Solo Trip to Vancouver, B.C.
Sometimes having no reason to go somewhere is the best reason to go there, am I right? I decided to do a solo weekend trip to Vancouver, Canada since a) it's such a short flight and b) I've been wanting to cross Canada off my travel list. It was one of the best decisions I've ever made because it was GORGEOUS and I had a blast exploring on my own. I love solo traveling because you can get things done efficiently, and take as much or as little time as you want doing whatever you want! This was the kind of weekend that makes my soul happy. Xoxo
Straight off the plane yesterday morning, I took the train to the waterfront, where I caught a free shuttle to Capilano Suspension Bridge (FYI I had my full day's itinerary planned and did tons of research in advance, so I knew when the shuttles were, how to get everywhere, etc). The suspension bridge was so long and the trees so green and the view so stunning! The pictures don't do it justice. The bridge has been open since 1889 and can apparently hold up to 52 elephants. It was much shakier than I thought it would be.
After the suspension bridge I took a different free shuttle back to downtown, where I walked a few miles down to the aquatic center to catch a ferry to Granville Island. The ferry only cost a few bucks and was so easy. Granville Island was the highlight of the trip for me - I was amazed at how many food stalls and produce stands and treats they had. Plus, I ate my lunch consisting of a delicious vegan Thai soup while overlooking the most incredible view of the bridge and downtown Vancouver. It was my idea of happiness :-)
From there I took another ferry to Yaletown, which was full of cute restaurants and shops. Then I walked to Gastown (which reminded me of the Gaslamp in San Diego) - I loved all of the brick buildings and view of the mountains in the background. I was also SO excited to find a little section of hanging umbrellas, which I also saw in Dublin when I was there a few months ago. How strange is that?! By this time my legs were completely dead and my feet killing me, since I had basically walked one big circle around the whole city! But I continued walking back to my hotel which was right by Stanley Park and overlooked Coal Harbour. The rest of the evening I Netflix and chilled in my hotel room and it was FABULOUS!
This morning I got up really early so I could run along the Seawall of Stanley Park which was also a highlight of the trip for me. Not only is 5am my favorite time of day (not even joking) because it is so peaceful and quiet, but to be experiencing it in such a stunning city made it even better. I snapped a few pics while running because I couldn't resist! What a wonderful weekend in one of my new favorite cities.
