Here's what's HIDDEN BELOW the SkyTrain!

[@DownieLive]

Has anyone messaged @GeoffMarshall yet? 😜

[@cumbriaavgeek]

He’s already compiling a “secrets of the expo, I mean millennium line” video....

[@OshayrDeZwirek]

We need this to happen. I actually found this chanel, long ago, when I was looking for Geoff like videos about other lines/cities/countries I have been in.

[@JanetBlake2010]

Would love to see a joint venture between yourself and Geoff and Vicki .

[@TWLIV]

Loved this reference because I was thinking that the whole time! We need to make All the Stations Canada a thing!

[@DownieLive]

Hahahahaha

[@jaspermccoyy]

BC Pen a building that was once part of the British Columbia Penitentiary, which operated in New West for 102 years and was the first federal penitentiary west of Manitoba. It opened in 1878 and was decommissioned in 1980, it was infamous for several riots and hostage takings, most of which occurred in the 1970s.

[@nealotter4505]

You are correct Jasper McCoy. (BC PEN )The jail is the only building left of the old jail in New Westminster also the surrounding grounds were part of the old jail and were rezoned for residential living. Back in the day, of steam locomotives and train robbers, a Train robber was convicted and sentenced and was sent there to serve time it was said he died in that jail they say it's haunted. But I don't think so.

[@DownieLive]

Wow! What a rich and interesting history. Thanks so much. I wish I had done more research on it ahead of time.

[@natatatt]

Thanks for mentioning this. The wikipedia page is an interesting read.

[@strangekittyca]

And right next to it is the old Woodlands Provincial Hospital grounds, which had a pretty terrible history due to rampant abuse of the patients there. It burned down and was knocked down later - now there's apartments on it. The Pen also finally marked the previously unmarked prisoner graveyard. Which is still there!

[@DownieLive]

Wow. Thanks for sharing. I wish I had known that while filming.

[@John_Fugazzi]

That was a fun tour with a few surprises. Vancouver is small enough to run into your sister by chance but big enough to have castles you never knew about before.

[@DownieLive]

HAHAHA... Such a great description!

[@LeahandLevi]

Love the skytrain content! You always make public transit look awesome!

[@DownieLive]

Thanks buddy! Sometimes we just have to look at it with fresh eyes to appreciate it again. 😜

[@sonalchavan3973]

Couldn't agree more Levi 😅

[@allanlindskoog]

There is something so absolutely wholesome about your channel. Makes me preps to be a fellow Canadian and fellow BCite. Loved your interaction at the food truck. Such awesome people.

[@DownieLive]

Such good people. Thanks Al!

[@cinther]

Michael is such a positive force in Vancouver. Keep up the good work!

[@DownieLive]

Thanks Dale. Means a lot coming from you. Can't wait til we can share some drinks and stories together again.

[@MattMort]

I love that you randomly ran into your sister & had her join your adventure! :D

[@DownieLive]

Just a typical day in Vancouver for us Downie’s 😜😂

[@timobrian6255]

That seemed really fun. You and Jess always seem to really relish finding new hidden gems right in your own backyard.

[@DownieLive]

Absolutely!

[@jaspergillgannon4991]

Whenever I get slightly bored or tired of living in Raincouver, I just watch one of your videos and get excited about the city again

[@haydeek5]

Hi! We are soon to move to Vancouver and I have to be honest, I am scared about the prospect BUT watching your videos is sooo soothing and nice! It takes the fear away (most of it). This video is up there, one of my favourites!

[@KrazyMitchAdventures]

6:10 BC Penitentiary aka BC Pen. it closed May 10th 1980 ( 41 years ago tomorrow). My uncle spent time in there, and I have been to the graveyard (which is still in the area, although difficult to get permission to get into it now. The old main building (the part for sale), like most of the area, is HEAVILY HAUNTED, and has been for sale for decades.

[@dpberry]

My favorite part was running into your sister and the two of you sharing the day! More of that!!! ❤️

[@DownieLive]

More to come!

[@threeparots1]

That “Castle” is part of old BC penitentiary. They Knock down the old walls in the early 80s. There was a decent restaurant in there a few years ago.

[@DownieLive]

Wow. I wish I had known about this sooner! Thanks.

[@threeparots1]

As my dad actually worked for Global/BCTV, he mention the skytrain relocation. It was cheaper to reroute the Skytrain than relocating the satellite transmitter.

[@twifosp]

@@threeparots1 Interesting about the satellite dish. I had always assumed they did it to avoid skytrain noise in the TV studio.

