VANCOUVER is a dream place to live. It challenges other great cities by the sea, such as Auckland, Cape Town, Sydney and San Francisco. The backdrop of mountains and the harbourfront setting are scenic and a focus point of everyday life.
Combining the best of outdoor life with a vibrant and cosmopolitan city, breathtaking oceanfront location surrounded by sandy beaches, verdant parks and spectacular mountains, the main area of the city sits on a peninsula including North America's biggest city park, Stanley Park.
The city prides itself on its outdoor attitude, and the recreational options ~ ranging from sea kayaking, in-line skating and mountain biking to snowboarding, skiing and winter camping ~ are part of what lures millions of visitors to the city and the surrounding area.
Vanier Park is home to several museums. The Museum of Anthropology at the University of British Columbia is known throughout the world. For something a little different, take the trolley tour through Stanley Park, cross the Lions Gate Bridge and board the gondola to the top of Grouse Mountain, which offers spectacular views.
Take the ferry across the Strait of Georgia for a step back in time on VANCOUVER ISLAND. The scenery is stunning as you sail into the harbour. Victoria, the provincial capital, gives you the idea that it is the last outpost of the British Empire with its colonial heritage, beautiful world-famous Butchart Gardens, delightful English, Italian and Japanese gardens set in a former limestone quarry.
Victoria lies at the southern tip of the heavily forested and mountainous Vancouver Island. This most English of Canadian towns is distinguished by Victorian and neo-classical architecture and well-appointed residential areas. In the harbour area are the impressive Legislative Buildings and the Royal British Columbia Museum, whilst city life is enhanced by more than 60 recreational parks, which are spread throughout the islands.
North of Victoria, Nanaimo is home to one of the province's largest collections of heritage buildings. Near Vancouver Island's northern tip is the rural town of Port Hardy and the connecting ferry service to British Columbia's northernmost destinations. Just south of Port Hardy is the town of Port McNeill, a popular eco-tourism destination that is known for its caving and hiking activities. The remote towns of Tofino and Ucluelet offer first-rate whale-watching opportunities.
- Stanley Park ~ 1000 acres and one of the city's favourite attractions. Amongst the many items featured are a collection of Haida India totem poles, and should you be in the area at the end of October, the Hallowe'en Ghost Train should not be missed!
- Vancouver Aquarium ~ Situated by the harbour-front seawall, this aquarium focuses on acquatic life from around the globe.
- Grouse Mountain Skyride ~ Take the gondola up to the summit, 1100 metres above sea level, and enjoy the entertainment at the top, including a Lumberjack Show!
- Capilano Suspension Bridge ~ Surrounded by a 300 year old rain forest, the bridge has spanned the Capilano River for over 100 years. It is possible to see native carvers at work.
- Horne Lake Caves ~ Have a look under Vancouver Island and see the amazing crystal formations and ancient fossils. Daily activities on offer, such as climbing an underground waterfall and cave tours to 'extreme' rappel expeditions.
- Science World ~ Interactive activity in this hands-on facility, offering live science demonstrations and year-round special events.
- Bungy Zone, Nanaimo ~ Watch daredevils take off, leaping from a foot bridge into the Nanaimo River 500 feet below.
- Quw'utsun Cultural Centre ~ Situated in the Cowichan Valley, approximately 45 minutes from Vancouver, experience the colour, craftsmanship and rich cultural traditions of the native Cowichan people.
- Whale Watching and Marine Life Tours ~ Departing several times daily from mid-April to mid-October, enjoy a 3-hour Whale Watching tour or a 2-hour Marine Life Tour.
