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False Creek
With its numerous waterways, tall waterfront buildings, and a snow-dusted mountain backdrop, Vancouver is beautiful any time of year. But, cherry blossoms and fresh growth make spring special.
I was so grateful!
Vancouver is a beautiful city. and it has always had a magical place in my childhood, adolescent, and young-adult memories. For much of my young life I either lived nearby, or visited often.
Last year, I went back for the first time in many many years. And, although it was as special as I remembered, it was wet – even by coastal BC standards – and much of the time I was struggling with sodden shoes and an inside-out umbrella (see: A Wet Spring in Vancouver).
This year, however, the weather was beautiful!
I had jet-lag and a cold, but even so, I got out every day and felt happy as I wandered the nearby streets, taking pleasure in the many outdoor spaces on offer.
On a photographic note: I made the decision not to unpack the cameras until I had a car. Looking back on the photos now, I notice two things in particular: 1) because I generally take iPhone shots with the purpose of uploading onto iNstagram in square format (see: Ursula_in_Aus), I ‘see’ things differently with the phone than I do with the cameras. So, the photos often don’t translate terribly well to the 2×3 format that I prefer for the blog. And 2), as good as iPhone photos look on the device, when I’m processing them later in Lightroom, they don’t have the same depth and richness that DSLR camera photos have.
Still, wandering the streets in the sunshine made me smile – and I hope you do too!
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Cambie Street
Even on a nice spring day, there can be a fair bit of cloud obscuring those mountains to the north.
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Lawn Daisies – Bellis Perennis
As a child, I loved trying to make daisy chains with these tiny flowers. Although I have seen them in other parts of the world, they always say Vancouver to me.
Cherry Blossoms
A Vancouver spring means pink blossoms on the 40,000-or-so cherry trees around the city.
View over False Creek
Even with a typical low-hanging cloud, the high rises on the other side of False Creek stand out, and you get a sense of the mountains behind them.
More Cherry Blossoms
Canada Geese and Goslings
What says spring like baby chicks? But a warning: a Canada goose (Branta canadensis) can be extremely aggressive if you get too close!
Burrard Street Bridge
Built in the 1030s, this Art Deco style bridge is part of my memory landscape.
Capsicum (or Red Pepper)
The Granville Island Public Market is a great place for lunch and coffee, for fresh foods, and for interesting art.
New Maple
Winters in Canada – even on the reasonably temperate West Coast – can be long; …
New Fir (or Spruce?)
… that is one of the reasons spring is such a joy.
Vancouver Harbour and North Vancouver
I made a point of visiting Little Mountain. Even though it sits at only 125 m (410 ft), you get great views over the rest of the city.
Queen Elizabeth Park
The gardens on Little Mountain are always a treat. I was especially pleased to recognise this location when I was watching the 1986 movie ‘The Boy Who Could Fly’ with my children in Australia.
Love in the Rain (2016)
These quirky metal people by Bruce Voyce are billed as “Vancouver Park Board’s first love lock sculpture.”
Entry to the VanDusen Gardens
Even though this botanical garden opened in 1975, it was my first visit to the space. The beautiful wood and glass entry point and Visitor Centre was opened in 2011.
Tulips
After a long walk to get there, I enjoyed a coffee, a baguette, and some people-watching before taking on the 22 hectare (55 acre) park.
Orange and Yellow Tulips
I love spring bulbs – and these are gorgeous.
Fountain
With plenty of water features, the gardens are a delight to explore – especially on such a sunny, blue-sky day.
Confidence (2012) by Michael Dennis
The gardens feature a number of sculptures; this beautiful work in red cedar was one of my favourites. Trails run off in all directions.
Pacific Dogwood
The blossom of western flowering dogwood (Cornus nuttallii) is the floral emblem of British Columbia – and another sign of spring.
Tulips and Trees
Red Tulips
Wooden Owl
Although this charming owl is frequently photographed, I couldn’t learn anything about its provenance.
Gitksan Totem Poles
The Gitksan Totem Poles, on the other hand, have an explanatory sign next to them. These story poles are by Gitxsan Nation master-carvers. The Mosquito People (1986) on the left, is by Earl and Brian Muldoe and tells the origin story of mosquitoes.
Al of the Gispudwada (1976)
This story pole by Arthur Sterritt describes, in complex detail, the origin of the Black Bear Crest of the Orca Clan.
Waterfall
Shaded Spaces
Maidenhair and wood anemone find a shaded spot beneath the trees, …
Wooden Bench
… and dappled light plays across a wooden bench.
Stream and Garden
Red Chairs
Bleeding Heart – Dicentra Spectabilis
This is one of those plants that lends itself to flights of imagination!
Lions Gate Bridge
Unfortunately, I couldn’t stay in the city forever. Heading north over the Lions Gate always signals that I am leaving Vancouver behind.
Blue skies (mostly), sunshine, and spring flowers in the beautiful city of Vancouver – it doesn’t get much better, and it certainly had me filled with gratitude …
And Smiling!
Photos: 09-12May2023
