Vancouver

Take a Religious Tour of Vancouver
Religious tours give great insight as to how churches function.

While taking a religious tour, you get to see the inner workings of how churches function.

Even if you aren’t religious, there’s a lot that can be learned by taking a religious tour within a city. You may need to call and make arrangements if you want to tour the inside of the church, but you don’t even have to go inside to see the architecture of the building. Make sure you don’t interrupt worship services. Vancouver is not one of the oldest cities in Canada, but there’s still a lot of heritage within the city. Here are some of the best churches to visit when you’re in town.

Different Churches to Visit On Your Religious Tour

  1. Paul’s Anglican Church was built in 1905. It is now a heritage building that cannot be torn down, nor have the integrity of its design altered. It’s a Gothic Revival design, and when you go inside, there’s a replica of a medieval labyrinth laid in the floor. It’s not a maze, but a walking path that leads into the centre and back out again. People of all faiths use it for meditation and reflection. The labyrinth is open to the public during certain times of the day.
  2. Christ Church Cathedral is noted for its stained glass windows. It’s such a popular exhibit that the church has a self-guided tour that can be downloaded to walk you through the building. The church itself is an excellent example of Gothic Revival architecture built at the turn of the 20th You might even think that it was taken out of the English countryside and moved to its location in Vancouver. In 1995, the church began a restoration project that took about 11 years. Visitors are invited to take a walking tour through the building to enjoy its rich heritage.
  3. The Holy Rosary Cathedral is home to the Roman Catholic faith. Pope John Paul II visited this church when he came to Vancouver. This building was built in the French Gothic style, and it features 21 beautiful pictorial stained glass windows. It’s one of three places in British Columbia where bells are hung in the English way. The bells made three oceanic crossings before the final installation. After one installation, the bells were not considered melodic enough and had to be sent to England to be melted down and recast.
  4. Andrew’s-Wesley United Church is a short walk from downtown. The Gothic building was completed in 1933, and it’s a popular venue for music concerts. Every Sunday, the church offers Jazz Vespers in the afternoon and candlelight and music service in the evening as extra worship services for the community. The church also houses many stained glass windows and liturgical hangings to help understand the faith.
  5. Holy Trinity Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral is a beautiful building that did not receive the designation of Cathedral until 1983, but the parish was established in 1937. On the first Friday of the month, the church hosts a Ukrainian supper featuring pirogies and cabbage rolls at great prices. The inside of the Cathedral features beautiful paintings of icons. Worshippers venerate, not worship, these icons and show respect for their faith by genuflecting before the icon painting.

Learning more about faiths outside of your own opens your eyes to the similarities and differences between different religions. It can bridge gaps between individuals and in communities. Take a religious tour of your own town if you can’t get to Vancouver to explore its religious heritage. Look at the difference in architecture, decorations and stained glass windows. You don’t have to be a believer to see the beauty in the history of the building and interior décor. Understanding how religion affects someone’s life helps you understand their morals, their celebrations and their lifestyle. And it gives you a better understanding of the world.

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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A Canadian Honeymoon
Canadian Honeymoon

Canadian Honeymoon

Not everyone has the money to go to some exotic overseas location on their honeymoon. There’s plenty of great places right here in Canada that don’t require a passport or long flights across the country. Spend your time exploring this beautiful country instead of traveling to some remote destination where you have to spend the first day recovering from jet leg. Here are some ideas you may not have thought about for your post-wedding vacation.

Whitehorse, Yukon

Come see the Northern Lights and enjoy the most romantic view on the planet when you visit this capital city. With a population of less than 30,000, you’ll have plenty of privacy for romantic walks along the historic sites or at the outdoor attractions. There are a number of trails available for both motorized and non-motorized travel. For a peaceful honeymoon in the great outdoors, Whitehorse is a great place.

Montreal, Quebec

The second largest city in Canada, Montreal is the ninth largest in North America. It’s home to all types of music, but is probably best known for producing jazz musicians. There’s plenty of art museums and architecture if you want to get some culture on your honeymoon. Montreal is also home to a number of sports teams. Depending on the season, you’ll have lots of options for great outings to make exciting memories.

Bay of Fundy, New Brunswick

Home to the highest tidal range in the world, Bay of Fundy is a romantic getaway for brides and grooms everywhere. Take a walk along the beach or kayak down one of the many rivers when the tide is high. Visit a winery for a special bottle to take home, or enjoy whale watching during the right season. Bikes are available for rental to enjoy the rustic villages and trails during the day. Small communities offer unique restaurants and local artisan work for souvenirs.

Vancouver, British Columbia

Vancouver is the eighth largest city in Canada, but named as one of the top five cities worldwide for livability. You’ll have indoor and outdoor options, with luxurious accommodations developed when Vancouver hosted the Winter Olympics. Art, music, and shopping are close at hand if you want to experience an urban getaway, while skiing and other outdoor sports complexes are within driving range for an active day of fun. You can explore the beach or the forest, both in the same day if you like.

Peggy’s Cove, Nova Scotia

For a natural vacation near glacial formations, the fishing village of Peggy’s Cove offers fresh seafood, lighthouses, and ocean walks. Stay at one of the inns or cottages along the beach to wake up to a sunrise over the bay or enjoy the sunset right from your own dock. There’s plenty to do and see, or you could just pack a picnic and enjoy the peace and quiet of nature.

Quebec City, Quebec

As one of the oldest cities in North America, Quebec City is one of the prettiest with a number of historical landmarks. Enjoy the Parc Aquarium du Quebec on one of your dates. Come see hundreds of animals unique to North America and learn about the conservation efforts to protect the environment. For a more urban getaway, go shopping or enjoy the numerous nightclubs. If you enjoy sports, you’ll find professional teams of all kinds. There’s so much to see and do to make memories in Quebec City when you’re on your honeymoon.

Banff, Alberta

As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Banff, Alberta is a small town in the Alberta Rockies. It sits 1,400 meters above sea level, making it the community with the second highest elevation in Alberta. Come for the hot springs or the outdoor sports. It’s a resort town with plenty to keep the two of you busy. There are a number of hotels and cottages offering accommodations all year long.