Siwash Rock, Stanley Park

Siwash Rock is one of the more interesting sites along the trail that encircles Stanley Park. It was created by volcanic activity millions of years ago, when magma was forced upwards. Over time, the surrounding rock weathered away leaving this unique stack. Many stop to marvel at the tree growing at the top of the rock in what is a most unlikely spot for such a plant to take root. The Kitsilano peninsula is in the background.

There is something special about the air down by the water. When you walk or ride your bike along the seawall and make the turn under the Lions Gate bridge heading west, if you are fortunate enough to do so with the incoming tide and a breeze on your face, then you get the full aroma of good clean ocean air with salt and mussels and seaweed in the wind.

Canada Place on a summer weekend

Cruise ships at the dock at Canada Place in Vancouver. During the summer months, ships depart from here for trips north to Alaska. In the background on the left is Princess Cruises' Coral Princess, with the distinctive logo on the funnel of a woman's hair blowing in the wind. On the right is the Holland America Line ship, Zuiderdam. The large sail structures on the pier are decorative elements that distinguish this Vancouver welcome centre and harbour attraction.

De Havilland Twin Otter seaplane

West Coast Air offers many regional flights out of Vancouver's Coal Harbour. The company's largest plane is the deHavilland Canada DHC-6 Twin Otter. These distinguished seaplanes fly year-round to various destinations on Vancouver Island and the Sunshine Coast.

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