On arriving in Canada, I decided to fend off my jet lag by taking a walk around Stanley Park.  The weather was a shock to the system after leaving the beautiful Sydney Summer; in contrast I had arrived to a grey, cold, wet day in Vancouver. After donning on my thermals, a woolly dress, a fleece and a waterproof jacket, I looked like I was attempting an exhibition to Everest not a leisurely stroll around a city park.

View of Vancouver from Stanley Park

I started the Stanley Park walk at Coal Harbour. It brought back happy memories of a British Spring. I’m not talking about the cold, damp weather even though us Brits are obsessed with the weather, but the awakening of the trees and the ground after their long sleep.

Beautiful Spring Blossom

Catkins dangling from branches; trees bursting with beautiful pink blossom; and daffodils starting to peep through the earth. I can’t remember when I last experienced a true Spring, since in Australia it feels like we only get Summer and Winter.

Lions Gate Bridge, Catkins and Rain

On a sunny Summer’s day I can imagine Stanley Park could get pretty chaotic, but today there were only a few idiots brave souls enduring the wintry weather: some walkers armed with umbrellas, some joggers and the odd cyclist.

Wet, Wet, Wet!!!

Regardless of the weather it was an enjoyable walk, following the seawall that hugs the coastline. I was being a typical tourist and literally soaking in the Vancouver harbour. Enjoying the urban city, surrounded by mountains trying to break through the low rain clouds and watching seaplanes landing and taking off.

Where is everybody?

Provided you wear the right clothing you can still enjoy Vancouver on a cold, wet day.

Someone doesn’t mind the wet weather.

Info: Stanley Park is free to enter and open during daylight hours. It takes 2.5-3 hours to complete the 8.8km path along Stanley Park seawall. If you fancied cycling there is a dedicated bike lane and plenty of bicycle hire shops along Denman Street.

A pebbled beach