Overview

Vancouver, Canada's "gateway to the Pacific Rim" and 3^rd largest city, is one of the most beautiful settings in the world. Vancouver attracts both tourists and conventional travelers, as it is a commercial hub in the region. Canadians call it the "lotus land," as much for its temperate climate and natural lifestyle. The city prides itself on its outdoorsy attitude and the recreational options such as mountain biking and snowboarding, in-line skating, sea kayaking, winter camping, and skiing. These activities are part of what lures millions of visitors to the city and the surrounding area each year.

Activities & Attractions

Vancouver is a young city and it shows in the city's cultural scene. Classical music is an important part of the culture of Vancouver. You could find music ranging from symphonies to elaborate operas here. The theater here is exuberant too, and both experts and students perform for several productions. In addition to music, dance is also an important part of Vancouver's culture, about 24 dance groups performing permanently in Vancouver. Some of the groups also have Asian influences in their performances, notably from China and Japan.

Football and ice hockey enjoy a firm following in Vancouver. Take a mountain bike for a ride near the University of British Columbia, where the biking trails are popular pastimes. Another popular bike trail runs down Seymour Mountain and the Grouse Grind is a favorite with all the hikers. You can also rent kayaks in the English Bay. Watch out for the rollerblades, which are pervasive. In the Vancouver area, visitors can try paragliding or scuba diving, and for those who are a little braver, there are several opportunities for rock climbing. Outdoor lovers who want options that are a little milder will enjoy fishing, camping or whale watching.

Lodging

The best mid-range hotels in Vancouver are clean and safe but the best of the non-luxury class hotels also add a touch of class usually associated with their high-end cousins. Visitors can expect to pay approximately $100 a night for starters at such a hotel, and are a safe and comfortable option. Vancouver offers so many activities to occupy visitors that they are likely to spend very little time in their hotels. For those who prefer to be right in the middle of the action, the hotels located in Downtown Vancouver are ideal. Local businesses, governments, and community groups may offer discounts on hotel rooms. This can lower the price of a room by a significant margin, which will make the event even more enjoyable.

Transportation

A fun way to travel between North Vancouver and downtown Vancouver is to take the sea bus. You have the catamarans leaving every 20 minutes, running between the Waterfront Station in Vancouver's downtown area and the Lonsdale Quay in North Vancouver. In addition, there are busses, rental cars, and taxis found almost everywhere in the city.