This post was written for Hipmunk’s exciting new city guide project. I am being paid to write this post, but the opinions are my own.
Vancouver, British Columbia, will take your breath the first time you enter the city, especially if the sun is shining and the mountains are framing the downtown area. There are beautiful choices of hotels in Vancouver near the water. But rather than the traditional comfortable pair of shoes for walking, or going on sightseeing adventures by bus, car or taxi, why not get to know this beautiful city by water?
Photo Credit by Happy Wanderer via trover.com
Vancouver Island was home to the Tlingit, Haida, Nootka and Kwakwaka’wakw peoples, all First Nations people. On a very deep and spiritual level, the coastal tribes were connected to the ocean. In the same way that native people in the Congo have a connection to gold as a natural resource, First Nations people felt the same about fish oil, which they considered liquid gold. Here are a few activities involving water that are fit for tourists.
Whale Watching Safari
How about a whale watching safari? You can join group tours that go out in search of orca whales. As strange as this may seem to you, First Nation people consider the orca or killer whales as members of a race of people in the underwater realm. So arrange with your concierge to be picked up at the hotel for your first whale-watching safari. The tour can last anywhere from four to seven hours and includes transportation in a high-speed motorboat with a tour guide.
Whale Watching to Victoria and Butchart Gardens
Another option is to go Whale Watching to Victoria and Butchart Gardens. This requires a bit longer day (12 hours), but you can go by speedboat from Vancouver Island to Victoria Island. In this way, you kill two birds with one stone. On your way to Victoria, and on the return, you can watch the whales. On solid ground, you can enjoy Victoria Island and the Butchart Gardens. Previous travelers report more than a 95 percent chance of an actual sighting not only of orcas, but also of gray whales, seals, and sea lions between the two islands.
Vancouver Sea-Kayak and BBQ Adventure
If you make time to join a Vancouver Sea-Kayak and BBQ Adventure, you are a true traveler. With trained guides, you can begin a kayaking adventure in the open sea. The Vancouver sea kayaking adventures is completed with a salmon barbecue on a beach you encounter on your adventure.
Independent Kayaking
You can also kayak independently. Head to Deep Cove/Indian Arm to rent a kayak. Many online sources report that this trip is well worth the effort and that it’s nicer than False Creek and English Bay destinations you may have read about. Deep Cove has single and double kayaks, stand up paddleboards, surf skis and canoes. Grab your life jacket, whistle, paddles and tow bag to make sure you have what you need.
Finally, you have the option of taking to the sea and doing nothing. Just board The False Creek Ferries to travel between Downtown Vancouver and Granville Island for about $5, and enjoy the scenery. In this very multicultural city, you will note that Vancouver citizens tend to conduct themselves as though they are believers in the traditional wisdom of everything being related. It’s unlikely you will hear a harsh word being spoken in public places, and it’s likely you will feel genuinely welcome in this city.
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