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Activities in
Vancouver City
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Places to stay in
Vancouver City
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Vancouver City is known for
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Activities Pass/Road book
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Floatplane Sightseeing Tour
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Horse Drawn Carriage Tour/Horseback Riding
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Sightseeing/City Tour (Coach)
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Surrounded by water on three sides and nestled alongside the Coast Mountain Range, Vancouver is the largest city in the province of British Columbia with over half a million residents and one of the mildest climates in Canada. Home to spectacular natural scenery and a bustling metropolitan core, Vancouver will be home to the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games in 2010. Whether just relaxing in a park or bike riding around the seawall, there is always something to do in Vancouver.
Vancouver is one of the few places in the world where you can ski in the morning and sail in the afternoon. While Vancouver can be damp during autumn and winter, it won't be excessively cold or snowy. However, nearby Cypress, Grouse and Seymour mountains receive enormous snowfalls during the winter, creating superb conditions for winter sports. Renowned for its scenic beauty and endless opportunities for outdoor activities, Vancouver is also a cosmopolitan city with all the urban amenities – fine dining, shopping, museums, galleries, music and theatre. Hit the nightclub scene or wander through ethnic enclaves. Visit the aquarium, take a city tour or stroll through Stanley Park, the city's urban wilderness. Don't miss the year-round markets or fail to take in a hockey game. Festivals? There is always something to celebrate in Vancouver. If you only do one thing in the city, cycle or stroll along the Stanley Park seawall, a paved 10km loop with every moment of it privy to magnificent mountain, ocean, forest and city views. While you're in the park, pay a visit to the internationally-acclaimed Vancouver Aquarium Marine Science Centre, one of North America's five largest aquariums. Source: Tourism British Columbia, City of Vancouver
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Less than 25 minutes from downtown Vancouver by car or the SkyTrain rapid transit link, Burnaby (pop. 205,000) invites visitors to enjoy some of the province's biggest shopping malls, ramble through lush parks , play a round of golf, watch live theatre and sports events, and explore diverse artistic, cultural, and heritage sites. It is the third-largest municipality in British Columbia, and its central geographic location within Metro Vancouver makes it easy to access.
Avid shoppers head for Metropolis at Metrotown, BC's largest shopping mall with more than 450 shops, 10 movie screens and the biggest food court in Canada. Burnaby, divided into four town centres, also has major shopping malls at Brentwood Town Centre and Lougheed Town Centre.
Outdoorsy types can relax at Deer Lake Park with boat rentals or pop, blues, and classical concerts, go bird-watching at Burnaby Lake Regional Nature Park, or try mountain biking at the Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area. Golfers can test their skills on two well-maintained public golf courses.
For fans of spectator sports, Burnaby is also home to the Vancouver Whitecaps professional soccer team, which plays at Central Park's Swangard Stadium, and the Burnaby Express junior hockey team.
Check out live opera at the Shadbolt Centre for the Arts, or enjoy ballet or symphony performances at the Michael J. Fox Theatre. Looking to chance your arm? The swanky new Grand Villa Casino attracts high rollers.
The city, encompassing 98.6sqkm/38sqmi, is picturesquely bounded by Burrard Inlet to the north and the mighty Fraser River to the south.
Culturally speaking, Burnaby is Metro Vancouver's answer to the United Nations. Cantonese, Mandarin, Punjabi, and Hindi are just some of the languages and ethnic heritages that are well-represented here.
In North Burnaby, stroll through the Heights neighbourhood on Hastings Street, and discover Italian delis and Greek tavernas amid independent bookstores and beauty salons. From the Asian food court at the Crystal Mall shopping centre to the West Coast cuisine of Horizons and the Hart House Restaurant, Burnaby caters to every palate and has myriad ethnic dining options.
For museum-goers, the National Nikkei Cultural Centre commemorates the contributions of the Japanese-Canadian community, while the SFU Museum of Archeology and Ethnology emphasizes Pacific Northwest aboriginal art.
