Vancouver Travel Guide | Hotels, Places of Attraction, Vancouver Public Library, Vancouver Art Gallery

Vancouver Travel Guide

Vancouver Travel Guide


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Welcome to Vancouver !

Vancouver is quite different from almost all the cities in North America. Though it is a large modern Cosmopolitan city, it seems to have a relaxed small-town, close to nature feel about it, and this is what the tourists like most about this place-they can enjoy the bustle of the metropolitan and can still relax. The main point about the city attraction lies in the fact that it is the only city in the world where it is possible to Ski, Sail and and even play Golf, all on the very same day.

Geography
The city lies adjacent to the Strait of Georgia, a body of water that is shielded from the Pacific Ocean by Vancouver Island. Vancouver has an area of 114.67 Sq. Km.

Vancouver is internationally renowned for preserving its natural beauty within the metropolis and it is the home to one of North America's largest urban parks, Stanley Park.

Climate
The weather of Canada is generally believed to be cold, but like Toronto, Vancouver has temperate climate and is supposed to be the second warmest major city in Canada during the winter. Spring and autumn are generally rainy and cool in Vancouver.

During the winter season, snowfall is frequently and if you plan to come in that season, you would really enjoy the winter of British Colmboia.

Transportation v Getting to Vancouver is generally a pretty easy thing and once you have arrived in this city, moving from place to place is just as easy and there is absolutely no problem or hassle at all! Vancouver is believed to be the Gateway to the Pacific Rim, services are available by land, sea and air and the local transportation system is breathtakingly appreciable for the visitors and the local population.

By Air
Arriving by air to Vancouver is easy and your destination is Vancouver International Airport (YVR). The airport is located just twenty-five minutes from downtown Vancouver. The airport is serviced by major airlines from all over the world, as well as many regional carriers. You should face no problem for coming to this city, from whichever country you choose to come.

By Vehicle
Traveling by a vehicle is also one of the way to get into Vancouver. If you choose to come by car from an eastern point in Canada, you would likely take Highway 1; and if you drive north from the US you would probably use I-5 and cross into Canada at Blaine, Washington and then just drive on to Canada.

The U.S. Amtrak service is also available from Seattle, but from Vancouver Island you would use the B.C. Ferry system.

However, if you are currently visiting a very remote area of Canada, where access to Vancouver is not possible, there are special planes that pick the people from such areas and fly them to Vancouver.

Around Vancouver
Once you have arrived here, you can choose one inexpensive and quick way to get around, and that is the B.C. Transit. However, you can still choose to rent a car since all the major car rental agencies have locations at the airport or in downtown Vancouver.

The choice remains with you and is mostly dependent upon your budget that you can spare for the local transportion.

The B.C. transit is served by buses and ferries, which can take you almost everywhere in the city and they run all the time. So there is no problem of time at all. But if you want a total private ride, then hiring a car would suit you more.

Places of Attraction
There are many places that you can enjoy while staying in Vancouver and the city offers something for almost everybody. Some of these interesting places are listed below:

CN IMAX Theatre
This Canadian invention is a 5 storied screen theatre and is coupled with IMAX Digital sound, and IMAX 3D films. The presentation is so strong and involving that you feel as if you're right there in the film.

Gastown
This is another major tourist attraction between downtown and the waterfront. It includes historic buildings, many restaurants and shops.

Stanley Park
This is one of the main attractions of Vancouver city. This magnificent, urban 405 hectares (1,000 acre) park is renowned worldwide for its breathtaking, natural wilderness settings and the serenity that its atmosphere spells around you.

The main features of this park include a 10 km walking/cycling sea wall route around the park's perimeter; many kilometers of wilderness-like trails; an aquarium, which has whales; a small zoo; a children zoo with historic railway, which offers rides through a densely forested area; "Lost Lagoon", an Edwardian rose garden; several beaches; and an outdoor salt water public swimming pool.

You will end up tired enjoying these features and perhaps it will take you the whole day to enjoy this one park.

Science World
This is the place that offers something to the people of all ages. It includes traveling exhibitions, and a 3D-laser theatre. There are many exhibitions that are particularly popular with children such as "Backyard Monsters: the World of Insects".

Vancouver Aquarium
This aquarium will take you to the aquatic life and you will feel as if you are under the seawater! The gallery is complete with wildlife such as iguanas and many colorful birds.

Vancouver Public Library
This is a new library and is located on a 300,000 square foot plot. It is designed by the architect Moshe Safdie and was opened to the general public in 1995. This is considered as a rare preserving place for the historic books of Canadian culture. For your info Moshe Safdie also designed the Habitat '67 in Montreal. Somehow, the Habitat '67 in Montreal remembers me on an area I visited in Jordan in the early 80's.

Roedde House Museum
Located in the heart of the West End Apartment buildings, this is one of 8 houses dating from 1890-1908 and they are all preserved in their original glory.

This is one of those places where people like to visit, to just get a taste of the rich Canadian culture and social background.

Vancouver Art Gallery
The gallery is housed in the old heritage "The Vancouver Courthouse", and it offers exhibitions, as well as a permanent collection, which includes works by Emily Carr, a well-known British Colombian artist, born in Victoria.

Accomodations in Vancouver

Penny's Bed & Breakfast Vancouver

Century Plaza Hotel and Spa Vancouver, B.C

Chelsea Cottage Bed & Breakfast Vancouver

Crazy Bear Lake Fly-in Lodge Vancouver

Crown Plaza Hotel Georgia Vancouver

Crowne Plaza Hotel Vancouver

Delta Pinnacle Hotel Vancouver

Delta Vancouver Suites Vancouver

Eagle Nook Ocean Wilderness Resort Vancouver Island

Four Seasons Hotel Vancouver

Granville Island Hotel Vancouver

Hampton Inn & Suites Vancouver