Walk a Mile In My Shoes
WALK A MILE IN MY SHOES - Great weekly walking ideas from Oldies 650 CISL
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Here's some ideas for the long weekend and the warmer weather.
On Sunday, May 18th, celebrate the 100th anniversary of historic BC. Mills House in Lynn Headwaters Regional Park, North Vancouver. Drop by the house between 10 am and 2 pm to view artifacts that are reminiscent of the North Shore lumber and mining industries over the last 130 years. Volunteers, local experts, park enthusiasts and park staff will be on hand to share information about Lynn Headwaters' natural and cultural history. You can also pick up tips about hiker safety and how to prepare yourself for a backcountry experience. To get to Lynn Headwaters Regional Park from Highway 1, take the Lynn Valley Road exit northbound and follow signs leading to the park. B.C. Mills House is visible from the parking lot. There is a 20-minute walk to B.C. Mills House from the nearest bus stop. The event is presented by BC.. Mills House hosts and Metro Vancouver.
If you live in the Tri Cities maybe this will be the year you try The Traboulay Poco Trail. This route is broken down into six distinct sections: South Pitt River, Colony Farm, Downtown Port Coquitlam, Coquitlam River and Hyde Creek, The Deboville Slough plus the Trans Canada Trail. The most outstanding park of the trail is in the Colony Farm lands. It is full of birds, animals and people walking their dogs. The entire trail route is just over 24 km. I have only done this on bike and it was incredible. Be aware there could be bears in a few places. Signs are posted and sometimes bear droppings will give it away as well. According to the cities website: POCO maintains a total of 266 hectares of parkland and natural areas, as well as park sites, playgrounds, sport fields, tennis courts, sport courts, outdoor pools and the Traboulay PoCo Trail system, along with numerous internal trails. These folks take the outdoors serious. I would suggest you park downtown and walk west into the Coquitlam River portion of the trail. It's up to you to go North or South - just make sure you take along the map though the trail is well marked.
To download a map of the route- go to this website: www.portcoquitlam.ca
Click Discover Port Coquitlam - then PoCo Map- At the bottom of the page is the map for Traboulay Trail.
Here's a couple ideas that you can follow-up here on the internet and your local bookstore:
The 2008 version of Lonely Planet London, The City guide has just been released. If you are considering a trip to England this summer go spend $20.00 on this guidebook. It includes maps that give you extremely spectacular strolls of The West End and an impressive City walk. There's an updated underground map, a chapter on excursions along with a 2008 look at festivals and events. I do suggest that you get an Oyster Pass from London Transport to get around on the underground and Double Decker Buses. To get an overview of the book go to WWW.LONELYPLANET.COM
Back here at home, The Green Club has sent us a rather extensive list of talks and walks. Some of the Nature Vancouver field trips include:
Sunday, April 13 - Seymour River Geology Hike
Saturday, April 19 - Terra Nova
Saturday, April 19 - Jericho Park
Sunday, April 20 - UBC Farm
Sunday, April 20 - Point Roberts Nature Walk
Monday, April 21 - Hike to Mount Gardner on Bowen Island
Saturday, April 26 - DeBoville Slough/Minnekhada RP
Sunday, April 27 - Iona Island
One walk I would like to suggest is something I have written about here online previously.
Friday April 18th - The Terra Nova Nature Hike, 2pm - 3:30pm Join us for a 3km nature hike through the Terra Nova natural area and tour the new Terra Nova Rural Park.
