THE BEAUTIFUL BRITISH COLUMBIA, CANADA

My recent trip brought me to the beautiful British Columbia, Canada. Yes it's true. This place is beautiful and it even says it in their car plate. It is outstanding in so many ways and I believe calling it beautiful is an understatement. 

Taken from nickkanaya.net 

Welcome sign at the Vancouver International Airport

I must admit, I know very little about Canada prior to my visit and my knowledge of the people and their way of life is nothing short of mediocre. So while I was there, I tried to learn as much as I could about the country and I was able to pick up quite a few important facts; 1. Canada came from a native word "kanata" which means village or settlement, 2. English and French are the two official languages, 3.  Canada is part of Commonwealth of Nations with Queen Elizabeth as its head of state. It's true what they say about traveling, you learn the culture of the place you visit.  

Whistler, BC

Peak 2 Peak Gondola

This place is a haven for anyone who enjoys mountain biking and snow sports. We rode the Peak 2 Peak gondola which runs between Whistler and Blackcomb mountains. The ride was a little scary but at the same time enjoyable. The view from the top is breathtaking as you get to see snow covered mountaintops as well as the valley which is covered with multitude of different species of pine trees. 

Whistler is also one of the major sites of the 2010 Winter Olympics. Located in the Whistler mountain is the statue of Ilanaaq which is the official Olympic mascot. 

Statue of Ilanaaq, the official mascot of the 2010 Winter Olympics

The Olympic plaza in the Whistler valley is full of commemorative structure from the 2010 Winter Games.  This is the site where athletes would step up to the podium at victory ceremonies during the Winter Olympics. The site is now transformed into a venue for recreation, sporting events,  concerts, etc.

Olympic Logo at Whistler Olympic park

The site for victory ceremonies during the 2010 Winter Games (Olympic torch to the right)

Vancouver, BC

I have to give it to Vancouver. It's one of the cleanest and greenest metropolitan areas I have ever seen in my entire life. This city has so much to offer. From its beautiful parks, surrounding majestic  mountains, its proximity to the ocean and not to mention diverse foods, as well as sporting events, this city could easily top the list of the best cities in the world. 

Vancouver Skyline (taken from Stanley Park)

Stanley Park

Stanley park was recently named the 2014 top urban park in the world by TripAdvisor and I have to agree!  This park boasts of wonderful gardens, totem poles, big trees, as well as a walkway where you can see the entire Vancouver skyline. (pictured above). Some of the activities you can do at the park include, hiking, biking, skating and running to name a few. 

Stanley Park and the Lion's Gate Bridge (taken from Vancouver Harbor Center) 

Totem Poles located in Stanley Park 

There are a total of nine totem poles (group of eight in the picture, the other one separated from the rest)  at Brockton point. These are beautiful pieces of BC First Nation (native Canadians) artistry. This spot is one of the most popular attractions inside Stanley Park. 

Vancouver Aquarium 

Canada's largest aquarium, called the Vancouver Aquarium, houses several species of marine and aquatic animals and is located inside the park.

Entrance to the Vancouver Aquarium 

Capilano Suspension Bridge

Another famous tourist destination in Vancouver is the Capilano Suspension Bridge located in North Vancouver. 

Capilano Suspension bridge 

The bridge was originally built in 1889 and has since then become a major tourist attraction. It is 450 feet long and rests 230 feet above the ground and is supported by two thick steel cables which together can hold more than 200,000 lbs and sustain the weight of over 1300 people standing on it at the same time.  The bridge could be rocky at times (which makes the trip across the bridge a little scary) especially when there are quite a few people crossing it as well as when the weather is a little windy. 

The tree house where the Treetop Adventure begins. 

Another feature of the park is the Treetop Adventure  which takes you to a series of seven foot bridges suspended between large Fir trees on the west side of the canyon.

Cliff walk

On the east side of the canyon is the Cliff Walk which is a thrilling (at times terrifying) walk above a sturdy and sometimes invisible platforms and walkways around the mountain walls that surrounds the Capilano river below.
 


As you move along the  trail from the Suspension Bridge to the Treetop adventure and the Cliff Walk, there are 5 stamps to be collected. You collect these stamps by embossing it on your trail map, (the trail map, which is given to you at the welcome center, tells you where the stamps are located) and by doing so would earn you a certificate that says "I made it" and bragging rights good for two years from the date stamped on the certificate!

I could not have been more proud of myself. haha!

These are the highlights of my very first trip to Canada. Overall, the province of British Columbia is a livable city and is one of the best cities I have ever been to. It was a fun filled week for me.  On top of all of these, I got to see the family that is closest to my heart, which is the main reason for my visit.  I will definitely come back!

Benitez Family [Uncle Edgar, Auntie Nanette (I call her Mahal) and Jeiel my godson]

Jeiel and me. He is the smartest kid I know!