Vancouver, BC – Global Holidays
Voted to be the ‘Best City in the Americas’ by readers of Conde Nast Traveler, Vancouver, BC, Canada, is a vibrant city that truly offers something for everyone. And one of the most beautiful times to visit Vancouver is the spring when the blossoms are in bloom and you can you ski the slopes in the morning and still play a round of golf after lunch.
To come away with the quintessential Vancouver experience, you have to become one with the natural vibe of the laid back Pacific Northwest. This includes enjoying Vancouver’s delicious food offerings, striking natural beauty, and of course, the Pacific Ocean.
One of the top attractions for visitors (over 8 million annually) and locals alike is downtown Vancouver’s Stanley Park. As Canada’s second largest park, Stanley Park is a showcase of the province nestled in between English Bay and Coal Harbour. Locals run the 12km route around the Vancouver Seawall while everyone marvels at the wildlife, authentic carved Native Indian totem poles, and the abundance of huge Hemlock, Douglas Fir, and Red Cedar trees dating back between 600 to 800 years in age.
Stanley Park is also home to the Vancouver Aquarium, the largest one in all of Canada. This non-profit organization has been welcoming visitors for over 50 years to view the wonders of the ocean through the 70,000 creatures on display. Highlights not to be missed include the Beluga whales, dolphin show, and viewing the otters up close and personal but especially at feeding time.
The great outdoors are also showcased at the daring Capilano Suspension Bridge where visitors can immerse themselves in nature by crossing the 70m high bridge that spans 137m across the Capilano River. In case that’s not daring enough, Capilano Suspension Bridge has just introduced their newest attraction, Cliffwalk, which allows visitors to follow glass-bottomed walkways jutting out from the cliff sides as if they were suspended in air.
When it comes to eating, Vancouver is a literal smorgasbord of the world. One of the most interesting places to explore are the mom & pop authentic restaurants and foods to be found in historic Chinatown. Second only to San Francisco in size, Chinatown can easily be explored on foot while taking in highlights like They Han Dynasty Bell, Chinese Cultural Centre, and Dr. Sun Yat-Sen’s Gardens.
As the birthplace of Vancouver, the Gastown area dates back to the 1860’s. Once a derelict area snubbed by most, today Gastown is a vibrant culmination of shops, Native Indian art galleries, and restaurants spread out along the original cobblestone streets. Visitors enjoy strolling and taking photos of the Gassy Jack statue, the prospector for which Gastown is named, and waiting for the world’s only steam clock to emit it’s vapors to capture that perfect Vancouver photo souvenir.
Fast Facts About Vancouver:
Population 578, 9696 (metro Vancouver 2.2 million)
Location: south western British Columbia, Canada
Currency: Canadian Dollar
Temperature: average in January 3°C and 21° in July
U.K. Citizens Entry Requirements: valid Passport; no Visa required if staying under 6 months
Our Guest Blogger, Connie Motz, is the author of Travel Writer travel blog. She’s been published in U.S. periodicals, Canadian newspapers, as well as online. Follow her on Twitter or view Travel Writer at http://conniemotz.blogspot.com/
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