British Columbia Travel Guide
Canada's most westerly province, British Columbia is sandwiched
between the Rocky Mountains on the east and the mighty Pacific
Ocean on the west, bordered to the south by the USA and to the
north by the Northwest and Yukon territories. Its location on the
Pacific Rim ensures that British Columbia has a rich blend of
cultures, with large numbers of Asian communities living among the
descendants of the English, Scottish, Irish and Welsh pioneers.
Together with the area's own rich indigenous heritage, this makes
for interesting towns and cities with a cosmopolitan ambience.The combination of sea and mountains, together with the broken
coastline sporting hundreds of islands and inlets, gives the
province a diverse set of natural attractions and recreational
opportunities, from world-class winter sports to sailing or hiking
in tall forests. It is especially attractive to travellers who
enjoy the great outdoors, particularly because a good transport
infrastructure of ferries, charter boats, trains and
well-maintained roads makes it possible to access all the best
wilderness spots in British Columbia with ease and comfort.The provincial capital of British Columbia is the city of
Victoria, situated on the southern tip of Vancouver Island, but its
largest and most populated city is Vancouver, known as Canada's
'emerald jewel' because of its green-blue vistas of mountains and
sea.British Columbia is home to four national parks, seven
provincial heritage sites, and hundreds other nature reserves. The
Okanagan area is one of Canada's three wine-growing regions, known
for its extreme terrain with the highest point in the Canadian
Rockies, the highest waterfall in Canada, and the country's only
desert region.The scenic Cariboo Chilcotin Coast is a maze of forests winding
through mountains and plains with hidden lakes dotting the
landscape. The coast has a number of beautiful fjords, and is a
popular destination for canoeing. The volcanic mountains of
Tweedsmuir Provincial Park provide trekking opportunities, and the
Kootenay Rockies have some of the best skiing and snowboarding in
Canada.
British Columbia Travel Guide
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British Columbia Travel Guide
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Description:
The pride of Vancouver's network of parks and gardens, Stanley
Park, covering 1,000 acres (405 hectares), is one of the largest
parks in any urban centre in North America. Situated in the heart
of Vancouver's densely populated West End, stretching out on a
peninsula and surrounded on three sides by water, Stanley Park is
both a refuge for visitors seeking a brief escape from the urban
jungle, a showcase for the natural beauty that surrounds the city,
and an entertainment centre. The park is criss-crossed through its
dense rainforest interior by miles of wide gravel paths surrounding
Beaver Lake and Lost Lagoon. It is home to hundreds of migratory
birds such as Canada geese, swans and ducks, and large populations
of racoons, squirrels, skunks and coyotes. The park has a miniature
railroad, putt-putt gold course, and an aquarium. It is also
possible to walk, jog, cycle or rollerblade around the 6.5 mile
(10.5km) long seawall that encircles the perimeter.
Address:
Georgia Street, Vancouver
Postcode:
Telephone:
Email:
Website:
www.vancouver.ca/parks/parks/stanley/
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Description:
In the west of Vancouver, at the University of British Columbia
on the cliffs of Point Grey, totem poles mark the way to the Museum
of Anthropology, world-renowned for its displays of Northwest Coast
First Nations art. One of its main features is the world's largest
collection of works by internationally acclaimed Haida artist, Bill
Reid, including his famous cedar sculpture 'The Raven and the First
Men'. In the museum's unique Visible Storage Galleries more than
15,000 objects and artefacts from around the world are arranged
according to culture and use. In the grounds of the museum are two
Haida houses to be admired, showing the dramatic beauty of
traditional Northwest Coast architecture.
Address:
University of British Columbia, 6393 Marine
Drive
Postcode:
Telephone:
(604) 822 5087
Email:
info@moa.ubc.ca
Website:
www.moa.ubc.ca
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Description:
Vancouver's Chinatown is not only a strong, established ethnic
community, but also a popular tourist attraction and prosperous
commercial district. Its bustling streets are full of colour and
commerce; even the pagoda-topped telephone booths add to the
atmosphere. Shop displays spill onto the pavements, and tables
groan with the weight of exotic foodstuffs and the strange wares of
the Chinese apothecaries. The Sam Kee Building in Pender Street is
listed in the Guinness Book of World Records as being the narrowest
building in the world, at only six-foot (two metres) wide. This was
the result of a local property owner reacting to the expropriation
of most of his land in 1912 for the widening of the street: Chang
Toy decided to build what he could on the remaining tiny strip.
