Activities |
|||
 |
Urban Waters Conference July 19-22, 2009 Educators from British Columbia, Oregon, Washington and Alaska coming together to share ideas, network, and learn the latest in conservation and research. |
||
|
Vancouver has a wealth of things to see and do. Whether you want your visit to be action packed or tranquil and relaxed, Vancouver has it all! We would like to offer you a wide range of organized field trips to enjoy during the conference as well as some activities that you can do under your steam. |
||
 |
Organized Activities and Field Trips for Monday |
||
 |
Organized Activities and Field Trips for Tuesday |
||
 |
On Your Own |
||
Recommendations
Watch registration deadlines – field trips that don’t meet minimum requirements by the deadline will be cancelled.
Field trip payment = registration.
All program trip times include transportation to and from the Vancouver Aquarium. Directions to the Vancouver Aquarium can be found at www.vanaqua.org. Please advise all non-conference delegates attending the field trips to meet at the Vancouver Aquarium reception (Aquaquest entrance at north end of aquarium) and to bring snacks or a bagged lunch if desired.
If you have children under the age of 9 attending field trips, please be aware of local booster seat laws. As of July 2008, all children travelling in a vehicle in British Columbia under the age of 9 or under 145 cm (4’9”) require a Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (CMVSS) approved child seat. If travelling in a vehicle less than 10,000 GVW, a child seat will be necessary. Seats can be rented at www.weetravel.ca.
Activity and Field Trip Descriptions
Into the Woods: Stanley Park After the Storm Back to Top
In December of 2006, Stanley Park experienced a major windstorm that levelled thousands of trees. Called a "disaster" in the local media, this ecological event presented a number of fascinating opportunities for both the flora and fauna of the forest, and the people who care for it. We'll tour blow-downs, look at regeneration areas, and discover how several local environmental artists chose to commemorate the event within the park.
Hosted by: Stanley Park Ecology Society Length: 2 hours Cost: $9 per person Minimum # of participants: 10 Maximum # of participants: 25 Departure time: 1:30pm |
 |
Special Notes: Must be able to walk 2-4 km on uneven terrain.
Stanley Park Kayak Back to Top
Guided kayaking tours are an excellent way to enjoy the water, vistas and adventures Vancouver has to offer. Leaving from the aquarium on foot, enjoy an easy 20 minute through Stanley Park to English Bay. The kayaking fun begins with an introduction to the sport and the gear needed to safely enjoy it. From the English Bay Boathouse we depart on a scenic paddle along the shorelines of Stanley Park, lined with majestic trees and the North Shore Mountains resting above the Vancouver skyline. We learn about British Columbia's natural heritage and native legends along the way. This guided tour is excellent for beginner and experienced paddlers alike.
Hosted by: Ecomarine Kayak
Length: 3.5 hours
Cost: Adults - 48$
Youth (8-16) - 36$
Minimum # of participants: 6
Maximum # of participants: 20
Departure time: 1:30pm
Special Notes:
- Must register for this tour by June 30th
- Ages 8 and up
- Tour uses double kayaks only
Sea Safari Back to Top
Grab a seat on our custom-designed, high-speed, 30 ft. rigid hull inflatable, powered by twin Verado Mercury 4 stroke outboard engines. With an experienced guide at the helm, you won't miss a thing on your guided Group Nature Tour. Our Howe Sound safari takes you on a 2 hour adventure to the spectacular scenery and wildlife which make coastal British Columbia world famous! You'll find yourself racing beside steep cliffs, exploring caves, and viewing harbour seals at play. We'll cruise out into The Strait of Georgia to see awesome views of Vancouver. On our return to Horseshoe Bay we'll view spectacular waterfront homes around West Vancouver. Please wear layered clothing and closed shoes for this adventure. Sunglasses are a good idea on bright days as well as sunscreen. Don't forget to bring your cameras!