[@threeparots1]

@@twifosp added bonus I am sure…the Skytrain passing by Bridge studios caused some noise issue for them at one time..not sure if they ever addressed it.

[@DownieLive]

A bit of both.

[@bhigdaddymark]

For a guy who STUPIDLY moved to Orlando, Florida from NYC in 1987 as opposed to following my heart and moving to where I REALLY wanted to live, in Toronto where I have family (I also have family in Ottawa and Windsor). My first visit to Canada was as an eleven year old in 1969 to Vancouver and I remember it vividly. Now that I'm retired, I'd love to finally move to Canada albeit torn between Toronto which I last visited in 2012 and quickly regretted my blunder when I saw just how much Toronto had grown and Vancouver. This video is giving me a look at how much Vancouver has grown too since 1969 when I was last there. I first found you via your LNER trip on the AZUMA which I loved. I've subscribed and am looking forward to more great content. This is the video I needed to see! THANKS!

[@DownieLive]

Fantastic Mark. Thanks! I hope you get to move to where you're happy one day.

[@bhigdaddymark]

@@DownieLive Thanks again!

[@michaelformaini7053]

Great coverage of the Expo Line and what is under it, Mike. Many familiar locations came up in this clip and it was great to see Jess join you part of the way. During my first visit to Vancouver many years ago, I stayed in Downtown but commuted along the Expo line to hook up with a friend who lived in a condo on Carnarvon in New Westminster near the Columbia station, later saving on accommodation by being invited to stay there. Bucky the beaver hospitality! Got to visit the Edmonds Maintenance and Train Control Centre while I was there too. In recent years, we in Melbourne have acquired our own version of Skyrail by removing all the level crossings (grade crossings between rail and road) from Caulfield to Dandenong, raising the tracks in the air as appropriate and creating a linear park underneath, including a shared cycling/pedestrian path that links up with several other shared paths. Look forward to showing you when you get downunder (once our Government opens the borders, that is). Hopefully, I'll still be fit enough to cycle with you then. Add that to the list of things to do in Melbourne that I suggested many months ago. Looking forward to see what surprises you have for us in coming weeks.

[@마그다-j7w]

I take the skytrain every day and I didn't even know there were so many wonderful places along the train line

[@kimberlyannwalbridge7658]

I'm glad I subscribed! I love your positive energy and love all your videos ! Very enjoyable and makes one feel like they are on the trip.

[@TheChasesteele8]

The City of Vancouver needs to pay this man. I know my post COVID vacation spots , thanks Mike!!

[@DownieLive]

Enjoy Chase!

[@100daysmic9]

I love these two bike paths. I rode 20km on Central Valley Greenway today. Great, easy riding.

[@ravenabalada]

Hey Michael! I just wanted to thank you for all of the videos that you did and have been doing. They're quite an experience I must say. I just moved from Brazil to Vancouver and it's been so fun trying to find the places you show in your videos in real life, especially the easter eggs on the parks haha. I hope to bump into you one day on the streets! Thank you and keep rocking!

[@DownieLive]

Thanks so much Raniery! That means a lot! I’m so glad you’re enjoying them 😊

[@ryank4861]

Thanks again for your amazing content. I appreciate how authentic you are as well as all of the cool explorations you have achieved in Vancouver. Keep doing what you are doing because I don't want you to fall down the clickbait route that I've seen many other KZbinrs take. Thank you so much for all of your hard work and dedication. Your channel is an asset to anyone that lives in the lower mainland or anyone else that's interested in learning more about the Vancouver region or several other places in BC. You are very respectable and I can't wait to see your upcoming videos.

[@andrewkast4087]

Great tour! Really enjoy the endless variety of each posting! Thank you!

[@shubhajitlaskar1267]

Loads of love from India 🇮🇳 ...Inspiration to go to Vancouver sometime and enjoy it and the Sky-Train too... you rock, Canada 🇨🇦

[@verasileikis17]

Thanks for a great zoom around the city, Michael! I found out the other day that my niece Heathers 12 year-old daughter Molly is currently obsessed with videos about Vancouver. I sent links to your videos a long time ago so I know she enjoys your channel. Heathers restaurant, The Wallflower, has had some recent fun tv and online publicity about their “sadio”, the world’s smallest patio. Their next-door neighbor, Pulp Fiction, is lending them space in front of his store for two more tables and now there’s a cool and silly sandwich board rivalry with Martins pizza as well. It’s so great to sort of be up-to-date with some of the goings on of Vancouver life from this distance.

[@DownieLive]

Oh great! Thanks Vera!

[@kalrobbins2811]

Mike, you make the best videos! Everytime I see one of your vids posted, I know it's going to be informative and entertaining! They're great!

