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Walk 12/5 Vancouver BC Gardens & Lights
Thursday, December 5, 11:30 AM - 9:30 PM
2 - 3 miles, 100 feet elevation gain.
Meet at Everett Station Park & Ride Lot --
B
Make plans to view what some have rated as among the world's best holiday light displays. The Festival of Lights at Vancouver's Van Dusen Botanical Gardens has wowed visitors since 1984 with 15 acres of displays, and over a million lights. Make plans to view what some have rated as among the world's best holiday light displays. The Festival of Lights at Vancouver's Van Dusen Botanical Gardens has wowed visitors since 1984 with 15 acres of displays, and over a million lights.
But that's not the entire trip. Our day in Vancouver will also include an afternoon visit to nearby Bloedel Conservancy and Queen Elizabeth Park. The conservancy is a domed aviary that's home to over 200 exotic birds and 500 unusual plants from all over the world. The surrounding park also has many gardens and walking paths to explore.
But THAT'S not the entire trip either. We will be having a late afternoon dinner at a nearby eatery, Johnnies on Oak, which features casual down-home dining with Greek favorites and Italian-Canadian fare.
Note that there is some walking involved on this trip. Most of it should be very easy, often on sidewalks and other paved paths. If the weather is not a factor, we will be walking between our destinations, which are each roughly 15-20 minutes apart. Fee includes admission to the Bloedel Conservancy and the Van Dusen Gardens. Dinner is not included. Remember to have proper credentials for crossing the border.
Expected Conditions:
Two important things to remember: First, this is an event that runs rain or "shine." If the forecast calls for rain, we are still going. The only thing that would cancel the Festival of Lights would be heavy snow or high winds in Vancouver. Secondly, this trip involves some walking, perhaps up to 2 -3 miles. It is not like "bus touring" where you are dropped off at the entrance of the light show and just walk a minimal amount. If you are not up to walking a couple miles or so in whatever the weather, this may not be the trip for you. I will try to make sure the walking is on either paved surfaces or natural surfaces that do not collect water and mud. I'd recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes or lightweight hiking boots, and if it looks like rain, waterproof footwear would be best. I don't anticipate doing anything rough that would require trekking poles.
Other Considerations:
First and foremost, be sure to bring your credentials to get across the border (passport or enhanced drivers license). Note: It was recently learned that Bloedel Conservancy, our planned afternoon stop to see the exotic birds and plants, is CLOSED for a 2-month construction project. Since this was to account for about 90 minutes or so of our timeline, we'll have the opportunity for a different stop in the afternoon. My tentative plan is to stop for an easy walk at Deas Island Regional Park, right near the Highway 99 tunnel under the Fraser River. It's a pleasant park with river and mountain vistas, good wide gravelled trails, and a great place to spot eagles. It's right on our way to Vancouver, and also gives us a chance to work up an appetite for dinner at Johnnies on Oak (see their website--remember that prices are in $CDN). We'll time our dinner so that we finish in time to enter the Festival Of Lights between 6:00 and 6:30 (our tickets are timed entry). My expectation is we'll want to have roughly 90 minutes or so to enjoy the lights, and we'll head for home after that.