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Stanley ParkCity/Region: Vancouver
Pride of Vancouver's network of parks and gardens, Stanley Park, covering 1,000 acres (405 hectares), is one of the largest parks in any urban center in North America. Situated in the heart of Vancouver's densely populated West End, stretching out on a peninsula and surrounded on three sides by water, Stanley Park is both a refuge for visitors seeking a brief escape from the urban jungle, a showcase for the natural beauty that surrounds the city, and an entertainment center. The park is criss-crossed
through its dense rain-forest interior by miles of wide gravel paths surrounding Beaver Lake and Lost Lagoon. It is home to hundreds of migratory birds such as Canada geese, swans and ducks, and large populations of racoons, squirrels, skunks and coyotes. It is also possible to walk, jog, cycle or rollerblade around the park's 6.5 mile (10.5km) long seawall that encircles the perimeter.
Hours: Open daily
Admission: Free
Museum of AnthropologyCity/Region: Vancouver
In the west of Vancouver, at the University of British Columbia on the cliffs of Point Grey, totem poles mark the way to the Museum of Anthropology, world-renowned for its displays of Northwest Coast First Nations art. One of its main features is the world's largest collection of works by internationally acclaimed Haida artist, Bill Reid, including his famous cedar sculpture 'The Raven and the First Men'. In the museum's unique Visible Storage Galleries more than 15,000 objects and artifacts from around the world are arranged according to culture and use. In the grounds of the museum are two Haida houses to be admired, showing the dramatic beauty of traditional Northwest Coast architecture.
Address: University of British Columbia, 6393 Marine Drive
Phone Number: (604) 822 5087
Email Address: info@moa.ubc.ca
Website: www.moa.ubc.ca
Transport: Buses 4, 9, 17, 25 or 99 to UBC
Hours: Daily 10am to 5pm, Tuesday until 9pm (summer); Wednesday to Sunday 11am to 5pm, Tuesday 11am to 9pm (winter)
Admission: C$9 (adults), C$7 (students). Free on Tuesdays 5pm to 9pm
ChinatownCity/Region: Vancouver
Vancouver's Chinese Quarter is not only a strong, established ethnic community, but also a popular tourist attraction and prosperous commercial district. Its bustling streets are full of color and commerce; even the pagoda-topped telephone booths add to the atmosphere. Shop displays spill onto the pavements, tables groan with the weight of exotic foodstuffs and the weird wares of the Chinese apothecaries like dried lizard skins and powdered rhino horn. The Sam Kee Building in Pender Street is listed in the Guinness Book of World Records as being the narrowest building in the world, at only six-foot (two meters) wide. This was the result of a local property owner reacting to the expropriation of most of his land in 1912 for the widening of the street: Chang Toy decided to build what he could on the remaining tiny strip. Another main attraction in Chinatown is the Dr Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden, enclosed behind high walls, that was built in 1986 at a cost of $5.3-million with the craftsmen and materials all imported from China. It is a quiet haven of walkways, pavilions, gnarled trees, water features and natural rock sculptures. Next door to the Garden is the Chinese Cultural Center with its elaborate gated entrance hand-painted in traditional colors.
Website: vancouverchinatown.ca
Transport: SkyTrain to Main St. or Stadium stations, or bus
GastownCity/Region: Vancouver
The fascinating little historic enclave of Gastown, in the central core area of Vancouver alongside Chinatown, transports visitors back in time to envision the city in days of old, with its cobbled streets, antique gaslights, Victorian architecture and maze of narrow alleys, courtyards and passages wherein hide boutiques and restaurants. Gastown was named after Vancouver's first settler and saloon owner, Jack "Gassy" Deighton, whose historic hotel was destroyed in the Great Fire of 1886 along with much of the city. The fire swept through the town in less than an hour, leaving only two of the 400 or so houses standing. "Gassy" Jack has been immortalized with a statue in Maple Tree Square in Gastown. Another point of interest is the Lamplighter Pub in the Dominion Hotel, which was the first Vancouver inn to serve alcohol to women. The Europe Hotel was the first fireproof building in western Canada, having been built just after the fire in 1892. Gastown keeps time with the world's first steam clock, which plays the Westminster chimes every 15 minutes on five brass steam whistles inside its cast bronze case. These and many other interesting corners of Gastown can be explored on a daily walking tour, offered at 2pm each day between June and August, which starts at the Gassy Jack statue and takes 90 minutes.
