Vancouver is today considered one of the most favorable cities for life on Earth, and it is not without reason that it is a three-time winner of the title of “The Best City on Earth” according to the magazine “The Economist” (Great Britain). Canada's third largest city, located on the west coast of North America, attracts tens of thousands of tourists from all over the world for its diversity. This applies to both natural resources and an abundance of attractions. The mountains and forests that surround Vancouver make the air clean and the climate almost ideal for living. Vancouver attractions combine historic buildings and multifunctional modern high-rises, art galleries and research centers, Catholic cathedrals and sports facilities, urban Pacific coast beaches and ski resorts. Let's talk about the most interesting sights of Vancouver.
Vancouver Island
Vancouver is located in the District of British Columbia, and nearby, right across the strait, is the island of the same name with the capital proudly named Victoria. For several centuries in a row, the island has been considered one of the most picturesque corners of the Western Hemisphere. At first, the sailors who landed on the island in search of provisions, and later the numerous tourists who come here for new experiences, without exception, were captivated by the beauty and unusual landscapes of these places.
Even today, here you can find places that have remained untouched by man. This country is considered one of the most ardent defenders of wildlife. By the way, the island has its own attraction - the largest tree in all of Canada grows on the west coast! Just imagine, the height of the Setka spruce in question, according to the latest measurements, reaches 95 meters! But acquaintance with the island is not limited to a journey to an ancient tree. You can also visit the Strathcona Park, on the site of which there was once an ordinary swamp. This place got its name thanks to a generous gift from Lord Strathcon, who at his own expense erected a unique fountain here.
For hikers, there is the scenic West Coast Trail, which includes a number of bridges and stairs that run at great heights above the gorges. The total length of the route is an impressive 75 km, which can take up to one week to overcome. And to get over some of the gorges, you will have to use special trailers.
There is a place on the island for those who like to travel with comfort. For such tourists, hotels have been erected here, offering both a budget option for recreation and a luxury vacation. Most of the hotels are located right on the Pacific coast, and their windows open up mesmerizing landscapes of endless sea spaces. If you're lucky, you can even see the real whale right from your room!
Suspension bridge Capilano
If Vancouver Island itself is of tourist interest, then acquaintance with the city begins with the famous Capilano Bridge. Immediately, we note that we have before us the second version of the hanging ferry, which was created after the predecessor fell into disrepair. The bridge was originally made from hemp rope and cedar planks and was custom designed by the brilliant Scottish specialist George Grand McCain back in 1889. The parameters of the crossing are amazing: the length reaches 137 meters, and the height above the river of the same name is 70 meters. But the main surprise for tourists lies ahead.
As it turned out, the Capilano Bridge is not part of a nature reserve or an object that falls under the jurisdiction of the state. It is privately owned by a certain Nancy Stibbart, who owns all the rights to this engineering marvel. What's so amazing about the Capilano suspension bridge? And you first go through it! Not every tourist has the courage to look down over the flimsy rail! Anything, but a rapid heartbeat and stale breathing are guaranteed to everyone! By the way, locals try to bypass this place, but no one knows why ...
Gastown District
It is under this name that one of the oldest districts of Vancouver is known. Anyone who is looking for something unusual and loves to look behind the "backstage of history" should go here. Immediately, we note that this part of the city is strikingly different from all other areas. The architecture and the external decoration of buildings here seem to have remained in that distant era when the British Queen Victoria ruled these overseas lands. In addition, tourists are attracted by unusual sights. For example, the statue to Chatty Jack. There is a legend that the name of the area comes from the word "gessi", that is, "chatty". And Jack himself, who received this nickname, was the first inhabitant of this region and was remembered for the fact that he loved to chat a lot and in vain. You can see the statue in Maple Three Square, where many onlookers and tourists always gather near this attraction.
There is also a steam clock, which can rightfully be called the symbol of the whole of Vancouver. Interestingly, this ingenious mechanism, powered by steam, was built in protest against the policies of the authorities. The latter planned to demolish Gastown, as they considered it morally obsolete. Every fifteen minutes the clock emits a deafening beat, and once an hour a whole vapor cloud erupts through a special hole, causing enthusiastic exclamations from the witnesses.
