Visiting Beautiful British Columbia...

Grouse Mountain Gondola

This past spring I had the chance to visit Canada for the first time since losing my husband to cancer almost 4 years ago.  It seemed strange to be going without him, but I was travelling with dear friends from Wisconsin.  Gail is a fellow polio survivor, so when she called to say they were coming out to the Pacific-NW and wanted to go to Vancouver, I was thrilled.  We stayed at the Sylvia Hotel, a very charming place right on English Bay.  My friend, Terry, who lives in that area gave us several suggestions.   We were not disappointed, and would recommend "The Sylvia" to anyone who likes older buildings with character.  [Note:  They do not have handicap accessible rooms there, if that is what you need.]  I had my scooter with me, and it just fit into the small elevators.  There is handicap parking and unloading area.  We drove around Stanley Park (nice walking paths, too) and enjoyed all the spring flowers.  Then the next day, we headed out of town, across the Lion's Gate Bridge to Grouse Mountain (where they held the snowboarding for the Olympics).  On the way up to Grouse Mt., we stopped to check out the Capilano Suspension Bridge.  It is quite a nice attraction, and much more than a bridge.  You can spend the whole day there doing activities.  But, we were there for the self-guided tour, to take some pictures of the totem poles, and to shop.  There is a fee to get into the place (but we were given comp tickets).  We had some coffee at the Starbuck's and watched the gondola take people up on the mountain.  Many of the skiers were on their way down since the snow was getting mushy in the sun.  I guess we should have gone up on the mountain, but we were quickly running out of energy, so we headed back!  The food in Vancouver was a bit expensive, but it was very good...and we were on vacation!  Next year, Gail and I want to go over to Victoria on Vancouver Island. That trip involves taking a ferry, and hopefully seeing some whales, too!

Hotel Sylvia:  http://www.sylviahotel.com/about.htm