Vancouver
British Columbia
Description: Vancouver is located on the west coast of Canada in British Columbia, about 45km north of the US border. Behind Toronto and Montreal, Vancouver is the third largest city in Canada. Like many cities in the West, Vancouver was founded in the course of the beginning gold rush around the year 1860 and quickly developed into a large city. In 2010, the city hosted the Winter Olympics.
Our rating: So far we have visited Vancouver twice (1998 and 2002). We enjoyed the city very much and found it not overcrowded and very relaxed. Additionally, nature around the city invites you to go on excursions and offers a lot of variety. Since our last visit was very long ago, some things may have changed. We would definitely visit the city again, should we ever be in the area.
Downtown Vancouver
Description: Downtown Vancouver is similar to many other major cities in North America. There are numerous skyscrapers housing mainly offices and apartments. There are also many restaurants and stores. The great location of the city directly on the sea is special. Worth seeing is the harbor where the big cruise ships dock and the historic Gastown.
Our rating: We really liked the city. It gave us a friendly and relaxed impression. We had a lot of fun strolling through the streets and experiencing everything.
Stanley Park
Description: Stanley Park is located directly outside the city and is the largest city park in Canada. The park is huge and can even be circled by car. There are numerous opportunities for recreation and is, among other things, also home to a huge aquarium.
Our rating: The park is great and should be part of every visit to Vancouver. There are numerous pretty points where you can linger. The park also offers a great view of the city's skyscrapers. We liked it very much and we would return at any time.
Stanley Park/Aquarium
Description: The aquarium is the largest in Canada. In addition, it also serves as a marine biology research center. After there was a public controversy about the keeping of marine mammals in 2014, you won't find any whales and dolphins in the aquarium today.
For the GPS: 845 Avison Way, Vancouver, BC V6G 3E2
Our rating: When we visited the aquarium in July 2002, there were still several beluga whales to admire. Of course, what was interesting especially since one of the animals was pregnant and everyone was eagerly waiting for the birth of a small beluga. For the animals themselves this was of course a catastrophe and so it is a true progress that today no whales are to be found here. Even without the marine mammals such aquariums are interesting and worth seeing.
Lynn Canyon
Description: Actually, the Capilano Suspension Bridge is the most famous bridge among tourists. However, since it was much too crowded for us, we opted for the suspension bridge in Lynn Canyon.
The bridge is 160ft long and 88ft high above the canyon. It was built in 1912 and is reached by a short trail. The entrance is free.
Our rating: We liked the suspension bridge. Especially because the place was very little crowded and we could almost have it to ourselves. The small hiking trail through a pretty forest was also well worth seeing.
