Granville Island & the Aqua Bus
Eight or so years ago Matt and I stopped in Vancouver for a night or two. We were one month into a 2 month road trip, and after camping in a tent for a week or more we were in need of a real bed and a shower. We rolled into town, and after searching around for a bit, landed in a HI hostel with a private room. As with many of my memories from almost a decade ago, the memories from our stay in Vancouver are hazy. I do however, remember our visit to Granville Island.
After a sluggish morning spent lounging in bed, I motivated to go on another walkabout. A trip down memory lane was in order - I decided to head to Granville Island. I don't know if it was a result of feeling less than awake, but I found myself rather indecisive about which route to take. I walked all the way down to the Hornby St. Aqua Bus which would have ferried me across False Creek to Granville Island in a few minutes, then decided I would walk there and take the Aqua Bus home. So, I set out to cross the Granville Bridge (one of the three bridges that crosses False Creek). It wasn't the most direct route, but did afford me a unique view of the city and Granville Island below.
Granville Island is a jumble of indoor markets and shops boasting local produce, handmade gifts, art and food. I wandered around poking my head into many of the craft stores, souvenir shops and art galleries. For lunch I decided on a montreal style bagel and some freshly squeezed juice. It was hard to resist the urge to buy a souvenir, but I reminded myself that soon I will be able to come to the market anytime I want.
By the time I was ready to head back to the hotel it was raining, so I donned my umbrella and started down the False Creek pedestrian path. I thought I might try to walk to the Cambie St. bridge (one of the other bridges spanning False Creek) and back to the hotel. The path winds along the water's edge and at every turn provides a new perspective of downtown Vancouver - commonly referred to as the "City of Glass" due to the glass covered condos that dominate the skyline.
The meandering path, while scenic, was long and my legs were getting tired. So, I reverted to my original plan and walked just a short distance to the next Aqua Bus dock. I hopped on, paid my fare and was whisked across the water back to Granville Island where I transferred to another Aqua Bus and onto the Hornby St. dock. In all it took less than 10 minutes.
Another successful walkabout, and now... the weekend!
After a sluggish morning spent lounging in bed, I motivated to go on another walkabout. A trip down memory lane was in order - I decided to head to Granville Island. I don't know if it was a result of feeling less than awake, but I found myself rather indecisive about which route to take. I walked all the way down to the Hornby St. Aqua Bus which would have ferried me across False Creek to Granville Island in a few minutes, then decided I would walk there and take the Aqua Bus home. So, I set out to cross the Granville Bridge (one of the three bridges that crosses False Creek). It wasn't the most direct route, but did afford me a unique view of the city and Granville Island below.
Granville Island is a jumble of indoor markets and shops boasting local produce, handmade gifts, art and food. I wandered around poking my head into many of the craft stores, souvenir shops and art galleries. For lunch I decided on a montreal style bagel and some freshly squeezed juice. It was hard to resist the urge to buy a souvenir, but I reminded myself that soon I will be able to come to the market anytime I want.
By the time I was ready to head back to the hotel it was raining, so I donned my umbrella and started down the False Creek pedestrian path. I thought I might try to walk to the Cambie St. bridge (one of the other bridges spanning False Creek) and back to the hotel. The path winds along the water's edge and at every turn provides a new perspective of downtown Vancouver - commonly referred to as the "City of Glass" due to the glass covered condos that dominate the skyline.
The meandering path, while scenic, was long and my legs were getting tired. So, I reverted to my original plan and walked just a short distance to the next Aqua Bus dock. I hopped on, paid my fare and was whisked across the water back to Granville Island where I transferred to another Aqua Bus and onto the Hornby St. dock. In all it took less than 10 minutes.
Another successful walkabout, and now... the weekend!
