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Vancouver Holidays, Hotels & Travel Guide
Travel guide to hotels & holidays in Vancouver
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Vancouver Holidays Overview
A guide to holidays in Vancouver - Nicknamed Hollywood North for the ever-present
film crews, Canada's west coast gem of Vancouver is young, thriving
and diverse, with the perfect combination of exquisite natural
beauty and the modern conveniences of a city side by side. Named
after Royal Navy sea captain George Vancouver who sailed into the
Burrard Inlet on the British Columbian coast in 1792, Vancouver was
barely even a town 100 years ago. Today more than two million souls
call it home, and the shiny Jetson-style towers of Yaletown and the
downtown core contrast dramatically with the snow-capped mountain
backdrop, creating a laid back atmosphere amongst the bustle of
Canada's third biggest city.
Approximately the
same size as the downtown area, the city's green heart is Canada's
largest city park, Stanley Park, covering hundreds of acres filled
with lush forest and crystal clear lakes. Visitors can wander the
sea wall along the exterior of the park, catch a free trolley bus
tour, a horse-drawn carriage ride or visit the Vancouver Aquarium
housed within the park. The city's past is preserved in historic
Gastown with its cobblestone streets, steam powered clock and
quaint feel, though this is combined with expensive souvenir shops
and galleries aimed at tourists. Neighbouring Chinatown, with its
weekly market, Dr Sun Yat-Sen classical Chinese gardens and
restaurants adds an exotic flair. For some retail therapy or
celebrity spotting, there is always the trendy Robson
Street. During the winter months snow sports are
the order of the day on nearby Grouse Mountain, perfect for skiing
and snowboarding, although the city itself gets more rain than
snow. Vancouver's incredible ethnic diversity and combination of
mountains, sea and city, offers visitors an endless supply of
things to see and do, no matter the budget.
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Vancouver
holidays - Top Places To Go
1. Stanley Park
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What is it? Pride of Vancouver's network of parks and
gardens, Stanley Park, covering 1,000 acres (405 hectares), is one
of the largest parks in any urban centre in North America. Situated
in the heart of Vancouver's densely populated West End, stretching
out on a peninsula and surrounded on three sides by water, Stanley
Park is both a refuge for visitors seeking a brief escape from the
urban jungle, a showcase for the natural beauty that surrounds the
city, and an entertainment centre. The park is criss-crossed
through its dense rain-forest interior by miles of wide gravel
paths surrounding Beaver Lake and Lost Lagoon. It is home to
hundreds of migratory birds such as Canada geese, swans and ducks,
and large populations of racoons, squirrels, skunks and coyotes. It
is also possible to walk, jog, cycle or rollerblade around the
park's 6.5 mile (10.5km) long seawall that encircles the
perimeter.
Hours of Operation: Open daily
Phone: |
2. Museum of Anthropology
University of British Columbia, 6393 Marine
Drive
www.moa.ubc.ca |
What is it? In the west of Vancouver, at the University
of British Columbia on the cliffs of Point Grey, totem poles mark
the way to the Museum of Anthropology, world-renowned for its
displays of Northwest Coast First Nations art. One of its main
features is the world's largest collection of works by
internationally acclaimed Haida artist, Bill Reid, including his
famous cedar sculpture 'The Raven and the First Men'. In the
museum's unique Visible Storage Galleries more than 15,000 objects
and artefacts from around the world are arranged according to
culture and use. In the grounds of the museum are two Haida houses
to be admired, showing the dramatic beauty of traditional Northwest
Coast architecture.
Hours of Operation: Daily 10am to 5pm, Tuesday until 9pm (summer);
Wednesday to Sunday 11am to 5pm, Tuesday 11am to 9pm
(winter)
Phone:(604) 822 5087 |
3. Chinatown
vancouverchinatown.ca |
What is it? Vancouver's Chinese Quarter is not only a
strong, established ethnic community, but also a popular tourist
attraction and prosperous commercial district. Its bustling streets
are full of colour and commerce; even the pagoda-topped telephone
booths add to the atmosphere. Shop displays spill onto the
pavements, tables groan with the weight of exotic foodstuffs and
the weird wares of the Chinese apothecaries like dried lizard skins
and powdered rhino horn. The Sam Kee Building in Pender Street is
listed in the Guinness Book of World Records as being the narrowest
building in the world, at only six-foot (two metres) wide. This was
the result of a local property owner reacting to the expropriation
of most of his land in 1912 for the widening of the street: Chang
Toy decided to build what he could on the remaining tiny strip.
