Day 3 Whistler

After the lovely sunshine of yesterday today's forecast was for cloud and rain. Still getting accustomed to the time change we were up earlyish and decided we'd quickly get dressed and out to see if we could get the gondola up Blackcomb mountain before the rain really started. We finished of the remaining croissants from yesterday and headed out at about ten to 9. Their was already rain in the air as we made our way from the building, past the swimming pool to the edge of the Blackcomb gondola slope. A young boy was stood on the grass very excitedly pointing up the hill saying "look, look, can you see it". Just a little way up the slope you could see a bear rummaging on the grass directly beneath the gondolas. 

We stopped to watch for a few minutes before heading down to the village. Looking at the info at the gondola station revealed it didn't open til 10, I think we were a little early for Whistler!! The top of the mountain was shrouded in cloud and we decided if the weather wasn't going to lift there was probably little point venturing up there in the rain. Also the peak to peak gondolas aren't running til the weekend, which would have even one of the attractions here, although we were both a bit apprehensive. 

We had a quick wander round the nearby shops, most of which were shut, the exception being the cycle hire shop lining all their bikes up outside. We decided to head back to the apartment for coffee. Had a chat with both the kids on WhatsApp before deciding to brave the rain and go for a walk to Lost Lake.  

We walked through North Village and joined one of the walkways towards the lake. Its not a huge lake only a couple of kilometers around it. There were a few other walkers around but it felt so peaceful, hard to believe we weren't that far away from the village. We walked in total around two hours admiring the towering trees, the lake and the mountains, some with their tops in the cloud, others with their snowy caps shining in sunlight.  Lovely place to spend a couple of hours even with the unsettled weather.

We decided too late that this might have been a nice place to hire bikes, especially electric ones, to explore, we think we might do this in Banff if time allows. 

We were a little shattered by the time we walked back up the hill to The Aspens, so we had a little time relaxing while we decided what to do next. We had forgotten to pick up teabags at the supermarket yesterday so decided to drive to the Creekside market shop. Again, easily distracted, we wandered the aisles checking out all the things we recognised and all those we didn't, like the variety of mushrooms including Lions mane which we had recently heard about on Clarkson's Farm but never seen before! We found a box of Yorkshire teabags, then grabbed a meat sub roll, a sausage roll and a pot of mixed Melon pieces.

Keith decided his legs had had enough walking today so we drove north slightly to Green Lake admiring the mountain views, I don't think we will tire of seeing snow capped mountains round nearly every turn! 

We decided to shower before heading out for dinner. My hair had certainly not coped very well with the earlier rain showers.  

The plan had been to go to The Keg. Unfortunately when we got there it looked closed so our second option was Earls, recommended by the apartment owner, but they had a long wait list so we headed back to the Brewhouse from last night. Keith had chicken and ribs while I had steak and chips.

We slowly walked back up the hill full and tired. Tomorrow we pack up and head towards the Rockies with an overnight stop at Clearwater. 

Keith's step count today was 17700

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Day 2 Vancouver to Whistler

As expected we had a broken night due to time shifts and possibly to much beer and not enough water yesterday evening! We eventually woke about 7.  

We got ready and repacked the suitcases while having a coffee and then headed out to the car. Keith had been doing some investigating on Dodge Durango's and was keen to lift the bonnet to see what size engine it had. A 5.7 litre v8 monster lurked beneath! This is quite a high end motor for a rental! 

We were unsure what to do for breakfast this morning, restaurant onsite did a reasonable looking breakfast but in the end we decided to head to the local supermarket. We got easily distracted looking at all the lovely fresh produce, fruit and veg, salads and deli meats not forgetting the live lobsters and crabs. 

We eventually got ourselves organised and loaded the basket with orange juice, croissants, cheese and their version of corned beef. We also collected some cakes, crisps (Lays, of course) and some sweets. 

