20 welcome to vancouver
Photos: canadian tourism commission; Destination Bc/albert normandin;
Slipstream rock climbing & Guiding centre; coast mountain Photography
place for birdwatching. Several adventure
companies offer guided birdwatching
experiences, including a bald eagle-viewing
fl oat trip at Brackendale, one of the world's
top spots for viewing these magnifi cent birds.
Rainforest interpretive walks
Discover ancient natural wonders and
fascinating wildlife on the north Shore or
Bowen Island as knowledgeable guides
lead groups through the lush west coast
rainforest, amid towering Douglas fi rs and
cedar trees, some 500 to 900 years old.
Scuba diving
It might surprise you to learn that British
columbia has several famed dive spots,
including Porteau cove, just 38 kilometres
(24 miles) north of vancouver. three wrecked
vessels create artifi cial reefs, which are home
to octopuses, anemones and harbour seals.
Rock climbing
the Stawamus chief near Squamish is a
granite monolith offering rock climbers the
ultimate vertical fi x. 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.
Hiking
Get a head start by beginning your hike at a
high point – the new Sea to Sky Gondola
in Squamish delivers you to trails 885
metres (2,900 feet) above sea level, treating
you to sweeping views of Howe Sound
along the way. or, for a real workout, try
the Grouse Grind, a 2.9-kilometre (1.8-mile)
trail straight up to the top of Grouse
Mountain. make it to the top for some
serious bragging rights.
Native cultural experiences
vancouver offers ample opportunity to
experience the unique cultures of canada's
First nations, such as Klahowya Village.
traditional performances and carving can
be seen daily at Capilano Suspension
Bridge and Park. In Deep cove, take
an interpretive paddle tour complete with
ancestral songs and legends in traditional
cedar canoes with Takaya Tours.
Interpretive Walks
Takaya Tours
Grouse Mountain Trails Rock Climbing
p18-21_Outdoors.indd 20 14-04-16 10:12 AM