Movie stars like Carrie-Anne Moss (The Matrix) and Michael J. Fox (Back to the Future) hail from here, as do musicians including crooner Michael Buble and rocker Matthew Good. NHL hockey players Joe Sakic and Cliff Ronning were born in Burnaby.
Source: Tourism British Columbia
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Framed by the monumental North Shore Mountains, North Vancouver offers unprecedented access to nature along with urban comforts. Imagine the thrill of hiking or mountain biking through parks laden with old-growth rainforest. Skiing on mountains showcased during the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. Or shopping for First Nations art at local art galleries, followed by dining on homegrown specialties like alder-grilled salmon and microbrewery beer. It's possible to do all these things in one day.
Most North Vancouver attractions are just a 20-minute drive from downtown Vancouver across the Lions Gate Bridge or the Second Narrows Bridge. The area known as Vancouver's North Shore (also encompassing wealthy neighbouring West Vancouver) is home to nearly 180,000 active, green-minded citizens.
Originally constructed in 1889, the Capilano Suspension Bridge is Vancouver's oldest tourist attraction. Teeter thrillingly across the 137m/450ft span above a frothing river, and then check out the totem poles, trout ponds, and gift shop. Nearby, check out the huge Cleveland Dam and the Capilano Salmon Hatchery, both free of charge. The Lynn Canyon Suspension Bridge is another freebie, tucked away amid firs and cedars in a hikers' paradise.
Enjoy the varied activities at Grouse Mountain, which can be reached by public transit This 1,250m/4,100ft peak offers amazing views of Vancouver and the Pacific Ocean, both from the Skyride gondola tram and at the summit. Ziplining, paragliding and heli-jet tours spice up the summer, and skiing, sleigh rides, and ice skating grace the winter.
The Grouse Grind is Vancouver's best-known and most challenging mountainside hike, and the Refuge for Endangered Wildlife with grizzly bears and wolves is open year-round.
The North Shore's other great skiing mountains include Cypress Mountain, the huge official West Vancouver venue for 2010 Olympic freestyle skiing and snowboarding, and Mount Seymour, which has more than 20 downhill runs and welcomes young families on a budget.
Mount Seymour also offers access to some of the North Shore's world-class hiking and mountain biking trails. The Lower Seymour Conservation Reserve, the Baden-Powell Trail, and the emerging North Shore Spirit Trail are names to remember.
Nearby Deep Cove is a kayaking mecca, with tranquil waters extending up the fjord of Indian Arm. Watch out for eagles, cougars, seals, and anemones. Wildlife can also be spotted while fishing or enjoying a high-speed "sea safari" in a Zodiac boat out of the family-operated Sewell's Marina in Horseshoe Bay.
Even at signature North Shore golf courses like Northlands Golf Course, it's not uncommon to spot deer or black bears on the greens.
Those who prefer to relax with shopping, culture, and dining are in luck too. Lonsdale Quay, the waterfront heartbeat of North Vancouver, is loaded with quaint galleries, gift shops, and delicious-smelling vendors of fresh produce and deli goods. Canada's oldest shopping centre, Park Royal Shopping Centre, has been a North Shore mainstay since 1950, and boasts more than 300 stores today. Boutique shopping abounds in neighbourhood centres like Edgemont Village, Dundarave, Deep Cove and Lynn Valley.
For theatre-goers and arts lovers, the North Shore has a bit of everything, from symphony concerts and plays for kids at Centennial Theatre to eclectic exhibitions at Deep Cove's Seymour Art Gallery. Totem poles, masks, and paintings that express First Nations culture can be found at galleries such as Khot La Cha Art Gallery and Spirit Gallery.
Dining in North Vancouver is a delight due to the focus on local, seasonal, and organic ingredients. Sample acclaimed West Coast cuisine at The Salmon House, Crave, The Beach House at Dundarave Pier, and Saltaire. Alternatively, fuel up on pub fare at Taylor's Crossing or fresh-ground coffee at Delany's, or at a range of French, Indian, Persian, and Greek restaurants.
