Best Town - Vancouver, British Columbia

Vancouver - Aerial Shot Courtesy Tourism Vancouver / Colin Jewal

Vancouver, British Columbia, with its magnificent setting, cosmopolitan vibe, diverse culture, and wealth of attractions, beckons to be discovered.  With so much to see and do, don’t hurry through this captivating city.  Vancouver, friendly and accessible, deserves to be savored and enjoyed.

Vancouver’s vibrant downtown is easy to explore on foot.  A good place to start is by ascending 553 ft. to the top of the Vancouver Lookout at Harbour Centrer for panoramic views of the city and its environs.  Strategically placed plaques help visitors spot key sights.  Upon getting your bearings, head off to the world-renowned Vancouver Art Gallery to view one of Canada’s most impressive art collections.  It includes the timeless works of the beloved Canadian master, Emily Carr.  Robson Street, with its chic vibe, smart boutiques, and inviting eateries, is Vancouver’s main shopping thoroughfare.  Relax with a cup of coffee and enjoy some people-watching before making your way down the hill to Canada Place.  Sporting five white sails and jutting into bustling Burrard Inlet, this stunning landmark is the home to cruise ships heading for Alaska.  Walk its promenade decks, watch seaplanes take off, or visit the IMAX Theatre.

Chinatown Gate Courtesy Tourism Vancouver / John Sinal

To get a taste of Asian culture and cuisine, be sure to visit Vancouver’s colorful and pulsating Chinatown.  Brimming with specialty shops, traditional tearooms, and fantastic restaurants, Chinatown is one of Vancouver’s most alluring neighborhoods.  In summertime, don’t miss the excitement of the popular Chinatown Night Market.  Not to be missed is the enchanting Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden.  This beautiful garden, based on Ming Dynasty designs, is the most authentic classical garden to be found outside of China.  This oasis is a place of peace and contemplation.  Built up an appetite?  Head to the Pink Pearl Restaurant  to enjoy some of their sumptuous seafood specialties.

Stanley Park & Beach Courtesy Tourism Vancouver / John Sinal

Vancouver’s outdoor treasure is the wide and lush expanse of Stanley Park.   The city’s top attraction, this park encompasses 1,000 acres of pristine woods, shoreline walks, hiking trails, and bicycle paths.  If you have the kids in tow, don’t miss the fun and engaging Vancouver Aquarium.   Home to white beluga whales, up-close-and-personal animal encounters, fascinating displays, and educational programs, this world-class facility is a must see attraction for the whole family.  Looking for sea and sand?  Head southwest to enchanting Sunset Beach. This stretch of soft white sand is the ideal place to pull up a piece of driftwood, sit down for awhile, and watch the world go by.

Acquabus Near Granville Island Courtesy Tourism Vancouver / John Sinal

Continue on the beach going east and you will soon find the Aquabus passenger ferries departing from the foot of Honby Street for Granville Island.  Taking an Acquabus is a fun way to get to the island as you watch the cityscape pass by and see pleasure-craft head out for adventure on sparkling English Bay.  With its bountiful Granville Public Market, Emily Carr University of Art + Design, museums, and other cultural venues, this is one of Vancouver’s favorite spots.  While it is not truly an island, it does feel apart from the hustle of downtown Vancouver.  Enjoy shopping for fresh produce and gourmet cheeses, view a collection of hand-crafted model ships at the Granville Island Museums, or dine al fresco with Vancouver’s gleaming skyline as a backdrop. 

After a busy day of shopping and discovery, stop by the majestic Fairmont Hotel Vancouver  to partake in one of the most British of pastimes – taking Afternoon Tea.  This hotel, recently renovated to its past glory, offers the best Afternoon Tea to be found this side of The Pond.  Served every afternoon from 2:00 to 4:30 PM, savor such delicacies as finger sandwiches, luscious pastries, and mouth-watering scones.  And for those of you lucky enough to have booked a room in this venerable grand dame, head on up to your comfy rooms for a nap before setting out for a memorable night out on the town.

To learn more about all the Vancouver has to offer, including attractions, accommodation, dining, and transportation, please Tourism Vancouver.