Arriving in British Columbia

April 27, 2008 8:40 pm shelleyhood British Columbia, Neighbourhood tour

Last night I arrived in Vancouver British Columbia. The purpose of the trip was to touch base with our local BC writer for a few days then head down to the Okanagan for the BC BIA (Business Improvement Agency) Conference.

Wanting to take full advantage of the trip I am also planning to tour around get familiar with as many Vancouver neighbourhoods as I can while I’m here.

I first visited the town of Ladner (V4K) and took some photos of local shops. My first stop was at London Drugs to get some camera supplies that were left back home. London Drugs is something we don’t have in Ontario - kind of like a cross between a Shoppers Drug Mart and a Mini-Department store. It’s a great spot for one stop shopping.

At lunchtime I headed off for a tour of the fishing village of Steveston (V7E). I have been here a few times and every time it’s pouring rain and this was no exception. When I’ve been here before fishermen have been docked at Fisherman’s Wharf and selling their catch of prawns, salmon and halibut right off the boat. There were no fishing boats out today but it’s still a neat little spot to visit and it was surprisingly busy for a cold, rainy day with no fishermen selling their goods.

I was tempted to have lunch at the local favourite Pajos but I was not brave enough to endure the cold and the rain so we headed indoors for our fish & chips. We ate at Shady Island which is one of a few seafood restaurants to choose from along the water.

In the afternoon we headed into Vancouver. We walked along Main Street on the East side of Vancouver V5T and V5V. What a great area for a young person to live. There are the standard coffee shops, and the staple food markets, and liquor stores but also some interesting shops as well like Urban Source for the creative craftsperson and The Granville Island Toy Company for the kid in everyone.

I really liked the mix and the feel of this neighbourhood. And the rain subsided to a mist for most of our journey so were able to enjoy the stroll.

Tomorrow we’re back to Vancouver for some more tours. I look forward to that, because as many times as I’ve been to Vancouver I’ve never really toured it on foot.