Capilano Suspension Bridge, Salmon Hatchery and Grouse Mountain - WOW!

Today the plan was to get up early as we were going to Capilano Suspension Bridge Park in North Vancouver.  However, Terry and James slept in until 9:30.  That’s holidays right?!

We finally got moving and hopped in the Dodge heading to Capilano Park which was a 20 minute drive away.  It was also Terry’s first real drive since we’ve been here and he handled driving on the other side of the road extremely well!  It’s weird sitting in the front passenger seat – it makes my feet go all funny as there is normally a brake on that side. 

It was a perfect day to visit the park, around 25 degrees and not a cloud in the sky.  Everyone else thought it was the perfect day too as when we arrived there was a very big line to get in!  The line moved quickly and before we knew it, we were walking along the suspension bridge.   The bridge is 137m long and sways quite a bit when you are walking along it.  The other visitors were in awe of the kids as they walked straight on and practically ran up and down the bridge.  The view was spectacular and whilst we didn’t see a lot of wildlife, we were in awe of the tall trees.  The Douglas Fir was the main species however there were Maples and Red Cedars as well.  We then went on a treetops adventure walk through the canopy and then completed the cliffwalk. 

We then drove to the nearby Salmon Hatchery.  We got to see all stages of the life cycle and it was interesting to see how the salmon continue their uphill battle to their spawning ground.  I kept thinking how tired they would be as they kept trying to swim against the man-made current.  They were jumping up one metre walls and would not give up.  It’s crazy to think this is instinct.

A few people had told us to go Grouse Mountain so onwards we drove and it was the highlight of our day.  My motto is ‘do it once and do it well’ so we bought the Ultimate Family package which included a gondola ride, the Peak Chairlift which takes you to 1.25km above sea level and then up a working turbine in the world’s only glass view pod.

Talk about cram people into the Gondola, it was packed!  We then had a look around the first level before riding on the chairlift all the way to the top.  The view was spectacular and we were really lucky it was a clear day.  One of the workers told us that you can’t always see down onto Vancouver due to fog.  Up the turbine we went and although the view was amazing it was pretty hot in there so we didn’t stay long.

We then walked down to see the two resident bears, Grinda and Coola.  One of the bears was in a water hole and was playing with some reeds.  We got quite a shock how big they were and they put on quite a show for the crowd.

Happily exhausted, we headed for our apartment after a massive day. Tomorrow we HAVE to be up early as we are starting our drive into the Rockies and we only have one day/night to explore Whistler.   We have all fallen in love with Vancouver and have gotten the dollar out of the day! The kids fell asleep in minutes and I won't be far behind them.

Things of interest:

·      * We have seen so many flashy cars driving the streets and hundreds of yachts and cruisers at the bay.  Terry is just loved looking at the cars.

·     *  At the supermarket everything comes in big packets – you can’t buy small anything.  Much like the US.

·      * We were told by a Canadian that Aussies say ‘I reckon’ a lot – in the same conversation I said it!

·      * The 10c piece is smaller than the 5c piece.

·      * Vancouver is really well set out however it is very expensive!

Driving the Dodge

Lions Gate Bridge

 Capilano Suspension Bridge

Treetops

We realised halfway through our walk that Terry and Will were dressed the same.  For someone who is so teenager cool - this hurt big time!  We all laughed for ages!

Maple Tree - not cold enough for syrup, only from trees in East Canada

Cliffwalk

Salmon Hatchery

James meets an American Pika - who then chases him!

The snow capped mountain in the distance is in the US

On the chair lift

In the view pod

Overlooking Vancouver

My what big claws you have!

My what big feet you have! 

One big bear

Shaking off the water

Heading back to the apartment.  Lots of traffic for a weekend.