Since the founding of the city of Vancouver, Prospect Point has been a very popular place to take in the view of the water and North Vancouver. At 66m (211 feet) above sea level, it is a fine lookout for views of Lion's Gate Bridge and cruise ships. The views are outstanding, with the option of outdoor seating in fair weather, and also indoor seating, mostly with good views.

I selected a Japanese-style smoked salmon over rice that was served bowl style. Excellent! You may order wine and beer with your meal. Our waiter was cheerful but not overly friendly. There is a long list of daily specials during the summer season. Telephone ahead for hours and menu offerings after the free shuttle service and other park services have closed down in late September. It is open during the winter holidays for special meals in what must be spectacular surroundings. If you are afoot, this restaurant marks the highest point on the long, seawall walk around Stanley Park. It is very much worth your money and your time for a very nice meal with a view you won't find in Texas.

The self-service, take-away part of this restaurant has the usual run of burgers, hot dogs, and fries. Out front, facing the street, is an extremely popular ice cream stand. There is a lot of coupon discounting that goes on. If you buy something in the souvenir shop, you get a discount coupon for the restaurant. The Stanley Park info guide has another coupon. If you buy a meal in the restaurant, you get a discount coupon for the souvenir shop and the ice cream stand. It's up to you.

Tour bus drivers often drop people off at this restaurant, but it sometimes takes a bit of time for table service (do they get a kickback elsewhere?). Visit the restaurant if you have time for a nice, sit-down meal with an outstanding view. If on a tour, consider the take-away stuff and the ice cream. We had a very nice meal at a reasonable price.

Stanley Park is without question the finest and most beautiful urban park I've ever seen. I am a repeat visitor and a fan of this fantastic place. You can drive your own car or take advantage of public transportation to get most of the way to the park. Ride the no. 19 bus for easy access from downtown. The overpriced commercial Trolley Tours (C$28 per person) make several stops in the park. During the season you can ride the park shuttles for free, take a ride on a horse drawn trolley for about C$30, or walk/job/bike/rollerblade in. From the point, there are stairs and a path.

Visit www.prospectpoint.ca for more information about the restaurant and souvenir shops.

After arriving at Prospect Point, Ellen and I took a short walk up to the point. We took several pictures of the Lion's Gate Bridge, which provides a beautiful backdrop to this fine park, and I ventured down the stairs for even better shots of the bridge and its surroundings. Then, Ellen and I went shopping in the souvenir shop for our friends and family. The shop is reasonably priced and has many locally made souvenirs and t-shirts.

After putting a dent in my debit card, Ellen and I went to lunch at the Prospect Point Restaurant, which was highly recommended by our shuttle driver, Mary. The hostess allowed us to seat our selves, and we chose to sit near the windows to watch people and admire Burrard Inlet's blue waters.

Our waiter was quick to serve us and immediately brought us hot tea and menus. After a few minutes, he returned to take our orders. Ellen and I both decided to order a teriyaki salmon bowl in our desire to have locally caught seafood.

Our food was brought to us quickly by our friendly waiter, who also brought more tea for me with no trouble. Our lunches were served in deep dishes with grilled salmon that tasted so fresh. There was zucchini squash and rice along with the meal in a mild teryaki sauce. It was sooo good, and it filled Ellen and I up nicely. We passed on dessert since we were so full.

I highly recommend this restaurant for its good and courteous service, the location, and the delicious food. So if you want dinner or lunch, the Prospect Point Restaurant is the place to go.