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"I'm on a boat..." We couldn't help but sing the song. Blasting out across English Bay and under bridges as we bounced over choppy wake left by Sea Buses, float planes and other boats. We took in the iconic sights of Burrard Inlet and Deep Cove. This week's adventure takes you to a rented freedom that is worth every penny. PLACE: Granville Island Boat Rentals (CLICK FOR MAP) LOCATION: Vancouver Harbour , BC Have suggestions for UNPLUGGED this fall? Tweet me @amberturnau. |
There's no better way to say goodbye to your 20's than a speed boat ride with your best buds. Now, this wasn't my first "boat" rodeo, but nevertheless, it was a totally memorable experience to celebrate my 30th birthday.
We rented our boat from Granville Island Boat Rentals, stopping by the Public Market first to pick up some fresh deli salads, olives, cheeses and breads.
There are a number of different routes that can be taken during the two-hour rental period we signed up for. We chose the route to Deep Cove, which included a zip across English Bay, and under both the Lion's Gate and Second Narrows bridges.
Our favourite point of interest was the McBarge. Anyone who attended Expo '86 remembers the floating McDonald's Barge that became a big attraction and one of the iconic pavilions of the Expo. Nearly 30 years later, the McBarge has been more or less abandoned in Burrard Inlet and has stood the test of time - bearing graffiti, barbed wire around its perimeter, as well as a few leaks. Apparently, the McBarge is awaiting its big move to Mission to become refurbished.
There's something about driving at top speeds, dodging Sea Buses and wake from busy harbour traffic. It makes you feel alive. The boys in our party, especially loved testing their boating maneuvers.
With views like this, how could you not feel like a child again? Despite cooler temperatures, the autumn is the perfect time to get out and enjoy the fresh air and gorgeous Vancouver cityscapes. So get your flippy floppies out and head down to your closest rental spot for a boat adventure.
Note: This trip cost us $190CAD, which included temporary boat lessons for two of us, as well as 2 hours of boat time, plus fuel.
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