Website: www.gastown.org
Transport: Gastown is easily accessible by Vancouver's Rapid Transit System, SkyTrain, and city buses
Grouse MountainCity/Region: Vancouver
On Vancouver's north shore, just a 15-minute drive from the downtown area across the Lions Gate Bridge, is the year-round mountaintop playground of Grouse Mountain. Ascending the mountain is part of the adventure in the Super Skyride, a 100-passenger tram that glides up the steep mountain slopes carrying visitors up 3,700ft (1,100m) above sea level in just eight minutes. At the top, apart from magical views of the city below, is the 'Theater in the Sky', which offers a high-tech presentation about Vancouver. There is also a cedar longhouse called the Hiwus Feasthouse that offers the chance to experience native West Coast culture with displays of dancing, storytelling, chanting and native cuisine. There are hiking trails up the side of Grouse Mountain and on the east side one of them features the Grouse Grind, which is billed as the world's biggest stair-climb. Mountain biking is also a popular pursuit on the mountainside, as is, of course, skiing and snowboarding in the winter months.
Address: 6400 Nancy Greene Way, North Vancouver
Phone Number: (604) 984 0661 or (604) 980 9311
Email Address: info@grousemountain.com
Website: www.grousemountain.com
Hours: Daily 9am to 10pm
Admission: C$29.95 (adult), C$16.95 (youth), C$10.95 (child); other concessions available
Pacific National Exhibition (PNE)City/Region: Vancouver
Since 1910, the Pacific National Exhibition or PNE as it is more commonly known, has been drawing thousands of visitors who have come to enjoy an enormous variety of shows, concerts, sports events, exhibitions, amusement park rides and a PNE staple, the annual Fair in summer. The Fair was originally begun in order to showcase British Columbia to the rest of Canada and its focus was on industrial exhibits, but today, an array of entertainment and family fun is on offer, with circus shows, musical extravaganzas and the regular and incredibly popular Superdogs 'canine antics' show. The Playland Amusement Park at the PNE covers over 15 acres of thrills and spills, including the Wooden Roller Coaster (built in 1958) and other amusement park favorites such as a shooting gallery, mazes, the 'Asylum of Terror' and other fun-filled rides and attractions. The Pacific Coliseum at the PNE is a favorite venue for live international and local concerts, and it also plays host to the Vancouver Giants Junior Ice Hockey League.
Address: Corner of Hastings Street and Renfrew Street
Phone Number: (604) 253 2311
Email Address: info@pne.ca
Website: www.pne.ca
Hours: Opening times vary. Playland is open 14 April to 1 October; the Fair from 19 August to 4 September
Admission: Various, depending on event. Playland: C$31.75 (adults), C$15.85 (children). Prices include GST
Queen Elizabeth ParkCity/Region: Vancouver
Transformed from an ugly stone quarry in the 1950s, the exquisite Queen Elizabeth Park now boasts lush gardens bursting with flowers, the Bloedel Floral Conservatory, a restaurant, a Pitch and Putt course and much more. The park receives about six million visitors annually who come to enjoy a 360° view of Vancouver from its highest point, 505 feet (167m) above sea level. The Bloedel Floral Conservatory, with its characteristic geodesic dome, is home to over 100 species of tropical birds that free-fly in the area, as well as hundreds of species of exotic plants and flowers. Other highlights of the park include the Quarry Garden; J. Seward Johnson's sculpture "The Photo Session," the Lions Clock and the arboretum, with its fine examples of indigenous trees from across Canada. Spring is an excellent time to visit the park as it becomes a riot of color, with white and pink cherry blossoms and all sorts of flowers displaying their finest.
