When on a cruise... Vancouver, Canada (long)

When on a cruise... Vancouver, Canada


Complied and presented by...
John Sisker - SHIP-TO-SHORE CRUISE AGENCY (sm)
(714) 536-3850 or toll-free at (800) 724-6644 & (Agency ID: 714.536.3850)
www.shiptoshorecruise.com




Vancouver:

The greater Vancouver region, home to more than two (2) million people in
twenty one (21) municipalities, is also Canada's third (3rd) largest
metropolitan area. It is the largest City in the British Columbia province.
The City of Vancouver itself is a bustling metropolitan core, nestled
alongside the Coast Mountain Range. It is also surrounded on three sides by
water. Of all the cities in Canada, Vancouver can boast the mildest
climates.


Greater Metropolitan Vancouver:

Since the 1990's, there has been a push by city planners for a solution to
traffic problems. This also included pro-environmental campaigns. While the
number of cars has naturally increased with the population growth, the rate
of car ownership and the average distance driven by daily commuters have
fallen. Residents now use more energy-efficient means of travel, such as the
Sky Train and/or other means of mass transit, and even cycling. Likewise,
transportation demand management policies have imposed restrictions on
drivers making it more difficult and expensive to commute while introducing
more benefits for non-drivers. In addition, residents now desire to live in
areas closer to their interests.


* Shopping:

Shopping malls, department stores, shops on Robson Street, West Hastings,
Granville Street, Shops in Gastown and Yaletown.


* Attractions:

Tourist attractions including Science World, Granville Island, Imax Theatre
at Canada Place, the Vancouver Art Gallery and the Vancouver Aquarium.


* Adult Services:

Vancouver escorts, Vancouver strip clubs, massage parlors, adult
entertainers and more.


* Restaurants:

Discover why Vancouver is considered among the world's best cities for
restaurants. The hardest part about eating-out in downtown Vancouver is
making the choice.


* Transportation:

Downtown transportation, float planes, helicopters, limousines, busses, BC
Ferries, Vancouver car and truck rentals. Downtown taxis, Seabus, Sky Train
and more.


* Travel & Leisure:

Vancouver enjoys the great outdoors! Beautiful golf courses, skiing, hiking
and biking, skydiving or paragliding, nature tours or water sports like
SCUBA, kayaking or sailing.


* Education:

Vancouver schools include everything from respected colleges and
universities to private computer training centers or language schools
teaching English as a second language.


* Accommodations:

Vancouver hotels, motels, bed and breakfast, hostels and other downtown
accommodations. Vancouver has a place to suit everyone, from 5-star hotels
frequented by major celebrities and public figures to intimate Bed and
Breakfasts for romantic getaways.


* Night Life:

Nightclubs, bars, pubs, sports bars, casinos. Clubs in Yaletown, Gastown,
Granville Street, Robson Street, Davie Street and all over downtown
Vancouver.


* Real Estate:

Vancouver realtors, mortgages, properties for rent, home inspections,
property management, mortgage brokers and appraisers.


* Services:

Accounting, insurance, lawyers, security, chiropractors, dentists, fitness,
hair salons, massage therapists, opticians, veterinarians, spas and
estheticians, tanning salons, interior design, consultants, contractors,
employment agencies and counseling services just to name a few.




Cruise-A-Thon 2008:
(Vancouver Convention & Exhibition Centre)

Depending on when you receive this information, Cruise-A-Thon in Vancouver,
Canada, may have already taken place. However, this information is really
included here to you show the popularity of Vancouver as a major port for
the Alaska season, and a primary benefit for the trade. Likewise, if you are
in the trade itself, you should have received this invitation and
information long ago. For the traveling public, it is good to know that we
have events and conventions such as this. Read the proceeding to see just
how details this is, and is also a very good educational boost for any
cruise travel agent.


* Hotel Accommodations...

