Stanley ParkPride of Vancouver's network of parks and gardens,
Stanley Park, covering 1,000 acres (405 hectares), is one of the
largest parks in any urban centre in North America. Situated in the
heart of Vancouver's densely populated West End, stretching out on
a peninsula and surrounded on three sides by water, Stanley Park is
both a refuge for visitors seeking a brief escape from the urban
jungle, a showcase for the natural beauty that surrounds the city,
and an entertainment centre. The park is criss-crossed through its
dense rain-forest interior by miles of wide gravel paths
surrounding Beaver Lake and Lost Lagoon. It is home to hundreds of
migratory birds such as Canada geese, swans and ducks, and large
populations of racoons, squirrels, skunks and coyotes. It is also
possible to walk, jog, cycle or rollerblade around the park's 6.5
mile (10.5km) long seawall that encircles the
perimeter.Museum of AnthropologyIn the west of Vancouver, at the University of British
Columbia on the cliffs of Point Grey, totem poles mark the way to
the Museum of Anthropology, world-renowned for its displays of
Northwest Coast First Nations art. One of its main features is the
world's largest collection of works by internationally acclaimed
Haida artist, Bill Reid, including his famous cedar sculpture 'The
Raven and the First Men'. In the museum's unique Visible Storage
Galleries more than 15,000 objects and artefacts from around the
world are arranged according to culture and use. In the grounds of
the museum are two Haida houses to be admired, showing the dramatic
beauty of traditional Northwest Coast architecture.ChinatownVancouver's Chinese Quarter is not only a strong,
established ethnic community, but also a popular tourist attraction
and prosperous commercial district. Its bustling streets are full
of colour and commerce; even the pagoda-topped telephone booths add
to the atmosphere. Shop displays spill onto the pavements, tables
groan with the weight of exotic foodstuffs and the weird wares of
the Chinese apothecaries like dried lizard skins and powdered rhino
horn. The Sam Kee Building in Pender Street is listed in the
Guinness Book of World Records as being the narrowest building in
the world, at only six-foot (two metres) wide. This was the result
of a local property owner reacting to the expropriation of most of
his land in 1912 for the widening of the street: Chang Toy decided
to build what he could on the remaining tiny strip. Another main
attraction in Chinatown is the Dr Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese
Garden, enclosed behind high walls, that was built in 1986 at a
cost of $5.3-million with the craftsmen and materials all imported
from China. It is a quiet haven of walkways, pavilions, gnarled
trees, water features and natural rock sculptures. Next door to the
Garden is the Chinese Cultural Centre with its elaborate gated
entrance hand-painted in traditional colours.GastownThe fascinating little historic enclave of Gastown, in
the central core area of Vancouver alongside Chinatown, transports
visitors back in time to envision the city in days of old, with its
cobbled streets, antique gaslights, Victorian architecture and maze
of narrow alleys, courtyards and passages wherein hide boutiques
and restaurants. Gastown was named after Vancouver's first settler
and saloon owner, Jack "Gassy" Deighton, whose historic hotel was
destroyed in the Great Fire of 1886 along with much of the city.
