Christian Business Faculty Association 2012 Conference

Vancouver and Lower Mainland Attractions

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 VANCOUVER:

Telus World of Science and Omnimax Theatre (http://www.scienceworld.ca/) --The "golf ball" as it's affectionately called in Vancouver looks like it's landed from another planet, especially at night when Science World sparkles with thousands of lights. Imagine blowing a soap bubble as tall as you are. Or playing a giant piano with your feet. Or freezing your shadow on a wall. And don't miss the 3D and much larger-than life movies in the Omnimax Theatre.  Take 1st Ave. exit off Hwy 1

  1.  Playland (www.pne.bc.ca/playland) --this fun centre has more than 35 exciting rides, including the thrilling Roller Coaster, the roundabout Ferris Wheel and the Wild Wasserbahn. For kids of all ages, Playland also features various entertainment attractions, a petting zoo, mini golf and live entertainment.  Directly off the Hastings St. exit off Hwy 1
  2. Chinatown and Night Market (http://vancouverchinatown.ca/) --Check out the open-air night Take Hwy 1; Exit at Hastings St. west; Left on Carrall St.
  3. Stanley Park (www.seestanleypark.com) --Vancouver's green heart is a magnificent 1000 acres, almost all of it dense West Coast forest. Marked trails let families roam through the "jungle” of giant trees and beaches offer a close-up look at all kinds of boats. A playground with vintage fire engine, a pool and a water park make this one of the city's great escapes.
    a. Rent bikes and bike around sea wall
    b. Visit the water park
    c. Stanley Park Horse-Drawn Tours (604.681.5115)
    Take Hwy 1; Take Hastings St. exit west; follow Hastings through city; Left on Jervis (or any other main street); Right on Georgia St.; Follow Georgia into the park – stay in right lane and follow signs.
  4. The Vancouver Aquarium (www.vanaqua.org) --This underwater wonderland is home to a dizzying variety of fish and aquatic mammals in natural habitats. Kids can gape at the multi­coloured life inside a tide pool, and marvel at deadly piranhas, scary insects, even a shark. The whale pool is a must, especially around feeding time. Underwater windows provide a rare close-up view of these enormous but gentle creatures. An instant trip to faraway places, the Amazon Gallery brings together exotic birds and plants, then schedules a tropical thunderstorm.Located in Stanley Park
  5. Kitsilano Beach – A beach full of soft gold sand is better than a toy chest. And then there's beach-combing for shells or weird-looking pebbles, writing your name in wet sand with a stick. Would you believe it's all only ten minutes from the heart of downtown Vancouver? "Kits" Beach is one of Vancouver's favourite places to hang out. Little guys can check out the playground. Logs on the beach, or park benches provides a spot for Mom or Dad to relax. Teens can join in a basketball game, play tennis on one of 10 courts, or strut their stuff with their peers.Follow directions for Stanley Park, but once on Georgia, turn left on Denman.  Follow signs to English Bay or Kits Beach.
  6. Vanier Park Museum Complex – A little to the west of Granville Island, Vanier Park conveniently collects most of the city’s main museums:  The Vancouver Museum, the Maritime Museum and the H.R. MacMillan Space Centre (the last combines the old planetarium and observatory).  The complex sits on the waterfront at the west end of the Burrard Bridge, near Kitsilano  Beach, and Vanier Park itself is a fine spot to while away a summer afternoon.  You could easily incorporate a visit to the museums with a trip to Granville Island using the ferry, which docks just below the Maritime Museum.   Take Broadway exit off of Hwy 1; Right on Burrard St., but DON’T go over the Burrard St. Bridge; left on Cornwall Ave., right on Chestnut; follow signs.  (THIS MAY NOT BE THE BEST WAY.)
  7.  Granville Island (www.granville-island.net/en)
      a.  Developed in 1979 from what used to be an industrial wasteland under the Granville Bridge, this island of treasures is a must on any family’s list.  An easy journey by car, bus, bike – or boat – from any part of the city, Granville Island is a-buzz with activity.  Take in live free entertainment in the waterfront courtyard.  Sample freshly made fudge in the Public Market.  Wander along beside the houseboats, or chat with authentic fisherfolk.  These are just some of the things to enjoy.
      b.  SeaBus to North Vancouver (604-986-1501); Seagulls dip and glade at eye level.  Floatplanes take off and land right in front of your nose.  Departing every 15 to 30 minutes from downtown Vancouver this commuter “cruise” via catamaran across Burrard Inlet provides a fabulous view of the harbor, Stanley Park and the Lions Gate Bridge.  Mountains on the skyline make it a marvelous photo op.
      c.  Kids Only Market (604-689-8447):  Not your usual plastic, mass-produced stuff by a long shot.  Instead this colourful building is home to stores selling all kinds of offbeat, hand-crafted, and educational toys, many of them locally made.  Nifty junior-sized fashions too.  And a bonus – right outside, in the summer months, there’s a water park to splish-splash around in.
      d.  Parking on Granville Island is limited.  If you can, leave the car at home and get to Granville Island by bus, boat, bicycle or foot.  If you are parked on the mainland, the Aquabus travels around False Creek, and costs a couple of bucks per person.
      e.  Taking the Broadway exit off Hwy. 1 (Broadway is also 9th St.); follow through city; turn right on Granville; follow signs; located under the Granville St. Bridge.  Take the SeaBus (part of the skytrain line) across to Londsdale Quay
    1.  Metrotown PLAYDIUM (www.playdium.com)  –  in Metrotown mall; PLAYDIUM is Canada’s first total physical and socially interactive entertainment centre.  With 40,000 square feet (12, 192 metres) of hyper-interactive games, Playdium’s the place to challenge your family and friends and meet new rivals in more than 200 multi-sensory, mind-blowing activities. Take Skytrain OR take Hwy. 1; Exit at Willingdon Ave. south; left on Kingsway
    2.  Crash Crawly’s Adventure Fun Centre (Coquitlam)  – the kids will play by themselves for hours in this indoor playground.  The huge indoor playground is there for children AND parents to play.  There is also a laser tag arena so you’ll often see the other kids or the parents sneak off for a quick game or two.  It’s a great way to unwind from all those kids screaming in delight.  They even have craft sessions and mini driveable cars.  Lots of fun!! Take the first exit after the bridge; take Lougheed Hwy. west; turn left on Schoolhouse St./Woolridge St.

