Life
in the Active Lane
by Jane LangThere are few places in
the world where a city visit is synonymous with soft adventure.
Welcome to Vancouver.
Picture
yourself soaring high above the city, paddling a shoreline rich with
birds, cycling a mountain trail... and you will have a glimpse of life
in the southwestern corner of BC. Edged by the Pacific Ocean and
back-dropped by the lofty Coast Range, this playground of pleasure can
keep you as busy as you desire. It has become a cliché that in the
summer months, you can ski on a glacier and swim at the beach on the
same day. No matter what season you choose for your visit, Vancouver
provides your pick of activities from the serene to the adventuresome.
Vancouver's
surroundings are sublime for hiking. Challenging forested trails can
be found locally on Cypress, Grouse and mountains, or east of the city
in the Fraser Valley, which is studded by impressive peaks. And just
because it's a mountain hike, it doesn't have to be strenuous. There
are well-marked trails through meadows and around small lakes on all
of the nearby mountains. In summer, take time to stop and enjoy the
beautiful wildflowers you'll encounter in the alpine meadows.
Another
unusual Vancouver experience is to mountain bike down Grouse Mountain.
This guided cycle tour showcases wildlife along the exciting trails,
and the city in miniature far below. For easy cycling, visit the
village of Steveston located in the southern municipality of Richmond.
Nothing could be flatter than cycling along the dikes, and you can
enjoy the historic fishing village where canneries and wharves have
been converted to house shops and restaurants. Pedalling or
rollerblading around the seawall in Stanley Park is an ideal
introduction to the city, but you won't be alone. There are many
outlets that rent bicycles and in-line skates.
Birding
is big and little wonder when you consider the 250 species seen
regularly and another 150 viewed occasionally in the Vancouver, Coast
and Mountains region. Stroll Lost Lagoon in Stanley Park to enjoy
waterfowl - marvel at the colours of the exotic Wood Duck and the
gracefulness of the stately swans. Follow a wooded trail and look for
a variety of woodpeckers and check out the shorebirds and eagles at
one of the park beaches. There are organized bird walks at George C.
Reifel Migratory Bird Sanctuary in Ladner, a sleepy farming community
south of the city. Migrating birds start arriving at the sanctuary in
early September, with peak season from November through March. During
the month of November, the fields and shores of this sanctuary are
alive with thousands of snow geese - some 25,000 arrive from Russia to
winter in the Fraser River estuary.
For
a unique Vancouver experience, rent a kayak at Granville Island. From
your snug vessel, you view the dramatic skyline, a swishy houseboat
community, and the bustle of activity along the seawall - but you may
also eyeball a heron under a bridge or pass by a family of loons. For
wilderness, Indian Arm is less than an hour's drive out of the city
and you will paddle an inlet surrounded by greenery.
For a wilder water ride, there are a variety of
whitewater trips available from Squamish or Brackendale. The
Elaho-Squamish river system can be a thrill a minute but there are
also some areas when you float serenely to view eagles along the
shoreline.
Speaking
of Squamish, this logging town offers some high adventure. The
Squamish Spit draws expert windsurfers to its windy waters and the
Chief is renowned as one of North America's premier rock climbing
faces. But don't try these activities without first signing on with an
expert for some lessons.
To get high above the city, take a flight-seeing
excursion - in less than an hour you can picnic near a glacial lake.
To ride a glider, drive to Hope and have the thrill of a lifetime
soaring on thermals. And if you wish a real adrenaline rush - you can
do a tandem hang-glide from Grouse Mountain. Now there's something to
put some zing in your holiday postcard.
