Canada, Take 2: Vancouver, BC

Derek and I took the train up to Vancouver, BC for our anniversary on 8/26-8/29.  We spent three nights downtown and fell in LOVE with this place. So much to do, so clean, so friendly, so beautiful.... I warn you that there may be a little (or a lot) of gushing in this post. We could not get over it, and I have to say it was one of my favorite anniversary trips. And that explains why I haven't gotten around to blogging it yet - this is going to be a long one.

We loved the train ride up there. Most of it was right along the water. And I didn't have any problem with motion sickness:)

And here was the view from our hotel window.

It was cool seeing little pieces of the Olympics.

We did a ton of walking and exploring. Definitely didn't need our car, and we had fun making a list of all the modes of transportation we used on this trip: train, taxi, subway, bus, boat, chair lift, tram, zipline, bicycle. I think about the only thing we missed was a plane. This was a very "active" vacation, but there was a great mix of relaxation, as well. 

It rained one morning, but didn't slow us down. There is a Starbucks on every corner and we explored Granville Island that day. It cleared up within a couple of hours, and we got to check out a wooden boat show.

Then, there was our day of adventure. Grouse Mountain is just right across the water from downtown Vancouver, and it feels like you have entered the Wilderness. Here is the view of it from downtown:

And then you have to take the tram up to the main lodge and ski lift area.

There is the most amazing view of mountains on one side and Downtown Vancouver on the other. It was another one of those moments where I couldn't take enough pictures. But I will spare you.

We went on a Zipline course throughout the mountains. It took about 2 hours and I LOVED it. Here we are in our gear, ready to go.

 It was a course of 5 ziplines, and they got increasingly longer and higher. The longest one took around 40 seconds and the fastest one hit around 45-50 mph. I felt very adventurous.

After ziplining, we headed back across the water and rented bicycles to explore Stanley Park. The word "park" doesn't really do this 400 acre place justice. It was so awesome. Beaches, pools, hikes, art work, gorgeous views and a seawall that you can ride around on your bike. I could not get over it and kept taking pictures while riding my bike. That is some skill, let me tell you. I had what they called a "cruiser" for my bike, but Derek would not be caught dead on one like that. Not quite "manly" enough for him:)

Around every corner was something new.

And here I am, riding my bike and taking more pictures.
Like I said, totally safe. Glad I didn't fall over the wall.
But it was worth it!

After our ride, I was seriously giddy. We continued walking, talking, shopping, and eating, as we had done for three days. It was all perfect. And I will now stop gushing. Except for one more little thing - I love hanging out with this husband of mine and love our anniversary tradition.