Vancouver, BC
Vancouver, BC
A young city- but what it lacks in history, it compensates for with scenery
A young city- but what it lacks in history, it compensates for with scenery
Vancouver, British Columbia, located on Canada's west coast, is a vibrant city surrounded by stunning natural beauty. With its mild climate, mountains, forests, and ocean views, Vancouver is an outdoor enthusiast's paradise, offering opportunities for skiing, hiking, biking, and water sports. The city is also renowned for its diverse and flavorful cuisine, thriving arts and culture scene, and multicultural population. Visitors to Vancouver will find a city full of surprises and contrast, with a unique blend of urban sophistication and natural wilderness. Its downtown core is dotted with gleaming skyscrapers, while just a few blocks away, you can stroll along the seawall of Stanley Park, one of the largest urban parks in the world. Here, you'll find miles of trails, pristine beaches, and opportunities to spot local wildlife like seals and bald eagles. Another must-see natural attraction is the Capilano Suspension Bridge, which spans a 450-foot-deep canyon and offers breathtaking views of the forest and river below. The bridge is part of the larger Capilano Suspension Park, which features a network of suspension bridges, totem poles, and interactive exhibits about the area's indigenous culture. For a different kind of outdoor adventure, head to the nearby ski resort of Whistler, which was the host mountain resort for the 2010 Winter Olympics. With its slopes and slopeside shops and restaurants, Whistler is a winter wonderland that offers some of the best skiing and snowboarding in the world. When it comes to dining, Vancouver is a foodie's delight, with a wide range of international cuisine available, from authentic Chinese dim sum to Mexican street tacos to artisanal coffee and pastries. The city is also known for its abundant seafood, with a thriving fishing industry and local restaurants serving up fresh salmon, crab, and oysters. Vancouver's art and culture scene is equally diverse and dynamic, with a range of museums, galleries, and performance spaces showcasing local and international artists. The Museum of Anthropology at the University of British Columbia is a must-visit, with its collection of indigenous art and artifacts from around the world. Shopping is also a popular activity in Vancouver, with everything from high-end designer boutiques to vintage and second-hand stores. The Granville Island Public Market is a particularly popular spot for browsing and buying local food, crafts, and souvenirs. With its mix of urban excitement and natural beauty, Vancouver is a destination that truly has something for everyone. Whether you're looking for outdoor adventure, cultural experiences, or simply a relaxing getaway, you'll find it all in this stunning and vibrant city.
The view as visitors come in to land explains why so many have been seduced by a holiday in Vancouver, Canada’s third largest city. It’s not really about Vancouver’s notable urban development, but more because of its close proximity to the spectacular Pacific Ocean, with the stunning Gulf Islands to the west, and the snow-capped Coast Mountains to its north.
On the way in, visitors coming for a Vancouver holiday will enjoy a glimpse of the vast expanse of Stanley Park, North America’s largest city park; Vancouver’s many miles of easily accessible beaches; and a city skyline out to rival that of any other North American city. Young, healthy, cosmopolitan - Vancouver is truly a liveable city with a positive attitude towards diversity, which is evident from its large and growing immigrant community, which adds colour and flavour to the city. All in all, Vancouver holidays offer a beautiful 21st century metropolis that has a lot going for it.
Even by North American standards, Vancouver is a young city. But what it lacks in history, it compensates for with scenery. Nestled in the surrounds of beaches and mountains, Vancouver holidays provide both an urban and nature playground, an ideal first stop for a tour in Canada. The city boasts a chic atmosphere, intriguing museums, haute couture boutiques, and a fondness for health-conscious eating. The University of British Columbia’s Museum of Anthropology is the most interesting of its kind in Vancouver and one that uncovers the culture of the aboriginal peoples of Canada. The Capilano Bridge will wow visitors with its amazing views over the canyon below. But only those who dare should visit, because on a very windy day, you will feel the wood and rope bridge sway under your feet! For fun outdoor activities, unparalleled views and entertainment in every season, Grouse Mountain does it best with opportunities for hiking during summer and skiing during winter.
