An Inspirational Weekend - Part Two

This weekend brought with the rest second part of our whirlwind with the Inspiration Pass. With the extra long weekend, we had lots of time to get as much done as possible, and we did just that. As an extra bonus, the weather was gorgeous Friday and Saturday, so we got to ride all over the city, which was long overdue. We did so much this weekend, and are pretty pooped today, but it was well worth it!

Bundled up and ready to ride on a sunny Fall day!

Such beautifully fascinating creatures 

On Friday, the day started all about the kids, as we head off to the Vancouver Aquarium. We rode along the seawall, enjoying the sunshine, arriving at the Aquarium for lunchtime. The kids had a blast running through each area, especially marvelling at the jellyfish. I was quite grateful for this visit, because the Aquarium is one of those great attractions that is just out of the budget for a family of four. Getting to take in all the shows as well, was just so much fun for the kids, and it's always nice to cater a day to them! On the way home, we made a quick stop at the Vancouver Police Museum, which was interesting, however creepy when you enter the morgue and autopsy area. Coralie was not impressed, and wanted out of that space quickly when she found out what happens there.

Coralie swimming with the fish

The kids locked up at the police museum...
seems fitting

Saturday, we stuck mainly to the central area of Vancouver. We biked over to Van Dusen Gardens, and wandered around the gardens. The highlight was the maze, which the kids took pleasure in leading us through. It was a nice quiet way to start the day, even if the kids spent a lot of time squealing as they chased each other through the park. From there, we headed off to the Bloedel Conservatory, which has been on our to do list since moving to Vancouver in 2007. It was pretty neat to walk through and see all the birds and butterflies, and to warm up in the tropical climate.

The maze at Van Dusen, conquered by the Velo Family children

All bright and sunny inside the
Bloedel Conservatory

While getting into all the gardens and museums is such a privilege, I think it is so fantastic that the pass also includes admission to the pools, skating rink and fitness centres. While going to these places isn't exactly unaffordable, being given the incentive to do some physical activity is great for a family of four who have been stuck inside with the weather turning wet. After Bloedel, being so close to Hillcrest Community Centre, we took the kids to the pool for some much needed playtime. We then headed home to rest up for one more day of play!

The photo hardly does justice to the sheer size of
this mammal

On Sunday, we woke up to drizzle, so we took that as our opportunity to give our bikes, and our legs, a rest, and headed out to UBC by bus. First stop was the Beatty Biodiversity Museum, and getting to see the giant blue whale skeleton. It was pretty fascinating, although after a few aisles, Coralie made it clear she did not want to see anymore dead birds. Etienne, alas, was not interested at all, which made us very grateful knowing we hadn't paid full price to get in. We then head off for a quick tour of the Museum of Anthropology, before heading home, exhausted but gracious for the opportunity.

Bill Reid "The Raven and The First Men"
sculpture at the MOA

So, after two weekends of museums, parks, galleries and whatever else we could fit in, I have to say that the Vancouver Inspiration Pass is such a fantastic program, and I am so thankful I have a husband who is quick on the draw and got us in line for this pass right away. Having two younger children, we likely wouldn't have went to most of these places until our children were much older, because they just don't have the attention span or the interest in much of what we did. We also now have a better idea of places we would like to return, either when the children are older, or on our own. For anyone lucky enough to get this pass, they will be able to experience so much. Two weeks is a short time to do all that the pass offers, but I encourage everyone to try to get to as much as possible. It is an amazing opportunity, and I am so thankful that we, as a family, were able to do this together!

A happy, well travelled family!

An inspirational weekend - Part One

This past weekend the Velo Family had the pleasure to use the Vancouver Inspiration Pass to visit some of the attractions we've been meaning to do since moving to Vancouver in 2007. For those who aren't aware, the Inspiration Pass is available to anyone with a Vancouver Public Library Card, and give the bearer admission for a family of up to six people into numerous museums, galleries, parks and other attractions throughout the City of Vancouver over a two week period. Sadly, the program is so incredibly popular that although my husband managed to get one of the first passes, when I signed up this weekend, I was so far down the list that I won't get a pass until at least a year and a half from now. So, if you're not one of the lucky people to get on the list early, I hope my posts this weekend and next inspire you to visit some of these attractions anyway!

Coralie suited up at the Space Centre

This weekend, our sights were set on staying indoors since the rain wasn't going anywhere. After our kids finished their swimming lessons on Saturday, we crossed the Burrard Bridge from the Vancouver Aquatic Centre and headed to the HR MacMillan Space Centre. It's been on the list of things to do for years, and then this year, while watching some shows with our youngest all about the birth of the universe and the planets in our solar system, we knew it was time. The Museum itself is small, but the shows are worth it. For the first time, I got to have the planetarium experience, watching the a show all about the origins of the universe. Under a canopy of stars, stardust and solar systems I, and my family, were dazzled by the all the wonders of space.

Inside the planetarium

Etienne is all set for Deep Sea Exploration

After the space centre, we took a tour through the Museum of Vancouver, conveniently located in the same building. There, we got to see some amazing installation art by Tobias Wong, along with the some pretty cool, although disturbingly eerie sounding, old neon signs. We also walked through the history rooms, and the kids marvelled at the old clothes and toys. Etienne took a particular liking to the old 1950's car, which I suppose is because it is a bit of a novelty for him, having no memories of travelling in our family car almost three years ago. After the MOV, we took a quick jaunt to the Maritime Museum, before hopping on a bus and heading home six hours after we left the house in the morning. Three museums in one day, and overall a very successful day trip!

Self Portrait of Tobias Wong comprised of 13,138 dice

The room of neon

Cars are a novelty for the car-free family

A unique experience...we stumbled upon
the Orpheum sign being replaced

Sunday, our destination was downtown. We took the kids to the Vancouver Art Gallery, where they were showing an exhibit for Ian Wallace, which was an interesting combination of photography and painting. I don't think the children fully appreciated the experience, but you have to start a love of art somehow! After the gallery, we headed to the Orpheum. Believe it or not, this Inspiration Pass includes tickets for the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra. Knowing full well our youngest would not sit quietly through a show, we left him in the capable hands of some good friends and the comforts of the Central Library while we took our daughter to the orchestra. It was a wonderful experience, and the music was absolutely beautiful!

The view of the orchestra before the show

So, with the help of the Inspiration Pass, we managed to pack a lot into one weekend. I truly hope this is something the VPL carries on for some time. It is an excellent way to see so much of our city when you're on a tight budget. It is especially beneficial for families, with admission to most of the attractions totalling anywhere between $50-100 for a family of four. Everything we did over the weekend were things we would have done sooner, had budget not been an issue. It leaves me excited for what we will get up to next weekend! To be continued...