Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
(Roundhouse Community Arts & Recreation Centre, 181 Roundhouse Mews; Yaletown-Round-
house)
F
In Vancouver's history, 23 May 1887 is an auspicious date. It was the day
when Engine 374 pulled the first transcontinental passenger train into the fledgling city,
symbolically linking the country and kick-starting the eventual metropolis. Retired in
1945, the engine was (after many years of neglect) finally restored and placed in this
lovely pavilion. Drop by for a chat with the friendly volunteers.
Administered by the
West Coast Railway Heritage Park
in Squamish (a good ex-
cursion for rail buffs), the engine is kept in sparkling condition and is occasionally
wheeled out onto the outside turntable, part of the beautifully restored roundhouse
building that recalls Yaletown's gritty rail history.
ROUNDHOUSE COMMUNITY
ARTS & RECREATION CENTRE
ARTS CENTER
(
www.roundhouse.ca
;
181 Roundhouse Mews, cnr Davie St & Pacific Blvd; 9am-10pm Mon-Fri, to
5pm Sat & Sun; Yaletown-Roundhouse)
Home of the Engine 374 Pavilion, Yaletown's
main community gathering space colonizes the handsomely restored heritage railway
roundhouse. It offers a full roster of events and courses for locals and visitors, including
popular drop-in running classes and Philosopher's Cafe debating events. Check the
website calendar to see what's on during your stay.
DAVID LAM PARK
PARK
(
www.vancouverparks.ca
;
cnr Drake St & Pacific Blvd; Yaletown-Roundhouse)
A crooked el-
bow of landscaped waterfront at the neck of False Creek, Yaletown's main green space
is sometimes used for free alfresco summer movie screenings. It's an ideal launching
point for a seawall walk along the north bank of False Creek to Science World; you'll
pass intriguing public artworks and the glass condo towers that transformed the neigh-
borhood in the 1990s.
Look out for birdlife along the route and ask the locals about the unexpected 2010
visit from a grey whale in these waters. It brought thousands of disbelieving Vancouv-
erites to the shoreline.
