No Bears. No Rain. Doesn't Get Much Better...

Day 3 in the Vancouver area and finally, sunshine. What a beautiful day in a city with so much to offer. For the first time this trip, we crossed the Lions Gate bridge from West Van into the city of Vancouver proper. A lunch cruise through Vancouver Harbour, Burrard Inlet and north into the scenic Indian Arm was to be today's highlight and it didn't disappoint. 

We start with a short walk just at the southern edge of Stanley Park.

We'll spend the next four hours on the Harbour Princess, taking in the sights and enjoying a wonderful buffet lunch.

This is a busy harbour with both cruise and cargo ships and a great deal of air traffic as well.

A Norwegian cruise ship docked at Canada Place. 

A Busy "Airport"?

Coming and going.

Loading passengers

Loading cargo

The Harbour Princess Captain at the helm

Passing under the "Second Narrows" bridge 

 As we pass the Second Narrows Bridge, the scenery changes dramatically.

Note the brown "tower" in the photo below. It's actually an elevator.

This private island home was reported to have been owned at one time, by Steve McQueen.

The girls taking pictures of me taking pictures

The highlight of the tour had to be Silver Falls, near the top end of Indian Arm.

The boat's captain did a masterful job of getting his vessel as close to the falls as possible, as is shown in the next two shots. Remember the third photo in this post? This is no small boat.

 As we return to port, we come across these harbour seals sunning themselves.

Now referred to as the "McBarge", this was one of the most popular exhibits
at the 1986 Vancouver Expo. Any guesses?

Big Mac anyone? Yup, this was a floating McDonalds built specifically for the exposition.

With the boat tour completed, we decide to view some of the harbour sights on foot.

Couldn't afford the fuel for this one, even if we sold the house.

 Anyone remember the silly truck ride carrying Gretzky and the Olympic flame to light this?

Another day in the books with only tomorrow left for Lil and I before flying home Wednesday. 

Tempus Fugit !