Another main attraction in Chinatown is the Dr Sun Yat-Sen
Classical Chinese Garden, enclosed behind high walls, that was
built in 1986 at a cost of $5.3-million with the craftsmen and
materials all imported from China. It is a quiet haven of walkways,
pavilions, gnarled trees, water features and natural rock
sculptures. Next door to the Garden is the Chinese Cultural Centre
with its elaborate gated entrance hand-painted in traditional
colours.
Hours of Operation:
Phone: |
Vancouver
holidays - Top Events
1. Vancouver International Jazz Festival
From 2007-06-22
To 2007-07-01
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What is it? As one of the biggest musical celebrations in
the world, the International Jazz Festival is the most popular
cultural event in Vancouver, with performances by more than 1,000
blues and jazz artists from around the world. The 10-day programme
is full of famous names that play at various venues throughout the
city, from formal concert theatres to open-air
stages.
Where is it? Various |
2. Bard on the Beach
From 2007-05-31
To 2007-09-23
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What is it? One of Vancouver's most endearing summer
events is a picnic in Vanier Park followed by an evening
performance of Shakespeare. Plays are performed in huge open-ended
tents overlooking the picturesque English Bay with a mountain
backdrop. The plays of 2007 are The Taming of the Shrew, Romeo and
Juliet, Julius Caesar and Timon of Athens.
Where is it? Vanier Park |
3. Alcan Dragon Boat Festival
From 2007-06-16
To 2007-06-17
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What is it? The International Dragon Boat Festival is an
annual event that has become one of Vancouver's most eagerly
awaited family summer events. It is the largest and best dragon
boat celebration in North America with more than 100 national and
international teams taking part. A variety of entertainment
accompanies the races, including cultural activities, food from a
number of the city's most popular restaurants, stage entertainment
for the whole family, and an arts and craft
market.
Where is it? Concord Pacific Place, Science World and Creekside
Park |
4. Vancouver Folk Music Festival
From 2007-07-13
To 2007-07-15
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What is it? For nearly thirty years, one of Vancouver's
favourite events drawing old and young alike is the annual Folk
Music Festival; with a host of performers spread across seven
stages, set in the heart of the Jericho Beach Park. Day, evening
and weekend tickets are available at varying prices, with 'early
bird' tickets on sale from April. Food stalls, a bustling market
and a fantastic atmosphere add up to a wonderful weekend's
entertainment and for those who can't afford a ticket, the beach
and the park on the perimeters of the fenced concert area are
perfect places to still catch some of the music, picnic, or browse
the many stalls lining the beach, selling anything from corn on the
cob to First Nations crafts, tie-dyed t-shirts and
jewellery.
Where is it? Jericho Beach Park |
5. Polar Bear Swim
From 2007-01-01
To 2007-01-01
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What is it? Leaping into icy water in the middle of
winter may not be everyone's idea of fun, but the annual Polar Bear
race has been running for nearly 90 years in Vancouver and every
New Year's Day, thousands flock to English Bay to take the plunge
and celebrate the beginning of the year, led by the Vancouver Polar
Bear Swim Club (one of the oldest and biggest of its kind in the
world). Outrageous costumes are the order of the day and many come
to participate in the Peter Pantages 100 yard (90m) race, named in
honour of the founder of the club in 1920. Participants must
register before the event at the English Bay bathhouse on New
Year's Day and receive a commemorative badge after the swim.
Registration and participation in the event is free, and for those
not brave enough, a good spot on the beach with a mug of hot
chocolate is the perfect (and warmest) way to view the goings-on.
For more information contact the Vancouver Board of Parks and
Recreation on (604) 257 8400.
Where is it? English Bay beach |
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