Vancouverites pride themselves on their city's
beauty and versatility. Other Canadians call Vancouver “lotus
land.” They do so with good reason, and perhaps a little
envy. No more than an hour either way of cosmopolitan downtown
will take you into the heart of the Pacific Coast Mountains,
put you in cozy seaside villages or places you at the mouth
of the mighty Fraser Canyon. It is this same abundance of easily
accessible scenery that has made the Vancouver region a favourite
setting for TV and movie producers.
 It’s not just the West Coast location and gorgeous setting
where mountains meet the sea. And it’s not just the
balmy climate that makes the 23 communities of the Greater
Vancouver
Regional District a year-round paradise for sports and outdoors-minded
people. It’s also the sheer range of enjoyment for
body, mind and soul. You can ski, golf and go sailing here
all on
the same day and then catch an opera or Broadway musical
by night.
 Seated at the lap of the Pacific Ocean and at the feet of
the Coast Mountains, Vancouver is a world-class city of theatres,
five-star restaurants and ethnic diversity. The heady mix
of
cultures: North American, Asian, European and Indian mix
to create more than 25 different cuisines offered in some
4,000
restaurants,
bistros and cafes.
There are more than 150 galleries, museums, theatres and
clubs to enjoy. Music of every type, from classical to
Celtic, Caribbean
to country, big band to blues and folk to funk can be
found daily. Many festivals, including celebrations for
children,
jazz, writing,
dance, film, comedy, bluegrass, fireworks and folk music
are hosted throughout the region.
 If outdoors is your style then the Greater Vancouver
Regional District stewards 22 parks that range in size
from diminutive
Grant Narrows to massive Lynn Headwaters. At the same
time, BC Parks, the provincial parks department, also
maintains
a considerable
presence around Greater Vancouver. At the outskirts
of the city there are a number of ski hills to choose from.
Grouse
Mountain
is known for its scenic sky ride and panoramic view
of
Vancouver where on a clear day, you can see as far
as Vancouver Island.
Spend a sunny day in the forested Stanley Park or bike
or roller blade around the city seawall.
Sightseeing attractions such as the Capilano Suspension
Bridge thrill visitors f rom dizzying heights while
the Vancouver
Aquarium displays indigenous and fish species from
all corners of the
globe. Getting there to see the sights is half the
fun. Enjoy gourmet coffees while strolling through
the up-beat
and trendy
neighbourhoods of Yaletown or Kitsilano, or experience
culture at the Vancouver Art Gallery - both inside
and out on bustling
Robson Street. As well there are lots of different
walking tours – see
neighbourhoods, visit museums and galleries or take
in garden tours. Vancouver harbour can be explored
by boat
or kayak.
All Greater Vancouver is assessable by car or public
transit.
Festivals, architecture and a small city feel make
Greater Vancouver a favourite place for tourists to
visit and
for residents to
call home. Many people - residents and visitors alike
- view Greater Vancouver as a staging area for adventures
in the
wilder territories of the province.
Links
Need a place to stay or camp while exploring Greater
Vancouver?
Explore the Communities of Greater
Vancouver?
Browse other Vancouver Coast and Mountains Sub Regions
Tourism Region Contact
Vancouver, Coast and Mountains Tourism Region
250 - 1508 West 2nd Avenue,
Vancouver, BC V6J 1H2
Telephone: (604) 739-9011
Fax: (604) 739-0153
E-Mail: info@vcmbc.com |
