Relaxing Before and After Cruise Activities in Vancouver

Cruise ships docked and leaving Canada Place | Image: Vancouver Fraser Port Authority

It is officially cruise ship season in Vancouver! Before or after your cruise, you may have some time to explore the city, but want to relax and not stray too far. And if you’re just coming off your cruise, you’ll want to shake off those sea legs. As one of the most cruise passenger-friendly cruise terminals in the world, we’ve got you covered!

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Relaxing Before and After Cruise Activities in Vancouver

Surrey Nature Centre – Gateway to Urban Wilderness

Nature Exploration Photo: C. Gillespie

Nature may be the last thing that comes to mind when you think of Surrey’s City Centre, yet nestled on the northern edge of the Fraser Highway lies a natural oasis known as Green Timbers Urban Forest.  I have a penchant for nature, and when time limits my ability to travel to the mountains, nothing thrills me more than exploring an urban forest. Featuring over 10 kilometres of nature trails, a lake, meadows, and countless wildlife viewing opportunities, Green Timbers does not disappoint! Once a destination for tourists in search of old growth trees, Green Timbers is considered the birthplace of reforestation in British Columbia and certainly one of Surrey’s natural gems.

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Surrey Nature Centre – Gateway to Urban Wilderness

Rock Legends

Siwash Rock Sunset Photo: Rob Weiss

From the Commodore Ballroom to Empire Stadium and Rogers Arena, Vancouver has a rich and colourful rock history. Bands like U2, The Rolling Stones, The Beatles, David Bowie, Nirvana, KISS and the Police have played our city, yet for those who like to venture outside, there are two headliners that always sell out!   Like their musical counterparts, Siwash Rock and White Rock are true rock legends!

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Rock Legends

A Moment of Zen – Vancouver’s Fraser River Park

Fraser River Park Walking Trails Photo: Rob Weiss

Overcome by the hustle and bustle, the festivities, the galas and the glitz we sometimes forget to simply relax and breathe.  Often, during the festive season, I find myself craving quiet, outdoor moments to bring balance to my days.  Fortunately, Vancouver is home to a wide variety of wonderful parks, gardens and of course spectacular beaches.  From intimate neighbourhood green spaces to larger, feature destinations like Stanley Park or Queen Elizabeth Park, our city has much to offer.  In fact, park space makes up 11% of Vancouver’s land mass, so you do not need to look far to find for your moment of Zen.

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A Moment of Zen – Vancouver’s Fraser River Park

Marvelous Murals – Vancouver’s Answer to Dreary Days

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Photo: Rob Weiss

Looking for the perfect cure for the rainy day blues?  Look no further than historic Mount Pleasant.  Known for heritage buildings, funky shops, cafes and eateries, Mount Pleasant is also home to a thriving art scene.  Recently, while strolling the bustling streets of the Mount Pleasant area, I was struck by the size and scope of the outdoor murals.  Imagine, talented artists turning blank building walls into spectacular art installations.  Accessible, public art, many pieces thought provoking and some works simply pure, clean fun.

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Marvelous Murals – Vancouver’s Answer to Dreary Days

Turtle Power! Burnaby Lake Style

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Cricket comes alive on the sports fields Photo: Rob Weiss

How far would you venture to discover Western Painted Turtles, a stunning wildlife sanctuary, a nature house, a cricket match, an equestrian centre, a rowing pavilion, miles of nature trails and a butterfly garden?  Rest assured, you do not have to travel far!  To my delight, Burnaby Lake Regional Park has it all.  Located in the heart of Burnaby, adjacent to the busy Trans Canada highway, lies a natural oasis and sports haven.

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Turtle Power! Burnaby Lake Style

Exit the Fast Lane – Stroll Through Colony Farm

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Millenium Bridge, Colony Farm Photo: Rob Weiss

Sometimes the best surprises lie right beneath your nose. Colony Farm Regional Park is one of those surprises. What comes to mind when you visualize the Port Mann Bridge, Cape Horn Exchange and Lougheed Highway? I suspect your blood pressure is rising and you are thinking of tolls and Monday morning rush hour traffic congestion. I challenge you to reimagine the area! Slow down, take time out of your hectic schedule and follow the signs to Colony Farm. Within minutes, you will find yourself in the middle of hedgerows, open fields and wetlands.

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Exit the Fast Lane – Stroll Through Colony Farm