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Vancouver

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Overview

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.

Background

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.

First-time visit

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.

Return visit

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.

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Vancouver International Airport

Essentials

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.

Airport Facts

Airport code: YVR
Airport website: Vancouver International Airport website
Airport tel: +1 604 207 7077
No. of terminals: Two connected terminals (plus the South Terminal for small regional airlines).
Distance from city centre: 12km (7.5 miles) south-west of Vancouver.
Transport between terminals: It is a 15-minute walk between the international and domestic terminals. The free South Terminal Shuttle connects all three terminals.
Airport parking: The airport offers hourly and daily parking facilities in the Parkade, right next to the terminals. Long-term parking is found in the Economy Lot, adjacent to the Parkade, and with access to the terminals under covered walkways. The cheapest on-sight parking is found at the Long-Term Parking Lot, which is served by shuttle bus to and from the terminals. A valet-parking service is also offered at both the domestic and international terminals, at a higher price. Reservations can be made online. Pay the cashier or use one of the express pay stations before exiting.
Time zone: GMT -8 (GMT -7 from 2nd Sunday in March to 1st Sunday in November).
Useful tips: If you need any help navigating the airport's terminals, ask a Green Coat volunteer for assistance. Be prepared for a long wait when you reach immigration.