Gran Hotel: Redesigning Modern Life
When: April 13 to September 15, 2013
Where: Vancouver Art Gallery - Stop #4
Price: Included with Admission
Named after a 1932 Hollywood film, the exhibition explores the evolution of hotels and their role in modern life. The four main themes are travel, design, social and culture. A curator tour will be available on Sunday, the day after the opening.
“Quite simply, the hotel is a veritable laboratory of modern life.”
Website: Gran Hotel: Redesigning Modern Life
World Umbrella DanceWhen: April 13th 12:45pm
Where: In front of Vancouver Art Gallery - Stop #4
Price: Free
Shiamak Vancouver Performance Team is in charge of rehearsals for all the volunteers who will be participating in this year’s World Umbrella Dance. Anthony Redpath’s limited edition PoP-Art umbrellas will be used, and it promises to be a visually appealing performance. Dancers are lucky, because if the Vancouver rain makes an appearance they’ll be armed.
Website: World Umbrella Dance
A Week in the Life of Stanley Park: Photo ContestWhere: Stanley Park - Stops #12 - #17
When: April 6-14, 2013
Price: Free
Stanley Park Ecology Society is accepting photo submissions for their contest from anyone, doesn’t matter which country you are from, and offering hotel accommodation and restaurant certificates as prize packages. The categories are Nature, Places, People and Youth for those under the age of 19. Thirteen winning entries will be featured in the 2014 calendar, on their website, and be displayed in the Stanley Park Nature House located in Lost Lagoon. If you’re Hopping Off in Stanley Park, or have done so in the past, this is your chance to win yourself a good excuse to return to Vancouver!
Website: Stanley Park Photo Contest
Vancouver Convention Centre TourWhen: April 10th 10am, 2pm
Where: Vancouver Convention Center - Stop #1
Price: Free
A rare opportunity to tour the usually far-too busy Vancouver Convention center. The building is LEEDS certified, boasts a massive green roof complete with bees and was used as a media hub during the 2010 Winter Olympics. Book yourself a spot because this doesn’t happen every day.
//By: Alina Anghel
The Vancouver Cherry Blossom festival kicked-off yesterday at Burrard Skytrain station! It commemorates a gift of 37,000 thousand Cherry Trees which were given as a gift from Japan in the 1930s for the Japanese Canadians that fought in WW2. In 1958, Japan donated 300 more trees to symbolize the friendship between Canada and Japan.
Sakura means cherry tree in Japanese. Today in Vancouver there are 130 000 trees that blossom and 600 different varieties.
The most common variety in Vancouver is the Sato Zakura. Attendees of the event enjoyed special Sakurab bento boxes.
Balloons were a popular freebie and each one had a Haiku attached. Every year the festival hosts a Haiku competition, this year you can add your own to their online map- Haiku Tracking.
Many skilled performers entertained guests. Shiamak Vancouver Dance Team, Tetsu Taiku, Chibi Taiko, VanCity Soran dance team and the Ruby’s Ukes Ukulele School were all a part of the Cherry Jam.
The festival is on for the entire month of April, so if you missed the Cherry Jam- don’t worry! There is more to come. Check our weekly events page to see what’s happening along our route.
Ongoing events are Bloom Maps,Sakura Illumination Tour that illuminates specific trees depending on the weather, and a photo contest. Check their website for a full list of events as this is one eventful festival- literally!
Website: Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival
//ukulel sk chhccvvBy: Alina Anghel
Waterfront
Stop number one along our route is where most people begin their tour! It has beautiful views of the North Shore, multiple high-end surrounding hotels and is where cruise ships dock in the summer time. Read below for some activities to do and places to eat when you Hop off!
ActivitiesVancouver Convention Center
The Vancouver Convention Centre West is a state of the art building that was built before the Vancouver Winter Olympics in 2010 and is always bustling. You can walk inside, take pictures with the hanging globe and enjoy it’s architecture.
On select days, tours of the building are offered.
