The Vancouver Guide.

A guide to Vancouver City and surrounding area (the Lower Mainland).

Listed on this page are descriptions of the City of Vancouver and it's companion cities. This is not a comprehensive guide to Vancouver, mainly a "quick idea starting point."
Links to common Vancouver attractions

Canada Place, home of the Cruise Ships. Courtesy of G. Blanke.

Land area 113.1 square km
Population of the City of Vancouver 543,871
Greater Vancouver 1,831,665

Vancouver has become a prime travel destination in recent years, and has recently been designated as one of the top travel destinations in North America. With our year round "fair weather" and close proximity to nature, visitors find that most areas of interest are an easy drive. Our mild weather gives year round appeal when compared to other areas of North America, which become "frozen in inactivity" during winter months. Yes, we are famous for our rain. However the bright sunny days more than compensate for the "off" days.

Vancouver is bordered by it's companion cities Burnaby, North and West Vancouver, and Richmond. Within an hours drive of the main downtown core are New Westminster, Delta, Surrey, Ladner, Tsawwassen, Whiterock, Coquitlam, Port Moody, Maple Ridge, Haney, Mission, Abbotsford, Aldergrove and many other small towns. The term "Lower Mainland" refers to the South Western area of British Columbia, which includes all of the cities mentioned above, and stretches approximately 100 miles from Vancouver to Hope.

Westside Vancouver description:
People travel to Vancouver for it's many attractions, the West Side area is close to downtown core (5 to 10 minute drive) yet still retains the friendly "neighbourhood" atmosphere of many smaller cities. Vancouver International Airport is an easy 15 minute drive from most points on the West Side. Beaches, parks gardens and many popular tourist attractions are located in this area. Some of the more popular attractions in the area are: VanDusen Botanical Gardens, Museum of Anthropology, University of British Columbia, Kitsilano Beach, Granville Island, Queen Elizabeth Park, Vancouver Museum, Maritime Museum, Science World, MacMillan Observatory
Central Vancouver description:
Central Vancouver, the hub of Vancouver neighbourhoods, provides easy access to so many points in and out of the city. Central Vancouver is comprised of Vancouver's liveliest areas, many with a distinct ethnic past.
"Commercial Drive", the long time Italian District, offers an eclectic retail and restaurant experience while being 5 minutes by car, to downtown Vancouver. It is the most popular rental area in the city.
Just north of "The Drive" is an old Vancouver neighbourhood bordered by Vancouver's Industrial Waterfront. The "Wall Street " area has the oldest and second largest park in the city, an outdoor swimming pool and is both a 10 minute drive to downtown Vancouver and Grouse Mountain.
Just south of both these neighbourhoods is an area east of Queen Elizabeth Park. This is a quiet family area with good transportation links to other parts of the city. It is walking distance to the largest antique shopping district, along Main Street and world-renowned Queen Elizabeth Park.
Just to the west of Commercial Drive is "Strathcona", Vancouver's oldest and most actively gentrifying neighbourhood. This area has the largest collection of original turn-of-the-century homes, and is walking distance to Chinatown and downtown and the Seaside Stanley Park bicycle route.

Accommodations in the Vancouver area.
Shopping and Dining in the Vancouver area.
For listings throughout BC see the Accommodations by city page.
Index of Vancouver attractions.

To the west, accessible by ferry, is Vancouver Island. Vancouver Island is a popular travel destination, with Victoria being it's largest city (and the Capitol of B.C.).

Top of Page.

Vancouver Attractions:

Links to common Local Attractions

Areas of interest.

Canada Harbour Place
This ship-like waterfront cultural and economic complex contains the Canada Harbour Place Trade and Convention Centre, a hotel complex, and cruise ship facility.
Foot of Burrard Street. .

Index of Attractions.

Top of Page.

False Creek
False Creek is the inner waterway passing under the Burrard and Granville bridges and extending east as far as the Science World Centre on Main Street. A lot of boating activity, Granville Island Public Market, Science World, bike paths, parks and a sea wall all the way around. This area is a favourite for Vancouverites looking to relax and watch the world go by.

Gastown
This area, where Vancouver began, has cobbled streets, interesting lighting, a steam clock, shops and restaurants. Maple Tree Square is the original point for all Vancouver street addresses. The Gastown area was designated a Provincial heritage site in 1971. Gastown is located in the north-east area of the downtown core.

