Robson Street
This
was where the original German community in Vancouver shopped.
Robsonstrasse, as it was formerly known, was lined with
delis, bakeries and restaurants. Today, it's one of the
city's most fashionable shopping streets: Alfred Sung, Salvatore
Ferragamo, Chanel, Rodier Paris and Stephane de Raucourt
are just some of the big names in this urban shopping destination.
Options for grabbing a bite abound. Find everything from
Schnitzel to Sushi along this bustling thoroughfare. It
is also cruising central in the summertime, with cars and
sidewalks filled with people enjoying the warm summer air.
Granville Island
Take
a full day to explore this shopping and entertainment favourite,
a destination on everyone's "best of" list. The
island is five minutes from downtown and has the famous
Public Market, Emily Carr College of Art, shops, restaurants,
theatres, galleries, sculpture, performance art, history
and the Kids' Market. There is also a water park and sea
kayak rental, canoes and other water sports. Sample excellent
microbrews at the Granville Island Brewery. At the quiet
end of the island, the large Granville Island Hotel awaits
guests.
Stanley Park
Attractions
abound in this massive downtown park, a veritable rainforest
within a metropolis. To name just a few of the activities
and attractions: the Children's Farmyard, Miniature Railway,
tennis courts, beaches, children's water park, heated ocean
side swimming pool, the Theatre Under the Stars, the Vancouver
Aquarium and the 10.5-km perimeter Seawall, which is packed
with joggers, walkers and rollerbladers. Once a military
reserve, the park became one of the city's premier attractions
by action of the city's first council.
Festival of Lights
Look
up and twirl yourself around as the twinkling lights spin
wrapped among the trees and trellises. The annual festival
at VanDusen Gardens is a must-see local favorite. Five acres
of the massive 55-acre gardens are transformed every December
evening into a magical holiday light display for all ages
to enjoy. Let the kids visit Santa and get yourself in the
mood for enchanting holiday beauty. A restaurant and gift
shop are on-site. Admission prices are CAD6.50 for adults,
CAD4.75 seniors and youth 13-18, and CAD3.25 for children.
English Bay
English
Bay is one of Vancouver's most diverse neighbourhoods. Located
in downtown's West End, it's where the energetic action
of Denman and Davie streets converges. The area is a popular
venue for outdoor activities like in-line skating, cycling,
walking the seawall, running, and jogging. There are bookstores,
gift shops, fashion and cosmetic retailers and other specialty
shops; and an eclectic fusion of culinary arts and eateries
with clienteles to match. Some of the city's best dine-with-a-view
restaurants can be found here.
Gastown
This
part of downtown got its name from saloon owner "Gassy
Jack" Deighton, who was a rather chatty fellow. In
case anyone doubts the true root of the area's title, there
is a large statue of this historical figure on Water Street.
Cobblestone streets and original architecture, shops, restaurants
and bars fill the area. Popular Historic Walking Tours are
given free every day from mid-June to the end of August.
Highlights include The Landing, Hill's Native Art, Deluxe
Junk Co., Salmagundi West, Sonar, and the Irish Heather
Bistro.
Capilano Suspension Bridge
Although
it's safe, you will want to grip the rope as you step out
on to the creaky wooden planks of this bridge, which provides
a look down at the glorious Capilano River raging 230 feet
below. This popular attraction, the city's oldest, isn't
recommended for those who fear heights. Ten minutes from
downtown, the attraction includes a restaurant, Trading
Post gift shop, a Native Carving Centre and guided tours.
Admission (May-Oct/Nov-Apr): CAD13.95/10.25 Adults; CAD10.75/8.75
Seniors; CAD7.95/6.75 Students; CAD3.75/3.25 Children 6-12.
Jericho Beach
This
is a large and long sandy stretch with views of the mountains
and downtown. It's a great place to take the family for
a summertime barbecue or picnic. Located right near the
Jericho Youth Hostel, this place is popular but never too
crowded. A known spot for sailing, windsurfing and sea kayaking,
it offers plenty to do. Find concession stands, change rooms
and showers. This is also the site of the annual Vancouver
Folk Festival.
Chinatown
Marked
as the second largest in North America, Vancouver's Chinatown
is a colourful area filled with exotic wonders. The profusion
of markets and stores sells everything from star fruit,
gai lan, ginseng, herbal medicine and tea sets to hand carved
chopsticks, rice paper pads and Buddha figurines. It's a
very inexpensive place to shop for gifts and groceries.
Pender Street, between Carral and Main, has shops selling
curios, clothing, herbs and house wares. There's also an
open-air night market that runs from 6:30pm-11pm during
the summer weekends.
Science World
Fondly
known as the "golf ball" because of the glittery
geodesic dome that sits atop it, this science centre is
a former Expo '86 pavilion. Today, it is a top family destination,
offering educational, entertaining and interactive exhibits.
Three main galleries explore the areas of biology, physics
and music. A 3-D laser show presents fun images. The biggest
attraction is the OMNIMAX Theatre, which features science
and nature films on one of the world's largest dome screens.
Admission (including one IMAX film): CAD15.75 Adults; CAD11.25
Students, Children 4-18 and Seniors.
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