Vibrant Vancouver a Beautiful Visit
Vancouver where colours unfold and memories take hold
Fall days in Vancouver
We had the incredible opportunity to spend four vibrant fall days in Vancouver with my family. Unlike previous visits focused on seeing family and friends, this time we wanted to immerse ourselves on the city itself. With a loose agenda and a sense of adventure, we set out to explore all that Vancouver had to offer.
Our first day started with a fantastic lunch at Ki Isu Japanese Restaurant in Yaletown, which our host recommended. The meal was nothing short of spectacular, with incredibly fresh sushi that left us craving for more.
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Energised, we made our way to Stanley Park to visit the Vancouver Aquarium. As we entered the facility, I was immediately captivated by the vibrant colours and diverse exhibits.
Exploring Vancouver Aquarium
The facility has hundreds of large and small fresh and saltwater tanks, in addition to exhibitions of non- and semi-aquatic animals like a scarlet ibis, an iguana, bats, a green anaconda, a tarantula, a two-toed sloth, a caiman crocodile and frogs.
Although most of the frogs were small, there was an extensive collection of them, including a golden poison frog.
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From tropical frogs with their vivid hues to enchanting jelly tanks illuminated by fluorescent lights, the aquarium was a feast for the eyes.
The piranhas have always fascinated me, but they are rather drab in photographs. What photographed well were the shrimps, sea corals, an Axolotls salamander and Pacific Sea nettles (jellies).
Tanks of Jelly Fish
Alternatingly coloured fluorescent lamps lighted half a dozen jelly tanks of various species from around the world. But enjoyable as the indoor experience was, I was conscious of the rarity of a sunny day in Vancouver, so I hurried my companions to the outdoor attractions.
In earlier days, the Aquarium had orcas as well as beluga whales, narwhals, and dolphins, but these days, the outdoor displays are of sea lions, sea otters, harbour seals, northern fur seals, and sea lions.
Marine conservation
While less exciting than apex predators like the orca, it is understandably more humane not to keep these large mammals creation in small enclosures.
This also fits with the facility’s dedication to marine conservation, education, research and the promotion of ocean awareness.
Yue Minjun A-maze-ing Laughter
On the second day, we embarked on a leisurely walk along the False Creek promenade, passing through picturesque parks and reaching Morton Park.
There, we encountered Yue Minjun’s sculpture installation called A-maze-ing Laughter. The larger-than-life bronze sculptures depicting figures laughing uncontrollably were impossible to resist.
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We joined the countless tourists who couldn’t help but engage with the sculptures, taking photos and immersing ourselves in the contagious joy they exuded.
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Of course, no trip is complete without indulging in the local cuisine. One of our most memorable meals was at Robba da Matti, an Italian trattoria in Yaletown.
Vancouver Yaletown
The casual ambience and flavourful dishes made it an exceptional dining experience.
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From the delectable prosciutto and burrata antipasti to the mouthwatering spaghetti allo scoglio, every bite showcased the freshness and authenticity of Italian cuisine.
The imported burrata cheese was a delight that left us craving for more.
On the third day, we explored the vibrant Granville Island. Our first stop was the Granville Island Public Market, a food lover’s paradise.
We were spoilt for choice. The array and abundance of fresh produce, baked goods, seafood and artisanal foods implied that this market was the centre of the universe.
Granville Island Market
After making our selections, we sat by the dock with our chosen hot beverage and relaxed into the waterfront view of Vancouver’s spectacular skyline and surrounding mountains.
Local Artisans
After satisfying our culinary cravings, we wandered through the studios and galleries on Granville Island, marvelling at the talent and creativity of local artists.
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From paintings and sculptures to jewellery and pottery, each piece was a unique expression of Vancouver’s vibrant arts scene.
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That afternoon, we visited the Nitobe Memorial Garden on the University of British Columbia campus.
Designed by landscape architect Kannosuke Mori, the garden reflects the essence of a traditional Japanese stroll garden.
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The carefully manicured plants, serene water features, stone lanterns, and winding pathways created a sense of tranquillity.
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We admired the traditional tea house, the koi fishpond, and the peaceful sand and stone garden.
It was a visual delight, and we learned something new about Japanese culture and history.
The garden was built in 1960 to honour the scholar and diplomat Dr Inazo Nitobe (1862-1933), who was born into a samurai family and later wrote the classic Bushido: The Soul of Japan about the code of conduct and ethics followed by samurai warriors.
Bushido: The Soul of Japan
This book changed how the rest of the world perceived Japan.
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History lesson aside, this garden is a living work of art.
Appreciating the serenity enabled by exquisite attention to detail takes no inside knowledge.
While a painting or photograph can capture a perfect moment with a clever angle and ideal light, a visitor is immersed in a garden, critiquing it from infinite angles and at different times of the day.
It is almost unimaginable how many decisions have been made over the last sixty-plus years to maintain this idyllic blend of human creativity and nature.
As I explored the library’s vast collection and admired the grandeur of the building, I couldn’t help but appreciate the city’s commitment to education and culture.
Before bidding farewell to Vancouver, we stopped at the Vancouver Public Library. The architectural design, reminiscent of the ancient Coliseum in Rome, caught my attention.
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I am an avid reader, but my reason for visiting was architecture. The building was designed by Moshe Safdie, who also designed the Singapore Marina Bay Sands and the Jewel Changi Airport.
The library was completed in 1995 and resembles the remains of the Coliseum in Rome but made fully functional with glass and clever design.
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Our Vancouver adventure concluded with a visit to the Canadian Pacific Railway Roundhouse & Station, built in 1888 as a maintenance facility and roundhouse, where steam locomotives were serviced and turned around.
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As of 1996, it was repurposed as Roundhouse Community Arts & Recreation Centre and proudly displayed a fully functional 1940s steam engine cared for by a team of volunteer train-loving enthusiasts.
The fully functional steam engine was a remarkable sight, showcasing the city’s rich history and love for preserving its heritage.
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Leaving Vancouver, we departed for the airport on the Skytrain.
Having thoroughly enjoyed the natural and manmade attractions we left with memories of vibrant colours, captivating exhibits, mouthwatering meals, and the city’s warm hospitality.
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The city exceeded our expectations, and we departed with gratitude and anticipation for future adventures.
Text Martin Wray / Photos Cammy Yiu