Address: Due to construction, use East Entrance on 33rd Avenue
Phone Number: (604) 257 8400 (Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation) or (604) 257 8584 (Bloedel Floral Conservatory)
Email Address: pbcomment@vancouver.ca
Website: www.city.vancouver.bc.ca/Parks/parks/queenelizabeth
Transport: Bus to Main street at 33rd Avenue
Hours: Park open daily. Bloedel Floral Conservatory: 9am to 8pm weekdays; 10am to 9pm weekends
Admission: Park entrance: free. Bloedel Floral Conservatory: C$4.35 (adult); C$3.25 (youth 13-18 years); concessions available. Prices include GST, but not PST
Granville IslandCity/Region: Vancouver
What was once a run-down industrial area is now a thriving entertainment and shopping center, with a vibrant market central to the Island's activities, as well as the Emily Carr Institute of Art and Design, a theater and brewery. The island is easily accessible, located in the middle of Vancouver under the Granville Street Bridge on the south shore of False Creek and linked by a road to the city, barely seeming like a separate entity, but a relaxing 'city break' nonetheless. The public market is a riot of colors, smells and tastes and fresh produce, fresh meats and fish, flowers, tasty treats, crafts, clothing and souvenirs are on offer. The separate Kids Market is a must for children, with toy stores, games and more and the Maritime Market offers everything from boat-builders, a museum and tours, to appropriate boating clothing and supplies. Visits to the Granville Island Brewing Company and taste-tests of their brews are possible, or for something more cultural, one can catch a show at the Island's theater or enjoy a student art show at the Emily Carr Institute. Perhaps the best way to enjoy the Island, however, is to grab something to eat from one of the many stalls, choose a table outside and watch the people go by, or take a self-guided tour, being sure not to miss the picturesque houseboats docked at the Island.
Phone Number: (604) 666 5784
Email Address: info@granvilleisland.com
Website: www.granvilleisland.com
Transport: Granville Island is accessible by car, bus, on foot, or by Aquabus or ferry. The No.50 False Creek bus travels from Gastown in the downtown area, along Granville Street, stopping just off the island
Hours: Public Market: 9am to 7pm daily with tours every Wednesday and Saturday at 8.30am
Admission: Free
Lonsdale QuayCity/Region: Vancouver
Situated in North Vancouver, Lonsdale Quay not only offers spectacular views of downtown Vancouver and its harbor, as well as the north shore mountains, but a variety of shops, restaurants and an excellent public market. The best way to experience the Quay is to catch the SeaBus from Waterfront Station on Cordova Street in downtown Vancouver, a fifteen minute ride that allows one to relax and enjoy the view, watch seaplanes land and see what cruise ships are in the harbor, before embarking on some retail therapy. The market, though slightly smaller than that of Granville Island, boasts mouth-watering fresh goods, from seafood to fresh fruit and vegetables, pastries and sweets and there is a wide range of foods available, including Mexican, Greek, Japanese, Indian and more. There are also a variety of stalls selling all sorts of arts and crafts, souvenirs and clothing and the retail level boasts plenty of boutiques, a kids play area and specialty kids stores, topped by the Lonsdale Quay hotel. A climb up the Quay's signature red tower with its large Q on top is a good way to work off all the delicious food and to enjoy spectacular views of the city and mountains.
Address: 123 Carrie Cates Court, North Vancouver
Phone Number: (604) 985 6261
Email Address: info@lonsdalequay.com
Website: www.lonsdalequay.com
Transport: SeaBus from Waterfront Station; also accessible by bus
Hours: Market: daily 9.30am to 6.30pm; restaurants open later. Retail level: daily 10am to 6.30pm. Between May and August both areas close at 7pm
Admission: Free
Capilano Suspension BridgeCity/Region: Vancouver
Built in 1889, the Capilano Suspension Bridge is one of Vancouver's oldest and most popular tourist attractions, with plenty of activities and sights in the park for visitors to enjoy, besides the bridge itself. Stretching 450 feet (137m) across and perched 230 feet (70m) above the Capilano River, the bridge was originally made of cedar planks and hemp rope, but is now a more sturdy construction of reinforced steel and concrete; though still not for the faint-hearted. A recent addition to the park is the Treetops Adventure, where elevated suspension bridges allow visitors a spectacular view of the rainforest, while they walk above the forest floor between Douglas Fir trees. Other attractions in the park include a story center, a First Nations Cultural Center where visitors can see carvers, weavers and beaders at work, a large collection of First Nations Totem Poles, and guided tours of the rainforest. Admission includes all these sights and activities, and there are also several food options and a shop.