Website: Vancouver Convention Centre
Canada Place
A hotspot in the summer, where many cruise ships dock and live concerts are held. Take a stroll along the Canada Trail and learn about the country and all it’s provinces. The War of 1812 Exhibition is open to the public free of charge to commemorate the 200th anniversary of a war fought against an American invasion.
Website: Canada Place
Olympic Cauldron
The Olympic Cauldron was lit by Wayne Gretzky for the 2010 Winter Olympics and is perfect for photo-ops. Snap a photo as you drive by on the tour or walk over when exploring this stop.
RestaurantsDe Dutch
DeDutch is a local restaurant with a unique story that serves up a dutch inspired menu. Pannekoeken is their specialty- a cross between a pancake and a crepe that comes with a variety of different toppings. Breakfast is served all day but the menu also features burgers and sandwiches with a DeDutch twist. If you’re the adventurous type, try their Brie, Blueberry and Red Onion toastie served with kettle chips and dip. The location offers a beautiful view right by the water.
Website: DeDutch Menu
Cactus Club
A much anticipated and brand new location that opened it’s doors this March. Cactus club is a locally owned chain that Vancouverites turn to for delicious west coast dishes and a wide variety of cocktails. A perfect option if you’re wanting to have a sit-down meal for lunch or at the end of your tour.
Website: Cactus Club Menu
Food Court
Just across the street from our the stop and down the stairs you can find a food court that has staples such as Tim Hortons, McDonalds, Taco Time, and other food court fare. Pop in for a quick meal and you can sit outside on a sunny day by the fountain.
Website: Waterfront Centre
Sweet ToothBella Gellateria
You probably didn’t expect to find the best gelato in the world in Vancouver, did you? Well according to the World Gelato Festival 2012 in Florence, Bella Gelateria is the little van gelato shop that could. Their creation placed first in the people’s choice category and with the technical jury. The old world shop churns out 24 fascinating flavors daily that are handcrafted with local and seasonal ingredients.
Website: Bella Gelateria
Mink Chocolates
If you’d like to grab a cup of coffee, sit down in a quiet spot, and satisfy your sweet tooth this tucked away cafe is a beautiful option. On top of their coffee selection, they serve up fondue and Belgian waffles. Mink is a modern chocolate shop that sells inventive flavors with names such as Fountain of Youth, Open in Case of an Emergency, and High Tea. You can buy a few bars or bonbons as gifts for your loved ones back home- if you manage to resist eating them before you land.
Website: Mink Chocolates
Coffee ShopsIf you’re just looking to grab a quick coffee while you wait between Trolleys, a Starbucks is located in the Pan Pacific Hotel. Along the Canada Trail, the Coal Harbour Coffee Company has an excellent view, high end coffees, and deals such as $2.50 lattes from time to time.
//By: Alina Anghel
Cherry Jam Downtown

When: April 4th 11:00am - 1:30pm
Where: Burrard Skytrain Station - Stop #3
Price: Free
The Cherry Blossom Festival celebrates the blossoming of the Cherry Trees that were given to Vancouver as a gift by Japan in the 1930s. Pink petals fill the sky all over the lower mainland and eventually the concrete signalling spring. The festival runs all April and features umbrella dances, guided walks, bike rides, and various art installations. The official festival kick-off takes place on April 4th at Burrard Skytrain Station right in front of Stop #3.
Website: Cherry Jam - Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival
The Times of India Film Awards

When: April 4th to 6th
Remember the 2010 Olympics when all eyes world wide were on Vancouver? Well this week, all eyes from India will be back on us- that’s one billion potential viewers! India’s brightest stars will be descending into downtown so keep your eyes peeled for some celebs. All the events are sold-out, but a certain Bollywood buzz is sure to be felt downtown.
Website: The Times of India Film Awards
Vancouver Rain
When: April 2 – April 30, 2013
Where: Dr. Sun Yat Sen Classical Chinese Garden - Stop #27
Price: Included with Admission
Dave Denson paintings that use the medium of pastel will be on display for the entire month of April in the Hall of One Hundred Rivers. The theme of the exhibition will be one beloved by Vancouverites- Rain!