Granville Island Public Market
This popular market is located under the south end of the Granville Street Bridge. Dining on the wharf, playhouses, fine dining, multitudes of shops of every description.

Robson Square
Architect Arthur Erickson designed this innovative "people-oriented" Provincial Government project containing office and public space. Surrounding a lower level public open square are conference rooms, 2 theatres, exhibition space, dining, an ice-skating rink in winter which converts to an outdoor dance floor and entertainment centre in the summer.

Robson Street
One of Vancouver's more popular, and famous Streets. Also known as "the Street of the Stars," Robson Street has many popular shops, known to be frequented by many movie stars. The street still has a very diverse ethnic flavour and has developed into a very heavy pedestrian traffic area.

Yaletown
Yaletown is Vancouver's newest, trendiest area. Formerly an area of warehouses, which have now been converted to condominiums, restaurants, pubs, shops.....you name it. Yaletown is situated east of Richards Street in downtown Vancouver.

Index of Attractions.

Top of Page.

Art

Vancouver Art Gallery
This sandstone and granite structure was built in 1906 with additions completed in 1912. It was designated as a heritage building in 1974. It initially housed the Senior Law Courts, but became the home of the Art Gallery in 1983. The fountain represent's B.C.'s rugged coastline.
750 Hornby Street.

Index of Attractions.

Top of Page.

Beaches

English Bay Beach
Located in downtown Vancouver's West End this beach is a popular place for all the apartment dwellers.

Kitsilano Beach
A very popular beach located across English Bay from downtown Vancouver.

Jericho Beach
As with all Vancouver beaches Jericho is a very popular summer place. Yacht clubs, expansive park and long walking/bike paths. Located North-West of the 4th and Alma area.

Locarno Beach
Locarno beach is located West of Jericho Beach, where 4th Avenue splits (swing right towards the water.)

Spanish Banks
Adjacent to Locarno Beach is Spanish Banks. This long stretch of shallow sandy beach draws a lot of families. During low tide the waters edge can be a long walk.

Sunset Beach
Located just West of the Burrard Street Bridge on the downtown side of False Creek.

Stanley Park
Stanley Park features 3 very popular beaches.

Wreck Beach
Our famous "clothing optional" beach. Wreck Beach is located at the Western tip of the UBC Endowment Lands. It can be accessed from Marine Drive and a long steep pathway. or by walking along the seawall from Spanish Banks.

Index of Attractions.

Top of Page.

Botanical Gardens

Bloedel Conservatory
Triodetic dome filled with plants from Pacific Rim countries. Located at Little Mountain, the highest point in the city (140 m).
33rd and Cambie Street.

Botanical Gardens
This is a living museum of plants from around the world. The 24 hectare park includes Alpine Gardens, Pacific Coast / Rocky Mountain plants, medicinal plants, an arbour garden, a food garden, an Asian garden, as well as 300 species of rhododendrons.
Gate 8, 6501 North West Marine Drive, U.B.C.

Nitobe Memorial Gardens
Authentic Japanese gardens with outstanding seasonal displays.
Gate 4, Asian Centre, 6501 North West Marine Drive, U.B.C

Van Dusen Botanical Gardens
This 14-hectare former golf course has been transformed into an exquisite botanical garden. A series of stone pathways and wooden bridges ramble through various ecological zones with appropriate plant life emphasized. Special exhibits include a children's garden with sculptured topiary, an Elizabethan-style hedge maze, and a collection of rhododendron, heathers and hollies. Gift shop and restaurant on site.
5251 Oak Street at 37th Ave.

Index of Attractions.

Top of Page.

Cultural

Chinatown
This area was designated as a Provincial Heritage site in 1971. The classical Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Chinese Garden at 578 Carrall, is the only authentic classical Chinese garden outside China, and was built by Chinese artisans who came here specifically for this project. Chinatown is the locale of many exotic shops and restaurants, and the Chinese Cultural Centre at 50 East Pender Street.

Index of Attractions.

Top of Page.

Markets

Granville Island Public Market
The covered farmers market sells fresh food and fish direct from producers and fishermen. Unique shopping, particularly hand-crafts, varied restaurants, live theatre, marine brokerages, boat repair facilities and a local brewery combine to make an unusual atmosphere. The 14 hectare complex, owned by the Federal Government, is located at the south end of the Granville Bridge.

