Vancouver
Sightseeing - With Britsh Columbia's rapidly
growing Chinese community, Chinatown is a place you
cannot miss. The architectural styling seen in Vancouver's
Chinatown is unique in Canada, because these buildings
are inspired by Canton architecture. Be sure to see
the Sam Kee Bulding, which is recognized by "Ripley's
Believe It or Not" to be the narrowest building
in the world.
Grouse Mountain is home to Vancouver's
many winter sports and games. It has extensive night
skiing, restaurants, and bars. The cable car ride
in itself is fun, and the skiing and snowbaording
runs are good for those who are novices in winter
sports.
Stanley
Park - A few blocks from downtown Vancouver,
Stanley Park is a refreshing change of scenery. It
is a thousand-acre wilderness that is fun and interesting
to explore.
Robson Street has eclectic mixes
of shopping options for those who are in for a day
of purchasing anything. The street has a place for
everyone, from those who want to buy souvenirs to
those who are looking to get high-fashion purchases.
The VanDusen Botanical Gardens used
to be a golf course, but is currently possibly the
home of largest collection of ornamental plants. The
native and exotic plant displays are a photographic
treat, and those who are fond of gardening shouldn't
hesitate to visit.
One
of Vancouver's highlights, Gastown,
is named after its original townsite saloonkeeper
"gassy" Jack Deighton. This is the place
where Vancouver originated, and this is evident from
the old traditional architecture that is dominant
in this area.
The UBC Botanical Garden has a varied
public display of temperate plants from around the
world, particularly Asian, alpine and native plants.
Plant sales and special events like the Applefest
attracts tourists and locals alike.
Maplewood Farms is a mere 20 minute
drive away from Vancouver. Childrena and adults alike
will have fun seeing and petting the many barnyard
animals.
Granville Island has a few residents,
mostly houseboat and fishing communities. The Granville
Island Public Market is the place for good food purchases.
Children will especially enjoy Granville Island's
"Kids Only Market", which sells toys, dolls,
chemistry sets, and other things that tickle a kid's
fancy.
The Vancouver Aquarium is an Amazon
rainforest gallery that features several flora and
fauna. Among their displays are piranhas, giant cockroaches,
tropical birds, and rainforest vegetation. It is also
the home of a huge display of underwater life in British
Columbia.