Pan Pacific Vancouver Hotel
999 Canada Place
(On top of the Conference Centre)

Marriott Vancouver Pinnacle Downtown
1128 West Hastings St.
(.37 miles to the Convention Centre)

Renaissance Vancouver Hotel Harbourside
1133 West Hastings St.
(.37 miles to the Convention Centre)

Ramada Limited Downtown Vancouver
435 West Pender St.
(.45 miles to the Convention Centre)

Days Inn Vancouver Downtown
921 West Pender St.
(.30 miles to the Convention Centre)


* Projected Program...
(tentative - subject to change - for the trade only - requires prior
registration)

Wednesday, May 14, 2008
8:00 am - 5:00 pm Registration and Information
8:30 am - 3:00 pm Niche Cruise Certification Program
11:00 am - 1:00 pm Ship Inspections / On Board Luncheon (Optional)
1:00 pm - 4:00 pm Vancouver Sightseeing (Optional)
4:00 pm - 7:00 pm CLIA Seminar

Thursday, May 15, 2008
9:00 am - 12:00 pm CLIA Seminars
1:00 pm - 3:00 pm Opening General Session / Cruise Summit Panel
3:15 pm - 4:30 pm Concurrent Workshops - Session 1
4:45 pm - 5:45 pm Tour Operator Panel / Technology Panel
7:30 pm Opening Reception (Azamara / Celebrity / RCCI)

Friday May 16, 2008
8:30 am - 9:30 am General Session / Breakfast (Amadeus Waterways)
9:45 am - 11:00 am Concurrent Workshops - Session 2
11:00 am - 2:00 pm Ship Inspections / On Board Luncheon
2:30 pm - 5:30 pm Marketplace Trade Show (Refreshments by Port Everglades a
Division of Broward County)
6:00 am - 7:00 pm Vancouver BC Presentation
7:00 pm Reception (Tourism Vancouver, Tourism British Colombia, Vancouver
Fraser Port Authority, Vancouver International Airport

Saturday May 17, 2008
8:30 am - 9:30 am General Session / Breakfast (Sandals Resorts)
9:45 am - 11:00 am Concurrent Workshops - Session 3
11:00 am - 2:00 pm Ship Inspections / On Board Luncheon
2:30 pm - 3:30 pm Prizes Galore

Sunday May 18, 2008
11:00 am -2:00 pm Ship Inspections / On Board Luncheon


* Top Executives to Speak

A compelling lineup of speakers that includes the industry's top executives
along with profit-building workshops awaits agents at CRUISE-A-THON.

Speakers include: Stein Kruse, president and CEO of Holland America; Cheryl
Hudak, president and CEO of ASTA; Adam Aron, Apollo Management partner and
cruise industry veteran; Maurice Zarmati, president and CEO of Costa Cruise
Lines; Rick Sasso, president and CEO of MSC Cruises; Vicki Freed, senior
vice president of sales at Royal Caribbean International; Dan Hanrahan,
president of Celebrity Cruises and Azamara Cruises; Scott Koepf, NACTA
president; Steve Tracas, president and CEO of Vacation.com; Lisa Bauer,
Royal Caribbean, senior VP of hotel operations; Jack Mannix, president and
CEO of Ensemble Travel Group; Bob and Debbie Maier of Mailpound; Gary Fee,
president of OSSN; Dondra Ritzenthaler, vice president of sales of
Celebrity/Azamara; and Barry Tenenbaum of NYCVP; among others.


* Ship Inspections:

CRUISE-A-THON ship inspections and luncheons will include: the Carnival
Spirit; Celebrity Cruises' Mercury; Holland America's Ryndam, Statendam,
Veendam and Volendam; NCL's Norwegian Sun; and the Sapphire Princess.


* Other Sponsors...

Carnival Cruise Lines, Niche Cruise Lines, AMTRAK, Quickcoach, Clipper
Vacations, Norwegian Cruise Lines, Hurtigruten, MSC.




Around Vancouver:

The City supports a wide range of interests, from more than 200 parks to
three different civic theatres, including...

* Office of Cultural Affairs, City of Vancouver
* Public Art Program
* Vancouver Civic Theatres
* Queen Elizabeth Theatre
* Vancouver Playhouse
* Orpheum Theatre
* Vancouver Art Gallery
* Vancouver Museum
* Vancouver Maritime Museum
* H.R. MacMillan Space Centre
* Stanley Park
* Queen Elizabeth Park
* VanDusen Botanical Gardens
* Hastings Park
* Bloedel Conservatory
* Vancouver English Centre
* Buses, Seabus & Skytrain
* Skiing in Western Canada
* Capilano Suspension Bridge
* Trips to Seattle

www.DowntownVancouver.com is a city guide and business directory showcasing
downtown Vancouver and the surrounding areas. You will find information on
hotels, restaurants, shopping, nightclubs, pubs, special events,
entertainment, business and personal services, adult services and much more.