Meet: at the Terra Nova natural areas parking lot at the west end of Westminster Highway, west of No. 1 Rd. Admission is free. More info: 604-718-6188.A SHORT WALK
This is one of the shortest walks I have ever written about here on the CISL Website, but it is just one of those you might want to do for fun or necessity. If you are riding the Skytrain downtown and have some time on your hands, jump off at 29th Ave Skytrain station. Head north over the crosswalk and then east on 29th Ave. You will come across the Renfrew Ravine Sanctuary. This is the home of Still Creek, which, up until the 1940's, was fish dinner for many Vancouverites. There is a marker guiding you along the trail at the east end of the deep ravine. About three blocks into the walk is a Labyrinth, which is a copy of one created some 800 years ago (There is a sign explaining it's origin). To the left is the only land bridge breaking up the Renfrew Ravine plus the option to descend into the gully which is about 2 blocks wide at this point. I am a very good hiker but didn't want to venture it. You can continue northeast as the trail becomes a back alley for a couple blocks and ends up in the 3900 block of Nootka Street. At this point there are two of the most unique pieces of city furniture in Vancouver, benches built of stones and wood with a fish theme. Rest for a moment and look back into the Renfrew Ravine. You need to cross the street at 22nd and Boyd arriving on the North East corner where the trail continues next to the Renfrew Community Centre. The building includes a gym and pool plus a wide array of community rooms and a washroom if you need it. Follow the stairs down into the ravine staying on the east side along the wooden fence where the creek is finally within a few feet of you. Keep moving north and a few minutes later you come across a quiet meadow like section in the middle of our urban jungle. Cross the second bridge and walk about a hundred yards until you end up out of the ravine at 19th and Renfrew Street. At this point, you have 6 blocks of homes to pass mostly built after WWII, as well at St. Jude's Parish at 14th Ave. Just past the church the creek reappears and heads east towards Burnaby. Cross Grandview Highway and Renfrew, over the railway tracks and make a left into the Renfrew Skytrain station. If you held onto your Skytrain ticket, you should be able to continue your trip downtown by heading to the westbound platform and then returning to the Expo Line.WALK THE CANADA LINE CONSTRUCTION LINE
Walk a mile in my shoes. Do a walking tour this spring of the Canada Line construction line. These folks have put together a walking tour that begins at Waterfront Station. You are not met by a guide - it's a self guided tour that heads southbound. There's 20 points of interest that are detailed by signage - Be prepared, this is 6.5 km long. Lots of shops along the way - pit stops like a certain Irish pub at Robson and Granville. What is remarkable is how fast the new Granville Street Skytrain is filling in. This was one monster whole six months ago. Once you leave the Granville Mall area, you come across Yaletown and the construction near the Opus Hotel. This is a posh hotel to stop for a light lunch. Bring your plastic, though, or if it's a weekend go across Pacific Boulevard and try the free samples at Urban Fare. For the full map and details go to www.canadaline.ca/canadalinetours.asp
THE SUN RUN
A 90 MINUTE WALK AND CRUISE WEEKEND
I tried the following twice in October. See if you do the same - park your car somewhere along the Skytrain Line in Burnaby or East Van. Jump on and head downtown all the way to the Waterfront Station. Then brisky walk up the escalator and head north over the overpass to the Seabus and check the clock for the next departure. If you plan ahead (www.translink.bc.ca) you will only wait a couple minutes for the next departure of the 10 minute ferry trip to Lonsdale Quay. Do a quick walkabout of the main level of the Quay and snap a quick picture of Vancouver from the second level. From there, head back and catch the next ferry to Waterfront Station. When you arrive, jump back on the Skytrain to Burrard Station and walk west out of the terminal towards Thurlow Street. Head south to Robson Street - that's the corner of the two Starbucks. Go on, be a yuppie and get a latte, then move west on either side of Robson down the hill to Denman Street. Go South on the west side for some pretty good window Shopping which ends abruptly when English Bay is right in front of you. Smell the ocean air - that's enough - keep moving and head east on Davie Street. This is great for your heart as your going uphill towards