If visitors have had enough of the crowds at Granville Island, then simply catch the number 50 bus heading eastwards towards Cambie Street. The bus changes to number 15 after the Olympic Village Skytrain station – no need to get off and then on again – and 10 minutes later arrives at 33rd Avenue, where travellers should get off and visit Queen Elizabeth Park, where there will be few crowds.
This park has majestic views over Vancouver, contains the Bloedel conservatory housing exotic plants and birds, and features many shady and well stocked gardens to stroll through. The Rose Garden is a particular favourite of mine–especially the flowering borders.
There are several tennis courts and lacrosse pitches, as well as a putting green and a pitch and putt course. There are many birdwatching opportunities and plenty of places to picnic on the well-groomed grass slopes. Occasional open-air theatre productions take place here during the summer months.
Julian has written articles on Middle Eastern and European architecture for the US magazine Skipping Stones. He has written travel articles that were published in The Toronto Globe and Mail, Fate Magazine, National Catholic Register, and Northwest Travel. Julian has also written articles for the In The Know Traveler, Go Nomad, InTravelmag, and Go World Travel websites. He has also taken many photographs that have appeared in travel guides by National Geographic, Thomas Cook and The Rough Guides. Examples of his work can be found at http://www.photographersdirect.com/sellers/details.asp?portfolio=13734
