VancouverVancouver encompasses a land area of about 114 square kilometres, giving it a population density of about 5,249 people per square kilometre (13,590 per square mile). Located on the Burrard Peninsula, Vancouver lies between Burrard Inlet to the north and the Fraser River to the south. The Strait of Georgia, to the west, is shielded from the Pacific Ocean by Vancouver Island. The vegetation in the Vancouver area was originally temperate rain forest, consisting of conifers with scattered pockets of maple and alder, and large areas of swampland (even in upland areas, due to poor drainage).

Vancouver’s sights

Capilano Suspension Bridge

Vancouver Aquarium

Vancouver Lookout

Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Chinese Garden

Vancouver Art Gallery

Science World

Grouse Mountain

CAPILANO SUSPENSION BRIDGE PARK

The 137m long, 70m high Capilano Suspension Bridge has thrilled visitors since 1889. While the wobbly bridge and stunning location is a Vancouver landmark, Capilano Suspension Bridge Park offers an all-encompassing BC experience. History, culture and nature are presented in unique and thrilling ways with knowledgeable staff and interpretive signage providing as much, or as little, information as guests want.

VANCOUVER AQUARIUM

The Vancouver Aquarium is home to over 70,000 fascinating creatures including majestic beluga whales, Pacific white-sided dolphins, curious sea otters, harbour seals and Steller sea lions!You’ll also find moon jellies, the Scarlet ibis, anacondas, a sea turtle, giant Pacific octopus, sharks, moray eels, three-toed sloths and thousands of brilliantly-coloured fish.

VANCOUVER LOOKOUT

Vancouver Lookout at Harbour Centre is the BEST FIRST STOP, with a spectacular 360° view of Metro Vancouver, the majestic North Shore Mountains and perhaps even Vancouver Island just off the Pacific Coast. Your experience starts as you climb the outside of the building in an exterior glass elevator, which takes approximately 45 seconds from street level to the deck. On arrival, you are delivered 167 m on top of one of the most beautiful cities in the world.

Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Chinese Garden

Step back in time to 15th Century China at the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden. The first of its kind outside of China, the Garden is an inspiring example of two cultures coalescing to create a window into a traditional world containing lessons relevant to today. Return to a sense of childhood wonder and excitement when you step behind the high white walls and discover the secret world inside. Immerse yourself in a classic Chinese scholar's garden-home, learn about yin-yang, be guided along winding covered walkways into pavilions with local aficionados and share a breathtaking journey of discovery.

VANCOUVER ART GALLERY

The Vancouver Art Gallery was founded in 1931 and had its first home at 1145 West Georgia Street. In 1983 it moved to the Hornby Street location, the former provincial courthouse. The Gallery has 3,850 m2 of exhibition space and more than 10,000 works in its collection, most notably its Emily Carr collection. It has also amassed a significant collection of photographs. In addition to exhibitions of its own collection, the Gallery regularly hosts touring exhibitions. The Gallery also regularly features a variety of public programmes and lectures.

Vancouver Science World

Science World runs a variety of outreach programs all over the province of British Columbia, including (until 2013) at their classroom in Aberdeen Centre in Richmond, BC, and in more remote locations such as Haida Gwaii and Ladysmith.Their On the Road programmers travel throughout the province to conduct workshops and present science-themed shows in schools and communities that, otherwise, would not have access to a local science centre. As part of their Super Science Club program, Science World educators conduct after-school programs in designated inner-city schools to inspire at-risk children to become passionate about lifelong science and technology learning.

A GUIDE TO GROUSE MOUNTAIN

Skyride Few experiences are more quintessentially Vancouver than being surrounded by pristine mountain wilderness while admiring a view of the gleaming city below. The Skyride climbs to 1,100 metres (3,700 feet) in just 8 minutes. You'll dangle above the piney mountainside while taking in the cityscape and views of neighbouring peaks, the Pacific Ocean, inlets and bays, and the Gulf Islands. Departs daily, every 15 minutes 9 am-10 pm.