Vancouver
Often thought of as one of the most livable large cities in North America, Vancouver will suck you in too, especially if you visit during the few dry months in summer. Actually, for a city that has famously gray and rainy weather there is a major emphasis on outdoor activities in Vancouver. Stanley Park is one of the largest urban green spaces in North America and several other major parks also fill up at the slightest hint of decent weather. Even during the mild winters it’s easy to get outside, as some excellent skiing and snowboarding are available not far away.
What To Do
Stanley Park should not be missed. There is a lot more to it than a giant square lawn, and even during bad weather the views of the harbor and surrounding areas are worth seeing. Granville Island is actually a peninsula within the city limits and is host to Vancouver’s oldest public market. It looks a bit touristy, but the locals are regulars also as there is interesting shopping and crafts as well as great and affordable restaurants.
The Gastown District is getting better every year. This old town section used to be dominated by skid row elements, but it has transformed into an area with trendy bars and restaurants while still maintaining some of the rough edges of its past. The Vancouver Aquarium is a world-class facility where you can witness their research and rehabilitation programs. The attractions are somewhat spread out so Vancouver is a great place to take a city tour, especially right after you arrive. There is a trolley tour that is well narrated and is a great way to get familiar with the big picture before you set your agenda.
Getting There
Unless you are arriving by train from Seattle or elsewhere in Canada you’ll want to book a flight into Vancouver International Airport. It’s a major airport so good deals are often available. If you are going to rent a car anyway you might also check flights into Seattle. Sometimes they can be much cheaper and the cities are only a few hours away by car and the drive is nice. There is a public bus that runs from the Vancouver airport into the center in about 40 minutes, and there are shuttle services that are a bit faster and more expensive.
Where To Stay
Vancouver is fairly spread out and the public transportation system is good so it might be worth it to book a cheaper place away from the center if you are on a tight budget. There are several very good areas for nightlife and one of them, Gastown, has some cheap and rundown sleeping options, but it’s still safe at night. There are several hostels in Vancouver and loads of hotels, but during peak times they fill up early so plan ahead.
Attractions in Vancouver
Address: 504 - 999 Canada Place, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6C 3E1
Vancouver's Canada Place is a building housing the Vancouver Convention and Exhibition Centre, Pan Pacific Hotel and an IMAX 3D theatre (the world's first). It's beautifully situated along the water of the Burrard Inlet, and easily identified by its sail-like roofline, which is vaguely similar to the look of Denver's International Airport. The structure has also become the main terminal for cruise ships which depart from Vancouver, many of which explore Alaska's famed Inside Passage.
Originally constructed in 1986 for Expo 86, Canada Place was expanded in 2001 in order to make space for another cruise ship to dock. In 2007, a second building was under construction near Canada Place which will also be built over the water and not only serve some of the same purposes that Canada Place does but also be the media headquarters for the upcoming 2010 Winter Olympics. The existing building is connected via Vancouver's SkyTrain, and the subway stops nearby at the Waterfront Station stop.
There is a self-guided exhibit in Canada Place which walks visitors through Vancouver's history while affording stunning harbor views. The building also hosts music and other entertainment and special events throughout the year.
Hours: Canada Place - Always Open; Vancouver Port Authority Interpretive Centre - Monday-Friday, 08:00-17:00; Saturday-Sunday, 10:00-14:00
Admission: Free
Address: 508 Taylor Street, Vancouver, B.C. Canada V6B 6M4
Vancouver's Chinatown on Pender Street is one of the biggest in North America. It's bordered by Gastown, the Central Business District and Strathcona, among other neighborhoods. The city of Vancouver has traditionally been home to a large ethnic Chinese population, so the city's Chinatown is more than just symbolic. The area has suffered a bit recently as many Cantonese residents created a new Chinese area of town in the suburbs, although efforts are being made now to restore and revitalize the neighborhood.
The Chinatown neighborhood dates from the late 1800s, when Chinese settlers moved into what was then called Shanghai Alley and Canton Alley. Today, there are many traditional restaurants, tea shops and other businesses which locals and tourists both frequent. The China Gate over Pender Street was donated by the People's Republic of China in 1986, and was rebuilt and renovated in 2005.
