Overview
The host city to the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter games, Vancouver, British Columbia is recognized as one of the world’s most livable cities. Surrounded by water on three sides and situated along the Coast Mountain Range, Vancouver has one of the mildest climates in Canada. Vancouver offers visitors spectacular opportunities for outdoor adventure yet has the amenities of a world-class city. The great outdoors is easily accessible with plenty of city beaches, parks and boat cruises. For the more urban explorer, areas like Kitsilano, Commercial Drive and Gastown are full of interesting boutiques, public spaces, and galleries.
Dine out in Vancouver and discover the huge range of global cuisine the city has to offer. Visitors can experience world class shopping, gourmet dining, live entertainment, incredible sights and attractions in one of the world’s most spectacular cities.
Things to See and Do
Granville Island:
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From downtown Vancouver, hop on one of the city’s inexpensive Aquabus ferries and cruise across False Creek to Granville Island. This year round indoor Farmers Market is a charming destination for shoppers and culture seekers. Filled with boutiques, galleries, artisan studios, theatres, cafes and an impressive food market, no visit to Vancouver is complete without visiting Granville Island. Children will enjoy the delightful Kids Market, complete with a water park and an adventure zone.
Gastown:
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Located at the northeast end of downtown Vancouver, Gastown is a national historical sight. It offers unique shopping by day and an abundance of restaurants and clubs that keep this area buzzing well into the night. Stroll down its cobbled streets and explore its historic buildings and courtyards. During the last weekend in June catch the Vancouver International Jazz Festival in Gastown, boasting over 400 performances by both famous and emerging artists. Attend a ticketed event or enjoy one of the free events that take place, including the free “Gastown Jazz”.
Vancouver Aquarium:
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Located in Stanley Park, the Vancouver Aquarium houses more than 70,000 animals, making it the largest aquarium in Canada. Each day the aquarium performs live shows and feedings with sea otters, beluga whales and dolphins. Visitors can also join the animal trainers for a behind-the-scenes visit. Educating the public about marine life is a big part of the aquarium's mission, and profits from the Vancouver Aquarium go toward conserving aquatic life.
Stanley Park:
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This world famous landmark is over 400 hectares of evergreen and floral heaven. Dedicated in 1886, Stanley Park is recognized as one of the world’s greatest parks. This Vancouver oasis on the outskirts of the city appeals to plant lovers, nature enthusiasts or those that just want to relax and take in the breathtaking surroundings. During the summer months Stanley Park hosts many arts events, and visitors can enjoy a horse drawn tour to see other famous Vancouver landmarks such as Lost Lagoon, Prospect Point, the Nine O’Clock Gun and Siwash Rock.
Vancouver Lookout & Canada Place:
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The Vancouver Lookout opened on August 13, 1977 with astronaut Neil Armstrong (the first man to walk on the moon) cutting the ribbon. The Lookout tops Harbour Centre and is one of the tallest buildings in Vancouver at 168 metres high. The viewing deck offers panoramic views that include the Burrard Inlet, the Lions Gate Bridge, The North Shore Mountains, Canada Place and the cruise ship terminal. Canada Place is a hub of activity, whether taking a stroll on the pier or watching the giant cruise ships head to sea. Every evening the sails of Canada Place light up, and on Canada Day it is home to the largest celebration outside the Nation’s capital.
Transportation
Getting around downtown Vancouver and the city outskirts is convenient, easily accessible and often incredibly scenic. Translink provides services covering 1800 square kms of the Greater Mainland. The city’s Canada Line can get you into downtown Vancouver straight from the airport in 25 minutes and the cost is minimal. The False Creek ferries and the Aquabus conveniently get you to the shops, restaurants and the public market on Granville Island.
Travel Tips
Vancouver has temperate weather year-round. The city boasts plenty of wide-open parks, stretches of winding trails and is full of active people, making it North America’s number one dog-friendly city, according to Dogfriendly.com. Several Vancouver and area Travelodge locations offer pet friendly designated rooms. Vancouver enjoys a reputation as being one of the most accessible cities in the world among travellers with special needs.