Pajo's Fish & Chips

It was another stellar summer evening, and what better way to spend it than eating fresh fish and chips from Pajo's in Garry Point Park, Steveston. Pajo's serves up halibut, cod or salmon with fries, and if you're not a seafood lover, burgers are also available. Add a little tartar sauce and a squeeze of fresh lemon, and you've got the quintessential taste of summer.
While you're eating, you have a great view of the water, the boats going by, and the sunset.

Stanley Park

Today it was time to head out to the Stanley Park sea wall with Shelby. It was a busy day at the park; the weather was hot and sunny and the scenery speaks for itself. The sea wall is the perfect place for strolling, roller blading, walking your dog, or cycling, not to mention the many photo ops.



After a fairly long walk in the hot sun, Shelby was ready for a rest under one of the many shady trees. It's easy to see why this place is known as the Jewel of Vancouver.

Surrey Fusion Festival

Sunday we headed out to the Fusion Festival in Surrey at Holland Park. There were numerous tents set up selling food from around the world, a free stage with multi-cultural entertainment, as well as arts and crafts for sale.
The food was the real draw; here is a Jamaican smoothie with 5 fruit flavours. Perfect for a hot summer day.
Together with a papusa from Ecuador, and followed by a Romainian chocolate crepe hot off the grill, you have the makings of a divine culinary experience.

Indian Arm Cruise

Today was a perfect weather day to take the luncheon cruise up Indian Arm. We left the harbour at the north end of Denman Street at 11:00 and sailed through the city, past Deep Cove until finally reaching the water-only accessible coastline of Indian Arm.
We pulled in really close to this waterfall and got a bird's eye view. There were also some jellyfish swimming around here.
This shot gives a good idea of the breathtaking scenery and pristine natural beauty of this area.
The lunch buffet (salmon or chicken) was delicious, the service was friendly and efficient, and it was overall a great way to spend a summer afternoon.

Cypress Bowl

It was such a gorgeous night that we decided to drive up to Cypress Bowl view point to watch the sunset. What always amazes me is the juxtaposition of the downtown highrises butted up against the wilderness of Stanley Park. Vancouver is truly a unique city for that reason.

Although my camera doesn't do it justice, the Lion's Gate Bridge is impressive at night with its lights, as well as Canada Place when lit up.

Another fun, low-cost thing to do on a hot summer night, when you just feel like being a tourist in your own city.

Millenium Water Olympic Village

Tonight we took a walk along False Creek past the new Millenium Water Olympic Village. The towers are still under construction, but the bike path and pedestrian walkway are now open. I know there has been a lot of controversy about this project, but it is a very impressive landscape with innovative seating (check out the giant lounge chair!), tons of places to stop and enjoy the view, and a unique bridge. There is also an island habitat that was created to offset the environmental impact of the construction. It's not open yet, but already there are Canada geese living on it. No Starbucks yet but I'm sure that is coming!

Hotdogs for Heritage

Today we visited an architectural salvage sale which was a fundraiser for the Vancouver Heritage Foundation at 1550 Angus Drive in spectacular Shaughnessy. There were doors, windows, lighting fixtures and some memorabilia from the old Woodward's store, along with a silent auction. Entrance was by donation ($10 minimum) with free hotdogs & chips and even a beer garden around back.

Although there wasn't a lot for sale, it was a nice day to take a walk around the neighborhood, and especially interesting to get a glimpse of the beautiful gardens surrounding this character home.

Canada Day on Granville Island

It was a sea of red & white on Granville Island today in the sun. There was face painting, tattoos, street performances, free jazz festival concerts and even a parade.


There were even a couple of hippy Spaniels who got into the act.

It's always good to remind ourselves how lucky we are to live in such a great country. Happy Canada Day!