Other Sources...

* http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vancouver
- Hotels: http://www.vancouver.com/accommodations/index.htm
- Travel: http://www.vancouver.com/travel/index.htm
- Things To Do: http://www.vancouver.com/things_to_do/index.htm
- Movies: http://www.vancouver.com/movies/index.htm
- Restaurants: http://www.vancouver.com/restaurants/index.htm
- Nightlife: http://www.vancouver.com/nightlife/index.htm
- Shopping: http://www.vancouver.com/shopping/index.htm
- Jobs: http://www.vancouver.com/jobs/index.htm
- Community: http://www.vancouver.com/community/index.htm
- Real Estate: http://www.vancouver.com/real_estate/index.htm




2010 Olympic Games...
- Quick Facts about the Vancouver 2010 Winter Games

While the Cruise-A-Thon may have already taken place by the time this is
circulated, the 2010 Olympic Games in Vancouver is a scheduled future event.
However, start planning now if you expect to get a room anywhere around the
area. While the Winter Games may not coincide with the Alaska cruise season
itself, this is just another reason for a visit to Vancouver.

* 17 days of Olympic Games events
* 10 days of Paralympic Games events
* 5,500 Olympic Games athletes and officials (projected)
* 1,350 Paralympic Games athletes and officials (projected)
* 80+ countries participating in Olympic Winter Games
* 40+ countries participating in Paralympic Winter Games
* 10,000 media representatives
* 3 billion worldwide television viewers
* 75 million visits worldwide to www.vancouver2010.com (projected)

Additional sources...
- 2010 Olympics: http://www.vancouver2010.com/en




SkyTrain:

The Vancouver Transit System consists of a bus system, the "SkyTrain" (a
subway) and the "SeaBus" (a passenger ferry). These 3 services are all fully
integrated to provide fast, easy transportation in the Vancouver area. The
Vancouver Transit System is divided into 3 fare zones. Fares increase as
zone boundaries are crossed.


* The SkyTrain is fast, comfortable and efficient.

The SkyTrain is a two-line urban mass transit system in Metro Vancouver,
British Columbia, Canada. It uses Bombardier's Advanced Rapid Transit
technology, with fully automated trains running principally on elevated
tracks (hence the name). There have been no derailments or collisions in its
history. It uses the same linear induction motor-driven trains as the
Scarborough RT line in Toronto, the Kelana Jaya Line in Kuala Lumpur,
Malaysia, Detroit's People Mover, and the AirTrain JFK in New York City.

SkyTrain is operated by British Columbia Rapid Transit Company under
contract from TransLink, a regional government transportation agency. It
operates on a proof-of-payment fare system and is policed by the Greater
Vancouver Transportation Authority Police Service. Skytrain Attendants
(STAs) are present to provide first aid, directions, customer service and
inspect fares, and they monitor train faults and drive the trains when
necessary. TransLink claims to lose about C$6 million in unpaid fares
annually, including $3 million from SkyTrain alone.

The lack of a rapid transit system was said to be the cause of traffic
problems in the 1970s, and the municipal government could not fund the
construction of such a system. During the same period, Urban
Transportation Development Corporation, a former Ontario-based crown
corporation was developing a new type of rapid transit officially known as
"Intermediate Capacity Transit System". In 1980 the need for rapid transit
was great, and Ontario needed buyers for its new technology. "Advanced Rapid
Transit" was selected to be built in Vancouver to showcase the Ontario
project at Expo 86 (though there had been plans as early as the 1950s to
build a monorail system, with modernist architect Wells Coates penciled in
to design it. The project was abandoned). Construction was funded by the
provincial and federal government. The system was ideal for a long-term
transit solution primarily because labor costs would be low. Construction of
the original line proceeded on March 1, 1982 under the Scored government of
Bill Bennett, who inaugurated the system at Waterfront Station. The SkyTrain
was conceived as a legacy project of Expo 86 and the first line was finished
in 1985 in time to showcase the fair's theme: "Transportation and
Communication: World in Motion - World inTouch."




SeaBus:

The SeaBus is a passenger-only ferry (water taxi) service connecting
downtown Vancouver and the City of North Vancouver. The SeaBus is owned and
operated by the Coast Mountain Bus Company and is an important part of
TransLink's integrated public transportation system.

