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Walk around Granville Island to Kitsilano Beach Pool
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A Vancouver Destination Walk
Delight your senses during a waterfront stroll from
Granville Island , North
America's "Best Neighbourhood" to
Kitsilano Vancouver's most popular
summer hot spot.
Passing through noteworthy public parks this 3.4 km (or 6819 step) seawall walk
travels by several tourist Attractions, and is a must for anyone looking to
actively enjoy the sights and sounds of Vancouver, BC.
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Granville Island has successfully transformed itself from an industrial park to
a thriving marketplace and entertainment destination. In 2004, Granville Island
was named the "Best Neighbourhood in North America" by Project for Public
Spaces, a New York-based non profit agency. Your walk will start at this famous
gathering spot which draws 10.5 million visitors each year.
Granville Island Public Market is home to vendors selling fresh seafood, fruit,
vegetables, baked treats, and other prepared delights, and is an excellent place
to fuel up before starting your walk to Kitsilano Beach. As you set out along
the seawall behind the market you will view steady marine traffic. The public
sea busses, busily delivering passengers to and from several destinations, and
kayakers out for a paddle will be cruising the Inlet alongside powerboats and
yachts. There is lots of space and great views of all the excitement from the
tree-lined walkway.
As you pass under the Burrard Street Bridge you will pass the City owned Burrard
Civic Marina, and come to
Vanier Park . Poised at the edge of
English Bay, this
park boasts wonderful views of
Downtown Vancouver and
Stanley Park . Open fields,
studded with tranquil ponds, and a wide multi-use pathway complement the
outstanding waterfront experience in Vanier Park. Large tents can often be seen
here as this park hosts annual events including: The
Children's Festival and
Bard on the Beach.
As you continue along the seawall you will round in behind a distinctive
building resembling the hats of the Haida people. This is the
H.R. MacMillan Space
Centre , which opened its doors in 1968, and has since become one of the
most recognizable structures in Vancouver, BC. Visitors can learn about Space and
the night sky through the Planetarium shows, live demonstrations, and
interactive exhibit gallery.
As the pathway leads away from the water's edge, you will enter Hadden Park.
Here you will notice the
Vancouver
Maritime Museum . This historical building
interprets the story of Vancouver as Canada's great Pacific port and our links
with the Pacific Rim. The Museum is the premier place to learn about maritime
history, art, culture and technology, through programs and exhibitions.
As you round the point and begin to travel southwest you will find Kitsilano
Beach, a happening place year round, with gorgeous sunset views out to UBC and
all the way across to Stanley Park. The contours of the North Shore Mountains
come to life with a dusting of snow, and freighters seem larger than life from
this vantage point. Vancouver's most popular beach park boasts clean sand
beaches, the fantastic Watermark restaurant, and grass areas perfect for
throwing a Frisbee or relaxing in the sun. There are tennis, basketball, and
volleyball courts, an outdoor pool, and a water spray park to help people of all
ages and abilities get active.
The final aspect of this walk loops around Vancouver's largest draw and fill
salt water swimming pool. Kitsilano
Swimming Pool was opened at the water's edge in 1931
and became an instant success. Replaced in 1979, the heated outdoor pool
glistens beautifully in the sunlight and has the distinction of being Canada's
longest outdoor pool at 137m in length. The street side of the pool has a façade
reflecting the area's maritime history and is called the
Kitsilano Showboat
stage , and is complete with a small amphitheatre. It is the perfect place to
relax after your walk and catch a community performance, or enjoy a delicious
treat from a nearby Concession Stand. |
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