Another main attraction in Chinatown is the Dr Sun Yat-Sen
Classical Chinese Garden, enclosed behind high walls, that was
built in 1986 at a cost of $5.3-million with the craftsmen and
materials all imported from China. It is a quiet haven of walkways,
pavilions, gnarled trees, water features and natural rock
sculptures. Next door to the Garden is the Chinese Cultural Centre
with its elaborate gated entrance hand-painted in traditional
colours.
Address:
Downtown Vancouver
Postcode:
Telephone:
Email:
Website:
www.vancouver-chinatown.com
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Description:
The fascinating little historic enclave of Gastown, in the
central core area of Vancouver alongside Chinatown, transports
visitors back in time to envision the city in days of old, with its
cobbled streets, antique gaslights, Victorian architecture and maze
of narrow alleys, courtyards and passages wherein hide boutiques
and restaurants. Gastown was named after Vancouver's first settler
and saloon owner, Jack "Gassy" Deighton, whose historic hotel was
destroyed in the Great Fire of 1886 along with much of the city.
The fire swept through the town in less than an hour, leaving only
two of the 400 or so houses standing. "Gassy" Jack has been
immortalised with a statue in Maple Tree Square in Gastown. Another
point of interest is the Lamplighter Pub in the Dominion Hotel,
which was the first Vancouver inn to serve alcohol to women. The
Europe Hotel was the first fireproof building in western Canada,
having been built just after the fire in 1892. Gastown keeps time
with the world's first steam clock, which plays the Westminster
chimes every 15 minutes on five brass steam whistles inside its
cast bronze case. These and many other interesting corners of
Gastown can be explored on a daily walking tour, offered at 2pm
each day between June and August, which starts at the Gassy Jack
statue and takes 90 minutes.
Address:
Postcode:
Telephone:
Email:
Website:
www.gastown.org
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Description:
On Vancouver's north shore, just a 15-minute drive from the
downtown area across the Lions Gate Bridge, is the year-round
mountaintop playground of Grouse Mountain. Ascending the mountain
is part of the adventure in the Super Skyride, a 100-passenger tram
that glides up the steep mountain slopes carrying visitors up
3,700ft (1,100m) above sea level in just eight minutes. At the top,
apart from magical views of the city below, is the 'Theatre in the
Sky', which offers a high-tech presentation about Vancouver. There
is also a cedar longhouse called the Hiwus Feasthouse that offers
the chance to experience native West Coast culture with displays of
dancing, storytelling, chanting and native cuisine. There are
hiking trails up the side of Grouse Mountain and on the east side
one of them features the Grouse Grind, which is billed as the
world's biggest stair-climb. Mountain biking is also a popular
pursuit on the mountainside, as is, of course, skiing and
snowboarding in the winter months.
Address:
6400 Nancy Greene Way, North Vancouver
Postcode:
Telephone:
(604) 984 0661 or (604) 980 9311
Email:
info@grousemountain.com
Website:
www.grousemountain.com
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Description:
Transformed from an ugly stone quarry in the 1950s, the
exquisite Queen Elizabeth Park in Vancouver now boasts lush gardens
bursting with flowers, live theatre, the Bloedel Floral
Conservatory, a restaurant, a Pitch and Putt course and much more.
The park receives about six million visitors annually who come to
enjoy a 360 degree view of Vancouver from its highest point, 505
feet (167m) above sea level. The Bloedel Floral Conservatory, with
its characteristic geodesic dome, is home to over 100 species of
tropical birds that roam free in the area, as well as hundreds of
species of exotic plants and flowers. Other highlights of the park
include the Quarry Garden, J. Seward Johnson's sculpture "The Photo
Session," the Lions Clock and the arboretum, with its fine examples
of indigenous trees from across Canada. Spring is an excellent time
to visit the park as it becomes a riot of colour, with white and
pink cherry blossoms and all sorts of flowers displaying their
finest.
