• Wednesday 14 April 2010

I have visited Vancouver a few times my sister lived there but has moved to Prince George (mad I know) Its a most beautiful city with just lots to do and see and with something for everyone. I loved Chinatown its the second biggest after San Francisco its full of markets, Dim Sum is a must at any of the many restaurants and its inexpensive.Gastown is the old part of the city and great for shopping. We had dinner at The Top Of Vancouver Restaurant which does one complete revolution in 60 minutes great but go easy on the wine. Grouse Mountain is only 15mins from downtown Vancouver and you can take a Sky ride(Cable Car) the mile journey to the top. This gives the best views you could every have of a city and its harbour.Its possible to Ski on Grouse it has 26 runs so you could have a city break with a few days skiing to keep everyone happy. We took the ferry to Vancouver Island and stayed at the Empress Hotel in Victoria, very nice, very expensive but worth it for a few nights, you only live once. The Butchart Gardens on some 55 acres are worth a visit. The highlight of the trip was the drive from Vancouver-Kamloops-Banff-Jasper,I have never seen such beautiful scenery. Jasper,Banff and Lake Louise National Parks are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.It was April when I was there and you could still see the snow capped mountains. For anyone who likes walking, hiking or camping this would be paradise. All in all Vancouver and the Rockies has so much to offer to everyone young and old and it doesn’t matter what time of year.