Vancouver a year later; Expo 86 legacies, two new waterfront markets … explore by train-ferry network

Sunset, Sept, 1987

Almost a year after Expo 86 closed, several key pavilions have been renovated and are open for other business. Fairgoers might enjoy revisiting Canada Place, on Burrard Inlet, and the former B.C. Pavilion complex- now the Enterprise Centre on False Creek.

A day's sightseeing pass (about $2 U.S., available at all stations) allows unlimited travel on SkyTrain and SeaBus, the 400-passenger ferry that travels between SkyTrain's Waterfront Station at Canada Place and North Vancouver. Using this train-ferry network, you can explore two recently opened public markets.

Canada Place: Imax, shops, food fair promenades, views, and hotel

The former Canadian pavilion is now a convention and trade center.

Most gatherings are private, but some are public, such as the horticulture show set for mid-October. For dates, call (604) 641-1987.

The CN Imax Theatre presents daily matinees, as well as evening screenings Thursdays through Sundays. For tape-recorded times and prices, call (604) 6824629; for reservations, call 280-4444.

Below the theater, a new food fair serves up international shortorder specialties. There's outdoor eating next to an amphitheater with occasional performances. Inside, shops offer made-in-B.C. goods, including Cowichan sweaters, art, and jewelry.

Promenades afford generous views across Coal Harbor and Stanley Park to Grouse Mountain, far down Burrard Inlet, back to city skyscrapers.

At the Pan Pacific Hotel, the spacious lobby and shops are worth exploring. Several first-class restaurants and lounges capitalize on the grand views. Underground parking is $1.35 U.S. an hour.

What's up at False Creek?

The fairgrounds on False Creek have been cleared to prepare for future development. A few Expo buildings remain. The Enterprise Centre has eateries, clubs, and a pub also stages for films, live performances, and outdoor entertainment. The glass roof over the open-air Plaza of Nations stage has been extended to permit operation in all weather.

The Expo Theatre is starting to present entertainment. The Discovery Building, now a business development facility, also plans to offer food and fashion shows, films, and events. For schedules, telephone 682-2311.

Enter through the former Stadium Gate, on Pacific Boulevard S. near B.C. Place Stadium; parking is underground and in nearby lots. Hours are 8 A.M. to 1 A.M. daily. Admission is free, except for major events.

Market hopping on SkyTrain, SeaBus

Called Lonsdale Quay and Westminster Quay public markets (in the suburbs of North Vancouver and New Westminster, respectively), both are on the water. Both offer parks and promenades with panoramic waterfront views as well as restaurants, pubs, shops, and a hotel (Westminster's will open next year).

Landscaped open spaces invite picnics; shops and delis provide the makings. Pick up fresh breads, muffins, croissants, cold cuts, fruit, and local and imported cheeses and wines. While you dine, musicians, dancers, and mimes perform outdoors, mainly at noon on weekends; market information desks have schedules.

Both markets also offer tempting fast foods sushi, shish kebabs, pasta, Oriental dishes, fish and chips, waffles, fudge, frozen yogurt, ice cream. Also abundant are fresh produce and seafood.

Lonsdale boasts Kids' Alley, a nine-shop stop for children and parents, which includes a play area and stores for books, kites, clothes, and novelties. Adjacent Waterfront Park's peaceful greensward has sculpture, paths, a Japanese garden.

Westminster offers carouses rides, tours of the stern-wheeler Samson V (a floating museum of Fraser River artifacts, open noon to 5 weekends), and helicopter sightseeing (20 minutes for $50; call Vancouver Helicopters at 525-1484).

Lonsdale is open 9:30 to 6:30 daily (till 9 Thursdays and Fridays), Westminster 10 to 7 (till 9 Fridays and Saturdays).