VANCOUVER - British Columbia: Including the Alaska Highway - page 62

KITSILANO
Named for a Squamish chief and known simply as “Kits” to locals, Kitsilano is a trendy
beachside suburb southwest of downtown and boasting a young, active population. Extend-
ing south to West 16th Avenue and west to Alma Street from Burrard Street, its main attrac-
tions are two not-to-be-missed museums in Vanier Park. This park extends from Burrard
Street Bridge to Maple Street and is a popular spot for walkers, joggers, and cyclists. It is
home to the famous Bard on the Beach summertime theater. Green space continues beyond
Vanier Park to Kitsilano Beach, facing English Bay. Vancouver's most popular beach, this
spot attracts hordes of bronzed (and not-so-bronzed) bodies to its long sandy beach, warm
shallow waters, spectacular mountain views, the city's largest outdoor pool, beach volley-
ball, and surrounding cafés and restaurants.
Away from the Kitsilano waterfront are two main shopping and dining precincts: West
4th Avenue between Burrard and Balsam Streets and Broadway between Larch and Colling-
wood Streets.
Museum of Vancouver
Regional history from Precambrian times to the present comes to life at Museum of Van-
couver (1100 Chestnut St., 604/736-4431, www.museumofvancouver.ca , 10am-5pm daily,
until 9pm Thurs., closed Mon. in winter, adult $12, senior and student $10, child $8) in
Vanier Park. The West Coast Archaeology and Culture galleries hold ravishing masks,
highly patterned woven blankets, and fine baskets. The Gateway to the Pacific Gallery de-
tails European exploration of British Columbia—both by land and by sea. The 50s Gallery
depicts the 1950s, where a shiny 1955 Ford Fairlane is displayed and black-and-white TVs
screen popular shows of the time. The complex also holds a gift shop and a self-serve res-
taurant overlooking Vanier Park. To reach the museum, catch bus 2 or 22 on Burrard Street
and get off after Burrard Street Bridge at the Cornwall and Cypress Street stop, or catch a
ferry to Vanier Park from Granville Island or the Aquatic Centre at Sunset Beach. If you're
driving, you'll find plenty of parking.