As you know from time to time I like to reach back into my archive for stories and this one relates to an essay I published in 2016 after a visit to Vancouver.
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After arriving in Vancouver last Friday morning, it was if an old friend was welcoming me back after a long absence. I have always loved the west coast vibe. Is it the vistas, the smell of the redwoods or the brine of the Pacific ocean that makes my heart melt each time I visit this gorgeous part of the world.
During my management consulting days, I worked in Vancouver for almost four years, yes it was a tough existence given that I was on a plane for ten hours per week in addition to my regular job. It certainly wasn’t your average commute to work!
There is something intangibly beautiful about Vancouver, especially when the sun shines on the snow-capped mountains peaks that virtually surround the city. I landed to find myself in one of those bright and breathless Vancouver days. Almost heaven!
Of course I have some favourite things to do in Vancouver, and so after dropping my bags at the hotel I headed out.
If you love getting outdoors and don’t mind a bit of a challenge I would highly recommend tackling the Grouse Grind in North Vancouver. There is no question that it’s a tough and some might say arduous trek up the face of Grouse Mountain, but I find it cleansing especially if you’ve just gotten off a five-hour flight. Note: You don’t have to hike up as there is a gondola from the base station every 10 minutes, but if you’re in reasonable shape and don’t mind getting a sweat up then the hike is definitely for you.
It took me about 55 minutes, going at a steady pace to make my way up, and more importantly given the innate natural beauty of the hike it was worth every moment of it. There is something about walking between stands of giant western redwoods and through fields of fern that makes all of life’s troubles just fade away….
Although sweaty when I arrived the cool mountain air soon cooled me off and all I could do was stand in awe at the beauty that was now my domain. With the city of Vancouver stretching out before me, the coast and of course Vancouver Island in the distance it was a picture-perfect setting.
After the short drive back across the Lions Gate bridge that separates North Vancouver and the city I decided to park at the hotel and wander the city. Between the hike up Grouse mountain and my city walk I covered almost 16 kilometres.
Saturday morning dawned and after a quick breakfast I decided to do my next favourite activity in this gorgeous city and that was to walk the Seawall around Stanely Park. This 10-kilometre loop is a popular exercise destination for runners, walkers and cyclists alike. It’s both peaceful and beautiful especially with the different views that you get along the journey.
From cityscapes to North shore mountain views, the Lions Gate bridge from below, not to mention Siwash rock and the iconic English Bay.
Take your camera but don’t linger too long as there as there is always something beautiful just along the trail.
Not only was this trip about capturing the beauty of this part of Canada through the lens of my camera (just over 750 photos in the two days), but it was also an opportunity for me to get away and spend some time slowing down and contemplating life. Perhaps some might say it was a tonic or an elixir of sorts, but whatever it is I feel so alive after my time there.
By the time I’d finished it was lunch time and so had made plans to caught up with friends in Yaletown.
If you go to Vancouver, Yaletown is a must, as its packed with cool little restaurants and bars, in fact many of the city’s best eateries are located in this little pocket between False Creek, Robson and Homer streets.
The weekend was a good mix of photography, exploring and socializing as I intermingled lunches, dinners and coffee catchups with my exploration. In fact, I even ended up going to a surprise birthday party on Saturday night…so much fun!
I think it’s important to take some time to get away and slow down, refocusing your priorities and taking time to just breathe…
I find that life can sometimes catch up with you in terms of the frenetic pace in which we live. Being continually connected and always on is not only tiring but also takes a toll on your health if you keep it up for long periods, and so it’s important to completely unwind. No better place than the PNW.
Remember each day is a gift as there are no guarantees about tomorrow…so what are you waiting for? Time to take a break, slow down and explore.
Until next week.
Ciao!
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