Sunday, September 21, 2025 - We left John Wayne Airport in Orange County, California, on an Air Canada flight direct to Vancouver. This was our second visit to the city, the first being in 2019 when an Alaskan cruise ended there. We booked a hotel—the Blue Horizon—on Robson Street, which turned out to be a good choice.
Robson Street is in a very vibrant area within walking distance of many attractions. Once we checked in to our hotel, we got recommendations from the front desk for good dining options. We chose Joe Fortes, which came highly recommended. Because it was located a short walk from the hotel, we made our way there on foot. We had a wonderful dinner, after which we strolled along Robson Street in both directions to become familiar with the area.
The next day—our only full day on this trip—we bought tickets for a "Hop-On, Hop-Off" bus tour with the intention of stopping at several locations. Stanley Park was the first stop, but when we arrived, we remembered from our previous visit that it was huge and that we had already seen parts of it. We decided not to get off, opting instead to ride to the Granville Island Public Market. We spent most of the day there before catching the Hop-On, Hop-Off bus to the waterfront area near the Gastown District.
We explored Gastown, making a point to locate the famous steam clock. After that, we decided to visit the Vancouver Lookout. Its observation deck sits about 553 feet above street level, making it a great experience with plenty of photo opportunities.
Next, we made our way to Canada Place along the waterfront and explored for a while; in doing so, we missed the last bus! Fortunately, it was a comfortable walk back to our hotel. On the way, we stopped at Earls Kitchen + Bar at the corner of Robson and Bute streets for another great dining experience.
The following day, Tuesday, September 23, was time to board our cruise ship. We went down to breakfast at the hotel, checked out, and ordered an Uber to the harbor—returning to the same Canada Place location we had explored the day before.
Gastown Steam Clock
This clock is located at the intersection of Water and Cambie Streets. Despite its antique look, it was built in 1977 by a Canadian horologist, Raymond Saunders, as part of an urban revitalization project for Vancouver’s historic Gastown district. It is built over a city steam vent and uses low-pressure steam to power its whistles. Every 15 minutes, the five brass whistles on the top sound the Westminster Quarters melody while venting plumes of steam. On the hour it delivers a full chime show.
Vancouver Blue Horizon Hotel where we spent two nights.
Granville Island Public Market courtyard and pedestrian plaza.
The Burrard Street Bridge, spanning False Creek, connecting Vancouver to Kitsilano neighborhood. It was opened in 1932.
Centerm viewed for the Vancouver Lookout
Centered in this photo is the 19th-century French Gothic Revival, Holy Rosary Cathedral (Officially the Cathedral Our Lady of the Holy Rosary), located at the intersection of Richards Street and Dunsmuir Street. It is viewed for the Vancouver Lookout.
Vancouver Lookout in the mid-section of the photo. In the Foreground is Canada Place.
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