WHY VISIT VANCOUVER?
Composed by many distinctive and diverse neighborhoods, the best about visiting the seaport city of British Columbia, may just be its locals, proud to guide you through their city. Vancouver comes only steps behind Montreal or Toronto as one of the top Canadian destinations to visit this 2018. Having become a popular filming destination only gives tourists more reasons to fly in. However, pop culture actors and filmmakers are only few of the attractions available as is quickly thriving in creative culture, while also offering the possibly of indulging in its outdoor wonderland –marvel between a morning in the snow-dusted mountains of North Shore and hit the beach in the afternoon.
FOR THE FOODIE
“By Sea, Land, and Air We Prosper” is the city’s motto, one that can easily be agreed upon, when seeing how the excellent weather paves the way for a food scene that makes the most out of the Pacific seafood. Local harvest and traditions carried-on by the many different immigrants compose the city’s ethnic diversity, and still, you don’t have to be a local to delight in the growing culinary scenery.
Navigate the city’s neighbors for a culinary adventure of different assortments. Authentic Japanese steak & seafood houses and pubs, farm-to-table West Coast cuisine, authentic craft-beer and rising craft liquor producers await. Wine bars, tacos, street vendors and food trucks are not forgotten, being part of the out-of-the-moment trend, but rising to the occasion when it comes quality dining. Vancouver’s food and drink scene is rapidly evolving, with new and exciting food options around every corner.
Recommended: A visit to Granville Island’s Public Market, where a self-guided tasting tour can be easily achieved. Also, keep in mind that Vancouver features the third largest Chinatown in North America.
WHAT TO DO
A cosmopolitan city right off the edge of nature calls for outdoorsy activities. Visit Stanley Park, composed of nearly a thousand acres and hosting the Seawall that embraces the city waterfront –famous for its 24-kilometer trek and the views of the ocean on one side canopy forest on the other. You can also explore the Vancouver Aquarium, Brockton Point –the First Nation totem pole display and the Souther Creek Trail that leads to Beaver Lake –famous for its lily pads. Soar above all, by riding the sky tram in Grouse Mountain. This only-in-Vancouver attraction boasts unparalleled views of surrounding mountains, downtown Vancouver, and the region’s islands.
Additional outdoor venues include the Queen Elizabeth Park and the VanDusen Botanical Garden. You can visit the naturally thrilling Capilano Suspension Bridge, its new Cliffwalk follows a granite precipice along Capilano River with a labyrinth-like series of narrow cantilevered bridges, stairs and platforms and only 16 anchor points in the cliff supporting the structure!
Visit the Spanish Banks for a mix of parkland and white sand beach or head to Kitsilano Beach, the most popular swimming spot.
Indoor attractions feature the Vancouver Lookout where you will be able to take-in a 360-degree view of the city, Science World at Telus World of Science, the University of British Columbia, the Museum of Anthropology and the long-anticipated new Vancouver Art Gallery building.
For a trendier experience you can visit Yaletown, comparable to New York’s SoHo neighborhood or the definite must-visit, Gastown, where old and modern become one, an essential part of Vancouver’s history. Your stroll around Gastown should include Water Street, where you’ll find a picture-perfect collection of old buildings, cobblestones, the Steam Clock, and vintage lampposts. Continue to the end of Water Street to visit a statue of the man who started it all, Gassy Jack Deighton.
DAY TRIPS FROM VANCOUVER
Featuring access to an outstanding transportation hub, your days in Vancouver can be coupled together with a few trips to nearby cities.
Steveston is a neighborhood within the City of Richmond but the two couldn’t be more different. It is just a 20-minute Canada Line hop from Vancouver, and home of hundreds of businesses that serve the Chinese, Korean and Vietnamese communities, creating a rich pan-Asian flavor.
New Westminster, only a 25-minute SkyTrain ride from downtown to the one-time capital of the Colony of British Columbia. New Westminster – aka the “Royal City” – was the region’s main settlement before Victoria took over in 1866.
Take a moment to take in the breathtaking ocean and archipelago panoramas before splashing into Salt Spring Island’s Ganges Harbour – and just a few steps from Canada’s best outdoor market.
Sail away and discover Victoria, known as the Garden City, only a ferry away from Vancouver.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ONLINE
Vancouver’s indulgence season (January to March) is being promoted at https://www.tourismvancouver.com –along many other attractions and entertainment option that can add value to your stay in this seaport city of British Columbia. The website also offers maps, guides, general information on local activities and much more information.
