SkyTrain offers a scenic, 20-minute ride from downtown Vancouver, showing you the city and beyond, from a unique vantage point. Skimming above rooftops, in-between warehouses and across highways; SkyTrain passes through residential neighborhoods and commercial districts towards the end of the line in New Westminster on the Fraser River. Possibilities? Lots of ‘em! Saunter around the public market or outside along the boardwalk, try your luck aboard Royal City Star, a floating paddle-wheeler casino that takes periodic trips down river, explore the only Russian sub in North America or stroll through the last of the Samson sternwheelers from 1884, now a museum illustrating the maritime history of this craft when they played such an essential role in building BC’s economy.

Return by SkyTrain back to Vancouver and keep on going over to the North Shore by transferring onto the SeaBus, a busy catamaran that shuttles passengers between shores. It’s a highly mechanized version of Hong Kong’s famous Star Ferry but cross Vancouver harbor - in between freighters and seaplanes - and you’ll feel the similarities. On the other side, there’s a two-level, lively indoor market selling everything from kitchen wares to children’s books although it’s the ride back that’s the real treat. Approaching Vancouver from the water, slipping in at the foot of Canada Place and the high rises, cruise liners and cargo cranes is a humbling experience. And the best cruise value around at only CDN $1.50 ($3.00 if you take the trip all the way from New Westminster). The crossing takes twelve minutes.