Ep 22: Triangulating Brentwood, Metrotown and Vancouver
Connecting the three centres on a sunny holiday adventure
Introduction
I woke up on Victoria Day feeling drained after an active weekend of hiking Vancouver’s North Shore, tinkering with Gogomi at Atelier, and watching a friend’s game at UBC. Despite my initial reluctance, Vancouver’s rare sunshine beckoned me outside. Panning through Gogomi’s map of my previous walks, an idea struck: why not connect Vancouver and Metrotown? In previous expeditions, I’d linked Brentwood to both cities; today seemed perfect to complete the triangle.
My plan was simple: take the train to Main St in Mt. Pleasant, then wind my way south to Burnaby. As I embarked on this urban adventure, I couldn’t help but feel a mix of excitement and curiosity about what I might discover along the way.
Vancouver: From Main Street to the City’s Edge
I landed at the bustling Main St-Broadway intersection, ready to begin my southward journey through Mt. Pleasant’s residential areas. As I set off, I wasn’t alone – a friend from Ghana kept me company via phone, turning my solo walk into an unexpected transcontinental catch-up.
Spring had painted Mt. Pleasant in vivid greens, the trees providing welcome shade as I wandered. The tranquility of these residential streets contrasted sharply with the nearby commercial bustle. As my friend shared updates about their romantic life, I found myself grateful for choosing the quiet route, perfect for such intimate conversations. But even as I listened, I couldn’t help but pause occasionally to snap photos of interesting sights along the way.
Crossing into Kensington-Cedar Cottage, unexpected sights caught my eye – a sleek Evo car model, and just ahead some literal Easter eggs - ceramic ones nestled in the nook of a large tree. These little surprises make urban walks so rewarding.
Our conversation had just reached a resolution about my friend’s romantic dilemma when I turned onto a surprisingly familiar street. Recognition hit me: “Hold on... Ah yes! I’ve been here before!”
This was one of the buildings I’d considered during my recent apartment hunt. The sight brought back memories of that stressful month – dealing with skyrocketing rental prices and unexpected bidding wars where people offered hundreds more than the listed price. I hadn’t expected this walk to take me down memory lane.
On E 33rd Ave, I found myself drawn by the promise of a spectacular view: mountains framed behind a large maple tree, with the promise of summer in the air.
As I approached Killarney Community Centre, the scenery settled into a pleasant rhythm. My friend and I shifted our conversation to future plans – their pursuit of a Chartered Accountant’s certification, and my own aspirations. It struck me how grateful I was to be out here, surrounded by Vancouver’s beauty, rather than cooped up indoors on such a gorgeous day.
The kilometers ticked by, each step bringing me closer to Burnaby. As I neared Boundary Road, I felt a sense of accomplishment building. Soon, I’d be crossing into a new city, completing another leg of my urban exploration journey.
Crossing into Burnaby
A sense of anticipation built as I approached Boundary Road. This street, true to its name, marks the division between Vancouver and Burnaby. With a few steps, I transitioned from one city to another, immediately finding myself in the famous Burnaby Central Park, a stone’s throw from Metrotown.
At this point, I bid farewell to my long-distance companion. We’d been chatting for over an hour, and night had fallen in Ghana. Our conversation had been the perfect soundtrack to my urban exploration, bridging continents as I bridged cities.
As I entered the park, I was struck by the contrast with the quiet residential areas I’d left behind. Here was where everyone had been hiding on this beautiful holiday! - joggers circling the paths, families setting up picnic spots, and even a few brave souls trying their luck at fishing.
Venturing into the wooded areas, I stumbled upon a scene that felt almost comically BC - a woodpecker, diligently at work on a dry trunk, completely oblivious to its growing fan club. A family of three stood nearby, cameras out, whispering excited phrases like “Oh my god, would you look at that!” It was a moment of pure, unscripted joy that encapsulated the spirit of the day.
Journey’s End
With the sun beginning to dip, I made my way to La Forêt in Metrotown. After hours of walking, the prospect of a bite to eat and a visit with a friend was incredibly appealing. As I sat down, pleasantly tired, I reflected on the 2-hour journey.
My phone buzzed - a notification from Gogomi. The app that had inspired this trek was now congratulating me on covering so many neighborhoods. Looking at the map of my walk, I felt a surge of pride. There it was, a winding line connecting three clusters!
What had started as a way to shake off lethargy had turned into so much more. This walk had been a journey through urban landscapes and personal memories, a chance to connect with a far-off friend while discovering nearby neighborhoods. I’d seen the gradual shifts between areas, the way one community blends into another - something you miss when traveling by car or train.