VANCOUVER Named "Top City of the Americas" in Condé Nast Traveler magazine's 2009 Readers' Choice Awards, the world's "Most Liveable City" by the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) in 2005, and a Top 100 World Destination pick in Trip Advisor's 2008 Traveller's Choice Awards, Vancouver offers travellers both outstanding opportunities for outdoor adventure and the sophisticated amenities of a world-class city.
While this sea-level port city is known for its temperate climate, the surrounding snow-covered slopes are the venues for winter sports and breathtaking views of the city twinkling below. Vancouver is one of the few places in the world where you can ski in the morning and sail in the afternoon.

 
 

 
Stanley Park Whistler Granville Island Capilano Suspension Bridge

Stanley Park

Granville Island

Capilano Suspension Bridge
If you only do one thing in the city, cycle or stroll along the Stanley Park seawall, a paved 10km loop with every moment of it privy to magnificent mountain, ocean, forest and city views. While you're in the park, pay a visit to the internationally-acclaimed Vancouver Aquarium Marine Science Centre, one of North America's five largest aquariums.

Legendary Whistler, regarded as one of the top four-season resorts in North America, has become even more world-renowned as the site of the alpine and Nordic venues for the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.

Blending the charm of an alpine village with the amenities of an urban centre, the pedestrianized Whistler Village offers. fine dining, vibrant nightlife, eclectic boutiques, revitalising spas, and luxurious hotels. Catch events like the TELUS World Ski and Snowboard Festival in April and the Arts and Music Festival in July.

 If you're downtown, hop on one of the small passenger ferries that can actually appear like bathtub toys as they cruise through False Creek to the island, famous for its year-round indoor farmer's market, boutique micro-brewery, street buskers, artisan studios and live theatre. It's shaky, but worth the walk across this swaying suspension bridge - located in the middle of a lush west-coast rainforest - for thrilling canyon views 70 m below.

 

 
Gastown Chinatown and Chinatown Night Market Grouse Mountain Victoria

Chinatown and Chinatown Night Market

Grouse Mountain

Vancouver began here - stroll down charming cobbled streets, explore heritage buildings and mews, visit unique stores and dine in restaurants - from quirky to gourmet.

A daytime stroll down Gastown's cobblestone streets reveals artist studios, designers' shops, First Nations' galleries and antique stores in refurbished heritage buildings.

 

 Vancouver is home to one of the largest Chinese communities in North America. Its downtown Chinatown (the other major centre is in Richmond) is worth a visit for the historic buildings

While many people prefer to hike up to the top via the Grouse Grind, also known as "Mother Nature's Stairmaster," a scenic (and saner) option is to ride up on the 100-passenger tram, appreciating breathtaking panoramic vistas of the Lower Mainland en route.

Victoria boasts many historic buildings and some of the most fascinating museums in Western Canada. The city benefits from one of Canada's mildest climates, which allows its residents to pursue outdoor pleasures all year round.

Victoria also has another reason to be proud: it was ranked at number 16 of 100 Top World Destinations in the 2008 TripAdvisor Traveller's Choice Awards.

 



 

 


 


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