The ferries operate between approximately 6:00 a.m. and 1:00 a.m. daily.
During the daytime from Monday to Saturday both ferries operate, with the
two ferries departing simultaneously from opposite termini and passing each
other halfway. The crossing takes 10-12 minutes in each direction, with a
3-5 minute turnaround and, therefore, operates on a 15 minute turn-around
schedule. At these times, over 50 crossings are made a day. During the
evenings and on Sundays, service is reduced to a 30 minute schedule with
only one ferry operating.

The turnstiles on the entrance into the SeaBus waiting area are used only
for counting the number of passengers boarding the SeaBus. When the maximum
number is reached the turnstiles will "lock" and no more passengers will be
allowed on that SeaBus. Traditionally, like all public transit in Vancouver,
the Seabus offers free rides on New Year's Eve to discourage drinking and
driving.

Constables from the South Coast British Columbia Transportation Authority
Police Service conduct random fare inspections, failure to pay the correct
fare could result in a $173 fine. Transit Security staff also conduct random
fare inspections and they also arrest persons found committing criminal
offences on TransLink property, or on board Buses, Skytrains, West Coast
Express and SeaBus.

The SeaBus stops on the Vancouver side at Waterfront Station, near the
Vancouver Convention Centre and cruise ship terminal at Canada Place. At
Waterfront Station, there are connections to the SkyTrain and West Coast
Express. In North Vancouver, the SeaBus stops at the purpose-built Lonsdale
Quay, which in addition to serving many commuters has become an important
tourist destination, with a hotel, public market, and bus loop.

The ferries are catamaran ferries constructed out of aluminum, which was
quite rare at the time of construction. The ferries are double ended so that
they can travel in either direction without turning around. There are four
diesel engines in each hull, one for each propeller. The propulsion system
uses a marine version of the same diesel engine used to power many of the
diesel buses on the transit system. The ferries can operate with only three
propellers if required. With the radar, the ferries are able to operate in
even the densest fog.

As there are no spare ferries, all refits and upgrades have been done during
a long weekend when the half hour service can be maintained with one boat.
Changing an engine and minor refits can be done during the out of service
time overnight. Despite running for nearly three decades, the two ships are
rarely taken out of service for maintenance, boasting a 99.92% service
reliability, a record unparalleled in North America.

The ferries operate with four crew on board (Captain and First Mate on the
bridge and two attendants on the passenger level) and engineers who stay
ashore most of the time, but do regular checks of the engines and are
available to come aboard at any time.




Stanley Park:

Stanley Park is a 404.9 hectare (1,000 acre) urban park bordering downtown
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. It is the largest city-owned park in
Canada and the third largest in North America. The park attracts an
estimated eight million visitors every year, including locals and tourists,
who come for its recreational facilities and its natural attributes. An 8.8
kilometre (5.5 mile) seawall path circles the park, which is used by 2.5
million pedestrians, cyclists, and inline skaters every year. Much of the
park remains forested with an estimated half million trees that can be as
tall as 76 metres (250 ft) and hundreds of years old. There are
approximately 200 km (125 miles) of trails and roads in the park, which are
patrolled by the Vancouver Police Department's mounted squad. The Project
for Public Spaces has ranked Stanley Park as the sixteenth best park in the
world and sixth best in North America.




Gastown:

Established the same year that Canada became a nation, Gastown grew into
Canada's third largest city and one of its most cosmopolitan. But the
Gastown district today retains its historic charm, independent spirit and
distinctiveness. There's no mistaking Gastown for any other area of
Vancouver, or of Canada for that matter.

One September day, "Gassy Jack" Deighton arrived (he received his nickname
because of his penchant for spinning tall tales and talking without end). He
stepped ashore with a barrel of whiskey, telling the millworkers that if
they'd build him a saloon, he'd serve them drinks. The saloon was up and
running within a day.just across the property line of the mill. Gastown was
born.




Vancouver International Airport - YVR:

Vancouver International Airport is located south of Vancouver, BC. Here you
find complete information on Vancouver International airport, the second
busiest in Canada. Vancouver International Airport offers banks,
restaurants, spas, laundry facilities and more. Vancouver International
airport is a gateway to the world on the west coast of Canada.

