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Guide to Vancouver, Canada
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Click to go to Flight Prices for Vancouver
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Vancouver
Located close to the US border and year-round resort destinations, Vancouver is a hub of activity and culture. It is one of the worlds most ethnically diverse cities, as well as one of Canadas commercial and economical powerhouses. Its just as famous for its theatres, museums and parks as for its skyscrapers. The air is fresh, the people are friendly come and see for yourself!
How To Get There
Vancouver International Airport is just a 10km (6 mile) ride away from the city but heavy traffic can make the journey seem longer, especially at high-season. The best way of getting from the airport into town is on an Airporter Bus. Taxis are quicker but pricier, and are only recommended for those travelling with a lot of cargo. Flight time from London is around 8 hours.
Travelling Around
Vancouver is blessed with a varied and efficient transport network called Translink. All modes are safe, quick and cheap.
When To Go
Vancouvers best weather happens in summer and autumn, so it stands to reason that this is when the city is busiest. It never gets uncomfortably busy though, so dont be put off. Spring and winter are the wettest seasons of the year. Most of the visitors to Vancouver during these months are skiers and snowboarders, hitting the slopes during the day and bar-hopping at night.
What To See
With Vancouvers large Chinese population, it goes without saying that Chinatown is something special. It lies in a beautiful, busy part of downtown, and is home to around 36,000 people. Here, the markets are thriving all day, and the aromas of cooking emanate from cafes and restaurants. If the bustle gets too much, head on over to the Dr Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden and Park, which is the only full-scale Chinese garden outside of China.
The Museum of Anthropology has art and artefacts from Asia and Africa. One of the best exhibits here is the worlds largest collection of totem poles. The museums exterior is special too. Vancouvers art gallery occupies the old court house, and is known for its historical pieces as well as work by contemporary British Columbian, Emily Carr. Granville Island has three good museums including one devoted to model trains.
Canada Place, with its iconic white 'sails' overlooking the harbour, was build for Expo 86 and is home to the CN IMAX Theatre, cruise ship terminal, Vancouver Convention & Exhibition Centre, World Trade Centre, Pan Pacific Hotel and many shops. From the promenade youll get great views of the mountains and Stanley Park.
Take a walk through Queen Elizabeth Park the highest park in Vancouver, and the third largest. Theres a lovely sunken garden surrounded by miniature cliffs complete with artificial pools and fountains. Stay until sunset for some picturesque views of the city. The Bloedel Conservatory on top of the hill has tropical birds and flora from three climate zones. Just to the west of the park lie the Van Dusen Botanical Gardens with their famous Elizabethan Hedge Maze.
Another of Vancouvers outdoor attractions is the 9km Seawall Promenade along Stanley Parks shoreline. Its perfect for cycling, walking, jogging and rollerblading. Once youve seen the city from street level, why not find out how it looks from 500 feet up? The Lookout provides stunning 360 degree views of Vancouver from the space needle observation deck.
Hotspot
Wreck Beach is only a twenty minute drive from downtown Vancouver, but it seems like a whole world away. With windswept beaches, wilderness trails, food sellers and artists, its a great way to escape the city for an afternoon. A big draw to Wreck Beach is the naturist colony along Acadia Beach down to Booming Grounds Creek, but its perfectly acceptable to avoid this area if youd rather keep your clothes on! Theres plenty to do for non-naturists.
Night LifeCulture seekers will find plenty in Vancouver to entertain them including contemporary theatre, opera and symphony, jazz and folk festivals and comedy. Those who want to party are well catered for as well, with clubs and bars to suit every taste. Dining out is taken seriously here, and there is some great food to be had. For up-to-date listings, pick up a copy of the weekly tabloid, the Georgia Straight when you get there. Thursdays Vancouver Sun has a weekly entertainment section called Queue, and the monthly Vancouver Magazine has listing details.
fast facts
- over half of Vancouvers residents speak a first language other than English
- Vancouver is nicknamed Hollywood North as its the third-largest film production centre in North America, after L.A. and New York City
- Vancouver ranks one of the three most livable cities in the world
- its sister cities include Guangzhou, Los Angeles and Edinburgh
Quick History
Archaeological evidence suggests that the Vancouver area was first settled by the coastal Indians around about 500 B.C. Western explorers started to arrive in the late 18th century. Present-day Point Grey was first landed in 1791 by Spaniard Jose Maria Narvaez, followed by British Naval captain George Vancouver. A sawmill settlement was established in the 1870s and named name Granville. In 1886, the town was renamed in honour of Captain Vancouver.
The Cariboo Gold Rush of 1861 attracted 25,000 men, mostly from California. It was this and the Klondike Gold Rush that set Vancouver on its way to becoming an economic powerhouse.
Vancouver is now the primary city of western Canada, and one of the countrys largest industrial centres. It is also a major tourist attraction with its gardens and leafy parks.
Money
There are around two Canadian dollars to the pound. Up-to-date exchange rates can be found at this currency converter.
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