Diverse, vibrant and historic; Chinatown is one of the best neighbourhoods in Vancouver to enjoy some exploring, strolling, shopping and eating. A holiday in Vancouver is best started by touring Chinatown’s Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Chinese Garden. The Garden is beautifully landscaped and a serene oasis that combines classic Chinese elements in a symphony of water, rock, plants and architecture. The first classical Chinese garden built outside of China, Dr. Sun Yat-Sen boasts unparalleled natural beauty. Gastown is the oldest neighbourhood in Downtown Vancouver, a diverse place that attracts many international immigrants. This is a bustling urban centre with historic buildings and cobblestone streets filled with charm, fabulous nightlife, shopping and many of Vancouver’s highly acclaimed restaurants. One of the city’s most popular and busiest nightlife districts, Gastown features numerous pubs, clubs and a number of the best cocktail bars in Vancouver. Design lovers will find interior design and furniture at the numerous independent local designers and boutiques here.
Simply stunning with its amazingly scenic vistas, Queen Elizabeth Park offers panoramic views of downtown Vancouver. A courtyard of dancing fountains, outdoor sculptures, winding paths leading down to gorgeously-landscaped quarry gardens, lawns, ponds and an arboretum are just some of the Park highlights. Its mini waterfalls, little bridges and pathways set amid hundreds of flowers and plants are certain to delight. The trees that number more than 3,000 offer shade in the summer and an abundance of colour during autumn. It is easy to find a private space for rest and contemplation here. The dome of the Bloedel Floral Conservatory houses a lush tropical forest of flowers and desert plants from all around the world. The Conservatory is an oasis of tropical splendour and escape amid an amazing wealth of flowers and foliage. Visitors who go here to soak up the jungle vibes on a dull Vancouver winter day may find it difficult to leave.
Foodies get to eat local and enjoy fresher fruit and vegetables that burst with much more flavour at the Vancouver Farmers Market. The Markets also offer also poultry and meat, artisan food products, fresh fish, baked goods, local artisan beer, wines and spirits. There are also handicrafts, local seafood, farm-raised meats and prepared food items. The farmers, artisans, bakers and producers who personally grow and prepare the delicious foods are available to meet in person. Granville Island’s Public Market is also packed to the rafters with the very best of fresh seafood, meats, sweets and European specialty foods. An oasis of epicurean delight, this is a great place for foodies to have lunch or dinner during their holiday to Canada. Once inside the main entrance, visitors are immediately engulfed by the amazing sights and smells of fresh produce and dazzled by the gorgeous array of colours piled high at the many vendors.
Vancouver’s weather is mild between March and May and from September to November. Summer is the most popular time for holidays to Vancouver with its promise of warmer weather. Vancouver’s autumn months are pleasant even with the low temperatures.
Rather than go into hibernation, Vancouverites flood the city’s parks which are now littered with red and orange leaves. Winter sports fanatics should not be deterred by the biting temperatures but instead embrace these ideal conditions for their Canada holiday activities. Spring comes early to Vancouver, and as the temperatures start to rise, the city begins to bloom. Throughout the seasons, there are festivals galore and other events to electrify your Canada tour.
Vancouver’s festivals and events are a showcase of the city’s cultural diversity, arts community and outdoor activities. At the Jazz Festival, music lovers are serenaded by world-class jazz artists, while the Chinese New Year Parade allows for a discovery of Vancouver’s neighbourhoods. The world’s biggest international fireworks competition, the Celebration of Light, dazzles thousands of spectators each year on Vancouver’s beaches, while the Vancouver Pride Parade offers an array of live performances, tea dances and beer gardens.
Summertime is the best time for a holiday to Vancouver when the weather is pleasant, the streets are alive with people and the produce is fresh. The public market on Granville Island comes alive with fresh fruit, vegetables and other foods offering a feast for the senses. On a nice summer day in Vancouver, bare all if you dare when you pay a visit to Wreck Beach. Many fun festivals worth attending are also held in the city during summer.
Autumn has holidays in Vancouver kicking into high gear with a new season of events and plenty of things to do. The moderate weather offers ideal conditions for taking walks on the seawall, or even better to go cycling. Hikers can also test their mettle on the famous Grouse Grind. The botanical gardens of Vancouver are also lovely during fall. The beauty of the UBC Botanical Gardens is best enjoyed by climbing the treetops of the Greenheart Canopy Walkway.
Whether you’re an adventurer, outdoor enthusiast or just looking to relax, there’s something for everyone going on Vancouver holidays during wintertime. Zip-lining at Grouse Mountain allows for amazing views of frosted canyons and snow-capped trees as you fly two hundred feet off the ground. The Vancouver Chinese New Year Parade & Festival is a cultural extravaganza and one of the city’s best and biggest annual parades that visitors shouldn’t miss out on if you’re in town.