Top of Page.

Index of Attractions.

Museums

Canadian Craft Museum
Canada's first national cultural facility dedicated to craft is a showplace for historical and contemporary Canadian and International crafts.
639 Hornby Street.

Maritime Museum
Display of Vancouver's marine history in permanent galleries and temporary exhibitions highlighting exploration, sailing, fishing, maritime art and the development of the Port of Vancouver. The historic R.C.M.P. vessel, the St. Roch, is housed with the museum as a National Historic site. The schooner, Maple Leaf, is moored in Heritage Harbour. Tours, lectures, films and other special programs are regularly offered.
Located in Vanier Park, 1100 Chestnut Street.

Museum Of Anthropology
Houses a collection of Northwest Coast Indian Art built on Point Grey Cliffs. Display of totem pole, feast dishes, war canoes, carved works in silver, stone and wood, Renaissance ceramics unique to North America and other treasures from around the world.
(U.B.C.) 6393 North West Marine Drive.

Vancouver Archives
The City of Vancouver Archives, acquires, organizes, and preserves Vancouver's historical records, and makes them available to the widest possible audience. The Archives is located next to the H. R. MacMillan Planetarium at 1150 Chestnut Street.

Vancouver Museum
Located in Vanier Park, B.C., the museum contains artifacts and exhibitions of northwestern anthropology. Also at Vanier Park is the Planetarium, the Observatory, Marine Museum and City Archives.
1100 Chestnut Street.

Index of Attractions.

Top of Page.

Parks

Jericho Park
A 45 hectare oceanside park on Vancouver's west side, off 4th Avenue contains beach area, nature walks and Vancouver Youth Hostel.

Pacific Spirit Regional Park
This park contains 50 kilometres of walking, cycling and equestrian trails, the oldest sphagnum bog in the Lower Mainland, and Wreck Beach, where clothing is optional. The park is located in the University Endowment Lands.

Queen Elizabeth Park
The park, also called "Little Mountain" is the City's geographic center. Two former stone quarries have been developed into beautiful ornamental gardens. The east slopes are a showpiece for trees and shrubs indigenous to the B.C. Coast. The top of the park provides a magnificent day and night view of downtown Vancouver and the North Shore mountains. A rose garden, 20 tennis courts, pitch and putt, and disc golf centre are also within the 53 hectare park. The Bloedel Conservatory with surrounding plazas, lighted fountains and covered walkways contains lush tropical and desert displays, as well as a colourful collection of Koi fish and numerous exotic tropical free-flying birds. The triodetic dome consists of 1,490 plexiglass bubbles.
Located at 33rd and Cambie.

Stanley Park
This 405 hectare park, leased to the City by the Federal Government in June 1887, is the largest civic park in Canada and larger than Central Park in New York City which has an area of 340 hectares. Development within the park contains the Vancouver Aquarium, the largest in Canada, children's farmyard, miniature train, Theatre Under the Stars, Totem Pole display, cricket field, Lost Lagoon, footpaths and trails, a pedestrian sea-wall, the Nine O'Clock Gun, and Deadman's Island, previously an Indian burial ground and formerly used as a naval base, and now used by cadets and reserve units. Recreational facilities include a pitch and putt golf course, bathing beaches, tennis courts, Brockton Oval 400 metre cinder jogging circuit, refreshment stands and a restaurant. At the entrance of Stanley Park is the 4 hectare Devonian Harbour Park.

Vancouver Aquarium
Home to more than 8,000 animals and exhibits and galleries representing the aquatic wonders of the Arctic, the Amazon rainforest, the tropical Pacific, as well as killer whales and other Pacific Northwest creatures. Located in Stanley Park. For hours and admission rates call 268-9900

Index of Attractions.

Top of Page.

Science

Pacific Space Centre
(Home of the H. R. MacMillan Planetarium / Gordon Southam Observatory)
In addition to regular star theatre productions, the planetarium also presents a range of programming from laser/rock concerts to family and children matinees. New shows throughout the year.
Located above the Vancouver Museum, Vanier Park, 1100 Chestnut Street.

Science World
Triodetic dome on old Expo '86 site. Great place for the kids! Many hands-on exhibits and dazzling demonstrations. Awesome Omnimax film on the world's largest dome screen.
1455 Quebec Street.

Index of Attractions.

Top of Page.

