Traveling to Vancouver is traveling to one of the most amazing destinations of the World. Not only can you bask in the splendor of the surroundings, but you will find plenty of activities to make your trip memorable. There are a myriad of entertainment options, and a wide variety of Vancouver lodging alternatives that range from bed and breakfasts, hotels and Vancouver apartments.
Downtown Vancouver boasts a backdrop of incredible beauty. Situated on a peninsula, it’s almost surrounded by cool, deep water, with the Burrard Inlet to the north and the delta of the Fraser River to the south. In the distance rise the craggy peaks of the Coast Mountains. Within the city the natural beauty has been maintained with extensive parks and green spaces. All this provides wonderful opportunities for leisure activities. During warm days, you can enjoy water sports, like sea kayaking around the the Pacific coast or whitewater rafting on the mountain rivers just outside of town. Nearby Mt. Seymour Provincial Park has hiking trails of various difficulties where you can take the opportunity for bird and wildlife viewing. This region is renowned for its mountain biking trails. In fact, many of them have been featured in mountain biking videos.
Within the city, just to the northwest of many Vancouver accommodations you’ll find the gorgeous Stanley Park. Situated on a small peninsula of its own, this thousand-acre nature reserve makes you feel miles away from any urban hustle and bustle. You can hike or bike along more than 50 miles of trails through centuries-old cedar and fir trees. The most popular walkway is along the seawall which rims the park, from where you can spot seals in Burrard Inlet. Make sure you visit Stanley Park’s celebrated aquarium before returning to your Vancouver inn.
In winter, the region really comes alive. Virtually every kind of snow sport can be enjoyed, including cross-country skiing, downhill skiing and snowboarding. In fact, the 2010 Winter Olympics will be held here. The Whistler resort area will host the outdoor events, and Vancouver itself will host the indoor ones. You might try snowmobiling or snowshoeing along the mountain trails, and enjoy a completely different look to the scenery when it’s coated with snow. The mild winter temperatures mean you can stay outside comfortably all day.
When you’re ready for a taste of city life, you can discover much of the area around on foot. Perhaps you’ll stroll through the restored quarter of Gastown, with its shops and cafes, or visit Vancouver’s Chinatown, the third largest in North America. On Granville Island, you can browse art studios and seek out great deals at the bustling public market.
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