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Further Distractions Grouse Mountain Just 20 minutes’ to the north of the city and clearly visible from almost anywhere in Downtown Vancouver, Grouse Mountain – as well as neighbours Cypress Mountain (website: http://wlapwww.gov.bc.ca/bcparks/explore/parkpgs/cypress.htm or www.cypressmountain.com) and Mount Seymour (website: http://wlapwww.gov.bc.ca/bcparks/explore/parkpgs/mtseymou.htm or www.mountseymour.com) – beckons the visitor. The mountains offer skiing opportunities in the winter and spring, and the chance to hike, mountain bike or even paraglide in summer. The SkyRide gondola offers a dramatic approach to Grouse Mountain – every 15 minutes the cable car makes the 1100m (3700ft) ascent. Rugged individuals usually do the ‘Grouse Grind’– a 90 to 120-minute hike up the slope – instead. At the top, trails branch out offering opportunities to explore, with impressive views of the city, ocean and mountains. Night-time skiing is a popular activity. There is also the Peak Chairlift, travelling right up to the 1250m (4100ft) summit with its 360-degree panoramic view. Grouse Mountain SkyRide & Ski Resort 6400 Nancy Greene Way Tel: (604) 984 0661. Fax: (604) 984 6360. Website: www.grousemountain.com Transport: Bus 232 or 236. Opening hours: Daily 0845-2200 (last return trip at 1230 or 2330). Admission: C$21.95 (SkyRide); C$35 (Peak Chairlift tickets valid 0900-2200); C$26 (Peak Chairlift tickets valid after 1600); free in summer (Peak Chairlift). Capilano Suspension Bridge High over the canyon to the west of Grouse Mountain is the Capilano Suspension Bridge, the world’s longest suspended footbridge at 140m (450ft) long, which offers a stomach-churning view into the gorge, some 70m (230ft) below. On-site attractions include a totem pole park, native carving centre and nature trails. 3735 Capilano Road, North Vancouver Tel: (604) 985 7474. Fax: (604) 985 7479. E-mail: info@capbridge.com Website: www.capbridge.com Transport: Bus 246; SeaBus then bus 236. Opening hours: Daily 0900-1700 (winter); daily 0830-dusk (summer). Admission: C$10.25-13.95 (varies by season); concessions available; discount coupon on the website. VanDusen Botanical Gardens The VanDusen Botanical Gardens are home to a variety of beautiful and exotic plants, however, the main attraction for many visitors is the Elizabethan hedge maze, one of only six in North America. The best time for tourists to visit the gardens is during the month of December, when the grounds are lit by thousands of Christmas lights. 5251 Oak Street Tel: (604) 878 9274. Fax: (604) 266 4236. Website: www.vandusengarden.org Transport: Bus 17. Opening hours: Daily 1000-1600 (Oct-Mar); daily 1000-1800 (Apr and Sep); daily 1000-2000 (May and mid-Aug-early Sep); daily 1000-2100 (Jun-mid-Aug). Admission: C$7 (Apr-Sep); C$5 (Oct-Mar); concessions available. |
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