Our plan was originally to head to Capilano Suspension Bridge but after a bit of discussion we decided instead on the small, and free, Lynn Canyon suspension bridge. A lovely drive through suburban North Vancouver had Keith wondering if we could move there! A fairly quiet carpark greeted us and after paying for the car parking we sat and ate our croissants with orange juice.

Fuelled we donned walking boots and headed off to find the bridge. Not difficult as it was literally 5 mins walk away. After walking across the bridge we continued on the path through the trees alongside the river. We weren't alone but it still felt so peaceful and beautiful. Unfortunately the other bridge is being refurbished so we retraced our steps back through the woods and over the suspension bridge. 

Back in the car we checked directions for the main highway to whistler, and then set the audio guide I'd bought. This worked brilliantly, giving lots of info about local area history including lots of talk about past Olympics in the area. We were soon wowing at the scenery around every corner. The sea/inlet and the islands to the snow covered mountains in the distance framed by tall pine trees. We reckon driving this road alone is worth the trip!  Unfortunately no photos here.

The audio guide also suggested stop points, short ones (perfect for us) or longer ones if you have more time and want to hike. First suggested stop was Shannon Falls. We had only just started walking along the path when suddenly the top of the falls was visible over the tree line. A very short walk brought us to a viewing area to see the whole 335ft of waterfall cascading over the rocks. Stunning. 

Back in the car and a very short drive, just a few hundred metres, brought us to the Sea to Sky Gondolas. After fiddling with the parking app, we found the ticket office (adult tickets approx $75cad each). With no queue for gondolas we were quickly in and on our way! We had the 8 seat gondola to ourselves. I faced outwards while Keith chose to face the mountain, we weren't sure sitting together on one side was safe. Have to say, I was pretty nervous going up! And up and up! Journey takes around 11 minutes. Wow, what views. Desperate for a drink we headed first into the cafe for a latte plus a huge warm cinnamon bun to share! We were lucky to find an empty table outside looking out at the view. We were surprised how warm it was up there, t-shirts were plenty warm enough. We finished our coffees and headed for the suspension bridge. Yep another, slightly longer this time. Another viewing platform to admire the views and we decided to walk back across the bridge. A short stop in the gift shop, fridge magnet purchased! And then we headed back to the gondolas for the ride back down. We opted for a private one so had a short wait but worth it. We both faced outwards going back down, getting braver. An awesome experience and once we'd done it decided it was well worth the price.

We travelled on towards Whistler with one more stop just before we got to the town, another waterfall suggested by the audio guide. Another short easy walk of about 10 mins brought us to a viewpoint for brandywine falls. Smaller than Shannon falls but also different in its formation.  

Once in Whistler we followed the instructions to our accommodation at The Aspens. We have a one bed apartment for 2 nights here. First thing was a cup of tea, enjoyed on the balcony.  

After a rest we decided to take a walk into the village area. Whistler village centre is pedestrianised and there are pathways from our apartment block down to the village, takes about 15 mins). We walked through the village and decided to have dinner at The Brewhouse. I ordered beef and mushroom pasta stroganoff and Keith had a beef and blue pizza. Both were really lovely, with Keith claiming it to be the best pizza he'd ever eaten (he's not really a pizza lover but this really hit the spot). We'd also order a couple of local beers, Keith's was abrown ale that looked like a light stout and I had passionfruit flavoured lager. We chose to sit outside which was lovely and was just starting to get a little chilly by the time we'd finished eating.

Full, we wandered back, uphill, to the apartment.  

What a day, the scenery has so impressed us. The air feels clean and crisp. We have been so lucky with the weather today, glorious sunshine (unfortunately due to change for at least the next couple of days). We have walked a fair amount and eaten well. Hopefully all that fresh air will help us sleep tonight. 

