Jan. 21 - From the mountains to the sea

It was time to say goodbye to Mike - who stayed behind for work in Whistler - and head south with the "children" to Vancouver. 
The driving was super wet, and overclouded, but we still could appreciate the stunning beauty of the massive rocks! 

We stopped in Squamish for breakfast as the rain give us a break.

The first visit of the day was suppose to beat the Grouse Mountain, in North Vancouver, but we decided to cancel it because of the poor visibility. The idea was to get the gondola up and appreciate an aerial view of Vancouver, the ocean and the mountains around it, but it wasn't possible today. 

Still, we took a family picture to prove we were here!

The gondola takes visitors and skiers up the mountain. There were lots of little kids going up the hill, which made me wondered if this is the learning place for the little ones - only a 25 minute drive from downtown Vancouver - before they adventure in the taller mountains, in Whistler and area.

Vancouver down there in a moment of clarity.

FROM WIKIPEDIA: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grouse_Mountain

Grouse Mountain is one of the North Shore Mountains of the Pacific Ranges in the District Municipality of North Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. With a maximum elevation of over 1,200m (4,100ft) at its peak, the mountain is the site of an alpine ski area, Grouse Mountain Resort, which overlooks Metro Vancouver and has four chairlifts servicing 33 runs. In the summer, Grouse Mountain Resort features lumberjack shows, the "Birds in Motion" birds of prey demonstration, a chairlift ride, disc golf, mountain biking, zip lining, tandem paragliding, helicopter tours, and guided ecowalks. Year-round operations include a 100-seat mountaintop theatre and a wildlife refuge. The mountain operates two aerial tramways, known officially as the Skyride. The Blue Skyride is used mainly for freight transportation, while public access to the mountain top is provided by the Swiss-built Garaventa Red Skyride, which has a maximum capacity of 101 passengers (98 + 1 operator in summer). Summer access is also provided by the 2.9 kilometre Grouse Grind hiking trail, which is open for hiking from May to October. Similar to the nearby Capilano Suspension bridge, Grouse Mountain can be accessed via a free, regular shuttle bus that runs from 'Canada Place' in downtown Vancouver.

The Lions Gate Bridge.

FROM WIKIPEDIA: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lions_Gate_Bridge

The Lions Gate Bridge, opened in 1938 and officially known as the First Narrows Bridge, is a suspension bridge that crosses the first narrows of Burrard Inlet and connects the City of Vancouver, British Columbia, to the North Shore municipalities of the District of North Vancouver, the City of North Vancouver, and West Vancouver. The term "Lions Gate" refers to the Lions, a pair of mountain peaks north of Vancouver. Northbound traffic on the bridge heads in their general direction. A pair of cast concrete lions, designed by sculptor Charles Marega, were placed on either side of the south approach to the bridge in January 1939.^[2]

The total length of the bridge including the north viaduct is 1,823 metres (5,981 ft). 

We are staying at the Burrard Hotel, which is a nice, affordable hotel -  in a great location. 

Despite of the rain we went for a neighbourhood exploration right away.

The sea, the city and the mountains. 

We walked to the Canada Place, by the water. 

FROM WIKIPEDIA: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canada_Place

Canada Place is a building situated on the Burrard Inlet in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. It is home to the Vancouver Convention Centre, the Pan Pacific Vancouver Hotel, the Vancouver World Trade Centre, and the virtual flight ride FlyOver Canada. The building's exterior is covered by fabric roofs resembling sails. It is also the main cruise ship passenger terminal for the region, where cruises to Alaska originate. The building was designed by architects Zeidler Roberts Partnership in joint venture with Musson Cattell Mackey Partnership and DA Architects + Planners.

Canada Place is accessed via West Cordova Street and near Waterfront Station, a major transit hub with SkyTrain, SeaBus, and West Coast Express connections.

The structure was expanded in 2001 to accommodate another cruise ship berth. During the 2010 Winter Olympics, Canada Place served as the Main Press Centre.

The gang in Vancouver!

FROM WIKIPEDIA: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canada_Place

During Expo 86, the Canada Pavilion at Canada Place was opened by Prince Charles and Brian Mulroney, Prime Minister of Canada. Among the largest and most elaborate pavilions presented by any nation at any World's Fair, the Canada Pavilion hosted more than 5 million visitors prior to the October 13, 1986 closing date.

Canada Place Corporation (CPC), a Crown agent, continues to act as the coordinating landlord for Canada Place facilities.

Dinner was at the Samurai Sushi Restaurant on Davie Street - suggested by one of the hotel workers. 

 She can't pass on an Sapporo opportunity!

Let's end the day with this yummy memory!