Vancouver, a unique blend of modernity and nature thanks to the magnificent mountains overlooking the city and the Pacific coastline, combines the aura of several world-renowned cities.

Sure, Vancouver is on the other side of the Canadian coast, making it much further away than other more obvious destinations, such as Toronto or Montreal, but the city is surrounded by an extensive mountainous backdrop that makes the landscape unique in every sense of the word and surely worth a visit.

This is not to mention the fact that Vancouver was ranked the 19th most livable city by lifestyle magazine Monocle thanks to a high standard of living, fresh air, and a balance between modern day comfort and natural splendor.

Indeed, Vancouver’s unique blend of elements has made it a hub for movie and TV production.

As a resident of Montreal, I am particularly envious of their mild winters and the easy access to the beach.

Known as one of the three biggest cities in Canada, Vancouver’s culture and natural beauty, which are juxtaposed by its glass and steel skyline, solidifies it as one of the must see cities of the West Coast.

A deeper look

Like many other many cosmopolitan cities, Vancouver enjoys a vast array of ethnic, cultural and entertainment districts thanks to it being a melting pot of different nationalities.

The city center is the gateway to enjoy all that the city has to offer, from shopping and entertainment to its lucrative financial districts.

On the city’s West Side, which has several well-established neighborhoods, Stanley Park encompasses beaches, eateries and many little charming shops, while the Downtown Eastside (DTES), one of the oldest neighborhoods in Vancouver, offers its very own China Town, the trendy “False Creek”, a short inlet in the middle of Vancouver that separates the downtown area from the rest of the city, and Gastown, a natural historic site.

Granville Island: A must-see

Visit Granville Island and enjoy a mini-city built around a public market. Home to mouth-watering food, the area is a hub for artists and musicians and offers a mesmerizing mix of the city’s industrial past and modern architecture.

With all it has to offer, it comes by no surprise that more than 10.5 million tourists flock to this magical city every year.

Once upon a mountain top

Located a mere 15 minutes away from the city center, Grouse Mountain is a natural attraction and tourists, naturally, gravitate toward one of nature’s most scenic points.

The famous Grouse Mountain sky ride provides an aerial trip within the skies to the Alpine Station. This once-in-a-lifetime experience will show you a full panoramic view of the city, sea and mountain peaks.

A night out in the 20’s

Built in 1927, The Orpheum is the ideal place to enjoy a classy night out on the town. Put on your finest and do book for an unforgettable night at the theater. You can choose from a wide range of events, including classical music, concerts, opera and Broadway shows to satisfy virtually any cultural craving.

For aquatic lovers

The Vancouver Aquarium is a satisfying attraction for all ages. It’s the perfect family destination, where both kids and parents will enjoy a hands-on experience.

With 500,000 different animals to see, you will find it hard to take your eyes away from the beauty that our aquatic neighbors enjoy. Don’t forget to sign up for the close up and personalized visit to the marine animals. For you water animal lovers, take advantage of the behind-the-scenes tour to familiarize yourself with the caretaking needs required by these gorgeous animals.

Have the tropical itch?

Then you must visit the Bloedel Conservatory. It’s a controlled, domed-shaped environment where you will first-handedly experience the tropical world. More than 200 species of free flying, exotic – yes, exotic — birds. Easily described as a trip to the Amazon, enjoy a stroll with these exotic creatures of nature and trees atop the highest point in Vancouver.

For art fanatics…

Back on dry land, The Vancouver Art Gallery is definitely a touristic hit. Located in downtown Vancouver, this 1900s traditional building is home to many international and national acclaimed artists. Hypnotize your eyes and indulge your brain with artwork this stretches among various eras.

On a sunny day…

Make sure you visit Stanley Park, one of Canada’s natural historic sites. Stanly Park is a West Coast rainforest surrounded by a buzzing urban city. It’s about 400 hectares of natural beauty. Do take a stroll alongside the Seawall, a scenic 22km path that lines Vancouver’s waterfront, where you will enjoy endless trails gazing upon water, mountains and trees. It’s an excellent way to enjoy a beach day out within an urban city, so make sure you pack your swimsuits.

For the strong hearted…

The trip must end with a visit to the Capilano Suspension Bridge Park. Walk across the forest from above on a thin bridge with only the abyss of the wilderness beneath you and enjoy a hike that dates back to the 1800s and experience British Columbia’s wild natural beauty like it’s meant to be.

And for the really strong-hearted out there…

Experience flying like never before.

Fly over Canada. Without leaving Vancouver, you will enter into a different zone.

With your body hanging and your feet dangling, you will experience a simulated West to East Coast trip across this magnificent country.

You will cover a range of 6,000 km without the added strain on your wallet.

The only drawback is the rain, so be fully equipped with waterproof travel goodies.

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