Davie Village. This is always a lively street with some of our cities most colourful characters. I dare you to make a five minute pit stop for a glass of cheap draft in one of the pubs. Make a left at Burrard Street, stay on the west side, passing St. Paul's Hospital which will be lite up for the holiday seasons. As you approach the I.G.A. get out that change and use the CITY TV's Speaker's Corner - you only get a minute to spill your beans. Then keep going and cross Robson Street past Tiffany & Co. This is expensive window shopping. Last stop - if you want a double double there's Tim Horton's under the Hyatt Hotel and then it's home from the Burrard Skytrain Station. Now the real test of the 90 minute walk is if you can do this on the same Skytrain ticket you bought 90 minutes ago. A ticket is only good for that long. I did it twice but I did have the change for the return trip. If you do this on a Sunday with your family Translink offers a better deal with their Daypass for the entire family. Check the transit company site for details. Good Luck! FOUR DIFFERENT WALKS IN THE LOWER MAINLAND
WALK #1 In Richmond, the Terra Nova lands and Dyke Walk is well worth a few hours on a fabulous weekend. It is easily accessible at the west-end of Westminster Hwy, and features native plantings, viewing platforms, pathways and a slough. This site provides habitat and food to a variety of wildlife including raptors, herons and migrating birds. The rural park is located in the Northwest corner of the main island of Richmond and provides excellent views of the mountains, Vancouver International Airport, Sturgeon Banks, tidal flats, river and wildlife. I have only walked this a few times and have mountain biked it a few dozen over the years. With the advent of Transit adding bike racks to the service, you could easily bike into Steveston Village and catch a bus back home with your bike(s). The entire West Dyke Trail is 5.5 kms, which has excellent views of the Sturgeon Banks marshes, distant Howe Sound mountains, and the Gulf Islands between Terra Nova and Garry Point Park.
WALK #2 The Fraser River Discovery Centre invites you to join one of their guided walking tours this summer. It is a fully narrated, 45-minute walking tour departing from the Discovery Centre at 788 Quayside in New West every Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday at 1:30 p.m. Tours will set out rain or shine, so participants should come prepared for the weather of the day. No reservations are needed. For information, call 604-521-8401.
WALK #3 The North Vancouver Museum and Archives offers a free walking tour of North Vancouver's waterfront with costumed interpreters in World War II garb, Wednesday to Sunday at 3 p.m. until Sept. 2. Tours depart from the P.G.E. Stations at the foot of Lonsdale Avenue. Info and bookings: 604-990-3700 or barettj@dnv.org.
WALK #4 On Saturdays, the Singles Over 45 Walking Group meets at the old Pitt Meadows Rec Hall parking lot at 9:15 a.m. for walks around dikes and trails in Maple Ridge, Pitt Meadows and other areas. No dogs please. Wear good walking shoes, bring water and maybe a light snack. For more details, call 460-6524
SECRET WALKS OF RICHMOND
A WALK IN STEVESTON
This is the perfect season to spend a couple hours hitting the town of Steveston and the dyke walks leading in and out of it. There's plenty of free parking at Garry Point which leads you directly to the Gulf of Georgia Cannery. Check for times- discounts that are available on this part of British Columbia history. The CBC's Antique Road Show shot three programs here in the spring of '06. At the West end of Moncton street, is the Steveston Hotel with one of the best breakfasts in the village- Someone in the kitchen has great taste in music with CISL on as well. Cruising along Moncton Street eastbound you come across several old time businesses in the town including Steveston Marine & Hardware - Dave's Fish n Chips- Pat's Galley- The Original Post Office and a classic gas station. Much of the street has been seen in a long list of films- made for TV movies and television series like the X Files. At the corner of #1 Road you come across some railway tracks- actually interurban tracks for the commuter rail that ran to Vancouver until 1958. One of the original trams is still located in the town. There's plenty of new development on the former cannery lands including an impressive boardwalk that sends you towards the Britannia Heritage Shipyards. If you hit the right day, some great social events happen at this historic site. After you finish walking through this section of Steveston, head north along the path adjacent to Railway Ave. You