Sports

B.C. Place Stadium
Vancouver's covered, air supported dome, sports facility close to downtown on False Creek, seats 60,000. North End of Cambie Bridge

Cycling
There are many cycling paths in the Vancouver area.
UBC has trails popular with the "mountainbike" set.
The Seawall The Seawall extends from Kitsilano Beach around False Creek, through English Bay Beach and around Stanley Park. This is a long level ride with only one area (under development) on which riding on the road is necessary.

Index of Attractions.

Top of Page.

Theatres

CN IMAX Theatre
Imax including 3D films projected onto a giant screen five storeys high with Surround Sound. Located at the north end of Canada Place at the foot of Burrard Street by Waterfront SkyTrain Station and the SeaBus Terminal.

Orpheum Theatre
Originally opened on November 8, 1927 as a vaudeville house, the Orpheum was the largest and most opulent theatre on the Pacific Coast. The City of Vancouver purchased the theatre on March 19, 1974 and undertook a complete restoration of the theatre's interior. The Orpheum re-opened on April 2, 1977 as the permanent home of the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra and a restored concert hall that hosts a variety of pop, classical, choral and chamber recitals. Drop by and visit Starwalk on Granville Street and the B.C. Entertainment Hall of Fame.

The Queen Elizabeth Theatre
Built in 1959 by the City of Vancouver, the Queen Elizabeth Theatre truly is at the Centre of Vancouver's Entertainment District. The 70 foot wide proscenium arch stage is the home of Vancouver Opera and Ballet British Columbia and has been host to the finest in touring Broadway Musicals and concerts for nearly forty years.

The Vancouver Playhouse
Opened in 1962, The Vancouver Playhouse Theatre is part of the Queen Elizabeth Theatre complex and is home to the Vancouver Playhouse Theatre Company, Friends of Chamber Music and Vancouver Recital Society. The intimate nature of the Playhouse makes it a "must-see" for the best in live theatre, music and dance.

Index of Attractions.

Top of Page.

Yearly Vancouver Events

Bard on the Beach
Starting in Mid June and ending in late September the Bard on the Beach features a series of Shakespeare favourites performed in tents at Vanier Park at the north-east end of Kitsilano Beach.

International Jazz Festival
Starting towards the end of June and continuing into early July. The venue is spread across various locations throughout Vancouver

Folk festival
This years Folk Festival is on the July 14,15,16 weekend. Various evening and daytime venues.

Dragon Boat Races
A world class event, drawing worldwide competitors. Dragon boats are 22 person canoes. The teamwork and practice involved keeps these boats in the False Creek area starting in early April, leading up to the final races in late June and early July.

GVO (Greater Vancouver Open golf tournament)
This major tour tournament takes places the first week of September.

Molson Indy Car Race
The Molson Indy car race takes place Labour Day Weekend (first weekend of September) to the east of the downtown core. Expect road blockages and heavy traffic in the days leading up to the race.

Pacific National Exhibition (PNE)
Last 2 weeks of August through Labour Day Weekend.

Symphony of Fire
The Symphony of Fire is a fireworks display set to music. One of Vancouver's more spectacular events, taking place the last week of July and first week of August (usually every 4th night).

Index of Attractions.

Top of Page.

Attractions in Surrounding Areas

Areas of interest

Capilano Fish Hatchery
Fish in various stages of growth are visible through glass fronted holding tanks, designed to increase the declining salmon run in the Capilano River.
Located in Capilano Park, off Capilano Road, in North Vancouver.

Cypress Bowl Recreation Area
This area offers a choice of alpine and cross-country skiing for all levels of expertise. The Black Mountain chairlift operates year-round giving access to superb hiking above Howe Sound.
Found at marked exit off Trans-Canada Highway in West Vancouver.

Grouse Mountain
Only 15 minutes from downtown Vancouver, Grouse Mountain offers a superb year-round recreation facility. As you ascend the mountainside on the Super-skyride Gondola, a panorama of land and sea unfolds. The city of Vancouver, beautiful by day, spectacular light display at night, the Strait of Georgia, Vancouver Island in the distance, make this 11 278 metres above the view an incomparable visit.
6400 Nancy Greene Way, North Vancouver.

The Lions
Known locally as "The Mascots", this area is excellent for dedicated hikers. Access from Lion's Bay on the road to Squamish, or via Cypress Bowl.

Index of Attractions.