[@DownieLive]

Wow, thanks Kal!

[@itsnotme07]

That food looked really good!!! Hilarious you ran into your sister Jess. This type of video could be fun in other cities too....when you can travel again.

[@DownieLive]

I hope to keep making these!

[@markkirkwood7031]

Love seeing parts of the city & how the system works...very interesting & would love to hear more about the castle 🏰 video well done 👍

[@DownieLive]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@seanlaur]

On the other side of the road, rail & Skytrain track from BC Pen is the Sapperton Landing Park, which is where supplies for the prison by river were unloaded. Further back, it was the starting point of North Road that ran to Port Moody. West of the prison is a ravine containing the small and lovely Glenbrook Ravine Park. Much of the Skytrain right of way was built on the original Interurban tram right of way.

[@DownieLive]

Yes, it was built on the interurban streetcar track, and I will likely be talking about that in a future video 😉🤫

[@justjoelee]

definitely going to pick up a crispy chicken sandwich from dos amigos!

[@DownieLive]

It’s 👌🏼

[@luislatan]

Very proud of both

[@NormanHoward-rk7sd]

I love your passion for SkyTrain. Loved riding it back in 88 and 89 when I lived in Van and North Van.

[@reelhappytravellers2691]

The entire world must thanks you for giving us such a nice footage!!!!!

[@DownieLive]

🤗 It's my pleasure!

[@paulstransportandmore]

Going to Vancouver tomorrow, your videos have helped me find some great things to do around this beautiful city!

[@GlueNotGlitter]

December 3, 2020 on News 1130’s KZbin channel they have a story on the New Westminster former Jail House being on sale. They titled it “Price for a prison: Former New Westminster jail up for sale”

[@DownieLive]

Ohhh cool! I'll have to go check it out. Thanks!

[@lillafavero9478]

Mike, my little boy loves videos like this - actually we love it! 🇧🇷❤🇨🇦 He keeps looking around the city to identify everything you show in the videos! By the way, what a audiovisual quality, wow! 🔥❤

[@DownieLive]

That is awesome! I'm so happy to hear that I've inspired him to look around and appreciate what's around us. And thanks for noticing the audio 😉

[@wingkichui]

Since i got my bike and started riding aimlessly around town , I found out there are a lot of interesting stuff along the bike routes in town , however some of the routes are not designed in the mind of cyclist in terms of terrain and usability though.

[@Eisbare]

Thanks for sharing all these adventures, Downie! I'm sharing your videos with my friends and coworkers out here in Quinte West, Onterrible... err... Ontario. You're helping me explain why I miss living in Metro Vancouver so much.

[@DownieLive]

Hahaha, right on, Matt!

[@jcbaily5559]

As always....what a treat to get to visit with you! Take care and stay safe!

[@DownieLive]

Thank you!

[@AboutHere]

Oh wow thanks for the shoutout! Loved the video and learned a lot :). - Uytae

[@DownieLive]

Of course!! You make fantastic videos. We're waiting on your next video 😉😄

[@heathertruskinger6214]

Great video ! I missed watching last weekend. That food looks delicious. And the skytrain route looks quite interesting.

[@mishingraceag]

The Saskatchewan railcar.. loved it

[@yaygya]

Even though I haven't lived in Vancouver for years, your videos manage to still make it feel just like home.

[@DownieLive]

That's awesome!

[@RedHillian]

This is the perfect content for me - public transport, hidden things in/around it, suprises - and of course then mentioning Geoff Marshall, just as I was thinking "this content seems right up his street, would love a DownieLive/Geoff collab"!

[@DownieLive]

We’ll see if we can make it happen!

[@ardenenglish8736]

I was sad to find out they tore up a lot of the old BCER tramway tracks along the Expo Line but seeing that it was turned into a nice greenway makes me very happy. Great video as always!

[@DownieLive]

I agree with you

[@ChennysaFerrynrera]

The most beautiful scenic of The SkyTrain. What a surprise to have pure scenery below the SkyTrain in Canada. All I appreciated is the cleanliness and some field with the Greenery in the center of the below of the SkyTrain...💖

[@sheldonthompson5262]

I used to do the landscaping right beside the castle. We would stop there after work sometimes, neat little bar inside!

[@mitesh9976]

You always show sometime different or unique which mainly people don't know about appreciate your efforts.👍

[@DownieLive]

Thanks a lot 😊

[@luvcampinbc]

BC Penitentiary. Closed in late 70s. 1980 I was lucky enough to get a private tour inside. All but the 2 buildings were torn down and the condos built. One of which my mom lives in.