I highly recommend visiting the Police Museum, which is also located here. Although outwardly this complex does not arouse much interest, nevertheless the exhibits that are presented in the museum allow one to form a certain impression of the work of the Vancouver police. Visitors will be able to familiarize themselves with samples of counterfeit money, gaze at firearms from different periods, as well as familiarize themselves with case files that were never revealed to the law enforcement officers.
Museum "World of Science"
Do you like unusual exhibitions and unique designs? Then you should visit the Science Museum in Vancouver. For the first time a thematic exhibition "Expo" was held in a Canadian city back in 1986, after which the idea of creating a whole museum dedicated to the achievements of science was born. It takes an entire day to get around all six huge themed pavilions.
The World of Science Museum, opened in 1986, is a complex of several pavilions specializing in specific topics. The museum invites its visitors to master various educational programs in the technical field. The main pavilion "Eureka" acquaints guests in detail with the physical laws of nature, including experimentally: the museum exhibits are interactive, visitors can and should interact with them.
Tourists are especially interested in the “Body Works” pavilion, which makes it possible to scientifically substantiate the capabilities of one's body. The Illusion pavilion invites you to get acquainted with the wonders of the play of light and the distortion of a picture in a mirror image, and the expositions of the Our World gallery are aimed at studying the structure of organisms of animals and humans. The museum is open daily from 10:00 to 18:00, but depending on the month, the opening hours may vary. The entrance ticket costs 25 dollars, a system of benefits for various segments of the population is provided.
BC Place Stadium
A multifunctional indoor stadium, the main arena for the 2010 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games, and one of the stadiums for the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup. BB Place hosted several group stage matches of the 1/8 finals, quarterfinals and final of the tournament. The capacity of the stadium is 54,320 people, but at football matches it is reduced to 22,120 people.
After the reconstruction in 2010, the roof of the stadium became retractable, which makes it possible to hold competitions on it in any weather. BBC Place is home to Vancouver Whitecaps Football Club, which plays in the MLS (Major Football League in the USA and Canada). In addition to sports events, concerts are held at BBC Place. For example, Madonna and Michael Jackson performed here in different years.
Vancouver Aquarium
The Marine Science Center or Vancouver State Aquarium is located at Stanley Park. This is one of the most amazing places to visit for all wildlife lovers. We are especially glad to see the youngest spectators here, who need to instill love for our younger brothers from childhood. Having seen enough of the measured and slightly chaotic life of pets, you can turn your attention to other parts of the museum that are dedicated to tropical rivers and seas. Here you can also enjoy the variety of flowers of an amazing collection of exotic butterflies, which sometimes give sincere delight to all visitors of the park, flying over their heads.
By the way, you can pay a little attention and a fascinating lecture about the inhabitants of the local aquarium, as well as other inhabitants of the deep sea that are found in the Pacific Ocean and other parts of the world. Some specimens of marine animals are displayed in full size in a special exhibition hall. There are special entertainment corners for children in the maritime center, where they will happily spend an hour or two in the company of themed toys and their peers.
Stanley park
Stanley Park is a peninsula on the border with downtown Vancouver, named after the sixth Governor General of Canada, Frederick Arthur Stanley, during whose reign the park was opened. It is not surprising that a monument to the lord was erected here. Stanley Park was not created by designers, like most city parks around the world, but by nature, the result of which was later only slightly ennobled by people. There are many bicycle and walking paths with a total length of about 250 kilometers in the park. Locals spend their morning jogging, bike rides and picnics here on weekends.
For entertainment, the park offers a 15-minute ride on a replica of an old train on the railroad going through the forest, visit a farm where you can talk with goats, ponies and llamas, the country's largest oceanarium (Vancouver Aquarium), which has gathered more than 70 thousands of species of marine inhabitants. The Vancouver Aquarium has a 4D cinema and special lecture halls and laboratories where children are taught. The main concept of the Vancouver Aquarium is precisely the cognitive component. In addition, various performances are held here every day. The cost of an entrance ticket to the aquarium is $ 29, benefits are provided to pensioners, students and children.
