In less time than it takes to drive to Red Deer, we left Calgary and landed at Vancouver International Airport (after a full day at school and home office). If you're looking for a unique getaway with your pre-teen, pay heed. We checked into the Listel Vancouver (in the heart of downtown on Robson Street) -- ideally situated near shopping, directly across the street from Han's (the local's choice for inexpensive yet tasty Chinese food) and just half a block down from Cows Icecream.

Early a.m. had us greeting Tuvag, Vancouver Aquarium's six-month-old baby beluga at the underground glass viewing area. He kept playing hide-and-seek with mom Aurora. The aquarium offers a Beluga Encounter (where wanna-be marine biologists get an inside look at the beluga's habitat, the Marine Mammal Kitchen and a hands-on training session). Cool... no matter rain or shine!

Crossing over the Lion's Gate Bridge from Stanley Park we stopped in at the Capilano Suspension Bridge... on a ghost hunt! You've got to have spirit at Vancouver's oldest attraction, right? Not to worry, in the more than 100 years of its existence, no one's ever fallen off the 450 foot (150 m) span crossing more than 230 feet (80 m) above the Capilano River.

The spirit we hoped to glimpse was the fair Elizabeth MacEachran, one of the previous owners of the bridge. We tripped through the temperate rainforest, poked our head behind dozens of totem poles and stood as still as possible on the slightly swaying bridge. Not a ghost in sight, although one of the staff says her friendly spirit does exist. Maybe the clouds have to be lower, hanging like shrouds off the rock cliffs and covering the tips of those incredibly tall trees. Let it rain!

Up, up, up and away -- Grouse Mountain beckons when you're on the north shore. Canada's largest aerial tramway (fully enclosed) whisks boarders, skiers and sightseers to another world in a mere eight minutes. From rain at 900 feet (274 m) above sea level to snow at 4100 feet (1250 m) -- the transition is rapid and complete. We stopped for a bite to eat (three restaurants to choose from in the 1930's era lodge) and then laced up skates for a twirl on the ice. Too cool! Let is snow, let it snow, let it snow.

Dinner at Griffin's (in the city's very own copper-topped castle, Fairmont Hotel Vancouver) was a short walk away from our hotel. We soaked up the airy atmosphere, decadent food and yet another ghost story -- apparently the "Lady in Red" wanders the 14th floor in full ballroom regalia.

Trolleys are a fun and dry way to explore the city, we discovered. Narrated tours roam the city with more than 20 stops along the way. You can hop on and off all day or cover the entire route in about two hours. We took time to explore a little of Chinatown and the free portion of the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Park -- a beautiful reflection of landscaped gardens and pools.

Heading over to Granville Island Market, we poked around the Kid's Market. Ally loved the "Stiffy Stuff" magic powder -- pour it into a glass of liquid and presto! -- it's now solid. She couldn't wait to dump a glass full of water over her dad's head! From glass-blowers to textile-workers, potters to painters -- the rest of the market is a craft-lovers dream.

Back downtown, on Water Street, we boarded the Seabus for a short hop across Burrard Inlet to Lonsdale Quay. The second floor of the market (admittedly much smaller, but also less crowded, than Granville's Public Market) is "the" place for parents who love to shop for their kids. You'll find kid's clothing stores, game shops, learning stores, shop that will cut your little one's hair while they sit in a plane and even a free ball room -- sorry no adults allowed! [P.S. The one thing they're lacking here is a great kid's bookstore. If you've raised a reader too, go out of your way for KidsBooks (3083 West Broadway) -- you won't be sorry.]

All too soon good things must end, but we're looking forward to another mom and daughter rainy day weekend again... soon!

If you go:

Westjet (www.westjet.com) offers direct flights daily from Calgary to Vancouver (check website for current fares and flight times). Hotel Listel-Vancouver (www.listel-vancouver.com) offers a variety of package deals, check website for current details.

The Vancouver Aquarium (www.vanaqua.org) Beluga Encounter runs $175 for a parent/child team encounter. Capilano Bridge (www.capbridge.com) entrance fees are $13.95/adult, $3.75/child (6-12). A ride up (and down) the Grouse Mountain (www.grousemountain.com) is $21.95/adult, $7.95/child (5-12) -- this also includes admission to Theatre in the Sky (films on BC and orphaned grizzlies, now living on the mountain in the Refuge for Endangered Wildlife). Trolley Tours (www.vancouvertrolley.com) cost $25/adult, $12/child (4-12).

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