Vancouver Airport has it all - everything you need to do, you can do here.
Your banking. Your laundry. Your shopping. Have breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Have your hair cut or your teeth filled. See a doctor or watch a movie.
Grab a coffee or linger in the spa. It's all here. You never have to leave.

Flying into and out of Vancouver Airport, BC is a pleasure; as the Vancouver
International Airport (YVR) is a great modern airport. In the last year, it
has been named the best medium sized airport in North America, the second
best airport on the continent, and the tenth best in the world. Business
travelers rate it #3 in the world.




Education:

Vancouver is served by School District 39 Vancouver, the second largest
school district in British Columbia. As in other parts of the province,
numerous independent schools are also eligible for partial provincial
funding - this includes religious schools, non-denominational schools, and
special-needs schools, most of which also charge tuition. Vancouver also
includes three schools that are part of the province-wide Conseil scolaire
francophone de la Colombie-Britannique (CSF), the Francophone public
school district.


Universities and colleges...

The two major public universities in the Lower Mainland, the University of
British Columbia (UBC) and Simon Fraser University (SFU), have satellite
campuses within the city, as does the British Columbia Institute of
Technology, which provides polytechnic education and grants degrees in
several fields. Vancouver Community College and Langara College, along with
other colleges in surrounding communities, provide career, trade, and
university-transfer programs for Vancouver residents. Emily Carr Institute
of Art and Design grants certificates, diplomas, and degrees in art and
design. Other arts schools include the Vancouver Film School and Studio 58,
a program of Langara.


International students...

Foreign students, particularly from the Pacific Rim, have grown in
importance for Vancouver's public and private post-secondary educational
facilities. International undergraduate enrolment at UBC has grown to nine
per cent, or 2,800 students, from two per cent since 1996. Some private
schools have been closed or sanctioned for improperly advertising to
international students.




Lions' Gate Bridge:

* Beginning date of construction March 31, 1937
* Opening date November 14, 1938

Lions' Gate Bridge, officially known as the First Narrows Bridge, is a
suspension bridge that crosses the first narrows of Burrard Inlet and
connects the City of Vancouver, British Columbia, to the North Shore
municipalities of the District of North Vancouver, the City of North
Vancouver, and West Vancouver. The term "Lions' Gate" reflects the Lions, a
pair of mountain peaks north of Vancouver.




English Bay:

English Bay is located in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, west of the
downtown peninsula, which separates the bay from Burrard Inlet connecting to
the northeast, and False Creek to the southeast. English Bay Beach, near the
city's West End residential neighbourhood, is the most popular sunbathing,
swimming, and sunset-watching beach in the downtown Vancouver area. Other
downtown beaches facing English Bay include Sunset Beach, Second Beach, and
Third Beach. South of the bay lie Kitsilano Beach, Jericho Beach, the
Spanish Banks beaches, and Locarno Beach. English Bay is a major tourist
attraction to visitors all year long, with the peak season being late
summer.




Granville Island:

Granville Island is a small island and shopping district in Vancouver,
British Columbia, Canada. It is located in False Creek directly across from
Downtown Vancouver's peninsula, under the south end of the Granville Street
Bridge. The island is now more or less connected with the mainland so it is
not technically an island.

Granville Island was once an industrial manufacturing area, but is now a
major tourist destination, providing amenities such as a public market, a
large marina, a hotel, the Emily Carr Institute of Art and Design (named in
honour of the artist), various theatres including one run by the Arts Club
Theatre Company, and various shopping areas clustered around the one
industrial outpost remaining, a cement plant. The island is very popular
with tourists and locals alike.




VanDusen Botanical Garden:

VanDusen Botanical Garden is situated in Vancouver, British Columbia,
Canada. Named for local lumberman and philanthropist Whitford Julian Van
Dusen, it has been a public garden since its opening on August 30, 1975, it
is managed by the Vancouver Park Board and run by a large staff of
volunteers. VanDusen Botanical Garden is located in the Shaughnessy
neighbourhood of Vancouver at the North West corner of 37th and Oak Street.
The garden is open to the public every day of the year except Christmas.
There are admission fees. The Garden covers 22 hectares (55 acres) and
displays plants gathered from all over the world.

