Virtual Travel – British Columbia

Our last province, British Columbia. As the saying goes, we saved the best for last!

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We start out in far southeastern BC at the town of Sparwood. Named for the lumber that went into making spars (poles) for ships, Sparwood is a mining town. As you enter town you can’t miss Terex Titan, one of the largest trucks in the world, now retired in front of the visitor center.

 

 

Eastern BC has a number of great waterfalls including those below: Helmcken, Dawson and Rearguard Falls.

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The town of Lake Country BC is home to a Kangaroo Farm! It was very cool, especially holding a baby kangaroo.

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High above the town of Kamloops is the Myrna Canyon Trestle Trail. Once a railway, now one of the best bike paths anywhere.

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In Hope BC there is another path, much lower that goes through the Othello Tunnels. Nearby is the Bridal Veil Falls.

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The Vancouver suburb of Burnaby has a great park with these native statues. The persistent rain and fog added to the atmosphere.

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Capilano Park in North Vancouver has an amazing bridge (that bounces!) and a forest canopy walk, along with more totem poles.

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Vancouver is one of the world’s great cities. Situated on a bay, with islands and the mountains, the views are fantastic. They have height limits on the buildings so that they don’t block the views.

 

 

The Museum of Anthropology has the largest native sculpture collection anywhere.

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Vancouver is even better from the ‘Lookout’, especially after a nice walk along the harbour.

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Vancouver has character!

 

 

 

Our final stop is Victoria, on Vancouver Island (which Vancouver is not). BC Ferries will get you there.

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The city is the capital of the province, and has a great history.

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It is also home to numerous gardens, including Hartley Castle and Gardens.

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Our virtual trips across North America has come to an end, but there is more coming – up next Chicago – History through Maps and Photos…. stay tuned.

 

 

Vancouver – September 2017 – Views of the City

Vancouver is Canada’s 3rd largest city, and with height limits on skyscrapers has numerous fairly tall ones, without the massively tall buildings blocking views of the mountains.

In addition it is a center for cruise ships heading to Alaska. Personally I have no desire to be on a boat with 3000 other people.

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The harbor has steady seaplane traffic

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The harbor front area is lined with condo buildings.

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The Olympic Cauldron

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8 Bit Orca

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One of the cruise ships going under the Lions Gate Bridge.

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An evening view from the ‘Vancouver Lookout’ observation deck.

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Vancouver – September 2017 – Museum of Anthropology

The University of British Columbia in Vancouver is the home of the Museum of Anthropology. This museum is known for it’s extensive collection of world arts and cultures, but mostly for it’s First Nation (Native Canadian) collection.

Words don’t do justice to how impressive they are.

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Vancouver – September 2017 – False Creek and Granville Island

One of the inlets in the Vancouver area is known as False Creek. In the middle of this waterway is Granville Island, a man made island that was originally used for industry but most have left, as restaurants, housing and parks have taken over.

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The views across the waterway to downtown are great.

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The one remaining industrial business, Ocean Concrete, has gotten into the artistic spirit.

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There are numerous houses build on the piers.

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As well as many high end boats docked alongside.

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Another view downtown.

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Palm trees in Canada?

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Vancouver – September 2017 – Capilano Suspension Bridge Park

Capilano Park is a natural area in North Vancouver that has a deep gorge running through it. Since the 1800s a private park, close but not included in the main park, has featured a suspension bridge across the ravine.

Today the park has a number of other attractions, and as a ‘tourist spot’ is well done.

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The park features a nice display of replica Native Totem Poles.

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The ‘Cliffwalk’ is hanging along the side of the cliff on a narrow walkway.

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The “Treetop Adventure” is suspended high above the ground giving interesting views of the canopy

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As well as the activities below.

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The the main attraction is the bouncing, swinging bridge.

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