Website: Vancouver Rain
My Turquoise Years
When: April 4th - May 4th
Where: Granville Island Stage - Granville Island Stop #22
Price: Based on Seating Preference
A coming-of-age story circa 1960 that promises laughs. A fourteen year old girl gets thrown into an overseas trip considered the wild- Canada. The Granville Island Stage has a beautiful reception room with a gorgeous view of downtown. Purchase tickets on the Arts Club website.
Website: Granville Island - My Turquoise
//By: Alina Anghel
Cherry Jam Downtown  When: April 4th 11:00am - 1:30pm Where: Burrard Skytrain Station - Stop #3 Price: Free The Cherry Blossom Festival celebrates the blossoming of the Cherry Trees that were given to Vancouver as a gift by Japan in the 1930s. Pink petals fill the sky all over the lower mainland and eventually the concrete signalling spring. The festival runs all April and features umbrella dances, guided walks and bike rides, and various art installations. The official festival kick-off takes place on April 4th at Burrard Skytrain Station right in front of Stop #3. Website: Cherry Jam - Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival The Times of India Film Awards  When: April 4th to 6th Remember the 2010 Olympics when all eyes world wide were on Vancouver? Well this week, all eyes from India will be back on us- that’s one billion potential viewers! The India’s brightest stars will be descending into downtown so keep your eyes peeled for some celebs. All the events are sold-out, but a certain bollywood buzz is sure to be felt downtown. Website: The Times of India Film Awards Vancouver Rain  When: April 2 – April 30, 2013 Where: Dr. Sun Yat Sen Classical Chinese Garden - Stop #27 Price: Included with Admission Dave Denson paintings that use the medium of pastel will be on display for the entire month of April in the Hall of One Hundred Rivers. The theme of the exhibition will be a beloved Vancouverite- Rain! Website: Vancouver Rain My Turquoise Years  When: April 4th - May 4th Where: Granville Island Stage - Granville Island Stop #22 Price: Based on Seating Preference A coming-of-age story circa 1960 that promises laughs. A fourteen year old girl gets thrown into an overseas trip into the wild- Canada. The Granville Island Stage has a beautiful reception room with a gorgeous view of downtown. Purchase tickets on the Arts Club website. Website: Granville Island - My Turquoise
Easter Train - Stanley Park
When: March 23th - April 1st
Where: Close walk from Stop 13 - Ask your driver for directions
Price: Kids $8.75 for all activities
Adults $3.50 for train ride, free to supervise egg hunt
If you’ve got kids, then Hop off at stop #13 and so they can meet the Easter Bunny and go for an Easter themed train ride. All sorts of activities are planned, from an egg hunts to crafts. The train is also covered so it operates rain or shine, but fingers crossed that the streak of beautiful weather doesn’t end.
Website: http://vancouver.ca/parks-recreation-culture/easter-train.aspx
Canstruction
When: March 25th - April 3rd
Where: HSBC Pendulum Gallery, Four Seasons Hotel, Pacific Center Rotunda - Stop 4
Price: FREE
Every year Vancouver business and organisations put their building skills to the test and face off in a canstruction competition. All the cans and food items used are donated to the Greater Vancouver Foodbank and the competition takes place in 180 cities worldwide. You can walk into the buildings hosting the competition and marvel at the ingenuity and creativity of the sculptures. I spotted an accurate model of BC place, complete with changing lights that made excellent use of marshmallows and Fiji water.
Website: http://www.canstructionvancouver.com/
Vancouver Art Gallery
When: March 26, 7:00pm
Where: Vancouver Art Gallery - Stop 4
Price: Included with Gallery Admission - by donation Tuesdays after 5:00pm
A rare opportunity to hear the carver himself James Hart lead an Artist Talk discussing his process of creating The Dance Screen (The Scream Too). The process began in 2009 and was completed inside the Vancouver Art Gallery. A dance screen, it has a door to be used in the future by dancers and features traditional animal figures of the Haida people that conveys the importance of man and nature’s interdependent relationship. A theme also captured by the carving is the declining salmon population in the West Coast. Hart is a Haida master carver and chief that previously worked with Bill Reid and Robert Davidson.
