Vancouver is the largest city in British Columbia and, as such, can be counted on to provide all of the arts, food and entertainment attractions one would expect from a young and vibrant city. She is also not without her historical charm. Check out Tourism Vancouver’s website for all she has to offer: http://www.tourismvancouver.com/do/activities-attractions/

In the meantime, some “must sees”:

A visit to Stanley Park, in downtown Vancouver, will offer the active outdoorsy visitor many trail walks through the forest, or a brisk walk, jog or bike ride along the 22 kilometer seawall that encircles the park. Not that ambitious? Simply sit on a bench and watch the activity in English Bay, have a romantic picnic in the park or take a stroll along Denman Street and stop for a bite to eat or a cup of coffee at any of a myriad of eateries.

Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains is the world renowned ski area made more famous in 2010 when Vancouver played host to Winter Olympics. The stunning scenery along Howe Sound is well worth the 2 hour drive from our home.

An hour and a half sail on BC Ferries, will deliver you to Victoria, the provincial capital. You’ll want to spend most of your time at the Inner Harbour especially if your stay is short. Walk the flower draped streets; enjoy cream tea at the Empress Hotel; take a whale watching tour; or shop, eat, drink and drop. But don’t try to do it all in one day. Downtown Victoria alone has enough to offer for at least a weekend.

A few more suggestions:

• Test your nerve on a walk across the Capilano (for a fee) and/or Lynn Canyon (free) Suspension Bridges;
• Take the Gondola up to the Peak of Vancouver on Grouse Mountain, a great activity in summer or in winter whether you ski or not;
• Enjoy a sunset dinner cruise around Vancouver Harbour and False Creek;
• Experience a virtual tour of the rest of Canada at FlyOver Canada, located at Canada Place;
• Vandusen Botanical Garden, Queen Elizabeth Park, and UBC Botanical Gardens