[@psoon04286]

I consider myself a train buff but never thought that the ‘Skytrain’ deserves a video all in itself, much less ‘what’s under it’. Congrats Mike and good, no, excellent job👍👍😊

[@DownieLive]

Hahaha. I enjoy making unusual things interesting

[@IzzyOnTheMove]

There's some wild lavender growing behind Bridgeport station. It smells really good. I discovered that on my way to my wedding at the Canada-US border last October. Yes, i took transit to my wedding. And a taxicab. 🚆🚌🚕💍❤

[@DownieLive]

Thanks for sharing!!

[@JoelSchat]

I take the greenway under the skytrain everytime I bike downtown! such a good path

[@ScareFestTTV]

Love your vids!!! From New Brunswick Canada 🇨🇦

[@DownieLive]

Awesome! Thank you, Matt!

[@total2blue]

First timer here. This video was recommended to me by a friend on Facebook, and I am really glad he did, as I really enjoyed watching it.

[@DownieLive]

Awesome, thank you! Welcome aboard!

[@theapexpodcast305]

Love this channel and his enthusiasm towards trains and Vancouver!

[@TeecesPiecesAUS]

The food truck couple were so cute! :)

[@DownieLive]

So cute! They were awesome, and the food was even better! You gotta come back and try it. 😉

[@kenshores9900]

Me me Mike! Great video! Good tour of Vancouver! Another reason to visit. Thanks for taking us along!

[@kirestus]

it was cool running into you while you were filming this the other week! finally showed up in my youtube feed today!

[@DownieLive]

Oh cool! Hi Ryan!

[@evnkas]

Studio is right by our place, we love studio!! So glad you got to our neighbourhood, it’s a beautiful place.

[@neilsherwood6424]

The castle in new westminster is actually the remnants of what was once the BC penitentiary

[@scottieglot]

I pass by so much of this everyday and had no idea! 😍 Great video!

[@romie1967]

Vancouver is absolutely beautiful! Haven't been there in years, unfortunately. Great post! Thanks!

[@DownieLive]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@CanucksMan]

Most of my coworkers that I work with now , transfer over from the castle

[@Sim0nTrains]

Was thinking the other day that a collab with yourself and Geoff Marshall need to happen! Even know this video was 2 years ago... still would love to see this! But really enjoyed the video DownieLive and that food looks georgous

[@barbb]

This was a great informational video. Nice to see things that we just take for granted. The food looked really good. Thx

[@DownieLive]

Oh it was so good, Barb! Such a welcome treat at the end of a long ride.

[@josphinemartin6192]

Wow Dolten nd Larica doing good Job.Happy Nd Proud of you both.

[@nicoles9373]

Haha I’m from Coquitlam and would go to New West every so often as a kid. You can see the jailhouse from the nearest highway, I always thought it was so cool and am shocked that this wasn’t a universal experience for everyone in the lower mainland haha

[@ace13166]

Awesome video as always, very cool. Wish Winnipeg had the vision to do this.

[@janellegodin2934]

I can't even get a cross walk sign put up at a major residential street that my kids have to cross to get to school. Unfortunately Winnipeg just doesn't get that Winnipegers often don't use public transportation (or active transportation) because what we have available is awful, dangerous or outdated.

[@theLordsboy]

Castle-BC Penitentiary. As a kid, used to cycle by it on the way from Maillardville-Coquitlam to New Westminster. Great video. Thanks.

[@knelson3484]

Thank you Downie❤

[@sonum78]

It's great that you showed New West some love! There are some real hidden gems here. You guys must have biked right by Steel & Oak, one of my fav breweries!

[@DownieLive]

Yeah, we just missed it, but I love their beer...

[@logy7]

You were correct the first time. While it was originally built as the Millenium line, it is now part of the Expo line...

[@MattCook206]

Very cool video. Loved the views and the trivia. Well done. Thanks

[@zacky123ization]

Thanks for all you Do Mike! You’ve improved my KZbin experience!

[@myk147]

I love the fact that you were following the Expo line, but ironically....if you followed it to the "end of the line" in Surrey, you would probably have to take the Skytrain back to Vancouver and pay that 3 Zone Fare ;)

[@harim9980]

Lots of interesting facts about Vancouver's skytrain Mike. Thank you for sharing! Cheers from Chicago!

[@donmackie6086]

Years ago, there was a Skytrain employee who had a tiny flower garden tucked away behind the mammoth concrete pillars underneath the Lake City station. As to whether its still there, I cannot answer.

[@angmlr007]

Totally cannot wait to see your future collaboration with Geoff Marshall!!