The fire swept through the town in less than an hour, leaving only
two of the 400 or so houses standing. "Gassy" Jack has been
immortalised with a statue in Maple Tree Square in Gastown. Another
point of interest is the Lamplighter Pub in the Dominion Hotel,
which was the first Vancouver inn to serve alcohol to women. The
Europe Hotel was the first fireproof building in western Canada,
having been built just after the fire in 1892. Gastown keeps time
with the world's first steam clock, which plays the Westminster
chimes every 15 minutes on five brass steam whistles inside its
cast bronze case. These and many other interesting corners of
Gastown can be explored on a daily walking tour, offered at 2pm
each day between June and August, which starts at the Gassy Jack
statue and takes 90 minutes.Grouse MountainOn Vancouver's north shore, just a 15-minute drive
from the downtown area across the Lions Gate Bridge, is the
year-round mountaintop playground of Grouse Mountain. Ascending the
mountain is part of the adventure in the Super Skyride, a
100-passenger tram that glides up the steep mountain slopes
carrying visitors up 3,700ft (1,100m) above sea level in just eight
minutes. At the top, apart from magical views of the city below, is
the 'Theatre in the Sky', which offers a high-tech presentation
about Vancouver. There is also a cedar longhouse called the Hiwus
Feasthouse that offers the chance to experience native West Coast
culture with displays of dancing, storytelling, chanting and native
cuisine. There are hiking trails up the side of Grouse Mountain and
on the east side one of them features the Grouse Grind, which is
billed as the world's biggest stair-climb. Mountain biking is also
a popular pursuit on the mountainside, as is, of course, skiing and
snowboarding in the winter months.Pacific National Exhibition (PNE)Since 1910, the Pacific National Exhibition or PNE as
it is more commonly known, has been drawing thousands of visitors
who have come to enjoy an enormous variety of shows, concerts,
sports events, exhibitions, amusement park rides and a PNE staple,
the annual Fair in summer. The Fair was originally begun in order
to showcase British Columbia to the rest of Canada and its focus
was on industrial exhibits, but today, an array of entertainment
and family fun is on offer, with circus shows, musical
extravaganzas and the regular and incredibly popular Superdogs
'canine antics' show. The Playland Amusement Park at the PNE covers
over 15 acres of thrills and spills, including the Wooden Roller
Coaster (built in 1958) and other amusement park favourites such as
a shooting gallery, mazes, the 'Asylum of Terror' and other
fun-filled rides and attractions. The Pacific Coliseum at the PNE
is a favourite venue for live international and local concerts, and
it also plays host to the Vancouver Giants Junior Ice Hockey
League.Queen Elizabeth ParkTransformed from an ugly stone quarry in the 1950s,
the exquisite Queen Elizabeth Park now boasts lush gardens bursting
with flowers, the Bloedel Floral Conservatory, a restaurant, a
Pitch and Putt course and much more. The park receives about six
million visitors annually who come to enjoy a 360° view of
Vancouver from its highest point, 505 feet (167m) above sea level.
The Bloedel Floral Conservatory, with its characteristic geodesic
dome, is home to over 100 species of tropical birds that free-fly
in the area, as well as hundreds of species of exotic plants and
flowers. Other highlights of the park include the Quarry Garden; J.
Seward Johnson's sculpture "The Photo Session," the Lions Clock and
the arboretum, with its fine examples of indigenous trees from
across Canada. Spring is an excellent time to visit the park as it
becomes a riot of colour, with white and pink cherry blossoms and
all sorts of flowers displaying their finest.Granville IslandWhat was once a run-down industrial area is now a
thriving entertainment and shopping centre, with a vibrant market
central to the Island's activities, as well as the Emily Carr
Institute of Art and Design, a theatre and brewery. The island is
easily accessible, located in the middle of Vancouver under the
Granville Street Bridge on the south shore of False Creek and
linked by a road to the city, barely seeming like a separate
entity, but a relaxing 'city break' nonetheless. The public market
is a riot of colours, smells and tastes and fresh produce, fresh
meats and fish, flowers, tasty treats, crafts, clothing and
souvenirs are on offer. The separate Kids Market is a must for
children, with toy stores, games and more and the Maritime Market
offers everything from boat-builders, a museum and tours, to
appropriate boating clothing and supplies. Visits to the Granville
Island Brewing Company and taste-tests of their brews are possible,