    EAST OF VANCOUVER:

    1.  Cultus Lake – popular Beach east of Chilliwack.  Much warmer than the ocean!Take Hwy. 1 east to Cultus Lake exit
    2. Harrison Hot Springs (http://www.members.shaw.ca/harrisonhotsprings/)  – popular beach, shops to visit, has a smaller water area that is much warmer than the ocean or Harrison Lake; can hike to the origin of the springs. Take Hwy. 1 east to the Aggassiz/Harrison exit (Exit #35); take Scenic Hwy. 7 north; follow signs.
    3. Cultus Lake Waterslides 1-604-858-7241 (http://www.cultus.com) Take Hwy 1; Take exit #104 which takes you through Yarrow to Cultus Lake.  15 minutes off the highway – 4150 Columbia Valley Hwy.
    4. Greater Vancouver Zoo (Aldergrove) – www.greatervancouverzoo.comTake the 264th exit South off Hwy. 1, the zoo is right there.
    5. Fort Langley Historical Fort (http://www.pc.gc.ca/lhn-nhs/bc/langley/index_e.asp) 604-513-4777 – Once upon a time, back in the 1800s, this was a fur trading post.  Relive the history of the west at this picturesque site that houses the oldest surviving building in B.C. Demonstrations and exibits of art and crafts too.  Have lunch at a café or the 50’s Diner and check out the antique shops. Turn right out of Trinity; follow road to Fort Langley; turn right at the IGA; follow signs.
    6. Castle Fun Park (Abbotsford)  – 3 mini golf courses and games Take Hwy 1 east, exit at Watcom Rd.
    7. Matsqui Recreation Center and Wave Pool (Abbotsford)  Take Hwy 1 east; exit at Clearbrook Rd north; the wave pool is just past Dahlstrom St.
    8.  Walnut Grove Community Center – swimming, gym, basketball courts, etc.  Turn right out of Trinity; left on Telegraph Trail; right at stop sign (216th); left on 88th; right on Walnut Grove Drive; Rec Center will be on the left.
    9.  White Rock (http://www.city.whiterock.bc.ca/)  – Another beach area; lots of fish and chips places and ice cream shops; great for watching the sunset.  Take Hwy. 10 west (Langley Bypass – it turns into 56th); turn left (south) on Pacific Hwy/Route 15/176th; turn right (west) on 16th; right on 148 St; left on 17 Ave; park anywhere along the beach (mostly pay parking).

     WEST OF VANCOUVER:

    1. Whistler (http://www.mywhistler.com/)  – 3 hour drive; stop at Shannon Falls on the way; lots of hikes and lakes around Whistler; watch the mountain bikers; take the chair lift up to the top of the mountain and overlook the entire mountain range.Take Hwy. 1 West; follow through Vancouver into North Vancouver; follow Sea-to-Sky Hwy (Hwy. 99 North) and signs for Whistler/Squamish.

    Vancouver, Coast & Mountains Travel Experience Guide