The Fish House - Originally Published 2009

The odds were stacked against the Fish House in Stanley Park.  It’s a seafood restaurant near a body of water.  It’s an elegant looking place in the middle of a busy park.  I was thinking that it might be like Tavern on the Green in Manhattan, an elegant place that specializes in fleecing the tourists.

I couldn’t have been more wrong.  After wandering around the park, the Fish House offered up a mellow place to site back and watch people on the putting green.  The food was elegant, but it wasn’t stuffy or pretentious.  The wait staff was friendly and had plenty of information for us tourist.  It’s worth a stop, especially with the early bird special.

GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN.  THE FISH HOUSE - WE SPEAK YOUR NAME.

Vancouver Aquarium - Originally Published 2009

The Vancouver Aquarium has all of the resources to be an astonishing landmark in the city.  You can get an up-close view of Pacific White Sided Dolphins and Beluga whales.  They have a rainforest exhibit that has a fantastic array of animals on display.  But, sadly, the visit left me a little cold.

I’m not sure why this place failed to do it for me.  When I think back on it and analyze it, I think it was because the place was packed with people.  There were sections that were beyond claustrophobic.  I felt like I was riding in a freight evaluator jam packed with people.  

Frog or toad?

Don’t take my word for it, though.  I have read other reviews and almost every one classifies this place as a “must-do”.  Maybe I was off my meds when I went through.

What's newt with you?

The scarlet ibis in the flesh.

Stanley Park - Originally Published 2009

Homelessness, drug abuse, and violence are all here in Vancouver.  Every form of urban strife has found its way here.  However, there is also Stanley Park, an expansive get away that allows Vancouver to have all the accoutrements that a city is supposed to have as well as an idyllic setting to allow you to forget about all of it. 

A whole bunch of loveliness.

Lord Stanley, the first governor of British Columbia left and indelible mark on the province in more way than one.  First, Stanley Park is named for him.  Second, he donated the National Hockey League’s highest prize, the Stanley Cup.

A tree growing on a tree.

I recommend stopping by the Lost Lagoon Nature Center if you plan on visiting.  The employees are very knowledgeable about the park and were kind enough to give us a map so we could get the most out of the trip.

Beaver lake.

Don’t be afraid to jump on the trolley that runs around the park.  For just a few dollars, it’s probably the best way to cover a big distance in a short time.