"Canada's West Coast Jewel: Vancouver!" - Time Out #144

An absolutely beautiful city, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.

With over 600,000 people and situated geographically at the far southwestern tip geographically of our northern neighbor Canada, Vancouver is an absolute keeper of a city to visit over and over and over again.

And, my bride, Debbie, and I certainly have continued to enjoy it over the years!

Our first experience with this magical cosmopolitan city came over 30 years ago, when we departed from Vancouver's incredible cruise ship terminal, Canada Place. This elegant icon is so easily noticeable with its white-sail appearing top, and surrounded by water and beautiful buildings in that harbor area of the city. From Canada Place, we easily boarded our stately Holland America vessel, and cruised Alaska's famous Inside Passage for a week, way back in the mid-1980's. The Inside passage is so incredible, we did it 6 more cruises after that magical first one.

Vancouver has such a multitude of virtually all ethnic peoples. It is akin to visiting the United Nations Headquarters Building in New York City with all its human diversity. As you safely walk its lovely streets, it is possible to hear several different languages being spoken by other people, and you've only walked a couple of blocks!

It has absolutely a plethora of tourist attractions, so I will only discuss a few of of the city's highlights, aka, my individual list of "must-see items". The total list needs more deliberate study by you, readers in Our Town and far beyond.

No doubt #1 on my list and a spot Ms. Debbie and I have frequented many times, is awesome Stanley Park.

This city center oasis of 1,000 acres has been a crown jewel for 132 years, when the first Vancouver City Council in 1886, leased the land for the huge city park. It reminds me so very much of New York City's Central Park, because of its central-city location, size, beauty, and diversity. These two parks make it possible to literally escape the hustle and bustle of humanity, and all humanity brings to a major city scene. Stanley Park is a paradise for walkers, hikers and outdoor recreational enthusiasts. There is a miniature train that travels 1.25 miles through trestles and tunnels inside the park, while allowing riders to gaze at the park's many giant evergreen trees. Horse-drawn carriage rides, lasting an hour and educating the tourists on the park's points of interest, are available. Sports activities on-site include tennis, golf, and cricket. A 5.5-mile seawall promenade completely around the park's perimeter allows travelers to see water and various sections of the park's interior, both at the same time. The famous bark-mulched interior trails create a fragrant, hushed, setting for the tourist explorer to this beautiful place. First Nation totem poles are present throughout the park, and, in the summer, Kiahowya Village appears to provide park visitors with an actual First Nation cultural experience.

North Vancouver, a city of 48,000 itself, is just a few miles north of Vancouver's city center. Here is Capilano Suspension Bridge Park, easily accessible via several free shuttles from downtown Vancouver. This incredible, swinging, 450-foot bridge spans a 230-foot deep densely-wooded gorge above the Capilano River. In addition to the bridge, the surrounding park has plenty to keep visitors occupied for at least half a day. Near the bridge, one may choose the Grouse Mountain Skyride. This is an aerial tramway that takes riders up 4,100-feet, allowing breathtaking panoramic views of thriving Vancouver below.

Back in the city is the Vancouver Aquarium Marine Science Centre. This huge structure is home to 70,000 marine animals, with emphasis on their diverse habitats; the Canadian Arctic, the Pacific Northwest, and the Amazon Rain Forest, all under one central structure.

The Science World at Telus World of Science, just south of downtown and waterfront on False Creek, is housed in a massive geodesic dome. This is certainly a half day (or more) attraction that features hands-on exhibits and demonstrations that explain many scientific phenomena. Continuing south a few miles, tourists appreciate Vandusen Botanical Gardens, a 55-acre site once owned by the Canadian Pacific Railroad, and turned into spectacular gardens in the 1970's. If these beautiful gardens had not been created, the area would have been used for more housing structures. Vandusen has several specialty gardens, water features, and many flowering plants, most times of the year. Several relaxing hours may be spent in this tranquil botanical setting.

Other mentionable sights/attractions are North America's 2nd largest Chinatown, Granville Island Public Market and shops, Gastown, BC Sports Hall of Fame and Museum, Flyover Canada, Museum of Vancouver, H.R. Macmillan Space Center, Pacific National Exhibition, the University of British Columbia, and the Vancouver Art Gallery.

With usually mild weather and abundant rainfall most of the year, resulting in lots of green seen everywhere, Vancouver appeals to world visitors most times of the year.

With this Vancouver knowledge now planted in your mind's eye, hopefully, you, too will be able to enjoy all it has to offer on your upcoming visit!!!