Address: Capilano Road, North Vancouver
Phone Number: (604) 985 7474
Email Address: info@capbridge.com
Website: www.capbridge.com
Transport: By car, or take SeaBus to North Vancouver (from Waterfront Station), then catch bus 236
Hours: Times can vary daily, usually between 9am and 7.30pm but see website for details. Closed Christmas Day
Admission: 1 November to 19 May: C$21.95 (adult), C$11.50 (children 13-16 years); 20 May to 31 October: C$25.95 (adult), C$13.50 (children 13-16 years). Prices exclude 14% tax; concessions available
Vancouver Art GalleryCity/Region: Vancouver
Established in 1931, the Vancouver Art Gallery boasts thousands of national and international exhibitions by a range of artists, sculptors and photographers, housed in a turn-of-the-century heritage building in the center of downtown Vancouver. Perhaps one of the most impressive collections in the Gallery is that of British Columbian artist Emily Carr. Over 200 of her pieces, recording the beauty and diversity of British Columbia and First Nations culture, as well as informative displays on her career and works can be found here, under the permanent exhibit entitled Emily Carr: Art, Place, Culture. National and international touring exhibitions also take place regularly at the Gallery, from Picasso to Rodin, Andy Warhol and others. Whether you prefer the Old Masters or more contemporary artists, the Vancouver Art Gallery is well worth paying a visit.
Address: 750 Hornby Street
Phone Number: (604) 662 4719
Website: www.vanartgallery.bc.ca
Transport: Skytrain to Granville or Burrard Stations; any downtown bus
Hours: Monday, Wednesday, Friday to Sunday and holidays 10am to 5.30pm; Tuesdays and Thursdays 10am to 9pm. Fourth Friday of every month 10am to 11pm
Admission: C$15 (adult); C$6 (children 5-12 years); concessions available. Tuesdays admission by donation between 5pm and 9pm
Vancouver Lookout at the Harbour CenterCity/Region: Vancouver
Perhaps one of the best ways to begin one's visit to Vancouver is with a trip up the Harbour Center Tower to the Lookout, where one can enjoy a 360 degree view of the city, Greater Vancouver, the North Shore mountains and on a clear day, even neighboring Vancouver Island. A 45-second trip in the glass-fronted Skylift elevator delivers visitors to the Lookout and informative signs point out key attractions in the city and surrounds. As tickets are valid for the entire day and evening, visitors can also enjoy a cup of coffee while watching the sunset from the Lookout or see the lights of the city begin to twinkle below. The tower is also home to The Top of Vancouver Revolving Restaurant, though run separately from the Lookout, and visitors can enjoy the unique experience of dining above the city while the restaurant completes a full revolution every hour. The Skylift to the restaurant is free. The Harbour Center itself is home to part of the Simon Fraser University campus, several shops and a food court.
Address: 555 West Hastings Street
Phone Number: (604) 689 0421
Email Address: info@vancouverlookout.com
Website: www.vancouverlookout.com
Transport: Skytrain to Waterfront Station; SeaBus from North Shore to Waterfront Station
Hours: Daily 8.30am to 10.30pm (1 May to 14 October); 9am to 9pm (16 October to 30 April). Last elevator ride 20 minutes before closing
Admission: C$11 (adult); C$7 (youth 11-17 years); C$4 (children 5-10 years); concessions available. Prices include all taxes and ticket is valid all day
VanDusen Botanical GardenCity/Region: Vancouver
With 22 hectares (55 acres) and roughly 11,000 different plant species, VanDusen Botanical Garden is a spectacular showcase of the natural world, right in the heart of Vancouver. Landscaped gardens are laid out exquisitely and specific areas are cultivated to demonstrate botanical relationships or geographical origins, such as the popular Rhododendron Walk or the Sino Himalayan Garden. One of the most popular events held in the garden is the annual Festival of Lights, when the beauty of the flowers is matched by over a million dazzling lights, set up in order to celebrate the festive season. Choirs and carol singers, visits with Santa, a Dancing Light display on Lake Island in the park, the Golden Chain Walk, magicians and tasty treats are all part of this family favorite, running from 9-31 December each year. Daily walking and cart tours are available in the garden from April to October at 2pm and also at 11am on Wednesdays.
