Vancouver Park - Winter Walk in Everett Crowley Park

Everett Crowley Park is Vancouver's hidden secret.  It is a peaceful park that's dog friendly with a duck pond and lots of space.  Every time I walk in that park it is like being in the woods with nature.  It's not only nice to wander in the summer:  Everett Crowley Park but with good snow boots, gloves, and a winter coat, it is nice to walk around in the winter too.

I take smaller steps in the winter because of the hidden ice but with the right shoes and on a sunny day you can still enjoy the views from Everett Crowley Park.   It's important to still read the warnings on the duck pond, the ice is quite thin and not strong enough to walk on.  Enjoy the views from the paths and don't forget to look up at the blue skies and tree tops.  I guess it is not common for people to take pictures of tree tops, my niece thought I was taking a selfie.  Nature can be enjoyed all year round.  It's a winter wonderland in BC this year!

Sunday Funday - Robson Square Ice Skating

Even though the snow has melted in Vancouver except on the mountains and the rain has started, there are still winter activities that you can do.  Robson Square Ice Skating is one of them.  It is conveniently located downtown on Robson Street underneath the Vancouver Art Gallery.  

It is a small rink but it gives people a break from shopping.  They have skate rentals for $4 but remember to bring cash.  I helped chaperone my niece's 14 year old birthday party and took the girls there to skate around.  We didn't stay and went across the street to Cafe Artigiano for a Spanish coffee.  Okay, I wasn't really a chaperone since 14 years old kind of have a mind of their own.  I was there to be a human GPS and keep my sister company.  

Skating Robson Square take about an hour or less before it can be a bit too repetitive but it is unique and fun event if you are downtown.  Plus the girls had fun taking selfies and doing their own photo shoots likely to post to each other on Snapchat.  (That's my best guess!).

After skating we walked down to Cartem's Donuts.  

Robson Square Ice Skating is open until February 14th (Valentine's Day) from 9am - 9pm Sunday - Thursday and 9am - 11pm on Fridays and Saturdays.  

Vancouver Event: Vancouver Aquarium

This year my 7 year old niece is getting adventuresome and even though she was close to her mom in her younger years, she has recently realized that's it's okay to hang out with "auntie".  This means that I can have fabulous days where I spend the morning and afternoon finding out the joys of being young again.

Kids at school get free passes to Vancouver attractions and the ticket that she received was for the Vancouver Aquarium.  I hadn't been in years so it was great to go and see it through the eyes of a 7 year old.  I still had to pay $31 for an adult ticket but it was worth every penny for a memory that we'll never forget with my niece.

Everything is new and incredible at the aquarium.  We went through the tropics and each large glass she peered inside pointing in amazement at the different fish.  We saw a blue parrot and when we moved over to the Pacific Northwest there were jellyfish.  Jellyfish were one of my favorite.  We went to the 4D show which is lots of fun as the seats and effects will give you an entire experience.  Then we explored the exhibits outside which led us to the beluga whales, Chester, the false killer whale and penguins.  Of course every visit ends by exiting the gift shop and she did buy a seal with a magnetic pen attached.    

Time flies at the Vancouver Aquarium and I took lots of pics.  Here are some of the highlights below.  

Finding Nemo - Clownfish

Tortoises in the Tropics

Amazing Jellyfish

Crabs

Penguins

You can always find more info at their website:  http://www.vanaqua.org/