Granville Island
Jump on a ferry across False Creek to this creative hub, home to two theatres, an arts college and a superb indoor market. If you’re looking for artistic inspiration, a tasting session at the Granville Island Brewing Co. might be just what you need.
Stanley Park
Take a stroll round the largest city park in North America, dodging the joggers, skaters and cyclists while admiring the views of the Strait of Georgia from the sea wall.
Downtown
Shop ‘til you drop among the futuristic towers that surround Granville and Robson streets before taking a breather at the Vancouver Art Gallery.
The West End
This area, home to the city’s gay community, centres along David street where the bus shelters and litter bins are neon pink and rainbow flags adorn the traffic lights. You’ll find great cafes and restaurants and eclectic shopping, from healthfood stores to sex shops.
Gastown
Named after an English sailor ‘Gassy’ Jack Deighton who ditched his sea legs in 1867 and opened a saloon here, this is the city’s historical quarter. If you need something to photograph head to the steam clock that chimes and puffs out steam every 15 minutes.
Chinatown
Feast on dim sum in North America’s third largest Chinatown, home to the towering Millennium Gate and a great night market in summer.
Yaletown
This former warehouse district is fast becoming gentrified, the towing redbrick buildings transforming into flash apartments hops, some of the city’s best restaurants and it’s most happening nightlife.
Mountains
In Vancouver you’re never far from the great outdoors, surrounded by Grouse and Cypress mountains and Mt Seymour. In summer go for hiking and picnics, and in winter choose from skiing, snowboarding and snowshoeing.
Water sports
Make the most of the city’s location and head out kayaking or windsurfing on English Bay or Burrard Inlet. For something more chilled head to one of the city’s many beaches such as the imaginatively named Second and Third beach by Stanley Park.
