A Magical Transformation
The Vancouver, Waterfront has changed dramatically from my first visit in 2015 after moving here from Albany, Oregon. At that time the waterfront was just a inch or two above industrial ugly.
But year by year the transformation has been exciting as an almost Cinderella pumpkin to carriage magic experience. Every couple of months my husband and I would pop in the car for a Waterfront drive by to see what was new.
And of course we weren’t alone as we would see other folks in cars or walking doing the same thing.
In ten years the Vancouver Waterfront has become a local as well as tourist gathering point. While the $6.1 billion redevelopment has become a spot for the rich to wine, dine and live it is also a warm, and fun place for those of us on a modest budget to find it a place to enjoy as well.
It was designed to connect downtown Vancouver to the water and I give it five stars for mission accomplished. It’s vibrant, walkable elegant with a welcome spirit for people of all ages, interests and types to enjoy. Sometimes we visit simply to see how things are going, to enjoy a walk along the river and mingle with dog walkers, runners and strollers. Other times we come in the evening to enjoy a meal at one of the restaurants with family or friends.
Where It Is & How to Experience It
The Vancouver Waterfront stretches along the Columbia River, just west of downtown Vancouver, and is easy to reach on foot from downtown. We usually drive to one of the free parking lots located after the bridge and walk East or West depending on our mood. Going East it becomes more of a nature walk while West it winds along the river with shops, hotels and eating places.
It’s pretty much a socialable walk whichever way you go. I have rarely seen it entirely empty of walkers or runners. For the most part we most always experience the warmth and friendliness of the western mindset with people smiling, nodding or even stopping to chat a few sentences or two as we pass each other.
In a few spots the homeless are staking a bit of space but we have never experienced rudeness or any type of unpleasantness. It’s one of those places where all peoples seem to be able to enjoy the wonders of the river together.