Hosted by: Sewell’s Marina
Length: 5.5-6 hours
Cost:
Adults - 55$
Children (5-12) - 32.50$
Student/Senior (13-18/65+) - 48.5$
Minimum # of Participants: 5
Maximum # of Participants: 24
Departure time: 1:30pm
Special Notes:
- Must register before JULY 6th for this field trip
- Ages 5 and up
- May not be suitable for those with bad backs as water can be choppy
Inner Harbour Tour Back to Top
Walk along the Stanley Park Sea Wall and learn about the rich cultural history of the area. This is a pleasant stroll on route to the docks where you will rest your legs, sit back and experience a different view of Vancouver on one of Harbour Cruises fully narrated tours of Vancouver's inner harbour. This scenic boat tour takes you on a journey through Canada's "Gateway to the Pacific"- the Burrard Inlet. We get you up close to many of Vancouver's most famous landmarks. Cruise past the Lookout tower, Lions Gate Bridge, the busy cruise ship terminals, the spectacular city skyline, historic Gastown, the breathtaking North Shore Mountains and more.
Hosted by: Harbour Cruises
Length: 2-2.5 hours
Cost:
Adult - $29.95
Senior(60+)/Youth(12-17) - $24.95
Child (5-11) - $10
Child(4 and under) - Free
Minimum # of Participants: n/a
Maximum # of Participants: n/a
Departure time: 1:30pm
Special Notes: n/a
Beach Walk Back to Top
We’ve got beaches, and we’re not afraid to use them! Join a Vancouver Aquarium staff member as we explore some of our local beaches. Celebrated in song and story, these strips of land between the forest and the sea are a never ending source of delight and amazement, and have been for generations. Learn about the secrets of the ocean and the challenges of keeping these secrets safe, when nestled beside an urban metropolis.
Hosted by: Vancouver Aquarium
Length: 2 hours
Cost: FREE
Minimum # of Participants: n/a
Maximum # of Participants: n/a
Departure time: 1:30pm
SPECIAL NOTES: Wear sturdy shoes for this adventure
Harbour Station Exploration! Back to Top
Walk through the ‘Gateway to the Pacific’ with one of our resident tour guides, and explore one of Canada’s busiest sea ports. We’ll walk along the famed Stanley Park Seawall, to Canada Place, home to the Port of Metro Vancouver’s Interpretive Centre. Learn about the Port through displays, models, games, videos and presentations.
Hosted by: Vancouver Aquarium and Port of Metro Vancouver
Length: 3 hours
Cost: FREE
Minimum # of Participants: n/a
Maximum # of Participants: 35
Departure time: 1:30pm
Special Notes: Participants should feel comfortable walking several kilometers along the sea wall (easy/flat terrain) to the port
Whale Watching Back to Top
Join the professional Naturalists of the Vancouver Whale Watch company for a 3 to 5 hour Whale Watching tour, starting in the picturesque West Coast fishing village of historic Steveston and traveling through the spectacular Gulf and San Juan Islands. Their extensive whale spotting network, gives them a 90% sighting success rate. While journeying to find the Orcas (Killer Whales), you’ll also have the opportunity to see a diverse marine ecosystem, including bow riding Dall’s porpoises, sea lions, bald eagles, and seals.
Hosted by: Vancouver Whale Watch www.vancouverwhalewatch.com
Length: 5-7 hours
Cost: $120.75
Departure time: 1:30pm
Included: Transportation to Steveston, water, a light snack, and whales!
Special Notes:
- Must register before JULY 12th for this field trip
- Ages 8 and up
- May not be suitable for those with bad backs or pregnant women as water can be choppy
- Recommended that tour participants bring a packed lunch or snack, sunglasses, sunscreen, warm layers of clothing and their camera!
Kayak False Creek Back to Top
Guided kayaking tours are an excellent way to enjoy the water, vistas and adventures Vancouver has to offer. Leaving from the aquarium on foot, enjoy a guided 30 minute through Stanley Park to False Creek, then a short ride on the AquaBus takes us to Granville Island. The kayaking fun begins with an introduction to the sport and the gear needed to safely enjoy it. We launch from the dock in smaller groups into the protected waters of False Creek. This calm waterway is full of interesting commerce, floating homes, marinas, birds and unique images. With lots of stops to recount Vancouver's heritage, our guide takes us for a relaxing kayak experience
Hosted by: Ecomarine Kayak
Length: 4 hours
Cost:
Adults - 48$
Youth (8-16) - 36$
Minimum # of Participants: 6
Maximum # of Participants: 12
Departure time: 1:45pm
Special Notes:
- Must register for this tour by June 30th
- Ages 8 and up
- Tour uses double kayaks only
History Makes a Splash! Back to Top
Look at the place, isn’t it neat?...Wouldn’t you say, our collections complete? Join us at the Vancouver Maritime Museum to explore a collection far superior to the random nick knacks found in a mermaids cave. Considered to be Canada’s principal maritime museum for the Pacific coast, the museum is the perfect place to explore the rich heritage of Vancouver’s naval past and present, along with artifacts and stories from around the world. While here, be sure to scout for brigands from the restored RCMP arctic police vessel the St. Roch, plumb the depths in your own personal hard shell submarine suit, and threaten the locals with a cutlass and musket. Arrrrr!
