The country is just stunning. There is tons of natural beauty, not developed into houses or businesses yet as there is just so much space. So forests and snow capped mountains sit side by side with the very tall buildings of the city scape.
We went up Grouse Mountain www.grousemountain.com - it is called the peak of Vancouver. You drive up out of town for while and then you get a cable car for an 8 minute ride up the mountain, or you can walk up it in 1 1/2 hours if you are fit (Jane is not). We went up late afternoon and watched a lumberjack show, saw 2 orphaned bears playing about in the water, went on an eco walk, watched the story of the 2 orphaned bears in the Theatre in the Sky and then ate our dinner sat out on the open air balcony watching the lights go on all over Vancouver. Fantastic.
UpDate in October:
It is wise to go up the mountain in good weather! It is easy to forget that it is a huge mountain and the difference in temperature at the top from the bottom is marked. You can set off in your shorts and T Shirt at the bottom and be shivering in the swirling mists and, the last time we went (this is in October!) blustery snow storms. So, we have learned to take our woolies with us :-) Of course, the other reason to go in good weather is the view - you just can't see anything when it's rainy and foggy!
We are going up there nearer Christmas as they have an outdoor skating rink, a sleigh ride with real reindeer that takes you to see - yes you guessed it - Santa Claus :-) Well I'm excited, not sure about the kids ....... Oh and there is skiing on the top of Grouse, and snow boarding - they are just very winter sporting people 'round here!!