 False Creek
Albert Normandin photo
Vancouver is also a Proud Torch Relay Community. Learn more about the Torch Relays >>
Did You Know?
The Official Countdown Clock at the Vancouver Art Gallery counts down each passing second to the official start of the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.
Weather and Climate While this sea-level port city is known for its temperate climate, the surrounding snow-covered slopes are the venues for winter sports and breathtaking views of the city twinkling below. Vancouver is one of the few places in the world where it's possible to ski in the morning and sail in the afternoon.
With such a changeable micro-climate, it's always best to be prepared. Check Vancouver Weather reports before heading out on a day's adventure.
World Media Attention Named "Top City of the Americas" in Condé Nast Traveler magazine's 2009 Readers' Choice Awards, the world's "Most Liveable City" by the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) in 2005, and a Top 100 World Destination pick in Trip Advisor's 2008 Traveller's Choice Awards, Vancouver offers travellers both outstanding opportunities for outdoor adventure and the sophisticated amenities of a world-class city.
Learn more about Vancouver's Sights, Events, Activities and Things to See and do:
Highlights of the city include:
2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games Look to Metro Vancouver for venues that will host ceremonies, covered ice events and cultural festivities. Cypress Mountain, towering over Vancouver will host freestyle skiing and snowboard events. Alpine skiing, biathlon, cross-country skiing, bobsleigh and luge will be run in Whistler. But why wait for the Games? Learn more about the 2010 Olympic Winter Games.
Stanley Park
 Only have time to do one thing in Vancouver? Cycle or stroll along the Stanley Park seawall, a paved 10km/6mi loop with magnificent mountain, ocean, forest and city views. While in Stanley Park, visit to the internationally-acclaimed Vancouver Aquarium Marine Science Centre, one of North America's five largest aquariums.
> More about Stanley Park
> More Gardens & City Parks in Vancouver
Granville Island
 From downtown, hop on one of the small passenger ferries that look similar to bathtub toys as they cruise through False Creek to Granville Island, famous for its year-round indoor farmer's market, boutique micro-brewery, street buskers, artisan studios and live theatre.
> More about Granville Island
> More Shopping in Vancouver
Grouse Mountain
 While many people prefer to hike up to the top via the Grouse Grind, also known as "Mother Nature's Stairmaster," an equally scenic (and less strenuous) option is to ride up on the 100-passenger tram, appreciating breathtaking panoramic vistas of the Lower Mainland en route.
> More about Grouse Mountain
> More Hiking in Vancouver
Robson Street
 Every major city has a famous shopping and cruising strip; Vancouver's is Robson Street. Head here for the high fashion, trendy restaurants and bars, the coffee-shop culture and even a little star spotting; don't forget, this is the Hollywood of the North, and Robson Street is a favourite spot for visiting stars to shine.
> More about Robson Street
> More Vancouver Neighbourhoods
Vancouver Lookout & Canada Place
 On a clear day, ride to the top of the Vancouver Lookout for 360-degree views of the city. Then descend to Canada Place, an enormous public pier that stretches out into the harbour like the prow of a ship and houses the Vancouver Convention and Exhibition Centre. Almost a million passengers each year board cruise ships here, most bound for Alaska.
> More Vancouver Viewpoints
UBC Museum of Anthropology
 Home to one of the world's most magnificent collections of First Nations totem poles, carvings and other artifacts, the museum is housed in an award-winning glass-and-concrete building designed by the world-renowned architect, Arthur Erickson, based on traditional Northwest Coast post-and-beam structures.
> More about the UBC Museum of Anthropology
> More Museums in Vancouver
Capilano Suspension Bridge
 It's shaky, but worth the walk across this swaying suspension bridge - located in the middle of a lush west-coast rainforest - for thrilling canyon views 70m/230ft below.
> More about Capilano Suspension Bridge
> More Buildings, Bridges & Structures in Vancouver
Gastown
 Vancouver began here. Stroll down charming cobbled streets, explore heritage buildings and mews, visit unique stores and dine in restaurants that range from quirky to gourmet.
> More about Gastown
> More Neighborhoods in Vancouver
Vancouver Public Library Square
 Some go for the books, but most go for the architecture. Think ancient Roman Coliseum meets reconstructionist, post-modernism and it will be evident why this full city block became an instant landmark in 1995.
> More about the Vancouver Public Library Square
> More Bridges, Buildings & Structures in Vancouver
Chinatown and Chinatown Night Market
 Vancouver is home to one of the largest Chinese communities in North America. Its downtown Chinatown (the other major centre is in Richmond) is worth a visit for the historic buildings (including the world's narrowest), exotic markets and herbal apothecaries, not to mention bargains on imported goods, particularly kitchen supplies.
During late spring and summer, the streets are closed to vehicles once a week for the Chinatown Night Market, an exotic flea market with everything from great fashion finds to bargain Asian food.
> More about Chinatown
> More Vancouver Neighbourhoods
Celebration of Light
 Each year English Bay is lit up in a symphony of fire when Vancouver hosts a four-night spectacular international fireworks competition.
> More Festivals & Events in Vancouver
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