Walking discoveries - Vancouver & Toronto

I don't know why I need reminding but 10 days ago I almost missed an amazing opportunity. I was in Richmond B.C. which is not the most obviously charming section of the greater Vancouver area. Because it is not the prettiest area and because it was raining (and it's always raining in Vancouver at this time of year), I almost decided to use the fitness center's treadmill for my morning walk. Fortunately, I reminded myself how I often discover something when I go outside for a walk - whether it's good local coffee, an interesting path, or (cry for help) an irresistible shoe store.

So, down I went to the hotel concierge to ask where one might walk that would be pedestrian friendly. Well, as often turns out in any place, but especially on the westcoast of Canada, there is more to Richmond than street after street of suburban malls. Just 8 minutes from my hotel was a beautiful pedestrian walkway along a dyke that follows the Fraser River. And on the way to that dyke I passed by the Richmond Olympic Oval.

Well...because of the Olympic Oval, I never made it to the dyke! I was seduced to enter by the wood wave roof that, as I learned later in the day, is constructed of 1 million board feet of pine 2x4s that were thought to be useless because they had been damged by pine beetles. Only the long track speed skating event will be held here but it will be worth watching just to catch a glimpse of this spectacular building.

My fantastic experience stumbling upon the Richmond Oval reminded, again, how it expands my horizons - quite literally - to walk outside, no matter how much I am tempted to stay in.

So, today, even though I don't usually walk on Mondays, because it's yoga day, I went exploring in my new urban neighbourhood. Over recent weeks I have had need to drive under an overpass on which there are often cyclists. Today I decided to investigate on foot. Wouldn't you know I happened upon the West Toronto Rail Path. The photos above show you some of what I saw. It's an impressive initiative and you can find out more at http://www.railpath.ca/ .

Please post here, if you have discovered an interesting feature of your neighbourhood recently. Or, go for a walk, and find one!