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7 Great Places to Visit on Your Vancouver Honeymoon
Lion Gates Bridge is one of many places to spend your Vancouver Honeymoon.

Lion Gates Bridge is an attractive spot for couples looking to maximize their Vancouver Honeymoon fun.

Although there are many exotic locations around the world in which to spend your honeymoon, Canada offers a number of great places that are romantic and fun after the stress of a wedding. Flying domestic is typically much less expensive than taking an airplane to an international destination, making it good for your budget. If you’ve never experienced the lovely city of Vancouver, here are seven places to visit on your Vancouver honeymoon, anniversary or just a romantic getaway.

Great Vancouver Honeymoon Spots

  1. Capilano Suspension Bridge – The suspension bridge has been a main attraction in Vancouver since 1889, and many other features have been added to the landmark over the years. Walk across the bridge that sits 70 meters above the river and experience a view that is unlike any other. Take the cliffwalk or the treetops adventure to see all the rainforest has to offer. Don’t forget to take in the Story Centre, which is an educational feature that explores the fine details of the bridge.
  1. Stanley Park Horse-Drawn Tours – Who wouldn’t enjoy a horse-drawn carriage ride through many different famous settings in Vancouver? Private tours for two people are available, or you can join a group of even more people to see the red-cedar forest, the Rose Garden, the Lions Gate Bridge and some of the most iconic statues in the area.
  1. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden – The first classical Chinese garden in Canada is a perfect place to find peace and romance when you walk through the covered walkways and pavilions. Enjoy a jade green pond filled with koi fish, miniature trees, and tai hu rock. Have a cup of traditional Chinese tea before you leave.
  1. Vancouver Art Gallery – Take in some culture while you’re on vacation at a world-renowned museum. If you’re into photography, you’ll find a huge collection of works from Ansel Adams, Cindy Sherman and Henri Cartier-Bresson. The gallery also has a collection of paintings by Emily Carr, who is known for a modernistic style influenced by the local indigenous peoples of B.C.
  1. Science World – This museum may be known as a place for children to explore the scientific world, but adults can enjoy the exhibits and see how science and art collides. The Geodesic dome is a beautiful piece of architecture that should be admired. The museum periodically hosts adult-only events. Check the calendar to find dates and plan your trip accordingly.
  1. Queen Elizabeth Park – Even if you’re not into floral displays and horticulture, Queen Elizabeth Park offers stunning views in a romantic setting where you and your partner can talk and connect. The park sits 152 meters above sea level and is the highest point in Vancouver. It features native and exotic trees and beautiful sculptures as well as recreational activities.
  1. BC Place – The stadium is the home of the Vancouver Whitecaps and BC Lions, but it also hosts many different special events throughout the year. The retractable roof is a technological wonder, and if you ever get a chance to see this venue, you should definitely take advantage of it.

Vancouver offers many styles of hotels, from the most modern with all the bells and whistles to classical bed and breakfasts outfitted in antique décor. If you enjoy shopping, you’ll find a plethora of different stores featuring local designers and artisans to find the perfect souvenirs of your trip. If you’re into sports, Vancouver has a full selection of summer and winter sports venues. Enjoy the ocean or the mountains, both in the same day should you choose. You can’t go wrong when you take a trip to Vancouver to see all it has to offer.

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Canada’s Maple Leaf Flag Turns 50 this Month

164181644On Sunday, February 15, 2015 the National Flag of Canada, also called the Maple Leaf, will celebrate its 50th birthday. Prior to the Maple Leaf, the Union Jack (flag of Great Britain) was the official flag of the Canadian people, because Canada was originally a British territory. The Canadian flag features two vertical red panels on either end with an 11 point red maple leaf emblazoned on a white center square. It is twice as long as it is wide.

History

Canada has had many flags over the years. After World War I, the quest for a new flag began in earnest, but it wasn’t until the 1960s that the movement made significant progress. In 1964, new Liberal Prime Minister Lester Pearson, winner of the 1957 Nobel Peace Prize, asked Parliament to appointment a committee to consider alternative flags. One of Pearson’s campaign promises had been to pursue a different flag for the country. Pearson wanted the flag of Canada to stand out and be distinctively Canadian. There were numerous people against the idea and political battles ensued on many fronts. However, in October of 1964, the flag selection committee picked the Maple Leaf over two other shortlisted options.

The origin of the design is still debated; some claim Dr. George Stanley, inspired by the flag of Kingston Royal Military College, deserves the credit and others attribute the Maple Leaf to John Ross Matheson, a Liberal PM. The Canadian Parliament approved the choice the following December and Queen Elizabeth II (also then referred to as the Queen of Canada), proclaimed the new flag in January. It was officially inaugurated and raised for the first time over Parliament on February 15, 1965.

Why the Maple Leaf?

Over the years, the maple leaf has been frequently used as a symbol of Canada. It has been worn on Canadian soldiers’ caps and badges since the 19th century, including during World Wars I and II. The maple leaf was featured on all Canadian coins between 1876 and 1901. Today it can be seen on the penny. Another reason why the maple leaf may have ended up on the flag is that it is relatively easy to draw. Maple leaves are also red in fall and red is one of Canada’s national colors with white being the other.

Fun Facts

  1. You can own a flag that has flown over Peace Tower and the Canadian Parliament. A Maple Leaf flies over Peace Tower 24 hours a day, but is changed each morning. After a flag is taken down, it is transported to a government office. Employees distribute each Maple Leaf that has been removed to people who have requested them. There is a 10 year waiting list.
  2. After the 1995 referendum for Quebec Independence was narrowly defeated, government officials gave away a million flags to promote unity. The gesture cost $15 million.
  3. The Largest Canadian Flag ever made was 40 yards by 83 yards and cost $15,000. It was unveiled at a football game and is too big to ever fly. Eighty pairs of hands were needed to carry it onto the field.
  4. During Game 2 of the 1992 World Series between the Toronto Blue Jays and Atlanta Braves, the Maple Leaf was held upside down by the U.S. Marine Corps when the national anthems were played during the pregame ceremony. The Blue Jays ended up winning the game, but the incident caused quite a stir. Many Canadian fans retaliated by holding U.S. flags upside down at Game 3 in Toronto.

The 50th birthday of the National Flag of Canada is a big deal and much has changed in Canada since 1965. Hopefully the Maple Leaf will fly over continued peace and prosperity during the next 50 years.