Oh VanCanada!

Dear Aussie friends,

Happy Canada Day! Or according to Australia’s PM Tony Abbott, Happy Canadia Day! In celebration of this, I present to you my favourite place in the world– Vancouver, aka my version of Canada.

Lions Gate Bridge, from the Vancouver Harbour, September 2013.
Lions Gate Bridge, from the Vancouver Harbour, September 2013.

Here are 9 reasons to love Vancouver:

1. Dragon Boat Paddling

Dragon boat paddling is not a tourist activity, but it makes me who I am today– a more outgoing, care-free person with goals and appreciation for life. The friendships I make– of all ethnicity, race, gender, sexuality and age– is more than one could ask for. It’s reflective of Canada, our diverse culture, and our inclusive nature.

Dragon boats at practice.
Dragon boat practice, July 2013.
Harrison Dragon Boat Festival, July 2013.
Harrison Dragon Boat Festival, July 2013.

Last week, my dearest dragon boat family participated at the Rio Tinto Alcan festival and it brings me joy just thinking about their hard-fought efforts and accomplishments. Congrats and NFW!

2. Seawall at Stanley Park / Science World

I walk along the seawall year-round, in icy March, in wet November, and definitely throughout the breezy, warm summer days. It doesn’t snow often in Vancouver, contrary to the belief most foreigners have of Canada.

Stanley Park Seawall
Stanley Park Seawall, June 2013.
Bike by Olympic Village
Seawall along Olympic Village, August 2013. Not my bike.
Vancouver Olympic Cauldron at night, October 2013.
Vancouver Olympic Cauldron at night, October 2013.

3. Hiking

Melbourne/Victoria offers a lot of great hikes and scenery, but deep inside, I still prefer the grand evergreens that we have in British Columbia. Here are just a few:

Grouse Mountain, North Vancouver – One can hike the famous Grouse Grind (once considered the top 10 most dangerous hikes on Earth) or the more enjoyable BCMC Trail. Same spectacular view at the top, and a $10 gondola ride down.

Ski lifts at Grouse Mountain, August 2013.
Ski lifts at Grouse Mountain, August 2013.
View at Grouse Mountain
View at Grouse Mountain, August 2013.

Twin Falls, Lynn Valley, North Vancouver – With a suspension bridge nearby, it is always fun to bring friends who are afraid of heights.

Twin Falls
Twin Falls, August 2013.
Twin Falls
Twin Falls, August 2013.

Buntzen Lake, Anmore – great for families and swimming with the Canadian geese. It’s not your typical white sandy beach, hands down to Australia for that.

Buntzen Lake
Buntzen Lake, July 2013.

Golden Ears Park, Maple Ridge – one of my favourite hikes from last year. There aren’t a lot of viewpoints for the portion we hiked, but the journey, the ups and downs, rivers and bridges, is a rewarding workout.

Golden Ears Park, July 2013.
Golden Ears Park, July 2013.

Garibaldi Lake, between Squamish & Whistler– a magnificent turquoise lake. Photos show only half its beauty.

Garibaldi Lake, August 2013.
Garibaldi Lake, August 2013.

Mount Seymour, North Vancouver – Never fails to amaze me. This time, snowshoeing in the winter.

Snowshoeing at Mt Seymour, First Peak.
Snowshoeing at Mt Seymour, First Peak, February 2014.

4. Eating

Vancouver is known for seafood, salmon, maple syrup & derivatives, and a variety of western and ethnic foods. We also have a festival, “Dine Out Vancouver” (it will be held in Jan/Feb for 2015), where restaurants feature set menus at fixed pricing ($18, $28, or $38) to showcase their culinary passion.

Sushi from Sushiholic.
Sushi from Sushiholic.
Waffles from Nero Belgian Waffle Bar.
Waffles from Nero Belgian Waffle Bar, my sister’s favourites.
Waiting in line for bubble waffles, Richmond night market.
Waiting in line for bubble waffles, Richmond night market, August 2013. This is one of the places my Calgarian cousins had on their must-see checklist.

I have seen a growth in vegetarian restaurants, but in my opinion, we need some more. Nonetheless, there are good options.

Dumplings, roasted soy beans, veggie noodle, soy milk with chinese donuts
Ethnic vegetarian foods. Top: Dumplings and roasted soy beans at Café Kathmandu (Nepalese). Bottom left: Tofu Noodle Soup at Chau Express (Vietnamese). Bottom right: Hot salty soy milk with Chinese donuts at Dinesty (Shanghainese).

5. Working with the greatest people

The toughest thing to leave my last job are the people. They are also the best thing that happened.

Best Coworkers Ever
So much love in the office. Left: For Halloween, these two swapped roles. Top right: In celebration of Brad’s engagement, the marketing team did what they did best, publicize it. Bottom right: One of many farewell cards I received, a drawing of a wombat.

6. Harmless wildlife

We don’t have dangerous animals roaming our backyards. Our wildlife consists of toads, slugs and lizards – totally harmless.

Toad, slug, and lizard
Harmless wildlife

Okay, I lied. We have black bears and coyotes, but they’re nothing compared to what Australia offers.

7. Boating at Deer Lake Park, Burnaby

Outdoor concerts are also held here during the summer months.

Pedal boat at Deer Lake, August 2013.
Pedal boat at Deer Lake, August 2013.
Canoeing at Deer Lake, Burnaby, August 2013.
Canoeing at Deer Lake, Burnaby, August 2013.

8. Ultimate Frisbee

Ultimate Frisbee is a self-officiated game. It has taken me quite a few seasons to really learn and enjoy the game. Now, when I see someone with a disc, I want to practice my throws. One thing I really like about being part of the VUL (Vancouver Ultimate League) is to play at fields I didn’t know even existed (like Trillium Park. Unfortunately, I don’t have a photo).

Ultimate Frisbee
Ultimate Frisbee, August 2013.

The game is played in Melbourne too, but not many people know about it (of those I’ve spoken to). I played with a recreational group this past weekend. Fun group. I will definitely go again.

9. Fireworks at the Celebration of Lights

Fireworks
Fireworks at the Celebrations of Lights, July 2013.

So there you have it: a snapshot of Vancouver, a snapshot of Canada. Diverse, harmonious, scenic, lively, gloomy and rainy, sunny and snowy, funny and silly, multicultural, patriotic, glorious and free.

My Canadian friends, anything else to add?

 

5 thoughts on “Oh VanCanada!”

  1. Stephanie Fung

    You summed it up beautifully! I especially love the photo of the Lions Gate with the light reflecting off the pillars on the right.
    I felt like Granville Island could’ve made the list :)

    1. Ah, yes. Granville Island, one of the first places I worked at, and home to my paddling days. I love the atmosphere and busking. Thanks for the input Steph!

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