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Vancouver

British Columbia: Vancouver

Lynn Canyon ParkMore Photos
  • by kylebarber
  • An August 2000 travel journal
  • Last Updated: April 30, 2002
Journal Usefulness Rating 4 out of 5
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Attractions and sights in and around the Vancouver area.

Having grown up in Seattle, Vancouver seems rather similar and not too exciting to visit. But the city is amazingly beautiful and features a number of activities to keep you happily occupied. For those folks who are new to the Pacific Northwest region, you'll be impressed with the extensive display of nature within the city itself and the diversity of environments that can be reached in under a half hour's drive.

It's best to not make too much of an itinerary when planning your visit to Vancouver, since much of the town's appeal is wandering about and enjoying its charm. Stanley Park is a must for outdoors enthusiasts, but the true highlight of Vancouver is enjoying its people, natural beauty, and easy pace of life.

Quick Tips:

Best Way To Get Around:

Vancouver is pretty large, and you'll find having a car is necessary for some nearby destinations. They have a fairly extensive monorail system, but it's geared more to moving the locals from the city center to outlying residential neighborhhods. For getting around Stanley Park nothing beats renting a bike and lopping around the peninsula.

Canada Place

Activity

Canada Place

This interesting architectural wonder was erected for the 1986 World Exposition, but it now serves as the city's main convention center and the dock for large cruise ships. The huge roof looks sort of like the Opera House in Sydney, but the inside is less enthralling in design. The building also houses the chic Pan Pacific hotel and an IMAX theater, but the average tourist will find Canada Place to be a fairly quick visit.
  • Member Rating 2 out of 5 by kylebarber on December 18, 2000

Canada Place
999 Canada Place. Vancouver, British Columbia V6C 3C1
604-681-2111

Gastown

Activity

Gastown

A number of Vancouver residents talked up Gastown as a "must see" attraction, but I'm not sure what was so essential about this historic neighborhood. There are some great old buildings still standing, surrounded by trendy restaurants and shops that are in fact appealing. But the area lacks the character and charm of the similar Pioneer Square area in Seattle. Maybe I'm being a sourpuss, but I was perplexed by other tourists' fascination with a steam powered clock that blows a whistle every fifteen minutes.
  • Member Rating 2 out of 5 by kylebarber on December 18, 2000

Gastown
Granville and Main Streets Vancouver, British Columbia V6B 2K7
(604) 683-5650

Lynn Canyon Park

Lynn Canyon Park

You can't miss the endless advertisements for the Capilano Suspension Bridge, supposedly the most popular and "greatest" attraction to see in Vancouver. But while they charge you an outrageous $10 to cross their swinging bridge, you can head over to the nearby Lynn Canyon Park and cross a similar suspension bridge for free. Afterwords you might enjoy the wonderful trails and thick forests that are so common throughout this area but unique to most visitors. Watch out for bears, as this is a hotbed of ursine activity.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by kylebarber on December 18, 2000

Lynn Canyon Ecology Centre
3663 Park Road Vancouver, British Columbia V7J 3G3
(604) 981-3103

Stanley Park

Activity

Biking Stanley Park

Stanley Park, one of the great municipal parks throughout the world, is easily accessible from the downtown area yet immense in size and offers a number of worthwhile attractions. Biking around its perimeter is one of the best ways to enjoy this great park, and it doesn't require too much effort from novice riders. The popular six mile Seawall Walk bike path is fairly flat as it hugs the peninsula's shoreline.

While the views of the water and the year-round greenery are enough to command your attention, there are also a number of interesting diversions to check out as you circle around Stanley Park. The aquarium, Second Beach, and the miniature railroad museums are all sightseeing destinations themselves, while more simple attractions including the British Columbia totem poles, the birds at Prospect Point, and the Lumberman's Arch are also worth checking out.

  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by kylebarber on December 18, 2000

Stanley Park
845 Avison Way Vancouver, British Columbia V5K 1A1
(604) 257-8400

Granville Island Public Market

Nowhere near the size and scope of Seattle's Pike Place Market, Vancouver's Granville Island Public Market still features a large selection of fresh produce and a similar rustic charm. Whether shopping as a local to prepare a great meal or looking for a snack to fuel your continued sightseeing, the Granville Island Public Market has a lot to offer.

There are also a number of small restaurants offering international cuisine that can be enjoyed indoors or out on the patio overlooking the water. Follow it up with some of the yummy fudge that's sold near the center of the market.

  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by kylebarber on December 18, 2000

Granville Island Public Market
1689 Johnston St. Vancouver, British Columbia V6H 3R9
(604) 666-5784

About the Writer

kylebarber
kylebarber
Seattle, United States

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