vancouver

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.

On many postcards of the city, you will find images of this "five-sailed" complex adorning the harbour shoreline. This should be high on the list of things to see for first timers to the city. The centre, located downtown, was Canada's Pavilion at the 1986 World Expo and is currently the home of the World Trade Centre and Vancouver Trade and Convention Centre. It also houses the CN IMAX Theatre, a five-story movie screen. Just walking around the structure gives you panoramic views of the city.

If you get a bit squeamish on amusement park rides, this mega-theatre at Canada Place probably won't be your favorite place to visit. The experience will give you the sensation of being right in the middle of the action that takes place onscreen. The theatre has a giant screen, surround sound, and stacked seating so that every seat in the house has a good view. Some shows featured have been Extreme, a spectacle of dangerous, hard-core sports like skiing and climbing, and Into the Deep, an underwater exploration. Check local listings for times and shows.

Spending the day touring around Stanley Park is bound to work up appetites. Built on the historic park's lookout, this popular and long-standing café offers incredible views of the city, mountains and ocean. It also houses a gift shop and patio dining. Seafood is a highlight on the menu - enjoy salmon dishes (Bamboo Steamed Salmon Fillet) or try the Drunken Prawns sautéed with Brandy, Garlic, Cream and Chives. The brunch menu offers fresh fruit salads and light pasta dishes.

This downtown bookstore offers convenience, knowledgeable staff, great selection and late hours. It is ideal for tech book and indie-lit lovers. Although a wide variety of books is carried here, the store specializes in computer books and has one of the largest selections in the country. There is also a great range of fiction and titles on the humanities, social sciences, art, mythology and architecture. Student and senior discounts, as well as free special and mail orders are available.

This second hand shop is an oasis of the funky, the retro and the cheap amid a desert of the brand-spanking new, the relatively dear and the shiny of Vancouver's downtown shopping Mecca, Robson Street. Let the heavy bass or disco thread you downstairs to this grand vintage lover's dream. Sift through the racks of nostalgia-inducing gear while rubbing shoulders with city scenesters. The staff, though young and painfully hip, is nevertheless attentive.

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.

Vancouver is connected by intersecting waterways, with many of its premier attractions situated along the shorelines. One fun way to travel around the city by water is to cruise through False Creek in a small ferry boat. These small boats take you to city highlights along the waters that pass between Granville Island and downtown. Stop off and enjoy the sights at Granville Island, the Aquatic Centre and Science World.

This elegant Vancouver establishment has been serving salmon by the sea since 1971. Located on the harbour front, it is housed in a building that once served as a fishing cannery. The nautical themed dining room's low lighting creates a romantic mood. The view, however, is the real draw. It allows glimpses of the ocean, mountains and sea lions. Seafood is the specialty. Start with a Tartare Medley (Ahi Tuna, Salmon and Scallop) and move on to the luxurious Salmon Wellington (Salmon, Shrimp and Mushrooms in puff pastry). The restaurant guarantees a 55-minute lunch.

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 place will delight you on a hot summer night when you feel like having an intense sensory experience. There is plenty to taste, touch, smell, hear, drink and drink in. Explore blocks and booths of everything from bubble tea to bok choy. Find delicacies and desserts like frog's eggs or dried, salted plums. You can also find clothes, toys like Pokemon and nearly any household accessory, all at inexpensive prices.

See the entire city, sea and beyond from this peak's magnificent vista. 15 minutes from downtown, this is the city's closest mountain and offers year-round activities. In the summer, go on guided walking tours, helicopter trips and visit the restaurants. In the winter, ski, snowboard, or go on a sleigh ride. If you prefer to keep warm, try out the Theatre in the Sky. See their website for information on rates and further details.

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.

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'.

This is the BC transit ferry service that links downtown to the beautiful North Shore, moving passengers between the bustling downtown core to the maritime city of North Vancouver. The journey takes only 12 minutes and even under adverse weather conditions, the system is extremely reliable. The system has two catamaran ferries, aptly named the Burrard Beaver and Burrard Otter. Each seats up to 400 and also allow bikes on board. North Vancouver's station is located next to great shopping, dining and the Lonsdale Quay Market.

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.