In 1970 the Vancouver Foundation, the provincial government, and the city of
Vancouver signed an agreement to develop a public garden on part of the old
Shaughnessy Golf Course. An early decision not to partake in scientific
research enabled the channelling of funds and energy into garden
construction and released the staff from the responsibility of building
research collections or a herbarium. However, there is a specialized
reference library in the Administration Floral Hall Building.

The grounds include a garden shop, a book and seed library, and a
restaurant. There are several special attractions, including carved totem
poles, large stone sculptures and a Korean Pavilion whose architecture is
the focus for the Asian plant collection. Horticulturally, there is a large
collection of Rhododendron hybrids, cultivars of Fagus sylvatica, as well as
collections of Sorbus, Fraxinus and Magnolia. There is a Heather garden and
a major collection of Ilex acquifolium cultivars. The garden is designed to
be enjoyed by people of all ages and backgrounds. Many of the plant
collections are labelled and arranged to demonstrate botanical relationships
or geographical origins. There are guided tours, lectures, and workshops
available. Site rentals for events are also offered. It also plays host to
the yearly VanDusen Garden Show and the winter Festival of Lights.




Butchart Gardens:

Sunken Garden - The Butchart Gardens is a group of floral display gardens in
Brentwood Bay, British Columbia, Canada, near Victoria on Vancouver Island.
It is an internationally-known tourist attraction which receives hundreds of
thousands of visitors each year. High class food service and entertainment
complement the meticulously maintained gardens.

The Ross Fountain Robert Pim Butchart (1856-1943) began manufacturing
Portland cement in 1888 near his birthplace of Owen Sound, Ontario, Canada.
He and his wife Jennie Butchart (1866-1950) came to the west coast of Canada
because of rich limestone deposits necessary for cement production.

In 1904, they established their home near his quarry on Tod Inlet at the
base of the Saanich Peninsula on Vancouver Island. They equipped it with an
indoor salt water pool, a bowling alley, a panelled billiard room, tennis
courts and a 16-rank roll-playing pipe organ.

In 1906, Jennie created a Japanese garden there with the help of designer
Isaburo Kishida. In 1909, when the quarry was exhausted, Jennie set about
turning the eyesore into a sunken garden, which was completed in 1921. They
named their home "Benvenuto" ("welcome" in Italian), and began to receive
boat-loads of visitors to their gardens. In 1926, they replaced their tennis
courts with an Italian garden, and in 1929 they replaced their kitchen
vegetable garden with a large rose garden to the design of Butler Sturtevant
of Seattle.

In 1939, the Butcharts gave the Gardens to their grandson Ian Ross
(1918-1997) on his 21st birthday. Ross was involved in the operation and
promotion of the gardens until his death 58 years later.

In 1953, miles of underground wiring was laid to provide night illumination,
to mark the 50th anniversary of The Gardens. In 1964, the ever-changing Ross
Fountain was installed in the lower reservoir to celebrate the 60th
anniversary. In 1994, the Canadian Heraldic Authority granted a coat of arms
to the Butchart Gardens. In 2004, two 30-foot totem poles were installed to
mark the 100th anniversary, and The Gardens was designated as a national
historic site.

Ownership of the Gardens remains within the Butchart family; the owner and
managing director since 2001 is the Butchart's great-granddaughter Robin-Lee
Clarke.




Grouse Mountain:

Grouse Mountain is a one of the North Shore Mountains overlooking Vancouver,
British Columbia, Canada. It is the site of a small but well-known ski area
and tourist attraction located in the District of North Vancouver, British
Columbia. Grouse Mountain is home to the Tyee Ski Club, an organization for
training children and youth to become competitive alpine ski racers in
slalom skiing, GS, Super-G, and competitions. The club also has a newer
program for snowboarding racers.

Intrepid Scandinavians who were not daunted by winter and snow hand built
the first lodge at Grouse in the 1920s. They hauled planks up what would
become the Grouse Grind for the venture. Another company wanted to build a
funicular railway to a private resort on the mountain, though that venture
never materialized. By the 1930s, the success of the lodge meant that access
was needed and a toll road was cut up to the top via the slope of the Cut.

The area at the bottom of what is now called the "Cut" - one of Vancouver's
most well-known ski runs - is the original base of the mountain. It was here
that the area's first lodge and rope tow were built. The gravel road that
was built to access this base, the Old Grouse Mountain Highway, still exists
and is currently only used for maintaining the ski area. Sadly, the beloved
lodge burnt in a large fire in the winter of 1964.

