Trip chapter 10

Kamloops to Vancouver

Highway 5 led to Tilly's happy place at Hadden Beach, followed by Stanley Park, Gastown and relaxed East Vancouver patios.

WhenJuly 2-4, 2024

FromKamloops

ToVancouver

We left Kamloops on July 2 and followed Highway 5 towards Vancouver. We reached the city too early to check into our Airbnb, which gave us time for a first outing before settling in.

Tilly finds her happy place

We took Tilly to Hadden Beach in Kitsilano, her first off-leash dog area with access to the water. She was so excited to run across the sand and charge into the sea that it immediately felt like we had found her happy place.

Tilly standing at the edge of the waves at Hadden Beach — A first taste of sand, waves and off-leash freedom beside the sea.

Shaun and Tilly together on Hadden Beach — A first taste of sand, waves and off-leash freedom beside the sea.

Attraction in Vancouver

Hadden Beach

A sandy off-leash beach where Tilly discovered the sea and seemed to find her happy place.

Read our Hadden Beach notes →

A base near Commercial Drive

Our Airbnb just off Commercial Drive had a lovely little outdoor patio where we could sit with coffee in the morning. Parking was not completely straightforward, although we always found somewhere, even when the available space was on the far side of the park.

Tilly sitting with us on the small wooden patio at the Commercial Drive Airbnb — Morning patio time at our Commercial Drive base.

Lodging in Vancouver

Commercial Drive Airbnb

A dog-friendly neighbourhood rental with a lovely little patio, close to Commercial Drive.

Read our Commercial Drive Airbnb notes →

Stanley Park and an ice cream

The next day we explored Stanley Park and stopped at Prospect Point. The overlook gave us a clear view of the Lions Gate Bridge, and the Trading Post supplied an ice cream treat for Tilly.

Lions Gate Bridge viewed from Prospect Point in Stanley Park — The Lions Gate Bridge viewpoint followed by Tilly's Prospect Point treat.

Tilly with Shaun and his brother at the Prospect Point overlook — The Lions Gate Bridge viewpoint followed by Tilly's Prospect Point treat.

Attraction in Vancouver

Stanley Park and Prospect Point

A scenic park outing with Lions Gate Bridge views and an ice cream stop for Tilly at Prospect Point Trading Post.

Read our Stanley Park notes →

After Stanley Park, there was only one sensible place to take Tilly: straight back to Hadden Beach for another run across the sand and through the water.

A wet Tilly sitting on the sand at Hadden Beach — Back at Hadden Beach the next afternoon.

Tilly resting against us after playing at Hadden Beach — Back at Hadden Beach the next afternoon.

Gastown and neighbourhood patios

On July 4 we headed downtown to see the Gastown Steam Clock, then picked up donuts from Lee's Donuts on Water Street.

Steam rising from the Gastown Steam Clock on Water Street — The Gastown Steam Clock in the middle of a busy Water Street.

The Gastown Steam Clock surrounded by visitors and brick buildings — The Gastown Steam Clock in the middle of a busy Water Street.

Food and drink in Vancouver

Lee's Donuts Gastown

A convenient takeaway donut stop near the Gastown Steam Clock during a downtown walk with Tilly.

Read our Lee's Donuts notes →

Closer to our Airbnb, both East Van Brewing and Jamjar Canteen had patios where Tilly was welcome. They made it easy to eat and drink around Commercial Drive without leaving her behind.

Tilly settled beneath our table on the East Van Brewing patio — Patio stops at East Van Brewing and Jamjar Canteen.

A selection of dips served outside at Jamjar Canteen — Patio stops at East Van Brewing and Jamjar Canteen.

Food and drink in Vancouver

East Van Brewing

An East Vancouver brewery where Tilly was welcome to sit with us on the patio.

Read our East Van Brewing notes →

Food and drink in Vancouver

Jamjar Canteen

A Commercial Drive Lebanese restaurant with a patio where Tilly could join us.

Read our Jamjar Canteen notes →