Vancouver Family Getaway

Vancouver is the largest city in Western Canada and third largest in the country overall. Located at the southwestern corner of the coastal province of British Columbia, it is well known for its majestic natural beauty, as it is nestled between the Coast Mountains and the Pacific Ocean. It is frequently ranked as one of the “best cities to live in” and is certainly a beautiful destination to visit. Vancouver will be the host of the 2010 Winter Olympics.

Must see attractions include the world-class Vancouver Aquarium and the 136-meter long Capilano Suspension Bridge across the Capilano River. In addition to the bridge, the river also boasts a large park, rainforest eco-tours and North America’s largest private collection of First Nations story poles. Grouse Mountain is also worth exploring. Hike 2.9 kilometers to the peak on the Grouse Grind trail. If you’re not up for the hike you can also catch the Skyride tram to the top to enjoy breathtaking views.

Where can you get a 360-degree view of Vancouver and its outlying areas? From BC's tallest building, the Harbour Centre Tower. Its observation deck gives an unobstructed view of the city, Burrard Inlet, the North Shore mountains, Burnaby Mountain, West Vancouver and Bowen Island. Getting there is a spectacle in itself: glass elevators whisk you up 167 metres in 40 seconds. There are multilingual guides to assist you with your needs.

The Fairmont Waterfront overlooks the harbor and is adjacent to an enclosed walkway leading to the Convention Center and Cruise Ship Terminal. Stanley Park and Gastown are within walking distance.Hotel amenities include the health club and outdoor heated pool (open year-round). Heron's Restaurant and Lounge, the hotel's signature restaurant, offers regional cuisine in an elegant dining atmosphere, complete with views of the harbor and North Shore Mountains. The lounge is the perfect spot to relax with drinks before or after a meal. The hotel also offers 24-hour room service, a business center, meeting rooms, a gift shop, laundry service, and parking. Concierge service is available from 6:30am to 10:00pm weekdays and 7:00am to 11:00pm on weekends. The hotel allows pets, but restrictions and fees apply.Guest rooms feature bathrobes, coffeemakers, minibars, high-speed Internet access, irons and ironing boards, hairdryers, voicemail, and pay-per-view movies and video games.

The most remarkable thing about this Japanese restaurant is that people have been known to make pilgrimages from far corners of the globe to savor its offerings. Vancouver is known for its sushi obsession, and this particular purveyor is internationally renowned. Make reservations for the bar and watch the artist Tojo at work. The Omakase, or Chef's Arrangement, is a popular option. The restaurant's original creations include the Great Canadian Roll (Atlantic lobster and asparagus with smoked Pacific salmon).

Take a full day to explore this shopping and entertainment favourite, a destination on everyone's "best of" list. The island is five minutes from Downtown and has the famous Emily Carr College of Art, shops, restaurants, theatres, galleries, sculpture, performance art, history and the Kids' Market. There is also a water park and sea kayak rental, canoes and other water sports. Sample excellent microbrews at the Granville Island Brewery. At the quiet end of the island, the large Granville Island Hotel awaits guests.

This was where the original German community in Vancouver shopped. Robsonstrasse, as it was formerly known, was lined with delis, bakeries and restaurants. Today, it's one of the city's most fashionable shopping streets: Alfred Sung, Salvatore Ferragamo, Chanel, Rodier Paris and Stephane de Raucourt are just some of the big names in this urban shopping destination. Options for grabbing a bite abound. Find everything from Schnitzel to Sushi along this bustling thoroughfare. It is also cruising central in the summertime, with cars and sidewalks filled with people enjoying the warm summer air.

Attractions abound in this massive downtown park, a veritable rainforest within a metropolis. To name just a few of the activities and attractions: the Children's Farmyard, Miniature Railway, tennis courts, beaches, children's water park, heated ocean side swimming pool, the Theatre Under the Stars, the Vancouver Aquarium and the 10.5-km perimeter Seawall, which is packed with joggers, walkers and rollerbladers. Once a military reserve, the park became one of the city's premier attractions by action of the city's first council.

This part of downtown got its name from saloon owner 'Gassy Jack' Deighton, who was a rather chatty fellow. In case anyone doubts the true root of the area's title, there is a large statue of this historical figure on Water Street. Cobblestone streets and original architecture, shops, restaurants and bars fill the area. Popular Historic Walking Tours are given free every day from mid-June to the end of August. Highlights include The Landing, Hill's Native Art, Deluxe Junk Co., Salmagundi West, Sonar, and the Irish Heather Bistro.

Although it's safe, you will want to grip the rope as you step out on to the creaky wooden planks of this bridge, which provides a look down at the glorious Capilano River raging 230 feet below. This popular attraction, the city's oldest, isn't recommended for those who fear heights. Ten minutes from downtown, the attraction includes a restaurant, Trading Post gift shop, a Native Carving Centre and guided tours.

Among this Kitsilano center's exhibits is the RCMP schooner St Roch. With a history to rival that of any seafaring vessel, the boat managed to make it through the Northwest Passage (and back), as well as circumnavigate North America. There is also a reference library and gift shop to explore, and facilities for banquets and meetings. It's located near Vanier Park.

Considered one of the best planetariums in North America, this 1968-built structure has had many transformations. Aside from the planetarium and observatory, it also features the Cosmic Courtyard hands-on gallery, a Virtual Voyages full-motion simulator, GroundStation Canada exhibits and multimedia and popular laser shows. Its overnight adventures and space camps are popular. Don't forget to visit the gift shop with space-related souvenirs. Admission: CAD14.00 Adults (19-64); CAD10.75 Seniors (65+); CAD9.75 Youth (11-18); CAD10.75 Students (w/ID) 5-10; CAD9.75 Child (4-12), free for children under 5.

Fondly known as the "golf ball" because of the glittery geodesic dome that sits atop it, this science centre is a former Expo '86 pavilion. Today, it is a top family destination, offering educational, entertaining and interactive exhibits. Three main galleries explore the areas of biology, physics and music. A 3-D laser show presents fun images. The biggest attraction is the OMNIMAX Theatre, which features science and nature films on one of the world's largest dome screens. Admission (including one IMAX film): CAD18.75 Adults; CAD14.50 Students, Children 4-18 and Seniors.

Known as the second largest in North America, Vancouver's Chinatown is a colourful area filled with exotic wonders. The profusion of markets and stores sells everything from star fruit, gai lan, ginseng, herbal medicine and tea sets to hand carved chopsticks, rice paper pads and Buddha figurines. It's a very inexpensive place to shop for gifts and groceries. Pender Street, between Carral and Main, has shops selling curios, clothing, herbs and house wares. There's also an open-air market that runs till late night during the summer weekends.

This is the only full-sized classical Chinese garden outside of China. It employs the ancient techniques of the Ming Dynasty, condensing the serenity of the mountain, streams, valleys and hills into an urban sanctuary. Every niche and arch of the garden is meticulously laid out. Each plant, rock and piece of architecture is selected for its symbolic meaning and mood. The Chinese lettering at the entrance reads 'Garden of Ease'.