Vancouver: Canada’s Natural Playground
Located in British Columbia between the Pacific Ocean and the Coast Mountains, Vancouver is an excellent travel destination offering spectacular landscapes, outdoor recreation, fabulous markets and a vibrant arts and culture scene.
Stanley Park
No trip to Vancouver would be complete without visiting the city’s star attraction, Stanley Park. At this 1,000-acre park, you can stroll through beautiful gardens, watch whale and dolphin shows at an aquarium, encounter animals at the farmyard, splash in a water park, ride a miniature train and join in with all the other skaters, cyclists, joggers and walkers on the picturesque Seawall path.
Granville Island Park
Drawing more than 12 million visitors annually, the Granville Island Market is a must-do while in Vancouver. Here among the many colorful stalls, you can browse for a bargain on fresh seafood, vegetables, fruits, cheeses, meats, baked goods, spices and many imported foods.
Multicultural Neighborhoods
Another must-do is visit some of the city’s historic neighborhoods where immigrants from diverse cultures previously settled. In districts like Chinatown, Little Italy, Greektown and Punjabi Market, you can check out charming architecture, cafes, shops and markets that are all distinctive of each culture.
Canada Place
Located on the waterfront, Canada Place is an impressive complex housing the Vancouver Convention Center and the luxurious Pan Pacific Vancouver Hotel. Nearby is the scenic promenade where you can enjoy walking and cycling.
Capilano Suspension Bridge and Totem Park
Situated at the site of a historic footbridge, the Totem Park is a heritage and adventure park where you can learn stories about First Nations Indian tribes from the many colorful totem poles and walk across a series of suspension bridges that swing 100 feet above the forest treetops.
Arts and Culture
Vancouver has a vigorous arts and culture scene with a wide variety of museums, art galleries, theaters and symphony halls. Some of the most distinguished venues include the Museum of Vancouver, Museum of Anthropology, Vancouver Art Gallery, Telus World of Science, Arts Club Theater Company and Scotiabank Dance Center.Additionally, Vancouver is host to several annual festivals such as Chinese New Year, Festival of Lights, Cherry Blossom Festival, Vancouver International Film Festival and Fringe Festival.
Sports and Outdoor Recreation
Sports and outdoor recreation are an important part of Vancouver life. It is a unique city where you can go swimming at the beach and snow skiing on the mountaintops all in one day.
The city’s popular beaches of Kitsilano, Jericho and Spanish Banks offer water activities like swimming and windsurfing as well as whale watching while the nearby mountains of Grouse, Seymour and Cypress provide snow skiing, snowboarding, ice skating, hiking, zip lining and wildlife viewing.You may also enjoy watching the city’s sports teams play hockey, soccer, Canadian football and roller derby.
Climate
Vancouver’s climate is the mildest of Canada’s major cities. Winters are rainy but rarely below freezing while summers are dry and pleasantly warm.
Vancouver offers a good range of hotel accommodations to suit every budget and preference. Allow us to compare prices, and we will find you the best possible deals today.
