Vancouver British Columbia

Vancouver is considered one of the best cities in the world because of its relaxing approach with nature, wilderness and its exquisite mix of multicultural traditions.

Located on the Pacific coast in the Province of British Columbia, Canada, the city is surrounded by the Fraser River, mountains, forests, and sea; offering a beautiful view whichever way you turn. You will always be close to nature and this is why Vancouverites enjoy outdoor activities as a very important part of their high quality everyday life.

On this page you will find works created by different photographers and artists, including myself. All images are copyrighted to their own authors. They may not be totally or partialy used, without prior authorization.

Road, Air or Sea

To get to Vancouver you can fly on any of the international airlines that arrive to its two international airports: Vancouver International Airport and Abbotsford International Airport.

You can also arrive to any of the various alternative airports like the Langley Regional Airport or the Boundary Bay Airport.

To visit from the US by road, coming from Washington State, take Highway 13 North along Bellingham's Guide Meridian. If you live in other states you can find very inexpensive flights arriving to the airport in Bellingham, only 45 miles away from Vancouver.

Cruise lines also offer exciting cruises departing from California and Alaska.

A rich mix of cultures and traditions

The Official Languages are English and French, but as you walk around the city, you will always hear many others, like Chinese and Farsi.

Vancouver is home to multiple ethnic groups, Chinese and Indian are the second and third largest communities followed by other European, Asian and Latin American groups.

This rich and wonderful mix of cultures and traditions, reflected on the variety of international cuisine available, makes of Vancouver BC a wonderful city to explore.

I invite you to join me for a tour around the city, take a glance at the best things to do, and see why Vancouver is one of my favorite cities.

Outdoor activities are popular among Vancouverites and visitors always join them at the two most popular spots, English Bay and Stanley Park. On a sunny day you will find them walking, jogging, bicycling or rollerblading on the Sea Wall, a surrounding path that connects these two beautiful landmarks.

The perfect spot for relaxation

If you want to relax, read a book, go for a swim or enjoy beautiful sunsets while you have a drink at one of its multiple international cuisine restaurants, English Bay is the place to be!

Photo enthusiasts, like me, will find a great diversity of subjects. That's where I took one of my all-time favorite photos "Sunset through Art"

Jericho, Locarno and Spanish Banks

Kitsilano is a very nice shopping and dining area. You can have dinner at one of its multiple international cuisine restaurants, or just a snack or pastry at a one of its coffee shops and bakeries.

To get to Kitsilano, drive along West 4th Avenue and West Broadway, continue on these avenues towards marine Drive and you'll reach lovely beaches like Jericho, Locarno and Spanish Banks, where you will be able to spend a beautiful day.

In this area you will also find the University of British Columbia (UBC), one of the several universities in Vancouver.

Fun for all ages

Stanley Park is a beautiful place to spend the day with lots of outdoor and indoor activities for all ages.

Children will enjoy their day playing at the multiple spring water parks and playgrounds, or visiting the petting zoo.

The Totem Poles at Stanley Park are British Columbia's most visitied attraction.

The highest spot in Stanley Park is Prospect Point. Enjoy gorgeous panoramic views of Vancouver's North Shore mountains and the Lion's Gate Bridge or Burrard Inlet while you try the famous fudge or the traditional Prospect Point ice cream.

Fun and Educational

At the Vancouver Aquarium, be sure to book for a "Get up close Adventure" with dolphins and belugas. Other fun activities are dolphin, seal and beluga shows and 3D movies. Learn about the marine habitats, have a close encounter with sharks, turtles, and many other species.

Just outside the Vancouver Aquarium, get your picture drawn by one of the talented artists or have fun watching jugglers and buskers.

Capilano Suspension Bridge

A famous attraction in Vancouver is the Capilano Suspension Bridge. It is 450 feet long, and it crosses 230 feet above the Capilano River!

You will never regret taking this breathtaking adventure. Once you've made it to the other side, you will enjoy the Treetops Adventure, a walk along 7 suspension bridges above a beautiful forest. At Capilano you can learn about native art and history and see multiple Totem poles

Just a few minutes from Capilano, you will reach Grouse Mountain. Take the gondola ride to the "Peak of Vancouver". Have dinner while you enjoy beautiful panoramic views of the city. Grouse Mountain is a wonderful spot for downhill skiing during the winter and fantastic hiking trails and wildlife watching during the summer.

Flanking Grouse are Mount Seymour and Cypress Bowl, two additional beautiful skiing areas. The latter is famous for cross country skiing, and for hosting the free style downhill skiing competition during 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympic Games.

Painting at the entrance of the Greater Vancouver Zoo

Photo by Malu Couttolenc

The Greater Vancouver Zoo in Aldergrove, is the largest zoo in British Columbia.

The Vancouver Zoo offers different activities like shows, lion and tiger feeding or sit at its beautiful gardens by the ponds.

Go on a public or private safari. Experienced guides will drive you around as they tell you about all animals and species. Watch shows, ride the mini train or rent a quadracycle.

Special events like weddings and birthday parties can also be hosted at the zoo.

Live a very unique overnight experience by group. Schedule a Night in the Wild

Granville Island, Gastown and other neighborhoods

As mentioned, Vancouver is a multicultural city. This extends to the variety of restaurants and shopping options that you will find when visiting the city.

In this section, explore two unique areas: Granville Island, Gastown and other neighborhoods. 

While visiting these wonderful neighborhoods, you will find all kinds of shops, international cuisine restaurants, museums, and other attractions for the whole family.

The Oldest Part of Town

Gastown is the oldest part of Vancouver. Nowadays, it is a mix of old and new. This part of town is named after Jack "Gassy Jack" Deighton, who built the first bar in Vancouver.

Gastown's cobblestone streets are full of beautiful souvenir, clothing, and art shops as well as world cuisine restaurants.

The Steam Clock is the most famous attraction. It whistles and steams every 15 minutes. You can watch its mechanism through a glass window. It is a favorite photo subject of photos among both locals and visitors.

Granville Island is fun to visit. You can attend concerts, music festivals, art exhibitions and other events.

Visit art workshops and see the artists working at crafts, you can learn to do them as well!

If you're traveling with children, don't miss visiting the Kids Only Market where the little ones will spend a wonderful time.

Multiple restaurants on the deck and the local brewery make of Granville Island a world class place for dinner.

At the market, you will find fruits vegetables and fresh fish and delicious salmon. They can even pack your salmon ready for traveling!

Great places for international cuisine and shopping

If you like International food but are not sure which to pick, visit nearby Little Italy, centered on Commercial Drive, where you will find several options like Italian, Spanish and Portuguese cuisines.

Vancouver's Chinatown, located just south of Main and Hastings, is a fantastic place to visit on a tour and go shopping. Taste delicious Asian dishes, very popular among Vancouverites.

While shopping, you will find all kinds of Chinese products for home decoration, clothing, food or cooking and restaurant supplies. It is a place that you should not miss.

As you can see, Vancouver British Columbia is a fantastic city to live or visit. I hope you enjoyed the tour.

If you're still planning where to go on your next Holidays. Visit Vancouver British Columbia!., A wonderful experience that you will never forget.