[@DownieLive]

Fingers crossed it can happen sometime this year!

[@jordanprince5818]

That castle was the original BC Penitentiary, it's got quite the history behind it, would love to see you cover that in a video, it's also haunted.

[@keyup2626]

Fantastic videos and one of new favorites. I loved the Churchill trip with your dad it was epic. Your channel gives me more ideas of things to do when we visit family out west. Keep up the great work.

[@mythoughts2221]

Considering a visit to Vancouver because of you, Mike. Thank you.

[@DownieLive]

Go for it!

[@williamelgin6873]

Great trip Mike! Lots of fun, especially finding the food truck at the end.

[@richardgeorge6508]

Castle was the BC Penitentiary back in the seventies and earlier as A kid We took a cool tour through it. It's good to see they kept the Castle Entrance as a Landmark. Keep up the great work and I Really enjoy your Stuff. Peace and prosperity to you and yours.

[@ericsturniolo]

Another awesome video Mike! I really enjoyed watching this one!

[@DownieLive]

Thanks Eric!

[@DenisRyan]

What a really fun day! Excellent video! Good to see Jess! Big city, small world.

[@DownieLive]

It really is!

[@el_chino778]

Awesome highlighting the hidden gems in Van!

[@DownieLive]

More to come tomorrow!

[@dcee604]

Great video! I ride these paths often, great to hear and see it from your perspective! Maybe I'll see you on your bike sometimes, plenty of breweries and coffee shops to visit!

[@DownieLive]

Yes! See you there!

[@steamer1112]

Ok. I've watched your videos for months and finally subscribed.

[@iraforleiter7954]

Another home run, Mike! Once again you took what seemed like a mundane idea and turned it into an interesting and fun adventure. Vive tes talents! BTW- I feel rather snobbish knowing I’m one of a elite minority that have subscribed and joined the channel 😀

[@DownieLive]

Hahaha. Thanks Ira! 😄

[@catherinedeseton964]

I"m on the same page one of the elite subscribers, from New Zealand. I love that you've showing the down to earth of side of life with some history of what is what...I wonder what those sites you chose on the ride look like from the window of the skytrain

[@DownieLive]

You’ll have to come and see, Catherine 😉😜

[@catherinedeseton964]

@@DownieLive that would have been my goal about 30 years ago, but now I'm an armchair traveller who loves that young people like you are prepared to share your journeys :-)

[@stufromoz8164]

Cheers from Down Under everyone . Another great vid Mike. Thanks for uploading.

[@DownieLive]

My pleasure

[@petermladinic8249]

As with the sea wall video, I’ve learned more about Vancouver from your sky train video, Mike.

[@TakeTimeToTravel]

Another great video! Keep them coming buddy :)

[@DownieLive]

Thanks! Will do!

[@ItzKKPlaysYT]

1:54 Via rail

[@victorhoe2321]

The Grandview Cut (railway), right behind Vancouver Technical Secondary where I used to walk for a while during lunch time.

[@Crittermoto]

Thank you KZbin suggestions. Really enjoy your videos….been consuming your content like a kid with candy! Great stuff. New sub.

[@AminoWellness]

This was so cool! Didn’t know many of these places existed! Thanks for sharing the cool food truck gonna look them up.

[@DownieLive]

Yeah, they were so good! Enjoy!

[@birchtree5884]

Cycling along BC Parkway and Central Valley Greenway is quite the experience! A little tiring when going uphill, but those downhill sections are super fun.

[@floydt2029]

Very entertaining and informative video on the Sky Train - thanks Mike and sister Jess!

[@jeandremarais336]

Thanx Mike another great vid. Keep all the Awesomess coming. Im always up for a DownieLive vid😁😁😁

[@DownieLive]

You got it!

[@joshuamethven]

Thanks for the great videos always DownieLive!

[@larrytahner3717]

Greetings Mike, from eastern PA. Really enjoyed the video, especially after your sister joined you! Very entertaining and interesting too. Best part was your interaction with the DOSAMIGOSYVR, the food looked really yummy! Thanks again and best wishes sir!

[@DownieLive]

Yeah, that was so fun to be recognized! They were so friendly and very passionate about what they do. I can’t wait for them to see it this weekend

[@robatsea2009]

I didn't visit BC Pen before it closed in 1980 but recall school tour groups going through, and certainly remember seeing this sprawling, huge structure anytime my family drove past during the 1970s (as others mentioned what's left is a single building versus what originally was there). I did get to visit Oakalla before it was demolished, though. One of the more famous inmates at BC Pen was train robber Billy Miner, aka "The Grey Fox". He managed to escape from there in 1907.