Address:
Cambie Street at West 33rd Avenue
Postcode:
Telephone:
(604) 257 8400 (Vancouver Board of Parks and
Recreation); or (604) 257 8584 (Bloedel Floral
Conservatory)
Email:
pbcomment@vancouver.ca
Website:
www.city.vancouver.bc.ca/Parks/parks/queenelizabeth
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Description:
What was once a run-down industrial area in Vancouver is now a
thriving entertainment and shopping centre, with a vibrant market
central to the Island's activities, as well as the Emily Carr
Institute of Art and Design, a theatre and brewery. The island is
easily accessible, located in the middle of Vancouver under the
Granville Street Bridge on the south shore of False Creek and
linked by a road to the city, barely seeming like a separate
entity, but a relaxing 'city break' nonetheless. The public market
is a riot of colours, smells and tastes and fresh produce, fresh
meats and fish, flowers, tasty treats, crafts, clothing and
souvenirs are on offer. The separate Kids Market is a must for
children, with toy stores, games and more and the Maritime Market
offers everything from boat-builders, a museum and tours, to
appropriate boating clothing and supplies. Visits to the Granville
Island Brewing Company and taste-tests of their brews are possible,
or for something more cultural, one can catch a show at the
Island's theatre or enjoy a student art show at the Emily Carr
Institute. The island has the biggest free waterpark in British
Columbia, open May to September. Perhaps the best way to enjoy the
Island, however, is to grab something to eat from one of the many
stalls, choose a table outside and watch the people go by, or take
a self-guided tour, being sure not to miss the picturesque
houseboats docked at the Island.
Address:
Postcode:
Telephone:
(604) 666 5784
Email:
info@granvilleisland.com
Website:
www.granvilleisland.com
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Description:
Situated in North Vancouver, Lonsdale Quay offers spectacular
views of downtown Vancouver and its harbour, as well as the north
shore mountains, and a variety of shops, restaurants and an
excellent public market. The best way to experience the Quay is to
catch the SeaBus from Waterfront Station on Cordova Street in
downtown Vancouver, a fifteen minute ride that allows one to relax
and enjoy the view, watch seaplanes land and see what cruise ships
are in the harbour, before embarking on some retail therapy. The
market, though slightly smaller than that of Granville Island,
boasts mouth-watering fresh goods, from seafood to fresh fruit and
vegetables, pastries and sweets and there is a wide range of
restaurants available, including Mexican, Greek, Japanese, Indian
and more. There are also a variety of stalls selling all sorts of
arts and crafts, souvenirs and clothing and the retail level boasts
plenty of boutiques, a kids play area and specialty kids stores,
topped by the Lonsdale Quay Hotel. A climb up the Quay's signature
red tower with its large Q on top is a good way to work off all the
delicious food and to enjoy spectacular views of the city and
mountains.
Address:
123 Carrie Cates Court, North Vancouver
Postcode:
Telephone:
(604) 985 6261
Email:
info@lonsdalequay.com
Website:
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Description:
Built in 1889, the Capilano Suspension Bridge is one of
Vancouver's oldest and most popular tourist attractions, with
plenty of activities and sights in the park for visitors to enjoy,
besides the bridge itself. Stretching 450 feet (137m) across and
perched 230 feet (70m) above the Capilano River, the bridge was
originally made of cedar planks and hemp rope, but is now a more
sturdy construction of reinforced steel and concrete; though still
not for the faint-hearted. A recent addition to the park is the
Treetops Adventure, where elevated suspension bridges allow
visitors a spectacular view of the rainforest, while they walk
above the forest floor between Douglas Fir trees. Other attractions
in the park include a story centre, a First Nations Cultural Centre
where visitors can see carvers, weavers and beaders at work, a
large collection of First Nations Totem Poles, and guided tours of
the rainforest. Admission includes all these sights and activities,
and there are also several food options and a shop.
