Vancouver was also named a Top 100 World Destination pick in TripAdvisor's 2008 Travelers' Choice awards, and one of ten Best Family Vacations in Canada in the 2011 Travelers' Choice awards. Vancouver has been chosen as the world's "Most Liveable City" in 2011 by the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU), a title it has been awarded eight times since 2002.
Highlights of the city include:
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, one of North America's five largest aquariums.
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.
2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games
Relive memories from the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games with attractions and activities related to the Olympics. Visit the Olympic Cauldron, take a photo of Vancouver's inukshuk, ski at Cypress Mountain (site of the freeskiing and snowboard events during the Games), and much more.
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.
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.
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.
Museum of Anthropology
Home to one of the world's most magnificent collections of First Nations totem poles, carvings and other artifacts, the Museum of Anthropology 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.
Capilano Suspension Bridge
It's shaky, but worth the walk across the swaying Capilano Suspension Bridge – located in the middle of a lush west-coast rainforest – for thrilling canyon views 70m/230ft below.
Gastown
Vancouver began in Gastown. Stroll down charming cobbled streets, explore heritage buildings and mews, visit unique stores and dine in restaurants that range from quirky to gourmet.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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