52
Photography:
TVan/Grouse
Mountain;
Destination
BC/Albert
Normandin;
Destination
British
Columbia;
Destination
BC/Susan
Rybar;
Tourism
Whistler/Robin
O'Neill;
Destination
BC
B
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Beyond the
City Centre
RICHMOND
& STEVESTON
GETTING THERE: It's a 30-minute drive south of
Vancouver to Richmond, and a few minutes farther
south is the village of Steveston.
WHY GO?: Richmond offers diverse historic,
cultural and nature-viewing opportunities. The quaint
seaside village of Steveston is a popular escape for
the day to stroll the boardwalk, shop, dine on fresh
seafood or take a whale-watching tour.
HIGHLIGHTS AND ATTRACTIONS:
■ Gulf of Georgia
Cannery National
Historic Site, which
offers hands-on insight
into the fishing and
fish-canning operations
that were once the mainstay of the town
■ Soothing architecture, sculpture, paintings and
gardens at the International Buddhist Temple
■ Whale-watching tours available through Steveston
Seabreeze and Vancouver Whale Watch
■ Go-karting on one of Western Canada's largest
tracks at Richmond Go-Karts
■ Annual events, such as the Steveston Salmon Festival
■ The after-dark spectacle – and delicious bites – at
the Richmond Night Market
DEEP COVE
GETTING THERE:
Deep Cove is a 30-minute
drive from downtown
Vancouver. Other options
include sightseeing tours
by water to the Indian Arm
fjord with Harbour Cruises.
WHY GO?: At the foot
of Mount Seymour and
at the entry to the Indian
Arm fjord, the setting and
scenery alone make it worth
a visit. The community's
shops, cafes and activities
add to the appeal.
HIGHLIGHTS AND
ATTRACTIONS:
■ Indian Arm is a
kayaker's heaven; take a
tour or rent kayaks from
Deep Cove Canoe &
Kayak Centre
■ Guides from the Coast
Salish tribe lead a
two-hour traditional
cedar canoe trip with
Takaya Tours
■ The popular Baden-
Powell hiking trail
offers the reward of a
spectacular viewpoint
at Quarry Rock
■ Maplewood Farm is
a charming, pastoral
setting with more than
200 domestic animals
and birds – a surefire
hit with the kids
FRASER VALLEY
GETTING THERE: From Vancouver, head east
on Highway 1. Several towns, including Chilliwack,
Harrison Hot Springs and Hope, are within a one- to
two-hour drive.
WHY GO?: The scenic
valley is rich in history,
agriculture and outdoor
activities, drawing visitors
who seek farm-fresh
produce, quaint towns, historic sites, markets, wineries,
and opportunities for hiking, biking and rafting.
HIGHLIGHTS AND ATTRACTIONS:
■ Ultimate relaxation at Harrison Hot Springs Resort
& Spa or Harrison Beach Hotel on Harrison Lake
■ Fort Langley's museums, historic sites and antique
shops
■ Seeing firsthand how electricity is made and exploring
B.C.'s history at BC Hydro Stave Falls Powerhouse
■ Paddle rafting on the river rapids with Chilliwack
River Rafting Adventures
■ Communing with animals at the Greater
Vancouver Zoo
■ Thrilling rafting adventures with Hyak Wilderness
Adventures
■ A ride on Hell's Gate Airtram as it crosses above
the gushing Fraser River
NORTH VANCOUVER
GETTING THERE: North Vancouver is a 20-minute drive
from downtown, or a scenic 12-minute voyage across the
water aboard the SeaBus, part of the public transit system.
WHY GO?: Just across the water from Vancouver's
downtown peninsula, at the foot of the Coast
Mountains, is an incredibly green and lush suburb that
beckons with outdoor adventure.
HIGHLIGHTS AND ATTRACTIONS:
■ Grouse Mountain is an all-season destination for
outdoor adventure
■ Aboriginal textiles, masks, jewelry and carvings in a
traditional long house at Khot-La-Cha Art Gallery
and Gift Shop
■ Heart-stopping canyon views at Capilano
Suspension Bridge Park
■ Shopping at 80-plus shops at the waterfront
Lonsdale Quay Market