Address:
Capilano Road, North Vancouver
Postcode:
Telephone:
(604) 985 7474
Email:
info@capbridge.com
Website:
www.capbridge.com
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Description:
Established in 1931, the Vancouver Art Gallery boasts thousands
of national and international exhibitions by a range of artists,
sculptors and photographers, housed in a turn-of-the-century
heritage building in the centre of downtown Vancouver. The building
also houses a cafe and shop. National and international touring
exhibitions take place regularly at the Gallery, from Picasso to
Rodin, Andy Warhol and others. Whether you prefer the Old Masters
or more contemporary artists, the Vancouver Art Gallery is well
worth paying a visit.
Address:
750 Hornby Street
Postcode:
Telephone:
(604) 662 4719
Email:
Website:
www.vanartgallery.bc.ca
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Description:
Perhaps one of the best ways to begin one's visit to Vancouver
is with a trip up the Harbour Centre Tower to the Lookout, where
one can enjoy a 360 degree view of the city, Greater Vancouver, the
North Shore mountains and on a clear day, even neighbouring
Vancouver Island. A 45-second trip in the outdoor glass-fronted
Skylift elevator delivers visitors to the Lookout and informative
signs point out key attractions in the city and surrounds. As
tickets are valid for the entire day and evening, visitors can also
enjoy a cup of coffee while watching the sunset from the Lookout or
see the lights of the city begin to twinkle below. The tower is
also home to The Top of Vancouver Revolving Restaurant, though run
separately from the Lookout, and visitors can enjoy the unique
experience of dining above the city while the restaurant completes
a full revolution every hour. The Skylift to the restaurant is
free. The Harbour Centre itself is home to part of the Simon Fraser
University campus, several shops and a food court.
Address:
555 West Hastings Street
Postcode:
Telephone:
(604) 689 0421
Email:
info@vancouverlookout.com
Website:
www.vancouverlookout.com
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Description:
With 22 hectares (55 acres) and roughly 11,000 different plant
species, VanDusen Botanical Garden is a spectacular showcase of the
natural world, right in the heart of Vancouver. Landscaped gardens
are laid out exquisitely and specific areas are cultivated to
demonstrate botanical relationships or geographical origins, such
as the popular Rhododendron Walk or the Sino Himalayan Garden. One
of the most popular events held in the garden is the annual
Festival of Lights, when the beauty of the flowers is matched by
over a million dazzling lights, set up in order to celebrate the
festive season. Choirs and carol singers, visits with Santa, a
Dancing Light display on Lake Island in the park, the Golden Chain
Walk, magicians and tasty treats are all part of this family
favourite, running from 9-31 December each year. Daily walking and
cart tours are available in the garden from April to October at 2pm
and also at 11am on Wednesdays.
Address:
5251 Oak Street (37th Avenue and Oak)
Postcode:
Telephone:
(604) 878 9274
Email:
sharon.brown@vancouver.ca
Website:
www.city.vancouver.bc.ca/parks/parks/vandusen/website
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Description:
Commercial Drive is as non-commercial as it gets, though it has
become one of Vancouver's most eclectic, and increasingly trendy,
neighbourhoods. What started out as a skid road for the lumber
industry in the late 1800s, swiftly became a neighbourhood of
English tradesmen and shopkeepers with the birth of the interurban
railway. World War I brought an influx of Chinese, Italian and
Eastern European immigrants and World War II saw a vast increase in
the Italian population, earning the Drive the moniker 'Little
Italy' for many years. Diversity and energy are still the hallmarks
of this area, and an afternoon is well spent exploring its various
treasures, from all types of food to chic boutiques, second-hand
stores, live music venues and more. Go ice-skating at the Britannia
Community Centre rink or bowling at the Grandview Lanes, enjoy a
delicious Italian gelato or espresso, or simply grab a table at one
of the many bars or restaurants, and people watch. There are always
plenty of festivals and events going on, too, such as the Parade of
Lost Souls on the Saturday before Halloween, the Stone Soup
Festival in May and the Eastside Culture Crawl in November.