The North Shore was originally inhabited by First Nations such as the Squamish, the Tseil-Waututh, and the Musqueam. European explorers first entered Howe Sound in the late 18th Century, and by the 1860s, logging was an emerging industry. Mills, churches, and postal service followed, and North Vancouver was first incorporated as a district in 1891.
Bridging the Burrard Inlet
In the pre-World War II era, the building of the Second Narrows Bridge and Lions Gate Bridge across Burrard Inlet tightened North Vancouver's ties with downtown Vancouver. Despite suffering economically during the Great Depression, North Vancouver rebounded.
Source: Tourism British Columbia
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Just a 20-minute drive south of downtown Vancouver, Richmond (pop. 188,000) attracts visitors with its multicultural shopping and dining opportunities, theatre and entertainment venues, scenic local parks, and colourful historic and heritage sites. It's the fourth-largest city in British Columbia after Vancouver, Surrey, and Burnaby.
Richmond, occupying 17 islands in the mouth of the Fraser River, is easy to access from neighbouring municipalities, and it's the home of Vancouver International Airport (YVR). Richmond's flat terrain offers great cycling along its waterfront dykes, and also made it a practical choice as a 2010 Olympic Winter Games Venue City, with the spectacular Richmond Oval hosting speed-skating.
Today, Richmond has the highest percentage of immigrants of any Canadian city, and that diversity is reflected in the awe-inspiring Buddhist, Sikh, and Muslim temples that adorn the landscape. Visit the Richmond Cultural Centre (7700 Minoru Gate) to view the city museum, archives, and art gallery.
Shop-till-you-drop types will enjoy the Asian-themed goods, from jewelry and fashion to specialty foods and herbal remedies, at Aberdeen Centre, which has some 160 stores, including the giant Daiso emporium with bargain-priced Japanese merchandise, and an 800-seat food court. Other major Asian-focused shopping malls nearby in the Golden Village district include Yaohan Centre, home to the bustling Osaka Today supermarket, and Parker Place.
The Golden Village, covering a four-block radius centered on No. 3 Road, also has tasty, affordable Chinese, Japanese, Vietnamese, Malaysian, and Korean restaurants. Richmond is widely considered one of the best places in North America for Asian cuisine.
From late spring to early fall each year, the Richmond Night Market draws thousands of shoppers as an open-air extravaganza of food vendors and stalls selling clothes, DVDs, wristwatches, and much more.
Located on the banks of the Fraser River, the River Rock Casino Resort is the largest casino in Western Canada. Relax with some 900 slot machines, a huge selection of table games, and a theatre that features vintage pop acts, comedians, and boxing matches.
The Gateway Theatre is Richmond's only live professional theatre. Situated in Minoru Park in the City Centre, it presents Broadway musicals, family fare such as Anne of Green Gables, and contemporary Canadian dramas.
For more affordable family fun, check out the Riverport development in south Richmond with a multiplex movie theatre, swimming and bowling, and pub and family-style restaurants.
Famous athletes with a Richmond background include NHL hockey stars like Scott Hannan and Brent Seabrook, 2008 Olympic rowing gold medalist Kyle Hamilton, and Rick Hansen, the wheelchair athlete for whom the movie song "St. Elmo's Fire (Man in Motion)" was composed by David Foster.
Some notable Richmond actors include twin brothers Aaron Ashmore (Smallville) and Shawn Ashmore (X-Men), and Nicky Clyne (Battlestar Galactica). In 2006, Richmond hosted the Gemini Awards (the Canadian TV industry's answer to the Emmy Awards) at the River Rock Show Theatre.
The Canada Line SkyTrain service connects Richmond, downtown Vancouver and Vancouver International Airport (YVR). Popular Richmond attractions like the River Rock Casino Resort are easily accessible from downtown Vancouver and YVR. Seven transit stations are situated along Richmond's Canada Line rapid transit route.
Source: Tourism British Columbia
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Vancouver is one of the few places in the world where you can ski in the morning and sail in the afternoon. While Vancouver can be damp during autumn and winter, it won't be excessively cold or snowy. However, nearby Cypress, Grouse and Seymour mountains receive enormous snowfalls during the winter, creating superb conditions for winter sports.
