Why Visit Vancouver, British Columbia

Because I really like it and that means you probably will also. I've only been there twice but thoroughly enjoyed it both times. I think part of the reason I enjoy cruising to Alaska is because I get to spend a day or so in Vancouver! It's going to take several trips to see everything I want to see and do in the area.

Economically Canada is a good buy also. Unfortunately, not at good as my first trip in August of 2001, but as of this writing (Sept. 2006) the US dollar is worth about 20% more than the Canadian dollar. So, that's a 20% savings on your trip and all purchases in the country. Their duty free shop at the airport is great - I remember stocking up on bottles of Clinique make-up, Canadian Whiskey and gift items on my very first trip. If you're going on an Alaskan cruise, this is a good place to pick up gift for the folks back home because of the exchange rate. Many Alaskan themed items are available in the Vancouver area. There is also a great Christmas shop I visited (and left a little money at too) with lovely ornaments and holiday decorations, candies, etc.

Vancouver is one of the world's most beautiful cities and ports, and boasts a huge variety of things to do and see. It's a place where you can snow ski in the morning and sail the very same afternoon. It's a very green city with rain forests, parks, and places where you can fish, camp, hike and mountain bike all within the city limits.

The hop-on-and-off trolley and double-decker buses are a great help in getting to the city sites, including Stanley Park. They pick up at many hotels and at all the main sites. Vancouver itself is so beautiful that the drive alone is worth it. Ask at your hotel where the closest pick-up point is - ours was 20 yards from the front door of our hotel. You pay when you board and I think you can purchase a two-day pass. This is a great deal because there is no need for grabbing a cab and theses busses run pretty late into the evening.

You'll want to pick up some brochures and maps before you get started, so stop at Canada Place, the Vancouver's Tourism Office or check with your hotel concierge/staff. Most of Vancouver's major attractions are within walking distance from area hotels or within reach by public busses and/or trolleys. The only time I took a cab was to/from the airport and cruise ship.

Old Gastown, is the site of the first commercial area in town when Vancouver was built. Its refurbished warehouses are now a trendy shopping and dining center, with galleries, historic markers, statues, even a steam-driven clock, adding to the character of the place. And, it's one area I've not yet been too! (Well, I have ridden through it, but not stopped and shopped, etc.)

Nearby is the SeaBus which you can take to go across the harbor and explore North Shore where Grouse Mountain and the Capilano Suspension Bridge are located. Climb the Lookout Tower, across from Waterfront Station for superb views of Vancouver and the bay.

Stanley Park is close to downtown and is Vancouver's first park, established in 1886. It is the largest forested park within a city in North America. It features a five-mile Seawall (I didn't know it was called that when I walked part of it) for walking, cycling and roller blading. Within the park are nature trails, a lagoon, beautiful gardens, beaches, a swimming pool, a miniature train, totem pole park, tennis courts, lawn bowling, a cricket green and other things to do and see. It's also the site of many annual festivals and other events. Their aquarium is wonderful and the highlights of this world-class aquarium include beluga whales, a dolphin show and numerous tanks and displays. You can also suit up and feed those whales.

There are plenty of beaches in town and the water is pleasant much of the year. A visit to Sunset or Kits Beach, close to downtown hotels, offers the view of Burrard Inlet and the mountains at North Shore. The Vancouver Museum, the Maritime Museum and the planetarium are located nearby.

Granville Island is just across False Creek from downtown Vancouver. A miniature ferry will take you across to the island - as well as to the Science Center, Maritime Museum and Aquatic Center. Granville Island itself is a mecca for artists with studios, galleries, theatres, along with an art college all located there. The European Market is a fine spot to browse through the wares and enjoy lunch or a snack. A brewery and several restaurants popular with locals are also a part of this unique area.

You'll find an enormous variety of motels and hotels of every type and budget along with charming B & B's. It's a popular place, especially during the Alaskan cruise season so be sure to make reservations early.

Vancouver is a popular city you'll enjoy going to again and again.