Stanley Park
Stanley Park spans 405 hectares and is the largest civic park in Canada.
It contains the Vancouver Aquarium, a children's farmyard and miniature train, a cricket pitch and tennis courts. It also has a pitch-and-putt golf course, bathing beaches, the Theatre Under the Stars and several excellent restaurants.
Vancouver’s Seawall
Vancouver’s Seawall is an 18-kilometre paved trail that winds around the city and Stanley Park.
The trail gives access to such neighbourhoods as Coal Harbour, English Bay, Yaletown, Tinseltown and Granville Island.
Whether walking, jogging, biking or rollerblading, the seawall is an authentically local way to discover the city.
Capilano Suspension Bridge
The Capilano Suspension Bridge spans 137 meters across the Capilano River and is 70 meters above it. The 1.5-meter-wide pedestrian bridge is not for the squeamish.
The bridge is a 10-minute drive from downtown Vancouver, through Stanley Park.
Gastown
Named after "Gassy" Jack Leighton, who opened the first bar here in 1867, this historic area of downtown Vancouver was once the heart of the city.
The area is now home to a collection of trend-setting restaurants, cutting-edge retail shops, intimate bars and colourful jazz venues. Old-world street lamps line the cobble-stone streets, providing additional character to a favourite local destination.
Granville Island
A Vancouver "must do", this farmers’ market is renowned for its colourful array of fresh food and fish. It is also known for its pottery and handicrafts.
In addition, there is live theatre and a local brewery located here. Guests can take a short and inexpensive water taxi ride just across the water from downtown Vancouver to reach the island.
Chinatown
Be sure to visit the largest Chinatown on the west coast of North America. Here visitors will find traditional Chinese herbalists, local tea shops and stores filled with Asian linens and porcelains.
A highlight is the renowned Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden, built in 1985. The garden was based on creating a balance of four main elements - fire, water, plants and architecture. Together they combine to create the balance of yin and yang.