Address:
Commercial Drive (from Venables to Grandview)
Postcode:
Telephone:
(604) 251 2884 (Commercial Drive Business
Society)
Email:
info@thedrive.ca
Website:
www.thedrive.ca
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Description:
Tucked in the Strait of Georgia, in between Vancouver Island and
the mainland, are the picturesque Gulf Islands. More than a dozen
of these long, thin islands, and numerous islets, can be found on
Canada's West Coast and each island has its own character and
beauty, making them well worth a visit. Originally home to the
Coast Salish First Nations, the Spanish and English soon followed,
laying claim to the island chain. Nowadays, the islands are home to
artists, writers, retirees and those seeking a more community-based
lifestyle, and many Vancouverites escape to holiday homes tucked in
amongst the rainforest. Large parts of the islands have been
designated as Marine Parks, preserving the land for the numerous
birds and animals that also call the islands home. Bowen Island is
only a 20-minute ferry ride from West Vancouver's Horseshoe Bay and
visitors can enjoy a stroll from Snug Harbour, past the historic
Union Steamship Company store, grab a bite to eat or take a walk in
the Crippen Regional Park. Galiano Island is the second biggest of
the group, and is about the size of Manhattan Island in New York.
Only 50 minutes away on the Tsawassen ferry on the Lower Mainland,
Galiano Island draws all sorts of visitors who come to picnic in
Bellhouse Park; take a walk through the lush rainforest up to
Bluffs Park to enjoy spectacular views of neighbouring Islands;
indulge in a spot of fishing, kayaking or golf; or to visit to one
of the local galleries or shops. Many of the islands host events
and festivals each year where the community spirit and laid-back
atmosphere typical of the Gulf Islands is evident.
Address:
Postcode:
Telephone:
Email:
Website:
www.gulfislandsguide.com
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Description:
With well over a million visitors a year, the hundred-year-old
Butchart Gardens remain a favourite, and one of Vancouver Island's
principal attractions. Situated about 14 miles (21km) north of
Victoria, the Gardens were begun in the early 1900s by Jennie
Butchart (wife of industrialist Robert Pim Butchart) in an
abandoned limestone quarry owned by the family and their fame soon
spread, attracting thousands. Now, 55 acres are open to be
explored, and visitors can wander the paths through exquisitely
laid out gardens, including the Sunken Garden (the original garden
started in the quarry), a Japanese Garden, Rose Garden and Italian
Garden. Spring and autumn are perhaps the best times to visit, when
the Gardens become a riot of colour, though winter and summer hold
their own delights. Every Saturday, from the beginning of July to
the end of September, the Gardens are transformed by a dazzling
fireworks show, as well as a recital on the self-playing, rare
Aeolian Pipe Organ and the Night Illuminations light display. Other
attractions and events in the park include an ice-skating rink and
Twelve Days of Christmas display in December, and afternoon and
evening shows and concerts in summer.
Address:
800 Benvenuto Avenue, Brentwood Bay
Postcode:
Telephone:
(250) 652 5256
Email:
email@butchartgardens.com
Website:
www.butchartgardens.com
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Description:
One of the iconic images of Victoria is the much loved and
well-visited Fairmont Empress Hotel, a fully restored Edwardian
treasure that has seen visits from royalty, celebrities and
travellers from around the world. Set on the banks of Victoria's
Inner Harbour, the Empress is a grand and majestic building full of
stories, retaining its British heritage through its traditional
Afternoon Tea - a popular 'event' with tourists and locals alike
that begun when the hotel opened in 1908. Reservations are
essential up to a week or two in advance and the dress code is
smart casual. The Empress is centrally located, close to the
Parliament Buildings, Royal BC Museum, the Victoria Convention
Centre and various shops and attractions, and now boasts a spa
centre and golf course. This 'Jewel of the Pacific' is a definite
highlight of any visit to Victoria, and for those who can afford
it, it is well worth a stay - you may even receive a visit from one
of the hotel ghosts.