Graus Mountain
Grouse Mountain or Mount Grouse is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Vancouver. The height of the mountain located in the north of the city is 1251 meters. Locals and tourists alike love Mount Graus for its stunning city and ocean views, as well as the abundance of entertainment on offer. In summer, these are paragliding, and in winter, skiing and snowboarding. In addition to extreme and sports entertainment on the mountainside, there are several cafes with panoramic windows, from where you can admire the city landscapes while having a cup of coffee.
Van Dusen Botanical Garden
The Van Dusen Botanical Garden, recognized by tourists as one of the best in North America, specializes in the presentation of unique representatives of flora collected in different parts of the world. The total number of represented plant species is more than 7000. The garden area, which is 55 acres, is divided into sectors, each of which is dedicated to a specific theme. In addition to themed areas, the territory is decorated with a chain of lakes and ponds with fish, sculptures, Indian totems and a green labyrinth.
In addition, dozens of species of fauna live here, and in 2011 a new pavilion was opened, which houses a gift shop, a library and a lecture hall. The Van Dusen Botanical Garden is open every day except Christmas. Opening hours and the cost of the admission ticket depend on the time of year, so before visiting you need to check the information on the official website.
Queen Elizabeth Park
Queen Elizabeth Park is located on the slopes of Malaya Gora, where at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries, stone was mined for the construction of roads. The park was created in the middle of the 20th century and named after Queen Elizabeth, who visited it 2 years after its opening. The park's workers have created magnificently beautiful compositions of flowers and shrubs. Also in the park there is a small pond with turtles, which sometimes come out to bask on the rocks. Numerous trees are home to Canadian squirrels that can be hand-fed. The most popular place in the park among tourists is the observation deck, which offers an amazing view of the city.
Sun Yatsen Chinese Garden
Sun Yatsen Chinese Garden is the only classical Chinese garden created recently outside the PRC. The garden, created by Chinese landscape designers in just one year, is located in the heart of Vancouver Chinatown and represents a piece of true Chinese culture in the center of the North American metropolis. The materials used to create the park were brought from China and are absolutely identical to those used to create similar parks in the Middle Kingdom.
A walk in the garden takes a person to China during the Ming Dynasty. A feeling of harmony with nature and complete abstraction from the outside world is created here. The Sun Yasten Garden is part of the park of the same name, and if the entrance to the park is free, then you need to purchase an entrance ticket to visit the garden.
Vancouver public library
The Vancouver Public Library is a library system with more than 20 branches located throughout the city, and the main building is located in the Library Square complex. Any visitor can get a subscriber card and use the library services free of charge, which include not only access to the complete collection of books, but also to the Internet, computer programs, etc. Books can be returned to any department, each of which has special return boxes near the entrance , which makes using the Vancouver Library System even more convenient and mobile for readers.
The central building of the Vancouver Public Library houses more than 1.3 million titles, and the total number of titles in the entire library system is about 3 million. Visiting the library, as well as access to its services, is free, and payment is required only if the reader wants to take the book home.
Lions Gate Bridge
The Lions Gate Bridge is a three-lane road suspension bridge built in 1938. King George VI and Queen Elizabeth, mother of the current Queen of Great Britain, Elizabeth II, took part in the official opening. The total length of the bridge is 1823 meters, the width of the lanes is 3.6 meters, the width of the sidewalks is 2.7 meters, the average daily traffic is 60,000-70000 cars. In the early years of operation, a toll of 25 cents was charged, but later, due to the sale of the bridge to the authorities of British Columbia, travel across the bridge became free.
Cathedral of the Holy Rosary
The Cathedral of the Holy Rosary is a Catholic church located next to Cathedral Square. The Cathedral is one of the most recognizable buildings in Vancouver and is recognized as an urban architectural monument. In 1885, Father Patrick Fay organized a parish for Catholic families, for which a small wooden church was built, and 15 years later a new stone church in the French Gothic style was erected in its place. An old organ is installed inside the temple. The interiors of the holy monastery are decorated with graceful stained-glass windows and marble columns supporting the vaults of the temple. Services at the Cathedral of the Holy Rosary are held in three languages: English, French and Spanish.