will eventually come to Steveston Highway and the home of O'Hares Pub. This true Irish pub has great pints- fabulous service and a gracious host Jack O'Hare- Look for his soccer history on the walls. If Tammy is working ask her where Gerry and Matthew sit- I think I have a reputation.... When you stumble out of the pub, go south west back towards the village. You will note the Japanese flavour of the neighborhood and the local community centre. Now you should consider some shopping with a wide of array of very unique shops from thrift variety to new age. Come back again in the summer with your bike- It is way easier to get around on a sunny summer weekend- There's plenty of places to lock it up and get an ice cream as well. Happy Trails
A WALK IN FALSE CREEK
One of the great spring walks in the Lower Mainland is around False Creek. We begin by crossing South over the Granville Street Bridge, heading towards West 4th Avenue. Stay on the North side of West 4th. One of the city's best DVD and Video stores is just West of Burrard - Videomatica. They have very eclectic tastes. Continuing West, you head uphill into the 1900 block of West 4th. Watch for the Kits dollar store. Generally, it has a lot of wicker baskets out front, and there are two floors of bargains to explore. At the end of the block is Las Margaritas, and if it's a nice day, sit on the patio and have a beverage. If you continue one block further West, you'll find Sophie's Cosmic Cafe, a true 60's diner! The look and memorabilia is right out of the hippy days. Head North on Arbutus street, down the hill to Kits Beach. There are two outstanding pieces of art, both Vietnamese, worth getting a cheesy photo-op with. Head around the point to Vanier Park. In the centre of the park is a piece of artwork called "Figure in Circle x3" from German sculpteur Marcus Schaller. Continue your walk passed the Planetarium and head towards Granville Island. If you are there on the right day, you can buy the most incredible shrimp and other fresh seafood from the Pacific Ocean at the Government Wharf. Entering Granville Island, there are a couple of over-looked best bets:
- The tour of the Granville Island Brewery with it's free sampling.
- The matinee shows from the three theatre groups tend to be cheaper than the evening performances.
A WALK IN NEW WESTMINSTER
The great thing about a walk in New Westminster is the character of the Royal City and the characters you run into. This walk, which is highly suggested for a weekend afternoon, should start at the Columbia Street Skytrain Station at 4th and Columbia. Head down to Front Street from the parkade stairway and check out Antique Alley. Here you'll probably find a half dozen stores of classic furniture and memorabilia; the street has seen better days with a lot less merchants. The world saw this street disguised as a futuristic Tokyo in the Will Smith Film I Robot back in 2004.
After you've had your dose of nostalgia, cut across the triple layer of railway tracks and head onto the promenade of New West Quay. Here you can grab a photo in front of the world's tallest Toy Soldier before hitting the market. This market is much smaller than most in the lower mainland but it's easier to get service and it offers some unique tastes for the palate. If you are looking for lunch, there's a choice of a traditional Keg in the old Train station across from the market or the Keg's Boathouse a block further southwest. They have a killer brunch buffet that will need to be walked off immediately. With that said, continue along the boardwalk next to the mighty Fraser River. You will pass through a children's play area that includes a submarine. This sub was part of Expo 86's transportation theme. From there, head under the railway bridge to Queensborough and into the Quays residential district. The garden beds on both sides of the walkway are well groomed, and, depending on the time of year, they are a joy for any gardener to gaze at. The boardwalk ends abruptly as construction continues on the rest of the waterfront of New West. Head back the same way towards old New West and pay attention to the reproduction classic West End homes across the river. This part of the Queen City is a hidden gem that you can explore for yourself as part of a biking trip some summer day. Finish your walk with a stroll up 8th Ave from Columbia past some shady characters that congregate. End your trip at the former Eatons store, now an Army and Navy. It really oozes that sixties feel of the three floors. That's our look at the Royal City.
A WALK THROUGH UBC
In winter a walk at Wreck Beach or the trails of the endowment lands might be a bit cold and damp.
