Museum of Anthropology
The structures of Vancouver, Coast & Mountains are bound to impress even the savviest of architecture and engineering enthusiasts. Take in an up-close view of the mighty Fraser River as you stand above its narrowest point on the Hell's Gate Suspension Bridge. Marvel at one of the world's most incredible spans of railway, the Othello Tunnels . Learn about the complexities of the creation of power on a visit to the Powerhouse at Stave Falls.
Or you can cross the nerve-wrackingly shaky Capilano Suspension Bridge. In Vancouver , tour notable buildings from all eras and styles, including the Museum of Anthropology, Vancouver Library Square , the Marine Building , Canada Place, and Gastown , the city's first neighbourhood.
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Much-photographed Canada Place is one of the most recognized landmarks in Vancouver.
Built originally as Canada Pavilion for Expo '86, the design pays homage to the country's maritime heritage and recognizes the province as Canada's gateway to the Pacific.
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Naturally thrilling since 1889, Capilano Suspension Bridge is breathtakingly suspended 135 m (450 ft) across, 70 m (230 ft) above Capilano River. Cross over to Treetops Adventure & walk from one magnificent Douglas fir to another via 7 elevated suspension bridges, some reaching as high as 30 m (100 ft) above the forest floor.
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Who can resist visiting a place with a name like "Hell's Gate"? At peak spring levels, a volume of water twice that of Niagara Falls rushes through the gorge. Enjoy a closer look via the aerial tramway or suspension bridge.
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The museum showcases over 13,000 pieces of First Nations and international artifacts. Highlights include the immense doors at the main entrance, carved by four master Gitxsan artists and the totem poles in the Great Hall.
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If you've ever been curious about the creation of electricity, a trip to the Power House at Stave Falls is a must. Interactive games and informative displays pay homage to the story of this province's relationship with the power industry.
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Othello Tunnels
In the early 20th century, the Canadian Pacific Railway was determined to link the
Kootenay Rockies region of BC to the coast by rail. Rather than bypass the Coquihalla Gorge -a 91-m (300-ft) chunk of solid granite- the Othello Tunnels were constructed by slicing through five different rock faces almost entirely by hand.
Today, the tunnels, located near Hope , are recognized as a spectacular feat of engineering - and boasted to be the world's most expensive mile of railway track.
A flashlight is recommended as lighting is dim
> Coquihalla Canyon Park website .
Designed by Moshe Safdie and Associates with Downs Archambault and Partners, the Vancouver Library Square became an instant landmark upon its completion in 1995.
The largest capital project ever undertaken by the city, the square contains Vancouver's Central Library (public), a federal government office tower as well as retail shops and services. It occupies a complete city block.
The seven-storey, rectangular-box structure houses book stacks and library services. This is surrounded by a free-standing elliptical wall which features reading areas accessible by bridges. The roof of the library serves as a large, public garden.
The glass-roofed concourse serves as an entry foyer. Here, visitors will find lots of pedestrian activity, shops and eateries.
> Vancouver Library website .
Marine Building
Once the tallest building in the British Empire, the 1930 Marine Building is an internationally acclaimed Art Deco structure.
Envisioned by Lt. Commander J.W. Hobbs, who dreamed of a New York-style skyscraper in Vancouver , the building serves as a testament to the city's maritime influences. The firm of McCarter and Nairne brought Hobbs' vision to life.
Its main lobby employs a ship's prow as lighting, while a frieze of waves and sea creatures wraps around the building's fronts. Green- and blue-tiled walls confirm the ocean's influence on the project.
The Marine Building is located near downtown Vancouver's waterfront.
Gastown
The historic district of Gastown is Vancouver's oldest neighbourhood. Still as colourful as ever, it is a favourite destination of tourists.
A daytime stroll down its cobblestone streets reveals artist studios, designers' shops, First Nations' galleries and antique stores in refurbished heritage buildings. Gastown is also home to the world's first steam-powered clock, now one of the city's most photographed attractions.
Gastown's structures share a common Late Victorian and Edwardian commercial vernacular indicative of the region's development in the late 19th century. Visitors are encouraged to check out the old Canadian Pacific Railway Station of 1912 for a tangible example of the decorative tastes of the time.
Gastown is within easy walking distance of downtown Vancouver .
A word or two on your visit:
Approximate time required: 1-2 hours
A word or two on safety:
Be mindful of the fact that Gastown, while very safe, is partially located in a more graphic part of the city
> Gastown website .
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