Top of Page.

Lynn Canyon Suspension Bridge And Ecology Centre
Suspended wooden-slat bridge offers a spectacular view of the rushing water through Lynn Canyon. The Centre offers displays of the relationship between plants, animals and man.
3663 Park Road, Lynn Canyon Park, North Vancouver.

Reifel Bird Sanctuary
A rural remnant of the once vast Fraser estuary marshes, the 344 hectare sanctuary of managed habitat and marshes, preserving it as an area of crucial importance to the countless thousands of migratory birds which annually travel their ages-old path along North America's Pacific flyway. Located 9 kilometres west of Ladner on Westham Island in Delta.

Royal Hudson Train Ride
In 1939, His Majesty King George VI and Queen Elizabeth made a Royal Tour of Canada on the firebox-flashing, whistle-blowing Hudson 2850 that carried them across Canada from Quebec City to Vancouver. Impressed with the performance of the iron horse, King George gave permission to designate the Hudson engines "Royal Hudsons". Today, the sister engine 2860 steams along Howe Sound, between North Vancouver and Squamish, and is the sole remaining steam locomotive in scheduled mainline service on a North American railroad.
For reservations call B.C. Rail at (604) 631-3500.

Greater Vancouver Zoological Centre
Live animals roam 49 hectare paddock where visitors drive or walk between the fields. Features giraffes, lions, tigers, camels, hippos, elephants and 76 other species as well as a children's petting zoo.
Located at 5048 264th Street, Aldergrove

Museums

B.C. Museum Of Mining
Visitors can experience the sights and sounds of a hard rock mine. This National Historic Site has an underground train and live demonstrations of mining equipment. Open mid-May to mid-October.
Highway 99 to Britannia Beach.

Index of Attractions.

Top of Page.

Burnaby Village Museum
Memories of days gone by come to life in this living museum. Fun and education for the whole family in more than 30 indoor and outdoor displays. Hands-on activities and demonstrations depict the 1890-1925 period of life in the Lower Mainland.
6501 Deer Lake Avenue, Burnaby.

Canadian Museum of Flight & Transportation
Located at the Langley Airport.

North Vancouver Museum And Archives
This small museum houses two galleries for temporary exhibits which chronicle changing lifestyles.
333 Chesterfield Avenue, North Vancouver.

Parks

Adventure Park
Tours on the miniature train through the children's animal and fantasy story book displays. Located on Number Five Road and New Westminster Highway in Richmond.

Fort Langley
Once a Hudson's Bay Company outpost, this museum offers a glimpse of early pioneer life in the Lower Mainland. Located off Highway 1, Glover Road in Fort Langley.

Irving House Historic Centre
This 1865, 14 room house is furnished from the 1865-1890 time period. Adjacent to New Westminster Museum which houses 2 floors of local history exhibits.
302 Royal Avenue, New Westminster.

Provincial Parks
Located on the North Shore, Cypress Park and Mount Seymour both offer extensive ski facilities, spectacular hiking and walking trails, and many look-outs offering superb views.

Regional Parks
The Greater Vancouver Regional District municipalities participate in a system of 17 nature, stream, riverside, ocean beach, multi-purpose and mountain parks from Matsqui in the east to Bowen Island in the west.

Index of Attractions.
Top of Page.

Accommodations in the Vancouver area.
Shopping and Dining in the Vancouver area.
For listings throughout BC see the Accommodations by city page.

Tours, Trips & Activities in the Vancouver Area.

Local Links

* PLEASE NOTE
Lynn Canyon Recreational Area is a wonderful "back to nature" type of experience, however there are always certain dangers involved. Although Lynn Creek appears to be a "docile" and "shallow" waterway the current can be very strong. Add to this the fact that it is a canyon, with steep inclines, and loose river banks and you have the chemistry for a tragic event. Year in and year out, young Vancouver people gather to celebrate high school graduation in this area. Tragically, year in and year out, lives are lost.
With that said......... three cheers to the North Vancouver Search and Rescue Team ...... a dedicated group of volunteers, who assist all, at any time, at any place!
PLEASE RESPECT THE POWER OF FAST FLOWING WATER
ALSO NOTE:
The above statement does not only apply to one river in particular, an hours' drive from downtown Vancouver can place a person in a completely wild environment......... common sense should always prevail!

Index of Attractions.

Top of Page.