Green in Vancouver

TEN GREEN WAYS TO EXPERIENCE VANCOUVER
1. Rent a bike or a pair of rollerblades and self-propel your way around Vancouver's Stanley Park seawall, marveling at Vancouver's green, urban, ocean-wrapped sanctuary.

2. Get a view of the city from the water by kayaking your way through the waters of False Creek. If you're lucky, you'll spot some of the seals, otters, eagles and fish that make this urban waterway their home. (http://www.ecomarine.com/).

3. See Vancouver from the highest point possible atop Grouse Mountain's new wind turbine, the Eye of the Wind. The turbine has the capacity to produce enough energy to supply the needs of 400 homes over a year (www.grousemountain.com).

4. Enjoy the vast choices in fresh, sustainably-harvested seafood by choosing a restaurant participating in the Vancouver Aquarium's Ocean Wise sustainable seafood program (http://www.oceanwisecanada.org/).

Capilano Bridge, Green in Vancouver

5. Marvel at giant cedars, towering Douglas firs and hemlock, as you explore one of the world's most primitive ecosystems on a guided walking tour of Vancouver's rainforests (www.rockwoodadventures.com).

6. Sleep green at one of Vancouver's hotels that has made a commitment to the environment, such as the Coast Coal Harbour Hotel. Known for its zero waste management program, the hotel has a Green Key rating of four out of five.

 7. Travel by a 25-foot, First Nations canoe through the waters of Burrard Inlet and Indian Arm while guides from Takaya Tours - an Aboriginal eco-tourism company - share legends, songs and stories from their rich history and culture (http://www.takayatours.com/).

8. Bus, SkyTrain or SeaBus your way around Vancouver's neighbourhoods and attractions (www.translink.bc.ca). Best of all, present your transit pass at a number of Vancouver's top attractions and you'll receive a discount on admission. Click here to learn more.

9. Indulge in the 100 Mile Tasting Menu at Raincity Grill where all dishes are inspired by sustainable aquaculture, local farmers and the book 100 Mile Diet: A Year of Local Eating written by Vancouver-journalists Alisa Smith and J.B. MacKinnon (http://www.raincitygrill.com/).

10. Understand what makes Vancouver a top city for green building and design by touring some of its state-of-the-art LEED gold-grade buildings, including the Vancouver Convention Centre, the Vancouver Aquarium's Aquaquest building, and the Olympic Village neighbourhood.

Post from Vancouver Tourism

Photo copyright Anne Gordon