Address: 5251 Oak Street (37th Avenue and Oak)
Phone Number: (604) 878 9274
Email Address: sharon.brown@vancouver.ca
Website: www.city.vancouver.bc.ca/parks/parks/vandusen/website
Transport: No.17 Oak bus from downtown Vancouver to West 37th Avenue
Hours: 10am to 4pm (January to December); 10am to 5pm (March and October); 10am to 6pm (April); 10am to 8pm (May); 10am to 9pm (June to August); 10am to 7pm (September). Festival of Lights: 5pm to 9pm. Closed Christmas Day
Admission: April to September: C$8 (adults); C$6 (youth 13-18 years); C$4 (children 6-12 years). October to March: C$5.75 (adult); C$4.25 (youth 13-18 years); C$2.75 (children 6-12 years); concessions available
Commercial DriveCity/Region: Vancouver
Commercial Drive is as non-commercial as it gets, though it has become one of Vancouver's most eclectic, and increasingly trendy, neighborhoods. What started out as a skid road for the lumber industry in the late 1800s, swiftly became a neighborhood of English tradesmen and shopkeepers with the birth of the interurban railway. World War I brought an influx of Chinese, Italian and Eastern European immigrants and World War II saw a vast increase in the Italian population, earning the Drive the moniker 'Little Italy' for many years. Diversity and energy are still the hallmarks of this area, and an afternoon is well spent exploring its various treasures, from all types of food to chic boutiques, second-hand stores, live music venues and more. Join a drum circle in Grandview Park, go ice-skating at the Britannia Community Center rink, go bowling at the Grandview Lanes, enjoy a delicious Italian gelato or espresso, or simply grab a table at one of the may bars or restaurants, and people watch. There are always plenty of festivals and events going on, too, such as the Parade of Lost Souls on the Saturday before Halloween, the Drive Festival in June and the Eastside Culture Crawl in November.
Address: Commercial Drive (from Venables to Grandview)
Phone Number: (604) 251 2884 (Commercial Drive Business Society)
Email Address: info@thedrive.ca
Website: www.thedrive.ca
Transport: Skytrain to Commercial Drive or Broadway stations
Gulf IslandsCity/Region: Vancouver
Tucked in the Strait of Georgia, in between Vancouver Island and the mainland, are the picturesque Gulf Islands. More than a dozen of these long, thin islands, and numerous islets, can be found on Canada's West Coast and each island has its own character and beauty, making them well worth a visit. Originally home to the Coast Salish First Nations, the Spanish and English soon followed, laying claim to the island chain. Nowadays, the islands are home to artists, writers, retirees and those seeking a more community-based lifestyle, and many Vancouverites escape to holiday homes tucked in amongst the rainforest. Large parts of the islands have been designated as Marine Parks, preserving the land for the numerous birds and animals that also call the islands home. Bowen Island is only a 20-minute ferry ride from West Vancouver's Horseshoe Bay and visitors can enjoy a stroll from Snug Harbour, past the historic Union Steamship Company store, grab a bite to eat or take a walk in the Crippen Regional Park. Galiano Island is the second biggest of the group, and is about the size of Manhattan Island in New York. Only 50 minutes away on the Tsawassen ferry on the Lower Mainland, Galiano Island draws all sorts of visitors who come to picnic in Bellhouse Park; take a walk through the lush rainforest up to Bluffs Park to enjoy spectacular views of neighboring Islands; indulge in a spot of fishing, kayaking or golf; or to visit to one of the local galleries or shops. Many of the islands host events and festivals each year where the community spirit and laid-back atmosphere typical of the Gulf Islands is evident.
