Places to Visit in Vancouver
Your visit to British Columbia is not complete without stopping by these must-see attractions and landmarks!
Capilano Suspension Bridge
One of the top tourist attractions in North Vancouver that was first built in 1889 and completely rebuilt in 1956, the suspension bridge is just 15 minutes away from the downtown area. It is one mile north from the Lion's Gate Bridge, and spans 450 feet and stands 230 feet high. From this height, visitors can enjoy rainforest and tree top eco-tours via centuries-old planks made of Douglas fir. It is open everyday (except on Christmas) from 9:00 AM (or 8:30 AM in the summer) and closes at around 6:00 PM in winter (but around 9:00 PM in summer).
The suspension bridge is best visited between May and September for better weather and less chances of rain; however, this is also the time when the number of tourists peak as many people down south flock to North Vancouver. There is an admission fee of about $33 USD for adults, and discounted admission is available for children, seniors and residents of British Columbia.
Dr. Sun Yat Sen Gardens
Step into 15th century China! Plum trees blossom in spring. Koi fish and turtles swim and seek shelter beneath gigantic lily pads in the garden's many pools and ponds. Enjoy a fiery display of autumn colors come fall, and meditate in the garden's roofed edifices come winter. Also enjoy the traditional pouring of the tea or an afternoon of Mahjong (every Thursday), or just take a quiet stroll under canopied footpaths.
The garden is accessible to persons with disability. It opens at around 9:30AM during summer, and closes at around 6:00PM. Winters, the garden closes earlier at around 4:30PM. The garden is at 578 Carrall Street, a short walk or bus ride from Richmond and Vancouver.
Robson Street
To soothe your yearning for retail therapy, it is a must that you take to Robson Street, Vancouver's equivalent of Rodeo Drive or London's Oxford Street. Prices are middle-of-the-road and selections are eclectic. Shops open from 9:00AM and close at 9:00 PM.
A melting pot of Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Indian, Thai, Middle Eastern and of course Canadian cuisines, Robson Street is definitely a haven for tourists who want to sample tastes from lands down under. Excellent Vancouver eateries are found just off Robson on Bute and Thurlow streets.
Grouse Mountain
Cap off your visit to British Columbia at Grouse Mountain, a mere 15-minute ride from downtown Vancouver. The Mountain offers an excellent view for Vancouver's natural beauty. Enjoy a sky ride via an aerial tram which is one of the largest tram systems in Canada. There are also "Chairlift" Rides that give visitors a spectacular look of the surroundings via a trip up to the peak of the mountain. In the summer, Grouse Mountain features logging camps from the early 1900s, as well as plays host to hardcore birders. Eco-walks are an excellent way to get up close and personal to some of the Mountain's wildlife residents - wolves and grizzly bears. In winter, snowshoeing, ice skating and sleigh rides are staples.
Mountain zip lines, paragliding and helicopter flights, weather-permitting, are also excellent alternatives to take in all of Grouse Mountain from different perspectives.
Civilization beckons after a hard day with nature or in panoramic adventures. Grouse Mountain offers comfort food for those who don't want to rough it in tents and need to carbo-load for next day's adventures.