or for something more cultural, one can catch a show at the
Island's theatre or enjoy a student art show at the Emily Carr
Institute. Perhaps the best way to enjoy the Island, however, is to
grab something to eat from one of the many stalls, choose a table
outside and watch the people go by, or take a self-guided tour,
being sure not to miss the picturesque houseboats docked at the
Island.Lonsdale QuaySituated in North Vancouver, Lonsdale Quay not only
offers spectacular views of downtown Vancouver and its harbour, as
well as the north shore mountains, but a variety of shops,
restaurants and an excellent public market. The best way to
experience the Quay is to catch the SeaBus from Waterfront Station
on Cordova Street in downtown Vancouver, a fifteen minute ride that
allows one to relax and enjoy the view, watch seaplanes land and
see what cruise ships are in the harbour, before embarking on some
retail therapy. The market, though slightly smaller than that of
Granville Island, boasts mouth-watering fresh goods, from seafood
to fresh fruit and vegetables, pastries and sweets and there is a
wide range of foods available, including Mexican, Greek, Japanese,
Indian and more. There are also a variety of stalls selling all
sorts of arts and crafts, souvenirs and clothing and the retail
level boasts plenty of boutiques, a kids play area and specialty
kids stores, topped by the Lonsdale Quay hotel. A climb up the
Quay's signature red tower with its large Q on top is a good way to
work off all the delicious food and to enjoy spectacular views of
the city and mountains.Capilano Suspension BridgeBuilt in 1889, the Capilano Suspension Bridge is one
of Vancouver's oldest and most popular tourist attractions, with
plenty of activities and sights in the park for visitors to enjoy,
besides the bridge itself. Stretching 450 feet (137m) across and
perched 230 feet (70m) above the Capilano River, the bridge was
originally made of cedar planks and hemp rope, but is now a more
sturdy construction of reinforced steel and concrete; though still
not for the faint-hearted. A recent addition to the park is the
Treetops Adventure, where elevated suspension bridges allow
visitors a spectacular view of the rainforest, while they walk
above the forest floor between Douglas Fir trees. Other attractions
in the park include a story centre, a First Nations Cultural Centre
where visitors can see carvers, weavers and beaders at work, a
large collection of First Nations Totem Poles, and guided tours of
the rainforest. Admission includes all these sights and activities,
and there are also several food options and a shop.Vancouver Art GalleryEstablished in 1931, the Vancouver Art Gallery boasts
thousands of national and international exhibitions by a range of
artists, sculptors and photographers, housed in a
turn-of-the-century heritage building in the centre of downtown
Vancouver. Perhaps one of the most impressive collections in the
Gallery is that of British Columbian artist Emily Carr. Over 200 of
her pieces, recording the beauty and diversity of British Columbia
and First Nations culture, as well as informative displays on her
career and works can be found here, under the permanent exhibit
entitled Emily Carr: Art, Place, Culture. National and
international touring exhibitions also take place regularly at the
Gallery, from Picasso to Rodin, Andy Warhol and others. Whether you
prefer the Old Masters or more contemporary artists, the Vancouver
Art Gallery is well worth paying a visit.Vancouver Lookout at the Harbour CentrePerhaps one of the best ways to begin one's visit to
Vancouver is with a trip up the Harbour Centre Tower to the
Lookout, where one can enjoy a 360 degree view of the city, Greater
Vancouver, the North Shore mountains and on a clear day, even
neighbouring Vancouver Island. A 45-second trip in the
glass-fronted Skylift elevator delivers visitors to the Lookout and
informative signs point out key attractions in the city and
surrounds. As tickets are valid for the entire day and evening,
visitors can also enjoy a cup of coffee while watching the sunset
from the Lookout or see the lights of the city begin to twinkle
below. The tower is also home to The Top of Vancouver Revolving
Restaurant, though run separately from the Lookout, and visitors
can enjoy the unique experience of dining above the city while the
restaurant completes a full revolution every hour. The Skylift to
the restaurant is free. The Harbour Centre itself is home to part
of the Simon Fraser University campus, several shops and a food
court.VanDusen Botanical GardenWith 22 hectares (55 acres) and roughly 11,000
different plant species, VanDusen Botanical Garden is a spectacular
showcase of the natural world, right in the heart of Vancouver.
