Vancouver BC is a rare blend of big-city lifestyle and outdoor adventure. Where else can a person ski, sail, and dance the night away, all in one single day? Not to mention all the Vancouver hotels readily available for your vacation. Vancouver Canada attractions are set in a blessed location with mountains, ocean, islands and even farmland within short reach. A new city in many ways, Vancouver is still changing and growing. Being such a desirable place to live, this will inevitably continue as more people discover the gem of Western Canada.

Vancouver is a city of immigrants. It’s rare to find someone who was actually born in the city. Walking on Vancouver streets, dozens of languages can be heard. Not only are non-Canadians moving to Vancouver, many Canadians from other provinces come to Vancouver for its laid-back lifestyle. Because of its mild climate, Vancouver tourism is up and running year round. Spring through fall are the most appealing times to visit, when the rain has tapered off a bit.

The best way to learn about Vancouver is through its many attractions. Vancouver travel presents a limitless number of options for outdoor exploration and cultural discovery. It is difficult to narrow down the attractions, so finding a tourism book may help you in creating an itinerary.

Vancouver Map

One activity that is very Vancouver British Columbia is walking (or biking, rollerblading, or running) along the seawall in Stanley Park. Stanley Park is one of the largest urban parks in the world, and offers some magnificent ocean views. While in Stanley Park, you can also see First Nations totem poles, a rose garden, or take a carriage ride.

During July and August the HSBC Celebration of Light festival brings out the whole city for a magnificent fireworks competition. A float is set up in the middle of English Bay where the fireworks are shot off and can be seen from the beaches of English Bay all the way to Jericho Beach.

For a bit of history and culture, make a visit to Chinatown. Markets full of fresh produce, seafood and barbeque pork line the streets. Famous Chinese Vancouver BC restaurants are located here, a great way to fill up after shopping in the many quaint and unusual Chinese shops.

Vancouver travel is not complete without visiting Granville Island. Located on False Creek, this marketplace delivers some of the best produce, European meats and cheeses that Vancouver has to offer. There are also dozens of artsy shops and galleries to peruse, as well as some Vancouver BC restaurants, with beautiful water views.

Vancouver tourism will often point you to Gastown, one of the oldest and most historical parts of town. The cobblestone streets and brick buildings of Gastown will remind you that Vancouver is not as new as the other parts of the city would lead you to believe. There are plenty more shops and restaurants here in which to pass the time. A bonus: panoramic views of the North Shore mountains and Coal Harbor.

Speaking of the North Shore, this is another highlight of Vancouver that is not always mentioned in your Vancouver Tourism book. Just cross a bridge and you’re in the wilderness (or close to it, anyway!). There are hundreds of trails in the North Shore for hiking and walking. With the great outdoors being so close to Vancouver, it’s easy to surround yourself with trees for an afternoon.

Another great highlight are the Vancouver BC restaurants. Take your pick of ethnicity and atmosphere, and you’ve got a meal to remember. Watch the sunset over the bay in your choice of Kitsilano, Yaletown, Cole Harbour or English Bay restaurants. Try a trendy bistro on South Granville or Robson Street. Take a quick drive to Richmond and sample some of the best Chinese cuisine in the world. Or, pack a picnic lunch and enjoy the view at Lighthouse Park on the North Shore.

With the many flights to Vancouver, there is no excuse not to get out and see what everyone is talking about.