Public access to the mountain is by a Swiss Garaventa aerial tramway, the
Grouse Grind hiking trail, or the Old Grouse Mountain Highway (foot and
bicycle access only).




Capilano Suspension Bridge:

The Capilano Suspension Bridge is a simple suspension bridge crossing the
Capilano River in the District of North Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
The current bridge is 136 metres long and 70 metres above the river. It is
part of a private facility, with a charge for admission, and draws over
800,000 visitors a year. North Shore residents often go to the nearby Lynn
Canyon Suspension Bridge instead, as there is no admission fee, although
British Columbia residents receive a seasons pass with the price of
admissions and a valid ID.

In 1888, George Grant Mackay, a Scottish civil engineer and land developer,
arrived in the city of Vancouver, British Columbia. As City Park
Commissioner he was one of the people to set aside Stanley Park as a
recreational area. He also bought and sold farm land in the Okanagan,
founding the city of Vernon. Mackay purchased 24 square kilometres of dense
forest on either side of Capilano River and built a cabin on the very edge
of the canyon wall. Assisted by two local natives and a team of horses,
Mackay suspended a hemp rope and cedar plank bridge across the river.
Natives called it the "laughing bridge" because of the noise it made when
wind blew through the canyon. The bridge and Mackay's cabin became a popular
destination. After his death, the hemp rope bridge was replaced by a wire
cable bridge in 1903.

In 1910 Edward Mahon purchased the Capilano Suspension Bridge. Mahon built
the Tea House in 1911, using cedar timbers stacked one on top of the other.
Unsure of the bridge's strength, Mahon reinforced it with additional cables
in 1914.

"Mac" MacEachran purchased the Bridge from Mahon in 1935 and invited local
natives to place their totem poles in the park, adding a native theme. In
1945, he sold the bridge to Henri Aubeneau.

In 1953 Rae Mitchell purchased the bridge property from Henri Aubeneau. A
dynamic businessman, Mitchell aggressively promoted his attraction
world-wide. Unsure of the 1914 cable strength, he completely rebuilt the
bridge in 5 days in 1956, encasing the cables in 11.8 tonnes of concrete at
either end. He developed the trails on the west side of the bridge and
converted the Tea House into the Trading Post Gift Store. When Mitchell
retired, business declined and Capilano Suspension Bridge and Park faced an
uncertain future.

The park was sold to Nancy Stibbard, the current owner, in 1983. Annual
attendance has since increased, and in May 2004, Treetops Adventures was
opened. This new attraction consists of seven footbridges suspended between
old-growth Douglas Fir trees on the west side of the canyon, forming a
walkway up to 30 metres above the forest floor.

As well as the bridge itself and Treetops Adventure, the park also features
rain forest ecotours, award-winning gardens, nature trails, North America's
largest private collection of First Nations story poles, period decor and
costumes, and exhibits highlighting the park's history and the surrounding
temperate rain forest. Guests can also witness a First Nations performance,
featuring their traditional Regalia (ceremonial dress), masks, dancing and
storytelling.

In 1999, a woman dropped her 18-month-old, disabled child off the bridge.
She claimed she stumbled accidentally and the child slipped from her grasp.
The child was not seriously injured. The woman lost legal custody of her
child as a result of the incident. The woman took legal action against the
owner of the bridge, alleging negligence by the owner. The case was settled
out of court.




North Vancouver:

The City of North Vancouver is surrounded by the District of North Vancouver
on three sides There are two municipalities in the Greater Vancouver region
of British Columbia, Canada, that use the name North Vancouver. These are:

* The City of North Vancouver (44,303 residents - 2001 Census)
* The District of North Vancouver (82,310 residents - 2001 Census)

While the City and District are separate entities, each with their own
mayors, councils, and operations departments, they share several core
services such as the North Vancouver School District, the North Vancouver
Recreation Commission and the North Vancouver detachment of the Royal
Canadian Mounted Police.

The differences between the two municipalities are most apparent to their
respective residents. For the most part, other Lower Mainland residents
rarely distinguish between the District and the City, referring to both
collectively as "North Vancouver". The same is true for commercial
advertising, and even for certain government departments, including Canada
Post. There have been several proposals over the years with regards to
merging the two municipalities, but none have progressed beyond the concept
stage.