Keith's step count today showed just under 18000

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Day 1 Travel Heathrow to Vancouver

Woke at 7ish and after showers and dressing had a quick cereal breakfast before finishing off the cases.  Taxi arrived at 10.15 and we had no traffic on our trip to Heathrow Terminal 2  Bags deposited we were also lucky with not much of a queue for security. Once through we decided to have a second breakfast at the perfectionist cafe.  We had a breakfast bap and latte each which was really good but ... not happy about the charges they include at bill time, a £1.50 per meal cover and a £4.50 service charge, total £43.50 sounds steep for what we had!

By the time we had finished breakfast our boarding gate was showing, Gate B42, which meant we had a long walk to reach it.  Boarding was swift and the flight left slightly late but was relatively uneventful once confusion over seat swappers was sorted (not us thankfully!). We were seated near the back of the plane as the last 3 rows have pairs instead of three's which give a little more elbow room and no strangers sharing your row!  Meal, we both chose was the teriyaki chicken, rice and veg, cucumber salad, roll, cheese and lemon cake, plus some red wine.  All OK apart from the veg! We had a snack of Apple waffle with tea and then about an hour before landing we both had a coconut chicken pastry, again not too bad.  Keith watched a film and some Disney documentaries, whilst I read for most of the flight but did watch a couple of the Disney programmes as well.  We did hit a bit of turbulence on and off throughout the flight but nothing severe.

Coming into Vancouver over the Rockies was spectacular in the afternoon sunshine with snow still on the tops of the mountains.

We landed about 4.30pm local time and being at the back of the plane we waited patiently before it was finally our turn to go.  Security and customs was amazing here. Loads of electronic gates for security which I assume checked our visas (eta) and took our photos, very efficient and simple process. Once done it issues a ticket that you hand in later anfter bag collection.  We waited a while for our cases on the carousel but once done we were soon heading out of the airport to a warm afternoon, around 18 degrees.  We followed the signs to car rentals, Avis was the first office in the garage.  Being a preferred member meant Keith skipped the main queue and we soon had the keys to a Dodge Durango.  Its huge! Brand new with less than 500 miles on the cllck, leather with lots of toys and gizmos!  Happy hubby. We had booked a Ford edge or similar, this must have been a free upgrade. Was nice that there was no issues with 'upselling' by the hire company, much appreciated after a long flight.

Heading out of the garage we hit Vancouver traffic at rush hour. The sat nav zig zagged us across the city to the Holiday Inn at North Vancouver. It took us an hour to do 11 miles but the scenery looking at the mountains was amazing.  

Only one night here.  After the long day we decided to pop to the hotels pub/grill for dinner. 10 salt and pepper chicken wings to share, Keith had chicken burger with fries, I had beef tacos with ceasar salad, all washed down with some Budweiser. 

Now ready for an early night, Keith is already snoring! 

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Pre-Trip - Vancouver to the Mountains! 2024

Just the two of us!  This is a trip we have looked forward to for many years, a bucket list trip that we always planned to get around to once hubby retired. We had originally had everything booked for June 2020 (thanks Covid), and it has taken us a while to feel ready to re-book it.  This time however all our accommodation bookings are different, and we have also reversed the direction from our 2020 plans now doing Whistler first rather than last. 

We have been booking parts of this holiday over the last 4-5 months, watching flight prices and car hire as well as hunting for accommodation and researching the places we really wanted to see. Have purchased GyPsy Guide bundle $34CAD to help us find those fab views etc.

Prices are quite a bit higher this time than our 2020 bookings! We have also decided life is too short so have treated ourselves to places with better locations and/or better views than originally planned for example an apartment in Jasper rather than hotel outside of town and Emerald Lake Lodge.  This is an upgrade to the room we had booked at Deer Lodge, Lake Louise in 2020, we would have booked this again, but they were not available at all this year due to refurbishment and now being used as temporary staff accommodation for the nearby ski resort which suffered a fire recently.  At Emerald Lake we have a 1 bed suite with Lake view booked – very excited about this one.

