Experienced travelers know that Canada has ten provinces. One of them, also the most western one, is British Columbia. Its administrative center is Victoria, but the largest city is Vancouver. It is located on the Berard Peninsula and right across it is Vancouver Island.
A huge country like this has a lot to offer, especially when it comes to possibilities for an unforgettable adventure. Even though most readers would probably choose to see Niagara Falls, a chance to visit a city like Vancouver should not be wasted. It can be explored in so many ways, but if you’re up to a real city adventure Helicopter Tour Vancouver provided by the islandlifeexpeditions.com is an experience worth having.
As for all those things you should visit while staying here, here’s a brief guide on where the adventure will be the most exciting.
The City is known for its Famous Park
Source: destinationvancouver.com
The main and favorite tourist attraction is Stanley Park located in the center of the city. The park is visited annually by about 8 million people. It is surrounded by waters from English Bay and Berard Bay.
It also has a very long history and its territory was the first to be explored and inhabited. Most of the works of art exhibited were created between 1911 and 1937.
In 2014, it was declared the best park in the world.
It is ideal for sports and various family activities.
Mountains
As it is visible from the maps, the city is surrounded by mountains. When the snow falls, skiing and other winter sports are available on the local Cypress, Grouse, and Seymour mountains that stretch from west to east. The ski slopes (there are 52 of them) on Cypress Mountain are located half an hour’s drive from downtown, so they’re practically in the city. Talk about the adventure possibilities… not a lot of cities in the world can offer this.
There are also tubing trails and trails for Nordic skiing. This mountain hosted the Winter Olympics.
In the north of the city, there are two mountains – Whistler and Blackcomb. You can ski here in the winter and hike in the summer.
Camping
Camping is also popular, both among locals and tourists is possible in Golden Ears, Garibaldi, Juan de Fuca parks, and in the park next to Lake Alice.
Walk on the wild side – Capilano Suspension Bridge
Source: en.wikipedia.org
At least one million tourists cross the suspension bridge under which the Capilano River flows every year. The bridge was officially opened in 1889 and redesigned in 1956. The etymology of the word Capilano comes from the word Kia’palano of the Squamish tribe. Literally translated, Capilano means wonderful river. That was the name of the last chief of the tribe. The bridge is 140 meters long, and the drop to the river is 70 meters. The bridge is surrounded by dense rainforest.
Here, educational tours are organized every day regarding the preservation of the forests that mean life. A newer attraction is the Capilano Canyon – Cliffwalk.
At the end of November, the Capilano Bridge and Park have transformed into a fairy-tale scene thanks to the Festival of Lights. Capilano Park also has several restaurants, cafes, and souvenir shops. All objects are made of wood and adapted to nature.
Science World
The basic mission of the Scientific World institution and museum is to bring together all the scientific achievements of British Columbia in one place. The foundation of this idea and the beginnings of its realization took place in 1977. There are several galleries within the museum. Most of the events here, as well as education, are adapted to children.
Children are taught here how to work as a team on a project such as making robots. During the summer, camps are organized and children become scouts.
The scientific world exists in order for future mature people to become familiar with the complexity and importance of scientific, technical, and ecological achievements in the most creative and interactive way.
Some Interesting Facts About the City
Source: whitewaterwest.com
Although it may not be among the top 10 most beautiful cities in the world, when we talk about the quality and standard of living, it proudly ranks 4th on the list of the best cities in the world. When it comes to cleanliness, it is in 10th place.
- The largest swimming pool in Canada is located here. It is located outdoors, operates in the summer, and is filled with salt water from the ocean. The pool is three times larger than an average Olympic pool. Definitely an adventure worth taking while you’re visiting.
- Real estate is the most expensive in all of Canada. Buying an apartment in New York or Los Angeles is an expensive investment, and Vancouver stands side by side with them.
- After New York and Los Angeles comes Vancouver when it comes to the size and importance of the film industry in the territory of North America. That’s why Vancouver is also known as Hollywood North.
- Stanley Park is about 10% larger than the area of Central Park in New York.
- The Vancouver Aquarium is ranked 5th among the best aquariums in the world.
- In downtown Vancouver, people mostly live in buildings, there are almost no houses.
- Vancouver has the mildest and warmest climate in Canada.
- One of the oldest and most successful environmental groups, Greenpeace was originally founded and launched in Vancouver.
- It has the largest ship terminal in the world.
It is a city that tourists visit regardless of the season. It has adapted to the nature in which it is immersed and should be experienced fully. So, if you’re up for an adventure of a lifetime, while you’re in Canada, make sure this city is on your list of places to visit.
