Official Professional Travel Planners' Guide

2014 Official Professional Travel Planners' Guide

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ADVENTUROUS EXPLOITS From tame to extreme, visitors to Vancouver will find no end of adventure ADVENTURES ON LAND Hiking Travellers can explore the West Coast rainforests of the North Shore Mountains by visiting the shores of the Capilano River and Lynn Canyon, watching the sunset from the cliffs at Lighthouse Park or tackling the steep incline of the Grouse Grind to the top of Grouse Mountain. They can also visit Vancouver's west side, enjoying a quiet stroll through the forest at Pacific Spirit Regional Park, or stay close to downtown and take an easy hike through Stanley Park. Rainforest Interpretive Walks Discover ancient natural wonders and fascinating wildlife on the North Shore or Bowen Island as knowledgeable guides from Rockwood Adventures lead groups through the lush West Coast rainforest, amid towering Douglas firs and cedar trees – some 500 to 900 years old. Or, forage for mushrooms and edible plants with a local chef and enjoy lunch in a mountain cabin with Swallow Tail Tours. Birdwatching Both the dedicated birdwatcher and the amateur naturalist will be amazed by the wide variety of bird life, wintering shorebirds and waterfowl found within metro Vancouver and the surrounding area. Several adventure companies offer guided birdwatching experiences, including an eagleviewing float trip at Brackendale, one of the world's top spots for viewing these magnificent birds. Rainforest Interpretive Walk Rock Climbing The Stawamus Chief near Squamish is a granite monolith offering rock climbers the ultimate vertical fix. Challenging climbs are also found on Vancouver's North Shore, in the deep gorge of Capilano Canyon, at Lighthouse Park and on the bluffs in Deep Cove overlooking Indian Arm. Cycling and Mountain Biking Urban paths and forest trails have been drawing cycling enthusiasts to Vancouver for years. Options include pedalling leisurely through Stanley Park and the University of British Columbia campus or navigating rugged trails on the North Shore. Tours with companies such as Cycle City Tours and West Coast Sightseeing are also available. TREK-WORTHY TRAILS EASY HIKES Beaver Lake (Stanley Park) Sword Fern (Pacific Spirit Park) Valley Trail (Lighthouse Park) Baden Powell Trail (section from Deep Cove to Quarry Rock) MODERATE HIKES Capilano Pacific (Capilano River Regional Park) Twin Falls/30 Foot Pool (Lynn Canyon Park) Brothers Creek (Cypress Provincial Park) Headwaters Trail (Lynn Headwaters Regional Park) DIFFICULT HIKES Grouse Grind (Grouse Mountain) Hollyburn Mountain (Cypress Provincial Park) Mount Gardner (Bowen Island) Mount Seymour (Mount Seymour Provincial Park) Find more hikes at metrovancouver.org/services/parks_lscr 20 WELCOME TO VANCOUVER Grouse Mountain Photos: TVan/Coast Mountain Photography; Grouse Mountain

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