Greater Vancouver

Located at the center of Vancouver, Stanley Park is an urban green boasting a sequoia forest, a never-ending waterfront causeway, Indian totem poles, and the Vancouver Aquarium. A tapestry of vegetation, the Park offers compelling views and is dubbed a “huge natural oxygen bar”. For locals, this is a perfect place for a rich variety of leisurely outdoor activities, be it walking, cycling, rollerblading or skateboarding. A grassy playing field and waterfront pool can be found at the beach in the Park’s western side, which also serves as an open-air cinema during summer nights. The beach is a perfect spot to watch the sunset and a frequent gathering place for local residents to have barbecues and picnics.

Built a century ago by native aboriginals with hemp ropes and thick wooden planks, the footbridge at Capilano Suspension Bridge and Park hangs high in mid-air over the swift rapids of the Capilano River. The bridge swings and gives out a human-like cackling sound when winds blow across the valley, hence its nickname "Laughing Bridge". The suspension bridge straddles the Capilano River and swathes of leafy forest. Walking on the bridge, one is surrounded by nature, taking in not only the beautiful woodland, but also the snow peaks in the distance and the nearby ravine. If fortunate enough, one could also spot a splendid rainbow due to the vapor from the river.

Canada Place, located on the Vancouver waterfront is a multi-purpose complex that houses a convention center, a trade center, a hotel and an Imax theater. It also serves as the main cruise ship dock for the region and hosts various special events, such as the Vancouver International Jazz Festival and Christmas At Canada Place, throughout the year. The main building was built to house the Canada Pavilion at Expo 86, the 1986 World's Fair. You can find breathtaking panoramic views of the city just by walking around the facility's upper stories.

Don’t be put off. It’s not what you’re thinking… the namesake of this historic district at the northeast end of Vancouver’s downtown was "Gassy" Jack Deighton… and no, it’s not what you’re thinking. “Gassy” was a barkeep and Yorkshire seaman who came to Vancouver with $6, his native wife, and a yellow dog. He started the area’s first saloon in 1867, back when “gassy” meant talkative. Today, this area is a delightful mix of old architecture and a modern social and business scene. You’ll find hip boutiques and cafés in this home of the famous Gastown Steam Clock. The district’s reputation as a favorite drinking spot continues at numerous trendy nightclubs. The cobblestone streets are home of the city’s biggest tech and media firms.