Vancouver British Columbia Area Info |
The city of Vancouver, British Columbia is one of the most beautiful and exciting vacation destinations in all of North America. Vancouver BC is located on the southwestern tip of British Columbia. Vancouver is framed spectacularly by coastal mountains and the Pacific Ocean. This unique setting provides for stunning city views. Few cities in the world can boast of the same beauty- where mountains and water come together so magnificently. In addition to all-natural beauty, Vancouver British Columbia is also a major center for culture and the arts; as well as serving as British Columbia and western Canada’s chief port city and center for commerce.
Vancouver is named after the French explorer Captain jack Vancouver- who navigated through the area in the early 16th century. Early on Vancouver was a center for trade and lumber. In the middle part of the 20th century however, Vancouver began to grow a reputation for its unique coastal beauty. In 1986 Vancouver and greater Lower Mainland area received a major publicity boost with the hosting of the world’s exposition fair. Expo 86 hosted millions of global visitors and saw the construction of top Vancouver landmarks such as Canada Place and the Science Center’s geodesic dome. It was also for Expo 86 that Vancouver’s elevated rapid transit system, called Skytrain, was developed.
When it comes to attractions and recreation, few destinations can compare with Vancouver’s myriad of world-class sites and sounds. One of the aspects that is unique about Vancouver is that one can go kayaking, sailing, or for a ride on the SeaBus during the morning, and head up to local ski resorts like Mt. Seymour and Grouse Mountain in the afternoon. Not only do these ski resorts offers great runs but they also serve up breathtaking views of Vancouver set against the Pacific Ocean. And you don’t have to be a skier or snowboarder to enjoy the views. Grouse Mountain actually offers gondola rides up the side of the mountain. These rides are always popular with Vancouver BC visitors.
In terms of outdoor recreation sites, the Capilano Suspension Bridge- a famously wobbly foot bridge that visitors transverse by foot, with a gaping canyon below, Stanley Park- accessed by the historic Lion’s Gate Bridge and offering numerous trails, attractions and the one of a kind Sea Wall- that loops around the island, hugging the waterline; English Bay – with its beachfront views of the sensational Vancouver skyline and easy access to the Vancouver Planetarium, are all popular Vancouver area sites. And for Vancouver visitors looking to branch venture out a little bit, picturesque Victoria and Vancouver Island, as well as the Gulf Islands, can all be easily accessed by ferries that leave from the Tsawwassen terminal.
In addition the impressive collection of outdoor sites available to Vancouver vacationers, the city also hosts a wide variety of man-made attractions. The aforementioned Science Center offers unique, interactive exhibits great for the whole family; in addition to one of the world’s largest wrap-around, Omnimax theatres. Stanley Park is home to the Vancouver Aquarium- which offers sea creatures and exciting whale and dolphin shows. Both of these attractions are perfect for the whole family.
Canada Place is a spectacular Vancouver landmark that hosts numerous convention events and features a large IMAX screen theatre. Gastown is a cobble-stoned tourist center offering novelty stores, fabulous restaurants and Vancouver’s famous steam clock. The Sears Tower is perhaps Vancouver’s most easily recognizable skyscraper. The Sears Tower offers open-view elevator trips to the very top of the tower, where an observation deck and a popular revolving restaurant await.
Clearly the city of Vancouver is one of North America’s most exciting destinations. Along with Seattle, WA and Portland, OR to the south, Vancouver BC serves as one of the most spectacular destinations in the beautiful Cascadia region of the continent. Of course Vancouver is only becoming more exciting with the upcoming hosting of the 2010 Winter Olympic Games, which it is co-hosting with Whistler BC. The Olympics are expected to propel Vancouver into the very upper echelons of global vacation destinations.
If you’re planning a fun-filled getaway to spectacular Vancouver, British Columbia, visit our Vancouver hotels page to choose from a wide variety of quality Vancouver BC hotels. Compare price, amenities, locations, and more- before booking the Vancouver hotel that’s the perfect accommodation fit for you. We feature an impressive collection of Vancouver hotels, motels, inns, lodges and more. So finding the perfect lodging fit won’t be a problem. So find the perfect Vancouver hotel and before you know it you’ll be enjoying the all natural beauty and cultural excitement of this sensational west coast destination. |
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