We began the day waking up on the train after not a lot of sleep. Mike told us we’d definitely arrive into Vancouver for 8.30am but of course that didn’t happen, as they needed to split the train into two for the station (no real explanation given, but it wasn’t because it was too long!) Whilst waiting we had breakfast, nothing special and it turned out to be far from the best food of the day.
After disembarking, collecting our bags and getting a taxi to the next hotel, Times Square Suites, it was 10.30am. Fortunately they had our room ready for us, so we spent an hour or two resting before lunch. The hotel in on the edge of the financial district, in a mostly residential area, but with lots of food places around it, so we have plenty of choice for meals.
For lunch we headed out to find Tacofino – and what a place! Food (Mexican) was incredible. Then we decided to wander over to the Coal Harbor Bay area, and quickly found a café that sold the most amazing doughnuts, and coffee made by an Australian who once almost lived in Manchester. He made the best decaf cappuccino I’ve had in Canada, by far.
A continued wander towards the harbour we saw some interesting architecture, a Minecraft-inspired orca, cargo ships, seaplanes taking off from their dock and other interesting things and wildlife – including a seal!
Our target for the afternoon was the “Fly Over” experience, this time for Canada. It turned out to be exactly the same as the one we did in Iceland, and was just as good. For the same money as the so-called planetarium experience it was 100 times better (and then some). With all that done, we headed back to the hotel in readiness for dinner. We decided we’d give a ramen restaurant a go since the area was full of potential venues. Jo found the one which got best reviews, and when we arrived the queue of Asian diners outside Danbo Ramen suggested it was worth it. And wow, it was incredible – easily the same quality broth as we’d had in Japan.
Jo and I finished the day with a walk to Beaver Lake, where we saw – a beaver (amongst other things). The walk back was after dusk and the sunset was pretty good.
