Vancouver – A Four Season Destination
Nestled between the Pacific Ocean and the Coast Mountain Range, Vancouver is truly Spectacular by Nature. The city’s unique geographical location has earned it the reputation as a playground for all ages. You can enjoy activities ranging from rainforest walks and ocean kayaking to skiing and golfing, all done against awe-inspiring natural backdrops. Given the area’s moderate climate, locals often boast it is possible “to ski, sail and golf all in the same day.” Since Vancouver has three highly rated mountains only a half-hour drive from the city, locals can enjoy an active winter of skiing throughout the week.
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From the 1000-acre lush jewel known as Stanley Park to the chic and fashionable Robson Street, Vancouver is a city of unparalleled beauty. Its vibrant, pedestrian-friendly streets are filled with individuals of varied ethnic backgrounds and walks of life – people-watchers, shoppers, celebrities, business people, university students and, of course, visitors.
Like any world-class city, Vancouver’s multicultural cuisine continues to receive international acclaim, thanks in part to a new and exciting breed of award-winning chefs from such diverse places as Austria, Japan and Vietnam. Between its internationally praised fine-dining restaurants and trendy cafes, the city’s many restaurants offer everything from original seafood fare to unique vegetarian dining.
Vancouver enjoys the best of all worlds: four distinct seasons, snow-capped mountains, ocean-side beaches, outstanding hotels and restaurants, one-of-a-kind entertainment, cleanliness and safety. With its diverse neighbourhoods, convenient locale and natural beauty, it’s no surprise Vancouverites love their city and we are sure you will too.
Among Vancouver’s don’t-miss attractions:
- Visit Vancouver Lookout at Harbour Centre for a fantastic 360º view of Vancouver and the majestic North Shore Mountains.
- Cross Capilano Suspension Bridge, breathtakingly slung 450 feet (135m) across and 230 feet (70m) above the Capilano River, to Treetops Adventure and walk from one magnificent Douglas fir to another via a series of seven elevated suspension bridges as high as 100 feet (30m) above the forest floor.
- Take a sea tour and explore the islands of Howe Sound, with sea birds, harbor seals, and the dramatic setting of Vancouver’s Coast Mountains, or enjoy hiking and sightseeing in one of the world’s most magnificent natural environments.
- Walk the West Vancouver Seawall, which provides extraordinary views of Stanley Park, Lions Gate Bridge, and the Pacific Ocean.
- Tour Vancouver Maritime Museum … VanDusen Botanical Garden … Grouse Mountain, The Peak of Vancouver … Vancouver Aquarium … Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden.
Vacation OpportunitiesSkiing is in full swing at Whistler, less than two hours from Vancouver,and one of the top ski destinations in the world. Whistler is also a year-round mountain resort destination with great outdoor adventure and recreation opportunities:
http://www.whistlerblackcomb.com/
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Rocky Mountaineer Railtours, providers of unique Canadian train travel, offer one of the most spectacular train trips in the world. Now celebrating one million guests, the company offers a choice of scenic routes and some memorable vacation packages:
http://www.rockymountaineer.com/
The Alaska Cruise season will be just starting up with Norwegian Cruise Line's Norwegian Star Inside Passage cruise to Alaska departing on April 27, and Holland America Lines' Veendam departing for Alaska's Glacier Bay on May 2nd. Alaskan cruises have surged in popularity in recent years, and demand to see America's last unspoiled frontier continues to grow. You can see snow-capped peaks, mighty glaciers, steep fjords, and a plethora of wildlife. You'll also find historic gold rush towns, Native American art and culture, Russian heritage, and plenty of outdoor adventure. The cruise ship terminal is at Canada Place, just a short walk away from your hotel:
http://www.portvancouver.com/vanAlaCruise/
http://www.britishcolumbia.com/information/cruiseships.html
April 27, 2008 Alaska Inside Passage departure (Vancouver to Seattle):
http://www.ncl.com/nclweb/booking/cruisedetails.html?packageId=1264964
May 2, 2008 Alaska Glacier Bay departure (Vancouver to Vancouver):
http://www.hollandamerica.com/dest/itinerary.do?selectedItin=20080502:E829:A8R007&dest=A
Of course there are many more attractive vacations available to suit everyone. For more information and planning tools check out:
http://www.hellobc.com/en-CA/default.htm
http://www.tourismvancouver.com.