Length: 2.5-3 hours
Cost:
Children/Youth (up to 18) - $7.75
Adult (19-64) - $11.50
Senior (65+) - $9.00
Minimum # of Participants: 4
Maximum # of Participants: n/a
Departure time: 1:45pm
Special Notes: n/a
Grouse Mountain Adventure Back to Top
Experience the peak of Vancouver! Travel up on the legendary Skyride, take in a lumber jack show, and check out the amazing raptor during the “Birds in Motion” program. Learn about local flora and fauna, the history of Grouse Mountain and the local geology of the North Shore Mountains during a 45-minute eco-walk with a knowledgeable Grouse Mountain guide. They will take you across the mountain plateau and the serene Blue Grouse Lake area, home of the híwus feasthouse and cultural centre. Finish up the visit with a peek at the Refuge for Endangered Wildlife, a research, conservation and education center at the top of the mountain.
Length: 3.5-4 Hours
Cost:
Adults - $40
Children (5-12) - $25
Minimum # of Participants: n/a
Maximum # of Participants: n/a
Departure time: 1:45pm
Special Notes: Registration deadline is July 6th
Capilano Suspension Bridge Back to Top
Whatever you do, don’t look down…OK fine, check it out! Marketed as Vancouver’s first visitor attraction, the Capilano Suspension Bridge is much more than a breathtaking walk over the Cailano river below. Breathe in the cedar-scented rainforest air as the Suspension Bridge takes you across to the natural splendor of evergreen shaded local trails. The park itself also offers a unique mix of adventure, history and culture making this Vancouver tourist attraction a complete British Columbia experience and an essential on your list of things to do in Vancouver, BC.
Length: 3 hours
Cost:
Adults - $20
Children/Youth (6-16) – $12.50
Minimum # of Participants: n/a
Maximum # of Participants: n/a
Departure time: 1:45pm
Special Notes: Registration deadline is July 6th
Capilano River Regional Park Exploration Back to Top
Come play in the rainforest and hear the fascinating story behind Capilano River Regional Park! Fantastic viewpoints abound along this rushing river, with many opportunities to see the Cleveland Dam, Grandpa Fir and the winding canyon below. Enjoy this leisurely stroll from the dam through towering forests to the salmon hatchery and learn about how the community is helping to preserve the salmon stocks. Be prepared to engage all your senses in discovering the diversity of life that exists in our temperate rainforests!
Dress for the weather and bring water.
Hosted by: Metro Vancouver Regional Parks
Length: 4.5 hours
Cost: FREE
Minimum # of Participants: 15
Maximum # of Participants: 30
Departure time: 1:45pm
Special Notes: Registration deadline is July 6th
Source To Tap - Capliano Watershed Tour Back to Top
Discover why Metro Vancouver’s tap water is amongst the best in the world! Explore the unique natural and cultural history of the Capilano Drinking Watershed – one of three picturesque and mountainous watersheds on the north shore of Metro Vancouver. Walk through an old growth forest. Visit an alpine lake and bog. Learn about watershed management practices, the drinking water supply system and the Seymour-Capilano Drinking Water Filtration Project.
Meet experts involved in managing watersheds and K-12 education programs for students and teachers. Exchange ideas with your colleagues about the role of water management facilities as places for engaging learners with sustainability topics and conservation.
Be prepared to have fun and be outside. Bring a friend. Bring a camera.
Hosted by Metro Vancouver Regional District Length: 4.5 hours Cost: FREE Minimum # of Participants: 15 Maximum # of Participants: 30 Departure time: 1:45pm
Special Notes: Registration deadline is July 6th |
 |