World Destination of the Week – Vancouver
Located close to the US border and year-round resort destinations, Vancouver is a hub of activity and culture. It is one of the world’s most ethnically diverse cities, as well as one of Canada’s commercial and economical powerhouses. It’s just as famous for its theatres, museums and parks as for its skyscrapers. The air is fresh, the people are friendly – what more could you want?
Vancouver’s best weather is in summer and autumn, so it stands to reason that this is when the city is busiest. It never gets uncomfortably busy though, so don’t be put off. Spring and winter are the wettest seasons of the year. Most visitors to Vancouver during these months are skiers and snowboarders, hitting the slopes during the day and bar-hopping at night.
With Vancouver’s large Chinese population, it goes without saying that Chinatown is something special. It lies in a busy part of downtown and is home to around 36,000 people. Here, the markets are thriving all day, and the aromas of cooking emanate from cafes and restaurants. If the bustle gets too much, head over to the Dr Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden and Park, which is the only full-scale Chinese garden outside of China.
The Museum of Anthropology has art and artefacts from Asia and Africa. One of the best exhibits here is the world’s largest collection of totem poles. The museum’s exterior is special too. Vancouver’s art gallery occupies the old court house, and is known for its historical pieces as well as work by contemporary British Columbian, Emily Carr. Granville Island has three good museums including one devoted to model trains.
Canada Place, with its iconic white ’sails’ overlooking the harbour, was build for Expo ’86 and is home to the CN IMAX Theatre, cruise ship terminal, Vancouver Convention & Exhibition Centre, World Trade Centre, Pan Pacific Hotel and many shops. From the promenade you’ll get great views of the mountains and Stanley Park.
Take a walk through Queen Elizabeth Park – the highest park in Vancouver, and the third largest. There’s a lovely sunken garden surrounded by miniature cliffs complete with artificial pools and fountains. Stay until sunset for some picturesque views of the city. The Bloedel Conservatory on top of the hill has tropical birds and flora from three climate zones. Just to the west of the park lie the Van Dusen Botanical Gardens with their famous Elizabethan Hedge Maze.
Another of Vancouver’s outdoor attractions is the 9km Seawall Promenade along Stanley Park’s shoreline. It’’s perfect for cycling, walking, jogging and rollerblading.
Once you’ve seen the city from street level, why not find out how it looks from 500 feet up? The Lookout provides stunning 360 degree views of Vancouver from the space needle observation deck.
Wreck Beach is only a twenty minute drive from downtown Vancouver, but it seems like a whole world away. With windswept beaches, wilderness trails, food sellers and artists, it’s a great way to escape the city for an afternoon. A big draw to Wreck Beach is the naturist colony along Acadia Beach down to Booming Grounds Creek, but it’s perfectly acceptable to avoid this area if you’d rather keep your clothes on! There’’s plenty to do for non-naturists.
Culture seekers will find plenty of entertainment in Vancouver including contemporary theatre, opera, symphony orchestras, jazz and folk festivals and comedy. Party animals are well catered for as well, with clubs and bars to suit every taste. Dining out is taken seriously here, and there’s some great food to be had.
For up-to-date listings, pick up a copy of the weekly tabloid, the Georgia Straight when you get there. Thursday’s Vancouver Sun has a weekly entertainment section called Queue, and the monthly Vancouver Magazine has listing details.
For the cheapest flights to Vancouver visit FlightComparison.co.uk.