Aside from the various shops and restaurants, some of the Chinatown attractions are the Dr. Sun Yat Sen Classical Chinese Garden, the Chinese Cultural Centre Museum & Archives, the Chinatown Millennium Gate, the West Han Dynasty Bell and the historic Shanghai Alley. There are also several annual festivals which take place in Chinatown, including the Chinatown Festival in August and the Chinatown Night Market on weekends from June-September.
Hours: Neighborhood - always open; hours vary depending on business
Admission: Neighborhood - free; fees vary depending on business
Address: Gastown, 110 Water St, Vancouver, BC, Canada
Gastown is an historic neighborhood in Vancouver which was the city's first downtown area. It was named after "Gassy" Jack Deighton, a British steamboat captain and bartender who opened the first saloon in the area in 1867. A statue of Deighton now stands in Gastown at the corner of Water and Carrall Streets.
The traditional borders of Gastown were the waterfront, Columbia Street, Hastings Street and Cambie Street, but today the official border of what is considered Gastown does not include most of Hastings Street. In addition to its historic importance, Gastown is now a popular tourist destination because of its high concentration of restaurants, cafes, art galleries, night clubs and shops. The neighborhood is also home to some non-tourist businesses like law and architecture firms.
Gastown's most famous sight is the steam-powered clock on the corner of Cambie and Water Streets, which has recently been restored and now entertains tourists every day. The area also hosts the Vancouver International Jazz Festival and the Tour de Gastown bicycle race each summer, as well as other special events throughout the year.
Hours: Neighborhood - always open; Historic Walking Tours of Gastown - begin at 14:00 daily (roughly 1.5 hours long) from June through August, and leave from "Gassy" Jack Deighton's statue; otherwise, hours vary depending on the business
Admission: Neighborhood and walking tours - free; otherwise, fees vary depending on the business
Address: Granville Island, 1398 Cartwright St, Vancouver, BC
Vancouver's Granville Island is a major tourist destination and shopping area in the city which is located in False Creek, just across the Burrard Inlet from the peninsula of downtown Vancouver. While Granville Island used to be totally industrial, it has been transformed into a popular destination in greater Vancouver.
Today, Granville Island has a Public Market, a multitude of shopping districts and several theatres. The area is also home to many arts and craft studios, including some devoted to jewelry making, pottery, glassblowing and printmaking. Granville Island is also popular with street performers like musicians and magicians who entertain tourists and locals alike. One industrial cement plant remains, reminding visitors of the area's history.
Granville Island's Public Market, where more than 100 vendors have set up shop, is one of the island's most popular destinations. Tours of the Market are offered by Edible British Columbia.
Hours: Public Market - Daily, 09:00-19:00 (except Christmas and New Year's); tours of Public Market - Wednesdays and Saturdays, 08:30 (last three hours); otherwise, hours vary by business
Admission: Public Market tour - $55 per person (includes tax), must be purchased in advance; otherwise, fees vary by business
Address: Stanley Park, Vancouver, Canada
Vancouver's giant Stanley Park is the largest city-owned park in Canada, and the third largest in North America at around 1,000 acres. What's more, the park is right next to downtown Vancouver, making it easy to get from an urban setting to a park setting in a matter of a few minutes - something Vancouverites love and visitors appreciate. The park boasts about 125 miles of trails and roads, including a 5.5 mile path which circles the park along the water.
It's estimated that about 8 million people visit Stanley Park every year, including both locals and visitors, to take advantage of the gorgeous scenery and recreational facilities. Despite the miles of trails and roads, most of the park is still heavily forested - some reports say that 500,000 trees in the park are 250 feet (or more) tall and are hundreds of years old. In addition to the extensive forest, the most popular attractions in the park include the seawall trail (popular with walkers, runners, bicyclists and inline skaters), tennis courts, golf course, Vancouver Aquarium and a miniature railroad.
Stanley Park is named for Lord Stanley, who was Governor General of Canada when the park was opened.
Hours: Vary depending on the attraction/facility
Admission: Vary depending on the attraction/facility
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