Cruise from Los Angeles to Vancouver May 5-10, 2026, Part 2

Our cruise ended in Vancouver. The ship sailed into port early in the morning on a beautiful day.

Vancouver skyline

Sailing under the Lion's Head Bridge

We booked an excursion that took us to some of the highlights of the city. We spent the night in a hotel in Vancouver and then flew a direct flight back to Los Angeles the following morning where we picked up our car and drove back to Yuma.

The first part of our tour was by bus through the city of Vancouver. One of the stops was at the Gastown Steam Clock built in 1977 to cover a steam grate from the city's underground heating system. It uses the steam to power its whistles, which chime every 15 minutes and play a tune on the hour. It has become quite a tourist attraction.

My video wouldn't play, so I borrowed the one below from YouTube.

Our next stop was the Capilano Suspension Bridge Park. What an amazing place!!  The bridge was originally built in 1889 by Scottish engineer, George Grant Mackay as a simple crossing made of hemp and cedar planks over the Capilano River. Its a little shaky going across now. I can't imagine what it must have been like crossing that first bridge. The bridge was upgraded several times along with other additions to this park in the rain forest. Today, it has become one of Vancouver's most famous attractions.

We were there on a Sunday, so it was quite busy. The bridge is 450 feet across and 230 feet above the river. Although it is shaky going across, it can withhold the equivalent weight of a fully loaded 747 jet.

Lots of people crossing the bridge, making it sway quite a bit

View of the river from bridge

An attraction added in 2004 is the Treetops Adventure, a canopy walk which reaches 110 feet above the ground. It was built with reclaimed wood and uses a non-invasive collar system that does not harm the trees it is attached to. 

Grandma Capilano Tree, oldest and tallest Douglas Fir in the park, 800 years old, 250 feet tall

This 4.5 foot tall chainsaw carved squirrel was hanging between the trees

In 2011, the Cliffwalk was added. This 700 foot walkway is literally built right into the side of a cliff, 30 storys above the river. 

This tree was growing out of the cliff along the walk. Amazing how nature finds a way to survive!

In addition to the above attractions, the park also includes a restaurant, snack bar, pavilion, totem poles, a history walk and gift shop. We decided to try some poutine and local beers. We have heard about this dish from our Canadian friends. It was French fries and cheese curds smothered in brown gravy. We give it a thumbs up!

Don’t wish upon a star – Reach for one!