| If you stand in downtown Vancouver and turn | | | | see the reason Vancouver was selected as the |
| in a 360-degree circle, you'll no doubt find | | | | host city for the 2010 Winter Olympics from |
| yourself in awe. Majestic mountain ranges and | | | | this vantage point. |
| crystal-blue seas are only enhanced by the | | | | |
| elaborate cityscape of this modern town. To | | | | Stanley Park, one of the greatest parks of |
| see Vancouver today, you'd never know it had | | | | the world, is Vancouver's first park. Located |
| such a rocky start. | | | | on a 1000-acre parcel of land set aside by |
| | | | Vancouver's first City Council, Stanley Park |
| The city was devastated by the Great Fire | | | | boasts a 5.5-mile seawall that completely |
| within two months of incorporation in 1886. | | | | surrounds the park. There are at least four |
| The wind-swept blaze lasted less than an hour | | | | restaurants offering fine dining in this |
| but left the city with just a half-dozen | | | | forest-type environment that delivers park, |
| buildings. The people and businesses didn't | | | | sea and mountain views. You'll also discover |
| let the fire destroy their plans for growth, | | | | playground equipment, a swimming pool, water |
| however. They began rebuilding immediately | | | | park, miniature railway and farmyard with |
| leading to present day Vancouver. | | | | live animals. |
| | | | |
| With the distinction of being voted the "Best | | | | The Capilano Suspension Bridge is located |
| City in the Americas" for 2004 through 2006 | | | | just minutes from downtown. The bridge was |
| by Conde Nast Traveler magazine, Vancouver | | | | first built in 1889. You find yourself 230 |
| and the surrounding area provides a wide | | | | feet above the Capilano River when you are in |
| variety of unique and exciting indoor and | | | | the middle of the 450-foot bridge. Why bother |
| outdoor activities for adults, kids, couples | | | | to cross a bridge? Because on the other side |
| and individuals from all walks of life. | | | | you'll have the unique opportunity to trek |
| | | | through rainforest trails. You can |
| Vancouver is surrounded on three sides by | | | | participate in an exceptional Treetops |
| water. Add to that the Coast Mountain Range | | | | Adventure described by the Capilano Bridge |
| to the north and east and you have stunning | | | | website as "a squirrel's eye view of a |
| panoramic scenery that makes the perfect | | | | thriving coastal forest". |
| backdrop for the city. With mountains and the | | | | |
| shore at arm's reach what else could | | | | Walk from tree to tree on a series of |
| Vancouver offer? How about a rainforest? | | | | elevated suspension bridges that rise 100 |
| You'll find it just minutes from the city. | | | | feet above the forest floor and view the |
| You'll also find over 180 parks, world-class | | | | rainforest environment without causing damage |
| museums and galleries as well as magnificent | | | | to its structure. Be sure to visit the Totem |
| gardens. These attractions plus the mildest | | | | Park and other attractions located here. |
| climate in Canada make Vancouver an ideal | | | | |
| vacation spot. | | | | No vacation is complete without a shopping |
| | | | trip. The Metropolis at Metrotown can satisfy |
| Vancouver is called home by numerous cruise | | | | the needs of even the most serious of bargain |
| lines that provide voyages to Alaska from May | | | | hunters. With 470 stores, this is British |
| through September. Chances are you'll find an | | | | Columbia's largest shopping center. |
| itinerary that departs from this city so it | | | | Exceptional theaters, two indoor courtyards |
| only makes sense to book a pre- or | | | | and a food court with two-dozen shops provide |
| post-cruise getaway while you're here. | | | | a variety of delights to satisfy your |
| | | | appetite. |
| Major Tourist Attractions | | | | |
| | | | Make plans to spend time in Vancouver before |
| The Vancouver Lookout at Harbor Centre is an | | | | or after your next Alaskan cruise. |
| excellent first stop. The observation deck is | | | | Oftentimes, affordable package deals are |
| located a whopping 50 stories above street | | | | available that provide great savings for |
| level! An quick elevator trip to the top | | | | savvy travelers who want added adventure. |
| takes a mere 50 seconds and rewards you with | | | | Check with your travel agent or cruise line |
| an unobstructed, 360-degree view of Vancouver | | | | for details and rates. |
| and the surrounding countryside. It's easy to | | | | |