Try this: The Museum of Anthropology at UBC at 6393 N.W. Marine Drive. is Architect Arthur Erickson’s massive building created in the 1970s. Under its roof, First Nations cultural treasures from around the world invite you to slowly browse the exhibits in a good hour long walk. More than 30 totem poles and sculptures in the Great Hall and the outdoor exhibition space tell fascinating stories of the Native people. In the rotunda, Bill Reid’s wooden masterwork “The Raven and the First Men” is surrounded by examples of his jewellery that marry Haida traditions with contemporary beauty. After a good dose of culture, walk over to The UBC Aquatic Centre at 6121 University Blvd. With an indoor pool, jacuzzi, saunas and steam rooms, this centre is open to the public. The après-culture experience is bound to be vigorous but relaxing, even when the February winds whistle across campus. Parking can be expensive (read the signs carefully and bring lots of change), but transit is great on the campus.
A WALK IN MAPLE RIDGE AND PITT MEADOWS
Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows offer exceptional outdoor venues for walking. The Parks and Leisure Services have a booklet that will let you find out. The two communities have about 73 different parks. Such things as maps of 28 exceptional walking routes and a complete municipal parks listing and map. You can buy one for $5.00 per copy from the Pitt Meadows Family Recreation Centre and the Maple Ridge Leisure Centre. The maps are also posted on the Parks and Leisure website, where residents and visitors can access them at no cost. www.mapleridge.org or www.pittmeadows.bc.ca.
A WALK AROUND SASAMAT LAKE
Sasamat Outdoor Centre is offering a weekend program for families seeking a fun-filled winter getaway. The centre’s waterfront will be available for canoeing and boating on Sasamat Lake, which is stocked with trout for fishing. Campers can enjoy a winter walk on one of the nearby hiking trails or explore the beach at Belcarra Park. All facilities are modern and all accommodation is heated. The getaways run Feb. 16 to 18, from 7 p.m. Friday to 2:30 p.m. Sunday. Cost for adults and children six years and older is $78 per person; for kids five years and younger, it’s $55 (Camperships are available for families requiring financial assistance). To register for the February family camp, call 604-939-2268 or email info@sasamat.org. The camp is accredited with the B.C. Camping Association.
A WALK DOWN MAIN STREET
Park your car anywhere for free along meterless antique road Main Street for a fabulous nostalgic afternoon in South Vancouver. It's best to start at 29th and Main and head north on the east side. Odd Stuff Two is a spot that propmasters for movies come to, and a block north at 28th check out Second Time Around for all the wooden antiques. You will encounter a half dozen major antique and used furniture stores in this stretch. Between browsing, there are some of the best coffee shops and pubs such as The Reef, Locus Restaurant, Bean Around the World and Helen's Grill. North of King Edward, you can find many ladies clothing stores - both new and used. If you are looking for unusual gifts, don't miss Bakers' Dozen. Then go across the street and head back south and pop into Neptoon Records on the west side of Main Street. Check out their awesome used CDs and the fabulous poster collections they have for sale. Next door is Birkeland Bros. Wool - If you want to make your own comforter this place will custom build it to your warm desires. The G.W.E.V. store is a total surprize along the street with it's solution to global warming. The Crave Restraurant with the former Chef of The Four Seasons is the hottest location on the stroll. Want a great cup of Joe? Saltspring Coffee Company is cozy at 27th and Main. A hundred feet west of Main on 28th is Solly's Bakery and Deli - If you do this walk in June on the right day, you could be going to the Canadians Game at Nat Bailey's by heading west at 30th and Main to Ontario Street. A great walk, a great game and some great deals.
