An Introduction to Vancouver


Vancouver Lions Gate Bridge

Vancouver and the Lions Gate Bridge, photo by Tourism British Columbia

While visiting Canada, be sure to allow time for an introduction to Vancouver, a coastal gem in British Columbia. Known for its gorgeous scenery combined with a diverse downtown heart of restaurants, museums and business districts, it also boasts the most agreeable climate in Canada. All of these things make the city popular with tourists each year, and the city welcomed an impressive array of international visitors during the 2010 Winter Olympics. The city is the largest in British Columba, but manages to hold on to its rustic charm and natural beauty nonetheless. Visitors will enjoy bike riding, shopping, touring a local museum or just relaxing in a spacious park.

Vancouver Portside Park

Portside Park, photo by Marcel Finnigan

It is home to many upscale hotels perfect for a family vacation or romantic getaway. Book a room at the Sheraton Wall Centre, which regularly features regular money-saving offers and is just around the block from popular sites including Stanley Park and the Vancouver Art Gallery. Or, go on an adventure by taking a private seaplane transfer to the Island where you can stay at the Clayoquot Wilderness Resort. The resort features temperature-controlled tents that allow visitors the opportunity to take in much of British Columbia’s stunning natural playground.

When you’re out and about in the city, there are many restaurants to try, and a culinary introduction to the city can become a high point of your vacation. The Blue Water Café, for example, offers the largest selection of oysters in British Columbia. Frequented by celebrities, this is a good spot to celebrate an anniversary or take your loved one on a romantic evening out for no special reason at all!

RainCity Grill has a reputation of being one of the best restaurants on the city’s west End, and your meal will be accompanied by views of Stanley Park and English Bay. Your palette will welcome their variety of organic vegetables, cheeses and salmon that is fished personally for the restaurant’s guests.

For something a bit less formal, check out BBQues, featuring chicken and ribs that you’ll crave long after your meal is through. Call to ask about how to get a $20 dinner for only $10.

With all this said, an proper introduction to the city would not be complete with just restaurants and lodging alone.

Are you a summer sports enthusiast visiting the city in the winter? You’ll be pleased to know the city is home to nine indoor pools that are open year round and include early morning to late evening time slots. Anyone can enjoy a dip in one of these facilities, and they are located all throughout the city for easy access.

Capilano Suspension Bridge

Capilano Suspension Bridge, photo by Capilano Group of Companies

For travelers with a true sense of adventure, check out the Capilano Suspension Bridge, which has been in the business of thrilling adventurers since 1889. Walk the elevated bridge series that stretch up to 100 feet beyond the forest floor below.

Children will enjoy Maplewood Farm with 200 animal and bird species to enjoy. Other natural experience for children include the VanDusen Botanical Garden and the Vancouver Aquarium.

This city is a vacation in and of itself, even if you never venture beyond the city’s borders. It’s true that once you have an introduction to the city's diversity and beauty, you may never want to leave.


Places to visit while in Vancouver!

Granville Island Market

Granville Island


Vancouver Art Gallery

Art Gallery


Museum of Anthropology

Museum of Anthropology

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WHAT ARE YOU INTERESTED IN?


Waterfalls? Visit Athabasca Falls, Sunwapta Falls, or how about Mistaya Canyon, Johnston Canyon or Maligne Canyon! Witness the power of water and watch how water cuts, carving its way into age-old rock. The white churning water crashes and turns into the greenest flow. The spray - refreshing... and cold!!! Nature at its finest.


Athabasca Glacier

Glaciers? These mystifying ice flows really connect you back to a time when the earth was covered in ice. Come and experience the

href=http://www.rocky-mountain-tour-guide.com/icefields-parkway.html target=_blank>Icefields Parkway and go for an ice walk or take a ride on an Ice Explorer to learn more about these disappearing wonders.


Sparkling blue-green Lakes? Yes, they really do exist! The mountain parks are famous for their blue-green colour.

href=http://www.rocky-mountain-tour-guide.com/lake-louise.html target=_blank>Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, Bow Lake and

href=http://www.rocky-mountain-tour-guide.com/jasper.html target=_blank>Maligne Lake (famous for Spirit Island) are just a few of the breath-taking jewels here in the Rockies that are easy to get to. Don't forget your camera!


href=http://www.rocky-mountain-tour-guide.com/by-rail.html target=_blank>Travelling by Road & Rail? One of the most beautiful ways to travel across this big country is by rail. Make a

href=http://www.rocky-mountain-tour-guide.com/via-rockies-road-and-rail.htmltarget=_blank>Vancouver circle trip that takes you from Vancouver through the Rockies to Banff, Lake Louise, Jasper and back to Vancouver. There is nothing like the views from a train in the mountains!


href=http://www.rocky-mountain-tour-guide.com/scenic-drives.html target=_blank>Scenic Drives? Whether you are on the road with a rental car, a motorhome or your own vehicle, there are a number of scenic drives you can do yourself that will guide you to the most interesting spots in the mountains that you won't want to miss.


Learning a little more about Canada? Read up on this diverse country of many cultures in my Canada Quick Study. Need to know more about our currency? Take a look at my Canadian Money Quick Study and study up for your trip!






The Next Great Souvenir? You want to take something special home from the Rockies, but what? Get some tips on what you have to think about when buying souvenirs and find out what is typical here in the Rockies.






Activities? There are so many great outdoor activities that allow you to discover the mountains in a whole new way. Take a canoe out on Lake Louise or a Kayak on the Bow for an afternoon. Go horseback riding through the Sundance Canyon or go hiking at Johnston Canyon.