Vancouver, Canada

Because of our extra luggage we had the choice of paying for the luggage or upgrading to First Class where our luggage would be free.  The difference in cost was minimal so we travelled First Class to Vancouver…it was brilliant.  It’s only a 3 hour flight but we were so comfortable.  The kids did really well especially with all the room we had and Spencer made a little friend in the girl the seat ahead of us so they played quite happily with stickers and such.

We got a great view of Vancouver on the way in, a lovely city that sits between mountains and sea and the autumn colours were breath-taking.  Pure reds and yellows.  We stayed in an airport hotel but the Sky Train goes straight from the airport into the city so we planned on taking a look around.  We had been invited to stay at John and Debbie’s in Victoria (the great couple we met in San Francisco) but the kids were just getting over colds and Spencer especially was still miserable.  The weather turned nasty and although we can handle rain, when it is combined with the cold temperatures and sick kids we decided that sticking around the immediate vicinity was better than trying to trek with the kids so we reluctantly turned the offer down.  It was a shame because we were looking forward to seeing them again and having a look around Victoria which sounds lovely.  It’s another reason for us to return one day.

Downtown Vancouver

We took the train into the city and tried to have look around the waterfront but the weather was atrocious.  We noticed on the subway (Vancouver only has two lines) that lots of people were wearing work clothes etc with GUMBOOTS and that should have been our first clue.  The streets were sodden and the rain was incessant it just didn’t stop.  So we ran from shelter to shelter trying to keep the kids dry and in the end gave up and headed home.  It was hard to get an idea of down town, seems a lot like Auckland actually.

Gumboot capital

Harbour and ferries

The next day was slightly better and we headed for uptown, this was a short ride on the Sky Train and then a nice walk through David Lam Park up towards Granville Island.  Crossing the Granville Bridge gives you a great view of the city, the harbour and the mountains beyond and then on Granville Island they have great markets.  The first one is a Kids Market which has playgrounds and toy shops for Africa.  Leo had earned his 10 stickers so he chose a cool robot for his toy and Spencer got a funny hour glass toy that she was fascinated with.  We had a great lunch and then headed to the other market which is in a huge warehouse and has everything you can think of…cheese, deli, veggies, coffee, wines, crafts, spices, icecreams, biscuits, fish, chocolate…the senses are almost overwhelmed and it was awesome to look around and get some ideas for what Auckland doesn’t have.

Wrapped up for day ahead..

Autumn colours in David Lam Park

View of harbour from Granville Bridge

Uptown apartments

Mummy and Leo keep warm

Granville Island markets

Looking back at city

We caught a cute little ferry back to the train station, it’s only big enough for about 6 people and the kids had a brilliant time hanging over the side and touching the water which was FREEZING.  It was a great day and gave us much more of a feel for Vancouver for sure.

Leo and Mr Robot who lasted 5 minutes

Hanging off the ferry

Uptown marina

The Sky Train is a driverless train so we sat up the front so Leo “could drive” and he had a blast thinking he was in control, taking the train up and down hills and into tunnels.  Unfortunately however he was on such a high that he raced off the train without his treasured robot…bye bye robot.  He was very upset but forgot about it all pretty quickly when he got home to his other toys, life is so simple for a 3 year old. 

Leo the train driver

It’s a bit disappointing not to see more of Canada as we had first planned but seeing how cold it is here (and wet) it was absolutely the right decision not to bring the kids up here with the camper.  We vow to come back!

Airport action - Justin catching up on important news