A WALK DOWN COMMERCIAL DRIVE
This is the only true street in the city that actually reflects it's name. There is a great array of stores, restaurants and ethnic diversity to keep the eyes wandering for a couple hours. Start your trip on Skytrain and save the trouble on finding a parking spot. Head north from the Broadway station which has two of the cities only independent movie theatres surrounding it. Pass the classic Legion, Bowling Alley and the first hint of Little Italy. Once you cross First Ave stick to the east side of the street - the best coffee shoppes/Italian spumoni and spaghetti cafes. At 1212 Commercial you don't need to show your passport to cross into Cuba at Habana, the Restaurant and Art Gallery. If you go in, see if they have any Cuban Beer. If your still strolling and want to go Quebecois, then it's Frenchie's for the best Montreal Smoked meat on the street. It's even set up like an oldies diner. At some point cross to the west side of Commercial and head back south. If you need a pit stop The Grandview Community Centre is hidden a half block west for the shoppes. There's several Portuguese restaurants and pool halls along the walk but nothing more classic than Joe's - don't be shy if you go in - there's a million stories in the naked city and this is a good place to start and finish your walk.
A WALK ALONG THE FRASER RIVER
Try the New walking and biking path opened up from Boundary Road to Kerr on the shores of the Fraser River - The empty land adjacent to the trail is the new home of some 10,000 residents in the next dozen years or so- See it before it's built- There's a few outstanding view spots of the Mighty Fraser River looking towards the Knight Street Bridge and eastward Mount Baker some 84 miles away.
A WALK IN COAL HARBOR
The reconstruction continues on Vancouver's Coal Harbor - Walk west from the Waterfront Skytrain Station- stop in at the Vancouver Tourism storefront - The Half price Show Tickets office is located there for deals on plays - theatre and whatever- Then head west past the construction of the New Convention Centre. The Shaw tower promenade has an incredible view - it's the same one you see Fanny Keifer in front of on her Cable 4 Show - 1 block west you head into the cities newest park with a panoramic vista of Stanley Park. Then you will pass several new condo towers and The Bayshore Hotel. Walk on the north side of the hotel - the shoreline has some of the cities most expensive yachts moored there - There's a small coffee shop at the north foot of Denman.which makes for a great pit stop. Depending on the weather- hit the seawall or head under the trees to Beaver Lake in the centre of the park- If you are not that adventurous, the Stanley Park bus loop was moved next to the Kids Zoo a few years ago and is very central to many attractions.
A WALK THROUGH PACIFIC CENTRE MALL
How to get your walkies on a wet day downtown and stay dry - Arriving by skytrain - stay underground through the Bay store - pass under Granville into Pacific Centre Mall - do all the levels you like - Did you know you can walk as far as Pender or Robson without hitting the elements of the h20 - If you've got your rain gear on- then head out across the Georgia Street entrance westbound for the HSBC Main Branch - head in and see what's on display - Puddle jump across the street to The Hotel Vancouver lobby - a great bar- a nice restroom - then see what's new in movies and music at HMV next door - Now it gets tricky- A fair bit of Robson Street is covered- but you have several great stores to brouse in - 2 Starbucks and a the Daniel Le Chocolate Belge Store on the North side at Thurlow. The London Drugs is always a good turning around stop especially if you need a few things. There's a great hour walk downtown this winter in Vancouver.
A WALK IN BURNABY'S CENTRAL PARK
The Terry Fox 5 km walking trail - This is located in Burnaby's Central Park. It is marked with sign posts at every corner of the scenic walk or for that mater bike route - The staring area is adjacent to Swanguard Stadium so if you are driving park your car at the Kingsway lot. The trail takes your past the parks two ponds, 100 plus year Cedars .At the 2.6 k mark you will be among the tallest trees in the lower mainland. Don't forget to take along some peanuts for both the squirrels and the chipmunks. They are very friendly and smarter than the average bear. As you finish your walk - two historic points of view - The Variety Kids Park - now 20 years old and recently renovated was officially opened by Princess Diana and Prince Charles in 1986 - The original stone entrance to the Kingsway Parking lot is somewhat small because it was meant for Model T's and Horse and buggies. At one time there was camping allowed in the western half of the park for tourists holidaying.
Check out all the great shows coming to town (or at least within driving distance!)
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