Day 22 - More Exploring Vancouver

We had some overnight rain and some spotty showers forecast for this morning with clearing around noon. We let the showers move by in the early morning then headed out in the car for Granville Island for a walk about not really knowing what to expect. This was an old waterfront industrial area that has been transformed into a hip location with galleries, boutiques, restaurants and a fabulous market while still keeping its industrial vibe.

We walked around for a couple of hours while the clouds gave way to sunshine.We took a quick drive by of the Royal Vancouver Yacht Club.

There was still more of Downtown we wanted to explore on foot so we returned the car to the hotel and set out on foot for a walking tour to first the Yaletown area. The Visitors Centre has the restored first passanger train locomotive to arrive in Vancouver from the east along with the original roundhouse that was converted to a Senior's Centre.

Yesterday we were too tired to get to the Gastown neighbourhood we remembered from 40 years ago so we set out for there. First we had to walk through the centre of the Yaletown entertainment and eatery area that really looked like a happening place.

As we approached the Gastown District, the flavour of the area started to deteriorate. This is on the fringe on the DTES part of Vancouver that has been plagued with homeless drug users, sex workers and others on the fringe of society. Not what we remembered from 40 years ago... We did see the famous steam clock but then selected a different return route.

We stopped at the Vancouver Public Library to go to the top floor patio that is sort of like the Coloseum and provides some interesting views of the city.

From there we walked through the Granville Street District enjoying the retro streetscape and small shops. A re-hydration stop was required along the way. 

We returned to our apartment and after putting in 45,000 steps in the last 3 days, it was time to stretch out in the apartment and relax.