While at first glance it might seem that Gumbo is boarding a sailing ship, he was actually visiting Canada Place in one of the most beautiful cities in the world, Vancouver. Jonathan L was the first to recognize this destination and e-mailed his solution. PortMoresby also solved the puzzle shortly after Jonathan did, and Still Country Photo did as well. Congratulations to all for some fine detective work.
Canada Place is one of Vancouver’s most distinctive landmarks. It was opened by Prince Charles and Prime Minister Brian Mulroney in 1986 and served as Canada’s Pavilion for Expo ’86. Five million people visited Canada Pavilion before Expo closed that year. The building sits on Burrard Inlet, Canada’s largest and busiest harbor, and the structure currently functions as a cruise ship terminal (for cruises going to Alaska). During the summer months cruise ships are constantly coming and going, and it’s very interesting watching them being serviced between cruises. For example, you might see 10 palates of potatoes, 5 of watermelon, etc. be loaded in a few minutes (amazing how much food a cruise ship’s customers consume). For years Canada Place also served as the convention center, although recently a new convention facility has opened adjoining Canada Place.
The building’s most distinctive features are the five white sails highlighted in our puzzle photo. The white sails have drawn comparisons to the Sydney Opera House in Sydney, Australia, and the Denver International Airport in Denver, Colorado (which it most resembles to me). The building juts into the harbor and has a scenic walkway around most of its perimeter, with wonderful views of the mountains and harbor. You’ll see some of these views in the photos below. The Pan Pacific Vancouver Hotel, World Trade Center and FlyOver Canada (an IMAX 3D theatre) are all located in Canada Place.
Views of the commercial harbor, a ferry to North Vancouver in the foreground.
Views of North Vancouver:
The new Convention Center adjoining Canada Place
Float planes take off and land often. They’re great fun to watch!
And one of the only floating gas stations I’ve ever seen….