Website: www.gulfislandsguide.com
Transport: Visit the B.C Ferries website (www.bcferries.com) for schedules and fares
Butchart GardensCity/Region: Vancouver Island
With well over a million visitors a year, the hundred-year-old Butchart Gardens remain a favorite, and one of Vancouver Island's principal attractions. Situated about 14 miles (21km) north of Victoria, the Gardens were begun in the early 1900s by Jennie Butchart (wife of industrialist Robert Pim Butchart) in an abandoned limestone quarry owned by the family and their fame soon spread, attracting thousands. Now, 55 acres are open to be explored, and visitors can wander the paths through exquisitely laid out gardens, including the Sunken Garden (the original garden started in the quarry), a Japanese Garden, Rose Garden and Italian Garden. Spring and autumn are perhaps the best times to visit, when the Gardens become a riot of color, though winter and summer hold their own delights. Every Saturday, from the beginning of July to the end of September, the Gardens are transformed by a dazzling fireworks show, as well as a recital on the self-playing, rare Aeolian Pipe Organ and the Night Illuminations light display. Other attractions and events in the park include an ice-skating rink and Twelve Days of Christmas display in December, and afternoon and evening shows and concerts in summer.
Address: 800 Benvenuto Avenue, Brentwood Bay
Phone Number: (250) 652 5256
Email Address: email@butchartgardens.com
Website: www.butchartgardens.com
Transport: Accessible by ferry, car or bus
Hours: Open daily at 9am, closing times vary month to month (see website for details)
Admission: Rates vary according to season, from C$13-C$23 (adults); C$6.50-C$11.50 (youth 13-17 years); C$2-C$2.50 (children 5-12 years)
Fairmont Empress HotelCity/Region: Vancouver Island
One of the iconic images of Victoria is the much loved and well-visited Fairmont Empress Hotel, a fully restored Edwardian treasure that has seen visits from royalty, celebrities and travelers from around the world. Set on the banks of Victoria's Inner Harbour, the Empress is a grand and majestic building full of stories, retaining its British heritage through its traditional Afternoon Tea - a popular 'event' with tourists and locals alike that begun when the hotel opened in 1908. Reservations are essential up to a week or two in advance and the dress code is smart casual. The Empress is centrally located, close to the Parliament Buildings, Royal BC Museum, the Victoria Convention Center and various shops and attractions, and now boasts a spa center and golf course. This 'Jewel of the Pacific' is a definite highlight of any visit to Victoria, and for those who can afford it, it is well worth a stay - you may even receive a visit from one of the hotel ghosts.
Address: 721 Government Street, Victoria
Phone Number: (250) 384 8111
Email Address: theempress@fairmont.com
Website: www.fairmont,.com
Hours: Afternoon tea daily from 12.15pm to 5pm
British Columbia Parliament BuildingsCity/Region: Vancouver Island
Built in 1893, the British Columbia Government Parliament Buildings were initially criticized as an unnecessary expense, but now form a major tourist attraction in Victoria, as well as serving as the legislative center for the province. Designed by 25-year old architect Francis Rattenbury (who also designed The Fairmont Empress Hotel), these beautiful buildings and exquisite grounds are situated at Victoria's Inner Harbour, close to many of Victoria's other main attractions. Various performances routinely take place in the grounds and visitors can enjoy the spectacular sight of the Buildings at night, when over 3,000 lights outlining the buildings create a fairy-tale like picture. Tours of the Buildings are available and visitors can observe the House in session from the public galleries.
Address: 501 Belleville Street, Victoria
Phone Number: (250) 387 3046 or toll free 1 800 663 7867 (within BC)
Email Address: tours@leg.bc.ca
Website: www.legis.gov.bc.ca
Hours: Tours are throughout the year, Monday to Friday 9am to 4pm
Admission: Free
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