Canada Place:

Canada Place is the home of the Vancouver Convention & Exhibition Centre,
the Pan Pacific Hotel, Vancouver's World Trade Centre, and the world's first
permanent IMAX 3D theatre. It is also the main cruise ship terminal for the
region, where most of Vancouver's famous cruises to Alaska originate. It was
constructed for Expo 86 as the pavilion for Canada and was the only venue
for the fair that was not at the main site on the north shore of False
Creek. It can be reached via the SkyTrain line and the nearby Waterfront
Station subway terminus. The striking white sails of the building has made
it a prominent landmark for the city, as well as drawing comparisons to the
Sydney Opera House in Sydney, Australia and the Denver International Airport
in Denver, Colorado.

The structure was expanded in 2001 to accommodate another cruise ship berth.
As of 2007, construction is under way on a companion building immediately to
the northwest which, like Canada Place, is being built over the water and,
when complete, will contain additional Convention Centre facilities as well
as serve as the international media centre for the 2010 Winter Olympics.




Cruise Lines to/from Vancouver:

* American Safari Cruises
* Carnival Cruise Lines
* Celebrity Cruises
* Clipper
* Cruise West
* Holland America Line
* Norwegian Cruise Line
* Princess Cruises
* Regent Seven Seas Cruises
* Seven Seas Mariner from Vancouver
* Royal Caribbean International
* Silversea Cruises




SHORE EXCURSIONS...

As a reference, I have included just some of the optional shore excursions
in and around Vancouver from a few of the cruise lines, instead of just
trying to list everything that is available. This way, nothing will ever
become outdated, as the cruise lines themselves modify their own online
information. One can naturally sign up for the cruise line organized tours,
and/or simply use this information to see what's suggested, then do things
on your own. After all, it's your cruise.


* Carnival Cruise Lines...
-
http://www.carnival.com/ShoreExcursionsSearchResults.aspx?region=AG&portcode=YVR&portname=Vancouver%2c+BC%2c+Canada


* Princess Cruises...
- http://www.princess.com/learn/shorex/shorexdisplay.jsp


* Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL)...
- http://www.ncl.com/nclweb/shorex.html


* Royal Caribbean International...
-
http://www.royalcaribbean.com/findacruise/ports/group/home.do;jsessionid=00007G_A7Wlf2CyEc2GC7QYmZpE:12hdhua36?dest=ALCAN&portCode=YVR


* Celebrity Cruise Line...
-
http://www.celebritycruises.com/search/shorexSearchResults.do;jsessionid=0000-nhFrOGIX71AHtc90YJVkdr:12h3rnd1c?DestinationCode=ALCAN&backPageUrl=%2Fdestinations%2FshoreExcursions%2Fhome.do%3Fdest%3DALCAN%26DestinationCode%3DALCAN&LocationCode=YVJ&DurationCode=&ActivityTypeId=&shipCode=&ActivityLevel=&Day=&Month=&Year=&CurrencyCode=USD&x=16&y=9




Online Connections:

For reference, and with the exception of specific Wikipedia requirements,
the above was source material as the basic for information for this series,
and yet, is still in connection with the "fair use" exemption to copyright
law, which was created to allow things such as commentary, parody, news
reporting, research and education about copyrighted works without the
permission of the author. Furthermore, the license Wikipedia uses grants
free access to their content in the same sense as free software is licensed
freely.

* http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vancouver
- Hotels: http://www.vancouver.com/accommodations/index.htm
- Travel: http://www.vancouver.com/travel/index.htm
- Things To Do: http://www.vancouver.com/things_to_do/index.htm
- Movies: http://www.vancouver.com/movies/index.htm
- Restaurants: http://www.vancouver.com/restaurants/index.htm
- Nightlife: http://www.vancouver.com/nightlife/index.htm
- Shopping: http://www.vancouver.com/shopping/index.htm
- Jobs: http://www.vancouver.com/jobs/index.htm
- Community: http://www.vancouver.com/community/index.htm
- Real Estate: http://www.vancouver.com/real_estate/index.htm




Happy sailing...
John Sisker - SHIP-TO-SHORE CRUISE AGENCY (sm)
(714) 536-3850 or toll-free at (800) 724-6644 & (Agency ID: 714.536.3850)
www.shiptoshorecruise.com

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