Your Local Guide To Vancouver Attractions
A city of spectacular, natural beauty, sheltered in the southwest corner of Canada, Vancouver is the third largest city in this vast country. It boasts a population of approximately 2 million people making it the largest city in British Columbia, Canada's western most province. It is a magical place, nestled at the foot of the pacific coast range of mountains, 40 km north of the United States border and surrounded on three sides by water. A serene setting that encourages "Vancouverites" to be friendly and outgoing, devoted to leisure activities, enjoy a multitude of outdoor recreation in all seasons, support and promote diversity in the visual and performing arts, maintain good health, participate in preserving the environment and express the 'joie de vivre' that only a cosmopolitan seaport like Vancouver can infuse into its people.
Whether you come for the two-day Vancouver Challenge Cup, or an extended visit, we hope that the following suggestions will provide you with enough information to ensure that your trip to this exciting place will be rewarding and memorable.
Vancouver Highlights
Stanley Park:
A 1,000 acre forested, natural beauty a little larger than Manhattan's Central Park (840 acres). It offers majestic totem poles, a connection with our native heritage; the very popular Vancouver Aquarium featuring performances by the beluga whales in residence; Lost Lagoon, a protected environment for swans, ducks and all manner of water birds; an 8.8 km (5.5 miles) seawall walk around the park's perimeter affording the hearty walker, bicycler or roller blader, a reward of changing views of the harbour, mountains and city.
Robson Street:
A shopping and restaurant mosaic to satisfy any and all tastes. The 'Champs-Elysees' of Vancouver; sip cappuccino and savoir pastry while browsing in a variety of elegant and interesting shops or people watch from its many cafés, bistros and restaurants, late into the night.
Canada Place:
Constructed for the '1986 World Exposition' (and currently undergoing a major expansion), this 'five sailed' structure built to resemble a cruise ship, houses the Vancouver Convention and Exhibition Centre, World Trade Centre, the CN Imax Theatre, the Pan Pacific Hotel, the Cruise Ship Dock and Terminal (summer cruises only to Alaska); a wonderful place to stroll for views of the North Shore Mountains (only 20 minutes away). It is located across the street from the Vancouver Visitor Information Centre and the 'Waterfront Centre and Hotel' with a comfortable food court and shopping mall.
Gastown:
Where Vancouver began in 1886, this quaint, restored area is a tourist mecca of souvenir shops, galleries and restaurants sitting atop cobblestone paved streets, surrounded by many original brick buildings. At night, the entire picture is lit by simulated gaslight lamps lining the streets. Don't miss the original 'Gaslight Steam Clock' which whistles and blasts out its tune every 15 minutes for expectant visitors. The clock was designed by local artist Raymond Saunders and is powered by underground steam which also heats local building. The 'Lookout' at 'Harbour Centre' towers above Gastown. Take the elevator to the top for a 180° view of Vancouver.
Chinatown:
Reminiscent of Canton, the architecture, flavour, smells and sounds are authentic. Sample Cantonese, Szechuan or Mandarin cuisine. Experience the vast array of herbal remedies (familiar and otherwise), bric-a-brac, exotic fruits and vegetables, clothing, furniture and housewares, music and videos, in the colorful stores. Visit the 'Dr. Sun Yat Sen Gardens' and the Chinese Cultural Centre.
Both Gastown and Chinatown rest on the edge of where Vancouver had its beginnings. As in many major North American cities, those who have 'fallen through the cracks' of society (namely homeless, drug addicted and alcoholic unfortunates) tend to drift around and permeate these areas. Visually unpleasant at times, wariness and good common sense is recommended. The police strongly recommend that you do not give money or handouts to beggars.
Cathedral Place:
At 'Cathedral Place' this charming stone structure, one of the oldest in Vancouver, welcomes you for religious services and concerts. Opposite the elegant and stately 'Fairmont Hotel Vancouver' and one block away from the Vancouver Art Gallery and Museum, make your way along Georgia Street to the indoor 'Pacific Centre' shopping mall and food court. With over 200 shops and services and set among a three-storey waterfall, you can access Vancouver's main department stores, namely The Bay, Holt Renfrew and Sears.
Vancouver Public Library:
Built to resemble the coliseum in Rome, our Italian visitors marvel at the sepia-coloured architectural delight. An interesting arcade, reminiscent of many in Rome, offers numerous cafés and small shops.