Hamilton to Abbotsford B.C
We had planned to go a few years ago with my sister Debbie and her husband Hank, but after a few flight changes we decided it was not meant to be so we cancelled. I am pretty sure that Airline went out of business shortly after. Also, car rentals were crazy expensive at the time and it was going to cost us almost $4,000 to to take it from one province to another (pick up in Alberta and drop off in B.C), and that was not including the gas!
So here we are again, Bart and I and Debbie and Hank and this time we are in the West Coast. We flew from Hamilton airport (very nice and close!) to Abbotsford B.C. (also a nice small airport). We had a 1 1/2 hour stop over in Calgary. We left Hamilton 6 a.m. so with the time change it was nice to arrive in Abbotsford at 9:30 a.m. We now have a full day ahead of us. Let the FUN begin!!!
Our Uber driver was quite entertaining but we were happy when he dropped us off at my sister’s Janet and Ian’s in Surrey, B.C. Surrey is a city in British Columbia, its part of the Metro Vancouver area and lies between the Fraser River and the U.S. border. We had a bite to eat and then the 4 of us borrowed Janet’s car to go out and explore.
First stop, about 40 minutes away was Grouse Mountain the peak of Vancouver! Too bad we missed a stop at Cleveland Dam just before the mountain, but we did see it from the top of Grouse. So much snow on top of the mountain still. They are in-between seasons, skiing just finished and now they are getting ready for the summer. We went up on the brand new gondola in a quick 14 minutes to the top – 4,100 feet. We got panoramic views of Vancouver and the Pacific Ocean! Gorgeous! We could see Stanley Park in Vancouver and how big it is compared to the City. We could see the port and all the ships waiting out in the Ocean. What a view!
Grinder and Coola, the Grouse Mountain Grizzlies just came out of hibernation a few weeks ago (after 159 days). Very cool to see them. I never wanted to be eye to eye with a grizzley, but seeing that there was an electric fence between them and me, I was okay. They are currently at their lowest weight, as they haven’t eaten for 159 days. We chatted with one of the keepers, and they just fed them about 15 pounds of food (all veggies and fruits), and soon they will be up to 50 pounds a food a day (and adding protein like fish). They are one huge animal! It was really cool to see them in the habitat. They arrived when they were 5 months as they were both abondoned (mothers died). They are both male which is odd that they live in harmony, as in the wild they would fight to a death if they were in the same territory.
We went to the resturant with a view and shared some drinks and snacks which enjoying the incredible view, on a beutiful sunny day. The temperature was a bit nippy around 7 degrees at the top, but it was nice with the sunshine!
We then made a stop at Lynn Canyon Park and walked across the suspension bridge. We didn’t have time but it would be great to go back one day and do some hiking there.
We then stopped at Deep Cove. It is bounded by the Seymour community to the west, the waters of Burrard Inlet and Indian Arm, and the wilderness forests of the North Shore mountains, Deep Cove is one of the most scenic spots in the Lower Mainland. Home to world-class recreation opportunities, locals and visitors alike seek out Deep Cove to hike the trails, shop in the village, and paddle or sail up Indian Arm.
Janet had mentioned Deep Cove to us quite some time ago when we were looking for things to do near Grouse Mountain. Great choice! a very quaint little village deep in the cove surrounded by the hills and mountains and water. We walked a bit, enjoyed the gorgeous colored azaleas and other spring colorful bushes (many colors we don’t have in Ontario), and the views from the dock. This would be a great place to rent canoes or kayaks and explore the area by water. Next time!!
We enjoyed the water by sitting on the patio of a local restaurant, eating artic char and sipping on some fine wine!!
We had a 40 minute drive back to Surrey, where we enjoyed a visit with Janet, Meghan and Michael. Ian had an appt at the hospital that went longer than expected so he didn’t get home until after 2 a.m. Poor guy!
We were happy to get into our beds at the end of the day……as we have been up for an extended period, and only getting 3 hours sleep the night before. We have only been here one day but it feels like we have been here for 3 already, since we have done so much already.
We are so thankful to be staying at my sister Janet and Ian’s for 3 nights, spending some time with them and being close to so many beautiful places to explore!
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