We have not used AirBnB before but there was very little available in hotels etc in places like Jasper/Banff, such is the demand I just couldn’t find available hotels except stupidly high priced, so we had to look at alternatives.  Canmore also seemed a better option than the pricier Banff.

We are not interested in Vancouver itself or Vancouver Island at this point so have not included these.

The plan is now fixed as follows (have included approx. prices for info) :

Air Canada Flights: Heathrow – Vancouver - Economy Direct x 2 (£1575)

Car – Standard SUV, Avis (£570)

 

Vancouver – 1 night, Holiday Inn in North Vancouver (Booked with IHG Points)

Whistler – 2 nights, “The Aspens” Slope Side Condo booked with VRBO (£330)

Clearwater – 1 night, Choice Hotel (£200)

Jasper – 3 nights, Airbnb apartment in Jasper (£826)

Emerald Lake – 1 night, 1 bedroom Emerald Suite at Emerald Lake Lodge (£420)

Canmore – 3 nights, Airbnb Condo with mountain views (£827)

Revelstoke – 1 night, Best Western (£140)

West Kelowna – 1 night, AirBnB Apartment with views of lake and town (£187)

Harrison Hot Springs – 1 night, Lodge on Harrison Lake with lake views (£164)

Flights Vancouver - Heathrow

Hotel costs (£3100)

Driving - Will be in excess of 1275 miles, which will be the minimum according to Google Maps.

 

Things we are hoping to do:

Obviously, lots of viewpoints and walks/hikes of the famous sights incl. Lake Louise, Maligne Canyon & Lake, Icefield Parkway etc. 

Lake Louise shuttle – booked on release day, currently 4.30pm, depending on weather nearer the time might look when they release the rest (I think the day before) to see if something earlier available.

Have booked Athabasca Glacier trip and skywalk for the day we travel from Jasper to Emerald Lake (11.45am).

Maligne Lake currently showing no availability for boat trip to Spirit Island on the 3 days we are in Jasper, will maybe see if they have something nearer the time. (Took our eye off the ball and didn’t look to book early enough).

Pipeline coaster – either the new one at Golden or the one at Revelstoke

Also hoping for lots of animal sightings (bears etc will be a big bonus!)

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Sea World San Diego

Sea World today! We got ourselves ready and headed to the park just after opening at 10am. Ready for some coasters we headed for Emperor, a dive coaster, no queues, which we all loved.  

Next up was artic rescue a three launch smallish coaster which was fun to ride. Leaving the ride you are in with beluga, harbour seals and walruses.  Next up was manta, a mac multi launch which we rode a couple of times.  

Our first show of the day, sealions Clyde and Seamore and the otter, Opi. After the show, we stopped for a snack of loaded fries.  

Electric Eel was the next coaster, another launched coaster.  Keith and Stephen went first and came off giving vibes that I wasn't going to enjoy it with its twisty compact track andslow hang at the top! With trepidation sarah and I set off! Very fast back and forwards through the station before climbing the loop, twisting as we went. I loved it! Got off and Keith jokingly said, going again?  Oh yeah! He and Stephen were both shocked. 

The kids went on journey to Atlantis and didnt get too wet, before we re rode emperor. 

We also watched the dolphin show and the Orca show.

We also today made time to see the flamingoes, Shark encounter, turtle reef, penguins and otters.

Weather has been much more "doable" today, started cool and cloudy, then the cloud lifted and we had some sunshine before the clouds built a bit again and took the edge off the heat.  Still managed to catch the sun!

Good day all round but achy feet again!

A look around the shops before we headed out.  we might be back in the morning for a couple of extra rides and some shopping when are feet are recovered!!

Back at the house we had a couple of hours to relax before we went out for dinner.  Choice tonight was Phil's bbq. Soo much food! We had a family meal which included full rack of ribs, whole chicken, sausage links plus sides of fries and coleslaw, also came with a garden salad, corn bread with maple butter and 6 cookies!