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 Imbedded between the coastal mountain range and the Pacific, Vancouver is one of the most beautiful cities in the world and as a “young” metropole it will win you over with its modern architecture. It is also the third biggest city in Canada, housing age-old districts and a multicultural population.
The start of your exploration tour should be “Downtown”, the small peninsular of the city centre. It boasts all the famous sights that you should visit. It is easy to get to the old city district “Gastown” and the chinese quarters from here. The streets in “Downtown” are built in a chess board fashion so it is always very easy to find your way around.
In “Canada Place” in the heart of the city, the landmark of Vancouver is plain to see – the pretty congress centre in the form of an ocean liner with white sails. From the viewing tower near-by, the “Vancouver Lookout” visitors can get a breath-taking view of the city and the luxury cruise ships. On clear days you can see up to 40 kilometres out to America.
The longest hanging bridge in the world is north of “Downtown” and hangs over the rapid “Capilano River”. Walking over the bridge is a real test of courage. The pedestrian bridge is 150 metres long and swings immensely.
Vancouver is also known for its famous sea aquarium, which is only a few blocks away from “Downtown” in “Stanley Park”. Original totem poles can also be found in this park and when the weather is good, people meet here to sun-bathe and picnic.
In the afternoon a walk throught the old city quartes “Gastown” is especially charming. Here you can have your photo taken in historical costumes and hear the oldest steam clock in the world. The steam from underground pipes provide many households in “Downtown” with warmth and the steam clock plays a special kind of music every 15 minutes.
The Chinese immigrants have influenced this Canadian city dramatically, its no wonder that the second biggest chinese district after San Francisco is located here. When you enter this area you feel as if you are in a different world, full of exotic smells and fascinating junk shops. In the “Chinese Culture Centre” you can take a 90 minute walk and gain a few insights into the history of this suburb. This interesting exhibition must be booked in advanced. You should definitely visit the “Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden” with green parks and ponds, meticulously designed in Taoist style. 
Around evening time, you shouldn’t stick around in the red-light district between “Chinatown” and “Gastown” but you should check out “Robson Street” and “Granville Street” for some night-life action. The weekly magazine “The Georgia Straight” publishes lists of upcoming concerts and theatre performances and is available for free at shops and kiosks. “Robert Street” is also the first place you should go for a shopping tour during the day because the two most important malls in Vancouver are located here as well as exclusive boutiques with designer wear.
Heavily influenced by the location on the Pacific, Vancouver boasts the mildest weather in the whole of Canada and an abundance of leisure activities like horse-riding, rock climbing or wind surfing. Winter sport fans can choose from three near-by skiing areas - “Cypress”, “Seymour” and “Grouse Mountains” – all easily reachable in a rental car. |
