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Expert
recommendations of the top attractions—with advice on how to get the
most out of your visit.
Canada Place
Built
on a shipping dock for Expo 86; its dramatic five “sails”
resemble a giant sailing ship; home to the Vancouver Convention and
Exhibition Centre, the CN IMAX Theatre, cruise ship docks; a walking
promenade overlooks Coal Harbour, the Coast Mountains, and departing
seaplanes; each day at noon, the Heritage Horns blast out the first four
notes to "O Canada." 999 Canada Place Way; tel. +1-604-775-7200. www.canadaplace.ca
Capilano
Suspension Bridge
“Terrify
yourself twice, once by crossing the swaying bridge over the chasm of the
Capilano River and next by tottering along narrow walkways hung between giant
Douglas firs.”—Constance Brissenden, author, DK Top 10
Vancouver & Victoria and Vancouver, A Pictorial Celebration.
Since 1889, adventurers have been crossing this 450-foot-long
(137-meter-long), 230-foot-high (70-meter-long) suspension bridge; a
thrill for kids. 3735 Capilano Road; tel. +1-604-985-7474; fee. www.capbridge.com
Chinatown
North America’s third largest Chinatown; pig snouts and plucked
chickens fill the butcher shop windows; the scent of steaming wontons and
fried egg rolls drifts through the air; the streets fill with the drone of
passing trucks and the guttural chirping of Mandarin and Cantonese. www.vancouverchinatown.ca
Commercial
Drive
“Vintage
mix-it-up Vancouver; caffeine binging in the Italian
coffeehouses.”—Karla Zimmerman, author, Lonely Planet
Vancouver. Bounded by Venables Street and N. Grandview Highway,
“The Drive” comprises the most ethnically diverse and eclectic
mix of shops and restaurants in the city. www.thedrive.ca
Dr. Sun
Yat-Sen Chinese Garden
“A
concert program adds panache to this serene inner-city Ming Dynasty-styled
rock garden.”—Constance Brissenden. Escape to tranquillity in
this retreat on the edge of Chinatown; built in the mid-1980s entirely by
Suzhou artisans who used 15th-century construction techniques. 578 Carrall
Street; tel. +1-604-662-3207. www.vancouverchinesegarden.com
Gastown
Birthplace of Vancouver, with a historic vibe to the area. Souvenir shopping
center; stores and galleries selling First Nations art; restored heritage
buildings; cobblestone streets with many restaurants; their outdoor patios
give a European feel; the much photographed Gastown Steam Clock; hotbed of
the local fashion and design industry, with some of the most exciting fashion
in Vancouver. Tip: From mid-June through August, join a free historic walking
tour of Gastown, daily at 2 p.m. at the Gassy Jack statue. Tel.
+1-604-683-5650. www.gastown.org
Granville Island
This
former industrial wasteland is now an energetic and vibrant part of the city;
several restaurants, bars, and live theaters; an art college, a brewery, and
the children-centric Kids Market; the Public Market sells produce, flowers,
crafts, and yummy take-out meals; savor the aromas of fresh-baked bread,
fragrant seasonings, and juicy seafood; have lunch outside, watch the Aquabus
bop along False Creek, listen to street musicians—and cover your
plate to keep the seagulls at bay. Tel. +1-604-666-5784. www.granvilleisland.com
Grouse
Mountain
Mountain
playground accessible by the aerial tramway Skyride in summer or fall;
spectacular views of the city; winter skiing and snowboarding; fair weather
hiking up the steep 1.8-mile (2.9-kilometer) Grouse Grind; mountaintop
restaurants, interpretive ecowalks, interpretive wildlife ranger talks,
paragliding, ice skating, helicopter tours, and the Refuge for Endangered
Wildlife (home to two orphaned grizzly cubs). 6400 Nancy Greene Way; tel.
+1-604-984-0661. www.grousemountain.com
Kitsilano
Beach
“Fantastic
people watching—from sun worshippers and kids building sand castles, to
joggers and bronzed volleyball players.”—Karla Zimmerman. In the
summer, “Kits Beach” hums with vibrant energy; giant logs provide
natural perches for reading or watching the ships come into port; concession
stand; heated outdoor saltwater pool; basketball and sand volleyball courts;
grassy fields for playing Frisbee. tel. +1-604-257-8400. www.city.vancouver.bc.ca/parks/rec/beaches
Museum of
Anthropology
“Even
non-museum types will be intrigued by the collection of totem poles and
elegant Haida wood carvings here.”—Andrew Hempstead, author, Moon
Handbooks Vancouver & Victoria. The collection includes almost
600,000 ethnological and archaeological pieces from around the world, with a
special focus on B.C.’s First Nations; spectacular space on the
University of British Columbia campus. 6393 N.W. Marine Drive; tel.
+1-604-822-3825; fee. www.moa.ubc.ca
Telus World of
Science
In
a geodesic dome at the tip of False Creek; science museum with lots of
hands-on exhibits, perfect for budding scientists or curious adults; OMNIMAX
® Theatre and a stage with live demonstrations. 1455 Quebec Street; tel.
+1-604-443-7443; fee. www.scienceworld.ca
Stanley Park
“An
oasis of old-growth wilderness within city limits. Walk or ride the Seawall
promenade for the full effect.”—Andrew Hempstead. Almost one
thousand acres (404.6 hectares) of preserved rain forest in the heart of the
city; beaches, a fresh water swimming pool; totem poles; restaurants,
aquarium, and incredible views. Tel. +1-604-257-8400. www.city.vancouver.bc.ca/parks/parks/stanley/index.htm
Vancouver
Aquarium
Canada’s
largest aquarium and a world leader in conservation efforts; more than 70,000
animals; trainer-led shows include beluga whales, dolphins, sea lions, and
sea otters; hands-on tidal pool; concession stands; wheelchair and stroller
accessible. 845 Avison Way; tel. +1-604-659-3474; fee. www.vanaqua.org
Vancouver Art
Gallery
Known
throughout the world for innovative and original exhibits; a permanent
collection of 9,000 plus pieces; excellent assembly of British Columbian
artwork, including the world’s most significant collection of paintings
by Emily Carr. Museum tours (free with paid Gallery admission) offered daily
beginning at 11:45 a.m. 750 Hornby Street; tel. +1-604-662-4700; fee. www.vanartgallery.bc.ca
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