Canada’s third largest city, Vancouver is flanked by the Strait of Georgia and the Coast Mountains in British Columbia, just across from the US border. This cosmopolitan metropolis offers large pedestrian zones and a bustling, genuine Chinatown. The beautiful coastal scenery forms a stunning background to the impressive architecture of a stylish downtown.
The business and cultural center of Canada’s west coast and a foremost convention and tourist destination, Vancouver also boasts plenty of outdoor activities. Active locals like to go sea kayaking, in-line skating, mountain biking, snowboarding, skiing and camping in the city or its nearby surroundings.
The city’s many ethnic groups greatly contribute to Vancouver’s international spirit, with a variety of cultural and culinary options. Several pathways line the winding shoreline linking many of Vancouver’s unique districts, such as the West End and Kitsilano, where pavement cafés and people watching are popular. There are also plenty of parks and museums, and Lions Gate Bridge is an important landmark connecting the city with North Vancouver and the North Shore Mountains across Burrard Inlet.
Highlights
Stanley Park: offers amazing ocean views for walkers, joggers, cyclists and in-line skaters, and sports equipment is available for hire nearby.
Gastown: is the renovated old center of Vancouver and offers a lovely collection of cobbled streets, cafés and a unique steam clock.
Granville Island: boasts a lively blend of restaurants and entertainment options, and you can watch craftsmen in action including potters, weavers and glassblowers, or visit the sport-fishing, model ship or train museums.
Vancouver Maritime Museum: traces the region’s rich sea-going history with ship-related displays including the RCMP Arctic schooner St Roch, the first craft to navigate the Northwest Passage from west to east.
Science World: is housed in a unique silver geodesic dome at the end of False Creek and is an interactive museum that is especially appealing to children.
UBC Botanical Garden and Nitobe Memorial Garden: are two outstanding gardens on the University of British Columbia campus, featuring a collection of temperate plants from around the globe.