If you love the great outdoors, you'll be astounded by Vancouver with its winding Seawall and the snow-capped peaks of Whistler Blackcomb ski resort. Walk the magical pathways of Stanley Park and admire the gleaming waters of Georgia Straight. Staying indoors? Check out the Vancouver Art Gallery's modern Canadian paintings or come face-to-face with a dolphin at the Vancouver Aquarium.
The third largest city in Canada, Vancouver is the hub of the west coast. From here, you'll find the Georgia Straight to the west, Fraser River to the south, and Coastal Mountains to the north. Vancouver is known for its multicultural population, with 52% naming English as their second language. Vancouver's Chinatown is the country's largest – you can explore it on Pender and Keefer streets between Carrall Street and Gore Avenue. Head to the hip eateries, shops and a vibrant arts scene on Commercial Drive. Or go Downtown for the business centre of the city and Downtown South for the massive waterfront development.
Rise early and spend the morning in Stanley Park where you can rent a tandem bicycle and ride through the sprawling urban forest. Have lunch at a Gastown cafe and take in the sights of this hip heritage community. Spend your afternoon admiring photography and Native art at Vancouver Art Gallery before tucking in to dinner at a bistro on lively Commercial Drive.
On your return trip to Vancouver, why not take a ferry out to the hippie enclave of Salt Spring Island, where you can sit at organic cafes to admire peaceful natural surroundings. Take a walking tour of the Heritage District on Hastings West for Art Deco architecture and upmarket clothes shops. Head up to the Vancouver Lookout for a 360-degree view of the beautiful city and have dinner at the Top of Vancouver revolving restaurant that looks down on Simon Fraser University's campus far below.
Vancouver International Airport is Canada's West Coast hub and the country's second-busiest airport, with almost 17 million passengers a year strolling through its two terminals.