Harbor Center
The Harbor Center is the tallest building in Vancouver (177 meters), in the upper part (at an altitude of 130 meters) there is a circular observation deck, from where you can enjoy a magnificent panoramic view of the city and its environs. The Harbor Center Tower was opened in 1977 and was attended by cosmonaut Neil Armstrong, the first person to walk on the lunar surface. Tourists can get to the observation deck in 40 seconds by an elevator located on the outside of the building.
Thanks to this design, the view of the city opens up more and more with every second of the ascent. In fine, clear weather, from the observation deck, you can see Mount Baker, located in the United States of America. The Harbor Center Tower is a favorite destination not only for tourists but also for locals who sometimes spend romantic evenings at the restaurant on top of this unique building.
Vancouver Museum
The Vancouver Museum is Canada's largest civilian museum. It shares one building with the Macmillan Space Center, which includes an astronomical museum and a planetarium. It was founded in 1894, but received a building for the permanent placement of its expositions only in 1968. At the same time it was renamed the Museum of the Centenary of Canada, having existed with this name until 1981, when its previous historical name was returned to it. Since 2009, the main focus of the museum has been to reflect the history of the formation of the city and its inhabitants.
The Vancouver Museum received an award from the Canadian Association of Museums for the successful development of the new concept. In addition to exhibits dedicated to the history of the city, there are artifacts from different countries and eras. The Vancouver Museum is open daily from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, but closes later on some days. The entrance ticket costs $ 19, there are benefits for children, students and seniors, as well as family tickets that cost $ 40. The family ticket entitles two adults and three children to visit.
Vancouver Museum of Anthropology
The Vancouver Museum of Anthropology, affiliated with the University of British Columbia (UBC), was founded in 1976. Its collection consists of works of art by masters from all over the world and exhibits dedicated to the culture of Indians and Aboriginal people of different continents and peoples, and the information stands are very rich in information, one can see research work on the study of these artifacts from various world cultures. The exposition includes about 3500 ethnographic objects and more than half a million archaeological exhibits collected in different parts of the world.
The space of the museum is divided into sectors, each of which displays artifacts from a particular region of the planet. Today it is one of the most visited attractions in Vancouver. The number of visitors annually amounts to hundreds of thousands. The museum is open daily from 10:00 to 17:00, except for Christmas. The entrance fee is $ 18, benefits for children, students and pensioners, as well as group visits are provided.
Vancouver Maritime Museum
Vancouver Maritime Museum is Canada's oldest museum, founded in 1959. Its exposition is dedicated to the maritime history of British Columbia and Vancouver in particular, as well as the Canadian Arctic. Its exhibits create an understanding of the importance of the fleet in the development of any state that has access to the sea or ocean, as well as the importance of individual people who have left an important mark in the development of Canadian and world navigation. For example, here you can find maps that were personally drawn by the great discoverer James Cook, models of ships, in the creation of which various materials were used: paper, cardboard and even bone.
In addition, visitors are offered to watch a short film about the maritime history of Canada. Two of the most notable exhibits are the reconstructed Royal Mounted Police schooner St. Roch, which celebrates its 90th anniversary this year, and a NASA research submarine. The museum is open daily from 10:00 to 17:00, and on Thursday until 20:00. The entrance fee is $ 13.50, there are benefits for children, students and seniors, as well as family tickets worth $ 38.
Theater "Orpheus"
Orpheum Theater - one of the largest theaters in Vancouver, built in the early 20th century, is located on Granville Street. The building of the theater is made in the Moorish style, and its interiors, combining red and gold colors, are replete with magnificent frescoes and paintings. Many visitors to the theater note precisely its design and the good condition of the premises, which are about 100 years old. The theater hall has amazing acoustics, thanks to which it is often compared to the best theaters in Europe.
Sometimes additional screens are installed in the hall, thanks to which the spectators sitting in the last rows can fully enjoy the action taking place on the stage. Symphony orchestras perform on the stage of the Orpheus Theater, performing both classical and modern repertoires. The scene is often used as a film set for films, TV series and various TV shows. The theater's repertoire and ticket prices can be found on the official website.
