidden Gem	Balanced rocks just north of Second Beach	30 minutes	Free	Yes
Free thing	Sunset at Third Beach	1 hour	Free	Yes
Total time and cost		5.5 hours	$100+

 

Day Trip #2 - July 27, 2009
Swing and stroll high atop the city

• Great for families
• Half day (if you do everything)
• Transit friendly
• $75+ for all activities

Queen Elizabeth Park is famous for its fabulous Quarry Gardens, its conservatory and the viewpoint located on the highest point in Vancouver. Located off 37th Avenue between Main and Cambie Streets, QE Park is a favourite year-round destination for locals and visitors.

Also at QE Park is a par-54 pitch & putt course. The 18 holes are short (none over 110 yards) but fun, especially for the new or long-drive-challenged golfer. The course is open daily from 8am to dusk and is on a first-come, first-served basis (the best times are early morning).

After the game head up the hill to the Bloedel Floral Conservatory. Step inside and experience tropical plants, exotic flowers, Koi fish and free-flying tropical birds. After, wander the paths around the park and see the fabulous dancing fountain situated in the expansive new plaza, with its 70 water jets shooting water high in the air.

Queen Elizabeth Park is home to an arboretum, which includes a fabulous collection of over 1500 interesting trees, many of which are found nowhere else in the city. You'll find a good selection of outstanding specimens northeast of the Quarry Gardens.

Once you've thoroughly worked up an appetite make your way to Seasons in the Park for a late lunch or early dinner. The restaurant features top-notch food and wine but also incredible views toward Vancouver and of the surrounding park. Did you know this is where U.S. President Bill Clinton and Russian President Boris Yeltsin dined during their summit in 1993?

Checklist:

• Sunscreen
• Golf clubs (you can leave your drivers at home)
• Tree ID Book

		Time	Cost	Kid-friendly
Activity	Pitch & putt Bloedel Conservatory	2 hours 1 hour	$25 (2 adults) $9.60 (2 adults)	Yes
Eat	Seasons in the Park	1.5 hours	$40-60 (lunch)	Yes
Hidden Gem	The Arboretum	As long as you like	Free	Yes
Free thing	Dancing fountain on plaza	30 minutes	Free	Yes
Total time and cost		5+ hours	$74.60-94.60

 

Day Trip #1 - July 20, 2009
No more pencils, no more books!

• Great for families
• Half day or longer
• Transit friendly
• Approx. $40

School's out for the summer and what better way to celebrate than a day in the sunshine with your family.

Why not head to New Brighton Park. Located in Hastings-Sunrise on the industrial part of Burrard Inlet, the park has lots to keep you busy. The park is located at 500 N Windermere Street just north of the PNE with access off McGill Street and is accessible by car, public transit and bicycle (the TransCanada Trail goes right through the park).

Start with a swim at New Brighton outdoor pool. Public swim sessions are from 10am to 8:30pm daily (8:15pm in August). The pool features incredible views across Burrard Inlet and the North Shore mountains and has a beach-style entry that is perfect for the little ones in your family.

After a swim head over to the park concession for a snack or a meal – the fish and chips are especially good (and made with sustainable Pacific cod). Order fish & chips, a burger or a hot dog and get a free pop.

Then explore the park – there is a beach, playground, tennis courts and lots of open space to run and play catch, bocce or fly a kite. Stroll the new pathways and look for the 50 new fruit trees planted in honour of the Aga Khan's visit in early 2009. A small pier juts out into the harbour – watch the tugs manoeuvre the big freighters in and out of the inlet.

Checklist:

• Sunscreen
• Swimsuits, towels
• Camera

		Time	Cost	Kid-friendly
Activity	Swim at New Brighton pool	2 hours	$10.40 (family of 4)	Yes
Eat	New Brighton concession	30 minutes	$30	Yes
Hidden Gem	Stunning views	1 hour	Free	Yes
Free thing	The pedestrian pier	15 minutes	Free	Yes
Total time and cost		5 hours	$40.40

*all times are estimated and do not include travel between attractions.