Landscaped gardens are laid out exquisitely and specific areas are
cultivated to demonstrate botanical relationships or geographical
origins, such as the popular Rhododendron Walk or the Sino
Himalayan Garden. One of the most popular events held in the garden
is the annual Festival of Lights, when the beauty of the flowers is
matched by over a million dazzling lights, set up in order to
celebrate the festive season. Choirs and carol singers, visits with
Santa, a Dancing Light display on Lake Island in the park, the
Golden Chain Walk, magicians and tasty treats are all part of this
family favourite, running from 9-31 December each year. Daily
walking and cart tours are available in the garden from April to
October at 2pm and also at 11am on Wednesdays.Commercial DriveCommercial Drive is as non-commercial as it gets,
though it has become one of Vancouver's most eclectic, and
increasingly trendy, neighbourhoods. What started out as a skid
road for the lumber industry in the late 1800s, swiftly became a
neighbourhood of English tradesmen and shopkeepers with the birth
of the interurban railway. World War I brought an influx of
Chinese, Italian and Eastern European immigrants and World War II
saw a vast increase in the Italian population, earning the Drive
the moniker 'Little Italy' for many years. Diversity and energy are
still the hallmarks of this area, and an afternoon is well spent
exploring its various treasures, from all types of food to chic
boutiques, second-hand stores, live music venues and more. Join a
drum circle in Grandview Park, go ice-skating at the Britannia
Community Centre rink, go bowling at the Grandview Lanes, enjoy a
delicious Italian gelato or espresso, or simply grab a table at one
of the many bars or restaurants, and people watch. There are always
plenty of festivals and events going on, too, such as the Parade of
Lost Souls on the Saturday before Halloween, the Drive Festival in
June and the Eastside Culture Crawl in November.Gulf IslandsTucked in the Strait of Georgia, in between Vancouver
Island and the mainland, are the picturesque Gulf Islands. More
than a dozen of these long, thin islands, and numerous islets, can
be found on Canada's West Coast and each island has its own
character and beauty, making them well worth a visit. Originally
home to the Coast Salish First Nations, the Spanish and English
soon followed, laying claim to the island chain. Nowadays, the
islands are home to artists, writers, retirees and those seeking a
more community-based lifestyle, and many Vancouverites escape to
holiday homes tucked in amongst the rainforest. Large parts of the
islands have been designated as Marine Parks, preserving the land
for the numerous birds and animals that also call the islands home.
Bowen Island is only a 20-minute ferry ride from West Vancouver's
Horseshoe Bay and visitors can enjoy a stroll from Snug Harbour,
past the historic Union Steamship Company store, grab a bite to eat
or take a walk in the Crippen Regional Park. Galiano Island is the
second biggest of the group, and is about the size of Manhattan
Island in New York. Only 50 minutes away on the Tsawassen ferry on
the Lower Mainland, Galiano Island draws all sorts of visitors who
come to picnic in Bellhouse Park; take a walk through the lush
rainforest up to Bluffs Park to enjoy spectacular views of
neighbouring Islands; indulge in a spot of fishing, kayaking or
golf; or to visit to one of the local galleries or shops. Many of
the islands host events and festivals each year where the community
spirit and laid-back atmosphere typical of the Gulf Islands is
evident.San Juan and the Gulf IslandsThe San Juan Islands and the Canadian Gulf islands
form one of the best boater paradises in the world. The hundreds of
islands are separated by nationality but are part of the same
scenic and rugged archipelago, located off the northwest coast of
Washington State. Much of the area is in a rain shadow behind
Vancouver Island, making a surprisingly dry and sunny reprieve in
the northwest. Little island communities, great wildlife and the
open water provide a real and intuitive disconnect from the
mainland. Frequent government ferry services connect the mainland
and larger inhabited islands to each other, but scores are only
visitable by smaller shuttle boats and yachts. Friday Harbour is
San Juan's largest town and an enchanting tourist destination,
seemingly out of a Norman Rockwell painting. Anchorages are
bustling throughout summer, but largely empty in other seasons.
Yacht charters are available out of Bellingham.
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