Host city for the 2010 Winter Olympics is just one of the many reasons Vancouver should be on your “must see” list. Often thought of as Canada’s most beautiful city, Vancouver is a gorgeous thriving metropolis that’s fortunate enough to be flanked by the ocean and mountains. With its numerous parks, beaches, gardens, museums, art galleries and ethnic diversity, Vancouver is one of those rare places that actually lives up to its promise of offering something for everyone.
Stanley Park is recognized as one of the largest urban parks in the world and one of the city’s main tourist attractions. The 1,000 acre park is conveniently located close to the downtown core and ideal for naturalists, garden enthusiasts or those who just want to stroll in beautiful surroundings. The park features the Vancouver Aquarium, an 8.8 km seawall path, hiking trails, horse drawn tours, an outdoor pool and water park, restaurants, breathtaking horticultural displays and many art events are hosted here.
Granville Island is home to the city’s performing arts, with a selection of eclectic festivals, theatre and musical shows to keep you entertained. Art galleries, artists and artisan studios and workshops line the streets, and many locals do their shopping at the huge marketplace that offers a vast array of fresh fruits and vegetables, breads and seafood. There is also a great variety of one-of-a-kind shops and restaurants.
Capilano Suspension Bridge is without a doubt the world’s greatest suspension footbridge and only to minutes from downtown Vancouver. The bridge stretches 450 feet across and sits 240 feet above the Capilano River, and is a truly thrilling experience for the adventure seeker.
Grouse Mountain located just 15 minutes from the city centre, the mountain’s “Super Sky ride,” provides unbelievable dramatic views and takes you to a mountaintop of adventure. Hike the Grouse Grind, a challenging 2.9 milometer trail up the face of the mountain, see grizzly bears at the Refuge for Endangered Wildlife, ski, ride a zipline or even paraglide. And new for 2010, take a ride to the viewPOD level of Vancouver’s iconic wind turbine, the Eye of the Wind.
Vancouver can be see on western Canada tours and Alaska cruise and cruise tours, or of course on its own as well.