Art Gallery
Art Gallery (Vancouver Art Gallery) - one of the largest galleries in the country, was founded in 1931, and it moved to the building on Robson Square only in the 80s. Originally a British Columbia courthouse, it looks monumental and majestic. The gallery hosts permanent exhibitions of Canadian artists and temporary exhibitions of recognized masters of world art, in particular Claude Monet, which, according to many, are much more interesting than the works of local painters.
Among the permanent exhibitions, visitors highlight the work of Emily Carr. The gallery is open daily from 10:00 to 21:00. The entrance ticket costs $ 24, and in addition to the usual benefits for various segments of the population, every Tuesday from 17:00 to 21:00 the entrance to the gallery is made for a donation. Each visitor decides for himself how much to spend: it can be a few dollars or just a coin.
Granville Island
Granville Island is one of Vancouver's gems, a must-see for every tourist. Granville Island is a large shopping area, the center of which is occupied by a huge city market, with an area of more than 4.6 square meters. Each store has its own unique assortment; there are no network marketing representatives here. It seems that on Granville Island you can find absolutely anything: from nuts and seafood to highly artistic products made of clay, metal, glass.
On a relatively small territory of the island, there are many cafes and restaurants, souvenir shops with handicrafts, and musicians play in the streets, adding some kind of unique atmosphere to the market. All this complements the fresh sea air and the beauty of the surrounding nature.
Complex "Canada Place"
The Canada Place complex is a visiting card of Vancouver. It was built in 1986 on the shores of Burrard Bay for the Expo-86 exhibition.Today, Canada Place premises are used for conferences and exhibitions, as offices and port terminals, part of the floors are occupied by the Pan Pacific Hotel and a cinema. The World Trade and Entertainment Center is also located here. Canada Place has an unusual architecture, from afar it looks like a cruise ship sailing off the coast of Vancouver.
By the way, it is to the "Canada Place" that many liners dock, from which hundreds of tourists go ashore. On the territory of the complex, the Days of Canada are traditionally held, and recently the New Years, in addition, concerts, various street events and holidays are regularly held here. From here, a magnificent view of the bay and the other shore opens up.
Kitsilano beach
Kitsilano Beach is the most popular beach in Vancouver, located on the south coast of English Bay in the area of the same name with the beach. The beach has basketball and beach volleyball courts, while tennis courts and a large free park are nearby. Also on the beach is a seawater pool that is 137 meters long, making it the longest swimming pool in the country.
People come to Kitsilano beach mostly not for swimming in the ocean, but to take a break from the bustle of the city, spend an active weekend or just watch the ships passing by. Tourists refer to Kitsilano Beach as a place where people just enjoy life and are always happy, and locals love to have evening picnics here.
University of British Columbia
The University of British Columbia (UBC) is one of the most famous and most prestigious educational institutions in Canada. The university was founded in 1908. Today, more than 35 thousand students and 7 thousand graduate students study here, and the teaching staff numbers 2300 people. The University of British Columbia is not only a world-class educational institution, but also a center for scientific research, thanks to which UBC is ranked in the top 40 universities in the world.
The University of British Columbia is known throughout the world not only for its educational and scientific achievements, as a set of several scenes of the movie "88 Minutes", in which Al Pacino played the main role. Also on the territory of the university was completely filmed American TV series in the genre of "Harper's Island" in the "thriller" genre.
Inukshuk statue
The Inukshuk Statue (inuksuk) is a stone sculpture that has its origins in the culture of the Inuit, an ethnic group of indigenous peoples of North America who used such figures for navigation and for worship of the gods. Inukshuk shapes were used for navigation, since their size and shape made it possible to notice them in winter, even with large snowdrifts. The word inuksuk is translated from inuktuta, a dialect of the indigenous peoples of Canada, as a substitute for a person. Many of Inukshuk's figures, including Vancouver's, do resemble humans. The Inukshuk statue was chosen as the logo for the 2010 Winter Olympics, thanks to which it became known throughout the world and attracted the attention of hundreds of thousands of tourists.