Renowned for its scenic beauty and endless opportunities for outdoor activities, Vancouver is also a cosmopolitan city with all the urban amenities – fine dining, shopping, museums, galleries, music and theatre. Hit the nightclub scene or wander through ethnic enclaves. Visit the aquarium, take a city tour or stroll through Stanley Park, the city's urban wilderness. Don't miss the year-round markets or fail to take in a hockey game. Festivals? There is always something to celebrate in Vancouver.
If you only do one thing in the city, cycle or stroll along the Stanley Park seawall, a paved 10km loop with every moment of it privy to magnificent mountain, ocean, forest and city views. While you're in the park, pay a visit to the internationally-acclaimed Vancouver Aquarium Marine Science Centre, one of North America's five largest aquariums.
Source: Tourism British Columbia
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Just a 20-minute drive south of downtown Vancouver, Richmond (pop. 188,000) attracts visitors with its multicultural shopping and dining opportunities, theatre and entertainment venues, scenic local parks, and colourful historic and heritage sites. It's the fourth-largest city in British Columbia after Vancouver, Surrey, and Burnaby.
Richmond, occupying 17 islands in the mouth of the Fraser River, is easy to access from neighbouring municipalities, and it's the home of Vancouver International Airport (YVR). Richmond's flat terrain offers great cycling along its waterfront dykes, and also made it a practical choice as a 2010 Olympic Winter Games Venue City, with the spectacular Richmond Oval hosting speed-skating. Today, Richmond has the highest percentage of immigrants of any Canadian city, and that diversity is reflected in the awe-inspiring Buddhist, Sikh, and Muslim temples that adorn the landscape. Visit the Richmond Cultural Centre (7700 Minoru Gate) to view the city museum, archives, and art gallery. Shop-till-you-drop types will enjoy the Asian-themed goods, from jewelry and fashion to specialty foods and herbal remedies, at Aberdeen Centre, which has some 160 stores, including the giant Daiso emporium with bargain-priced Japanese merchandise, and an 800-seat food court. Other major Asian-focused shopping malls nearby in the Golden Village district include Yaohan Centre, home to the bustling Osaka Today supermarket, and Parker Place. The Golden Village, covering a four-block radius centered on No. 3 Road, also has tasty, affordable Chinese, Japanese, Vietnamese, Malaysian, and Korean restaurants. Richmond is widely considered one of the best places in North America for Asian cuisine. From late spring to early fall each year, the Richmond Night Market draws thousands of shoppers as an open-air extravaganza of food vendors and stalls selling clothes, DVDs, wristwatches, and much more. Located on the banks of the Fraser River, the River Rock Casino Resort is the largest casino in Western Canada. Relax with some 900 slot machines, a huge selection of table games, and a theatre that features vintage pop acts, comedians, and boxing matches. The Gateway Theatre is Richmond's only live professional theatre. Situated in Minoru Park in the City Centre, it presents Broadway musicals, family fare such as Anne of Green Gables, and contemporary Canadian dramas. For more affordable family fun, check out the Riverport development in south Richmond with a multiplex movie theatre, swimming and bowling, and pub and family-style restaurants. Famous athletes with a Richmond background include NHL hockey stars like Scott Hannan and Brent Seabrook, 2008 Olympic rowing gold medalist Kyle Hamilton, and Rick Hansen, the wheelchair athlete for whom the movie song "St. Elmo's Fire (Man in Motion)" was composed by David Foster. Some notable Richmond actors include twin brothers Aaron Ashmore (Smallville) and Shawn Ashmore (X-Men), and Nicky Clyne (Battlestar Galactica). In 2006, Richmond hosted the Gemini Awards (the Canadian TV industry's answer to the Emmy Awards) at the River Rock Show Theatre. The Canada Line SkyTrain service connects Richmond, downtown Vancouver and Vancouver International Airport (YVR). Popular Richmond attractions like the River Rock Casino Resort are easily accessible from downtown Vancouver and YVR. Seven transit stations are situated along Richmond's Canada Line rapid transit route. Source: Tourism British Columbia
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