Website: http://www.vanartgallery.bc.ca/events_and_programs/lectures_talks.html#hart
By: Alina Anghel
//Two timeless legends join forces to make game night EPIC- beer and Trolley! We here at Trolley love the Canucks like true Vancouverites. Teaming up with the Yaletown Brewery, whose been crafting their own beer since 1994, is common sense. They provide the pre-game refreshments and we give you a safe ride to the Arena every home game. It became such a hit that now shuttles are offered for the Whitecaps, BC Lions and some concerts!
Completely full Trolley rounding the corner to take fans to Rogers Arena:
Back for another round of pick-ups! The Trolley comes every 15 minutes.
There is always seasonal options offered at the Yaletown Brewery along with the timeless classics. On right now is the Jameson Irish Whisky Imperial Stout at a whopping 9.5%. Make sure you get your ticket from the bar before heading out to catch the Trolley.
Drink Fresh Beer!
The Trolley picks up at the corner of Mainland and Helmcken. Yaletown brewery is just up the stairs, at 1111 Mainland St.
Go Canucks Go!
Follow us on Facebook and Twitter, along with the Yaletown Brewing Company to stay up to date!
//By: Alina Anghel
Vancouver Convention Center
A rare opportunity to tour the usually far-too busy Vancouver Convention center. The building is LEEDS certified, boasts a massive green roof complete with bees and was used as a media hub during the 2010 Winter Olympics. Book yourself a spot because this doesn’t happen every day.
Stop #1
Book here: www.vancouverconventioncentre.com/contact/book-a-public-tour/
SPRING BREAK
If you’re in town for Spring Break, or just want your kids to get more educated about Vancouver then the Trolley is the perfect way to get around and Hop off at all the child friendly activities. Kids will get to hear our driver commentary all about Vancouver and the natural landscape in Stanley Park.
Special events along our route:
Vancouver Art Gallery - Stop #4
The Art Gallery has put together a range of kid friendly tours and hands-on workshops, so your child can go home with their own piece de resistance!
Daily 12-4pm - March 18-29, Kids under 12 free when accompanied by an adult
Acitivies: www.vanartgallery.bc.ca/events_and_programs/children_family.html
Kids Market on Granville Island - Stop #22
Check out all the special events on Granville Island for the kids! Always a great place to play and lots of candy, chocolate and ice cream vendors if the children have been behaving.
Activities: www.kidsmarket.ca/events.htm
Vancouver Aquarium - Stop #13
Year round the Aquarium is a hot spot for kids! The Secret World of Sharks and Rays is still going strong at the Aquarium. Spring Break hours are from 9:30am - 6:00pm.
Website: www.vanaqua.org/
//
By: Alina Anghel
The Opening of Tattoos and Scrimshaw took place yesterday at the Maritime Museum, stop #21, which is found on the edge of Vanier Park with beautiful views of downtown Vancouver. It was highly informative about the origins of tattoos, the history of whaling, and the art of scrimshaw.
Scrimshaw was the art of carving on ivory mostly by whalers who were off floating at sea for long periods at a time. The collection that the Maritime Museum has wrangled up is beautiful and intricate. There is a wall of some kinky scrimshaw that will surely surprise you and is a peephole into the mind of some sailors. I won’t give any of it away.
The exhibition has no problem being a little bit cheeky. It’s an excellent mix of informative, and fun. Fifty two sailors and their tattoos were photographed for the exhibition.
During the opening, canapes and drinks floated around. There was also free temporary Tattoos. Meghan our Marketing and Sales Manager and myself couldn’t resist. She got an anchor in keeping with the theme, and I opted for a skull and bones tattoo.
The exhibition runs until October 13th so you can Hop off at Stop #21 all summer!
A sailor’s life for me!
Website: http://www.vancouvermaritimemuseum.com/
//By: Alina Anghel