Address:
721 Government Street, Victoria
Postcode:
Telephone:
(250) 384 8111
Email:
theempress@fairmont.com
Website:
www.fairmont.com
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Description:
Built in 1893, the British Columbia Government Parliament
Buildings were initially criticised as an unnecessary expense, but
now form a major tourist attraction in Victoria, as well as serving
as the legislative centre for the province. Designed by 25-year old
architect Francis Rattenbury (who also designed The Fairmont
Empress Hotel), these beautiful buildings and exquisite grounds are
situated at Victoria's Inner Harbour, close to many of Victoria's
other main attractions. Various performances routinely take place
in the grounds and visitors can enjoy the spectacular sight of the
Buildings at night, when over 3,000 lights outlining the buildings
create a fairy-tale like picture. Tours of the Buildings are
available and visitors can observe the House in session from the
public galleries.
Address:
501 Belleville Street, Victoria
Postcode:
Telephone:
(250) 387 3046
Email:
tours@leg.bc.ca
Website:
www.legis.gov.bc.ca
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Description:
The San Juan Islands form one of the best boater paradises in
the world. The hundreds of islands are separated by nationality but
are part of the same scenic and rugged archipelago, located off the
northwest coast of Washington State. Much of the area is in a rain
shadow behind Vancouver Island, making a surprisingly dry and sunny
reprieve in the northwest. Little island communities, great
wildlife and the open water provide a real and intuitive disconnect
from the mainland.Frequent government ferry services connect the mainland and
larger inhabited islands to each other, but scores are only
visitable by smaller shuttle boats and yachts. Friday Harbour is
San Juan's largest town and an enchanting tourist destination,
seemingly out of a Norman Rockwell painting. Anchorages are
bustling throughout summer, but largely empty in other seasons.
Yacht charters are available out of Bellingham.
Address:
Postcode:
Telephone:
Email:
Website:
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Description:
Home to a vast array of aquatic mammals and animals, at the
Vancouver Aquarium Marine Science Centre you'll find sea otters,
whales, sea lions and plenty more creatures. Exhibits, displays and
programs are geared towards kids; including Clownfish Cove, with
small animals, play areas, and costumes aimed at teaching children
about the natural world and the importance of marine conservation.
The aquarium features a gift shop, cafeteria, and wheelchair
access.
Address:
845 Avison Way, Vancouver
Postcode:
Telephone:
604 659 3474
Email:
information@vanaqua.org
Website:
www.vanaqua.org
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Description:
Animal lovers of all ages will have a fabulous time exploring
the Greater Vancouver Zoo. Boasting 124 species of animals, such as
lions, giraffe, black bears, bison, spider monkeys and caracals,
and that's just naming a few, children will simple love exploring
all the animals and naming the ones they know. Kids can enjoy
meeting a reptile, taking the safari mini train, listening to an
educational talk or even watching the lions and tigers being
fed.
Address:
5048 - 264th Street, Aldergrove
Postcode:
Telephone:
604 856 6825
Email:
info@gvzoo.com
Website:
www.gvzoo.com
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Description:
Perfect for kids up to the age of 10, Maplewood Farm features
more than 200 barnyard animals for children to meet and interact
with. Children can learn about the favourite furry friends such as
goats, sheep, cows, pot-bellied pigs, ponies, bunnies and hens and
get to pet them too. A great attraction for kids on holiday in
Vancouver.
Address:
405 Seymour River Place, North Vancouver
Postcode:
Telephone:
604 929 5610
Email:
Website:
www.maplewoodfarm.bc.ca
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Description:
Just outside the town of Hope, about an hour's drive east of
Vancouver, lies the Coquihalla Provincial Park, home to the
celebrated Othello Tunnels. This quintet of railway tunnels, which
traverse the spectacular, steep-sided Coquihalla Gorge, were built
for the Kettle Valley Railway, and today, offer visitors both a
fascinating insight into the history of the area, as well as a
wonderfully scenic and unique hiking experience. While the Othello
Tunnels themselves are dark and dank (flashlights are recommended),
the two-mile (about 3.5km) old railway trail also crosses above
thundering rapids, and cuts through impressive, nearly 1,000-foot
(300-metre) granite rock faces. The Othello Tunnels are an
accessible and highly rewarding day trip from Vancouver, offering
visitors of all ages a great mix of exercise and adventure.
Address:
Just outside Hope, BC about 95 miles (150km) east of
Vancouver
Postcode:
Telephone:
Email:
Website:
www.env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks/explore/parkpgs/coquihalla_cyn/
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