Vancouver has to be the greatest and most exciting place to visit for a few days or better yet for an extended holiday. With the countless ongoing events year round it has many unique experiences to offer to all the adventure seekers or those who search for relaxations alike.
Looking onto Vancouver from the sailboat on the Pacific Ocean the city is showcased to perfection by the backdrop of breathtakingly beautiful mountains. The city looks so clean and pristine.
It’s so diverse with its international culture: great world-class restaurants, museums, dynamic night life, as well as a long list of outdoor activities. Vancouver is a virtual paradise for summer water-based activities such as swimming, waterskiing, kayaking, sailing, windsurfing, whitewater rafting, fishing, all available within minutes from downtown. And because Vancouver is only an hour’s drive away from the Whistler and Blackcomb ski resorts (which by the way, are considered to be one of the best ski destinations in North America) the winter sport enthusiasts and their families can benefit from both worlds. Few cities in the world can boast the possibilities about skiing the slopes in the morning, sailing on the ocean in the afternoon and taking in a winery tour in the evening.
Being famous for the absolutely stunning nature surrounding the city it offers an endless variety of options:
Vancouver’s nature - at its best; visits to Stanley Park are a must, just strolling around the many acres of gardens filled with wildlife, visiting the world famous VANCOUVER AQUARIUM with more then 8000 species, or just having a picnic. A full day at Stanley Park is often not enough to see and experience it all.
Vancouver natural amenities - the beach. 18 km (11 miles) of beaches surround Vancouver including several expansive ocean sides and one fresh water lake. Right in a heart of the city you can do swimming, or surfing or just sunbathing!
Vancouver’s trendiest neighborhood - Yaletown is a haven for the shopaholics, looking for the unique in the many chic fashion boutiques. It’s a virtual paradise for the art lovers with its many art galleries. With its numerous fancy restaurants and clubs, pubs and bars is a great nighttime destination.
Vancouver’s oldest neighborhood- Gastown no visit to Vancouver would be complete without checking out the world’s first steam-powered clock, stroll its cobblestone streets, visit art galleries and antique stores.
Vancouver events - Bard on the Beach is a professional theatre company performs on the waterfront at Vanier Park. They have four different productions yearly. Shakespeare plays and the beach are an unusual combination but it’s a ‘have-to’ experience. The stunning backdrop of mountains and the city skyline in the background makes these theatre productions unforgettable.
Vancouver Festival –The city loves festivals and hosts many each year. The HSBC Celebration of Lights is just one of them. For two weeks international performers spread their different styles of music throughout the city. The highlight of the festival is the spectacular competition where the different countries put their music to fireworks.
Vancouver’s feather in her cap- The Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games are taking place in and around this magnificent city.
My family and I have spent many trips traipsing around in British Columbia. Vancouver is one of our favorite spots. I can’t wait till 2010 when we will be going again just in time for the Winter Olympics. I just love Vancouver BC and would to retire there. Check with the ‘Vancouver’s Visitors Bureau’ for dates and particulars about their many great festivals activities and sites.
Visit these sites on line for extra information:
Following is a list of great reasonably priced hotels:
- Best Western Sands - Like all best westerns great no-non-sense service
- Century Plaza Hotel & Spa - I enjoyed our stay there
- Four Seasons Vancouver
- Granville Island Hotel
- Lord Stanley Suites on the Park
