World Travel Guide

City Guide  - Vancouver  - Further Distractions
Further Distractions

Grouse Mountain

Just 20 minutes' north of and clearly visible from almost anywhere in downtown Vancouver, Grouse Mountain, as well as neighbours Cypress Mountain (web site: www.cypressmountain.com) and Mount Seymour (web site: www.elp.gov.bc.ca/bcparks/explore/parkpgs/mtseymou.htm), 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 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.
Web site: www.grousemountain.com
Transport: Bus 232, 236 or 247.
Opening hours: Daily 0900-2200 (last return trip at 2400).
Admission: (SkyRide) C$17.50; (Peak Chairlift) C$29 (valid 0900-2200) or C$22 (valid after 1600).

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 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.
E-mail: capilano@istar.ca
Web site: www.capbridge.com
Transport: Bus 246; SeaBus then bus 236 (May-Sep).
Opening hours: Daily 0900-1700 (winter); daily 0830-2000 (summer).
Admission: C$10.75 (concessions available).

VanDusen Botanical Gardens

The VanDusen Botanical Gardens is home to a variety of beautiful and exotic plants, but the main attraction for many visitors is the Elizabethan hedge maze, one of only three in North America. The best time to visit the gardens is from December 11 to January 3, when it is lit by thousands of Christmas lights.

5251 Oak Street
Tel: (604) 878 9274.
Web site: www.vandusengarden.org
Transport: Bus 17; or bus 8 or 15, then a short walk.
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$5.50 (Apr-Sep); C$2.75 (Oct-Mar) (concessions available).



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