Located in British Columbia, Vancouver is an exceptional place. It is particularly distinguished by its North American urban universe that rubs shoulders with the wilderness. The contrast is great knowing that the landscapes are made of a space where you can find in the same place the sea, the mountains, the buildings and the immense forests. Less known than its sisters, Montreal or Toronto, Vancouver is nevertheless an endearing destination during a trip to Canada. Here are some unique places not to be missed in Vancouver.
Stanley Park
Stanley Park is a must-see in Vancouver. It is the largest green space in the city. All the inhabitants are used to meet there to enjoy the calm and serenity of the place. The park has an area of 400 hectares. It is possible to walk or cycle around it, especially on the Seawall. This walk is magnificent, between sea, mountain, forest and buildings. The park gives the opportunity to visit the forest with 500 000 trees of North America.
There are also totem poles made by the Amerindians. In the late afternoon, the sunset view from English Bay or Kitsilano Beach is unique. For families traveling to Vancouver, the aquarium inside the park is an exceptional place not to be missed.
Downtown
Vancouver offers a special atmosphere with its downtown area called Downtown. It is known for its many skyscrapers. However, the visits in the downtown area are particularly concentrated on the districts of Gastown and Yaletown. Gastown is the historic district. It contains the most beautiful Victorian buildings in the city. It is adorned with beautiful cobblestone streets and the famous Steam Clock that chimes every 15 minutes.
The atmosphere is changing in Yaletown. Hip and cool, this former warehouse district has been completely renovated and promises unforgettable visits. It's also a great place to go out at night. Yaletown is also known for its beautiful little stores, restaurants, cafes and hotels.
Chinatown
Like many cities in North America, Vancouver also has its Chinatown. In fact, it is the second largest Chinatown on the continent after San Francisco. It is easily recognizable with its imposing entrance, the Millennium Gate, its merchants, but also its numerous Chinese restaurants.
It is the ideal place to find various souvenir items. Among the typical places to discover in the area, we can mention the garden of Doctor Sun Yat-Sen. It is said to be the first garden of its kind to be created outside China.
Granville Island
Granville Island is a peninsula well known for its huge covered public market. It is an attractive destination to discover in Vancouver to combine relaxation and discovery. Here, visitors can taste fresh products from local producers, but also see authentic creations made by artisans.
There are many food restaurants offering tasty and typical menus. It is also the ideal place to taste the beer microbreweries. This is an exceptional place where you can combine culture, relaxation and breathtaking scenery.
