Vancouver, Whistler & Vancouver Island - Washington, Oregon and the Pacific Northwest - page 744

loving critters - including sharks, wolf eels, beluga whales and a somewhat shy octopus.
There's also a small walk-through rainforest area of birds, turtles and a statue-still sloth.
Check out the mesmerizing iridescent jellyfish tanks as well as the schedule for feeding
times. The attraction's latest addition is its 4-D Experience: a 3-D movie theater with ad-
ded wind, mist and aromas.
If you're traveling with someone who really loves marine animals, consider booking
an Animal Encounter tour (from $60).
Second Beach & Third Beach BEACH
( 19) Second Beach is a family-friendly area on the park's western side, with a grassy
playground, an ice-cream-serving concession and the Stanley Park Pitch & Putt MAP
GOOGLE MAP course. It's also close to Creperly Meadows, where free outdoor movie
screenings take place in summer. Its main attraction, though, is its seasonal outdoor
swimming pool . Alternatively, head to Third Beach for one of Vancouver's best sunset-
watching spots.
West End
Dripping with wooden heritage homes and well-maintained older apartment blocks, this
bustling residential neighborhood - home of Vancouver's gay community - combines
seawall promenades and myriad midrange dining options.
Roedde House Museum MUSEUM
MAP GOOGLE MAP
( www.roeddehouse.org ; 1415 Barclay St; admission $5; 1-4pm Tue-Fri & Sun; 5) For a
glimpse of what the West End looked like before the apartment blocks, drop by this
handsome 1893 Queen Anne-style mansion, now a lovingly preserved museum packed
with antiques. Sunday entry - including tour, tea and cookies - is just $8. It's the center-
piece of Barclay Heritage Sq, a one-block site containing nine historic houses dating
from 1890 to 1908.
English Bay Beach BEACH
(cnr Denman St & Beach Ave; 5) Wandering south on Denman St, you'll spot a rustle of
palm trees ahead announcing one of Canada's best urban beaches. Then, you'll see Van-
couver's most popular public artwork: a series of oversized laughing figures that make
everyone smile. There's a party atmosphere here in summer as locals catch rays and
busker shows…or just ogle the volleyballers prancing around on the sand.