1.      Gastown

A historical landmark that was established in 1886 by saloon proprietor Gassy, this has known to become the old Vancouver. Old Victorian buildings reflect the history of the place, and streets are still lined with cobblestones. From here, you can see the world’s first steam clock that whistles every 15 minutes.

2.      Granville Island

Known to be a ship building center during WWII, it was redeveloped in the 70’s for industrialization and entertainment. At present, you can visit the place to find a lot of galleries, theatres, market place, a water park and a Granville Island Brewery.

3.      Chinatown

A large number of Chinese immigrants built roads and railroads in Vancouver in 1874. Their immigration caused racist attacks from the locals, and it was not until the late 90’s that Chinese were able to immigrate in Vancouver. The Chinese Cultural Center in Pender Street is filled with an oriental atmosphere. Dr. Sun Yat Sen Garden and Park is a nice place to visit, since you will be able to see a full scale garden filled with plants, flowers, rocks, and pools.

4.      Stanley Park

Considered to be one of the world’s greatest urban parks, Stanley Park proudly boasts off its scenic view of mountains and ocean. 19^th century totem poles are erected in the park, symbolizing Western Canada. Other places of interest include a small lighthouse at Brockton Point, the Lion’s Gate Bridge, hiking trails, Lost Lagoon, and the infamous Vancouver Aquarium which hosts 7000 fishes and 300 different marine species.

5.      Harbour Centre

This is one of the most visited tourist attraction in Vancouver, due to its popular observation deck that stands at 550 feet. Once on deck, you can have a 360 degree view of the whole city and you can even dine on a revolving restaurant.

6.      Queen Elizabeth Park

Established in the 1930’s, Queen Elizabeth Park has one of the best views in the city. With various flowers that change with season, garden lovers or anyone who simply wants to have peace and quiet will surely relax in this park.  The Bloedel Floral Conservatory has exotic plants, fish, and birds that you can ever imagine. Exploring the garden brings you to lush tropical greens that refresh the soul. If you are looking for various activities, there is a Lawn Bowling Club, 18 tennis courts, picnic spots, artists’ corner, wedding pavilion, a restaurant, and even a Tai Chi Club you can visit every morning.

These are only some of the major tourist attractions in the city of Vancouver. After you are able to visit these places, try to research and scout the area for more destinations and hot spots to explore, and I am sure you will make the most out of your stay in this city with something to remember by during your travel.

• Huge sizes: 1,200 & 1,500 sq. ft. [140 m2]

• Smoke-free

• Floor plans:

o Garden Suites 2 bdrm & 2 bathrm – 1,200 sq. ft. (112 m2)

o Grand Suites 2 bdrm & den- 1,500 sq. ft. (140 m2)

o Grand Explorer Suites – 3 bdrm- 1,500 sq. ft. (140 m2)

• Fireplaces, some with one in the master bedroom

• Hardwood floors, antique furniture, ceilings to 9+’ [2.7m]+, sound systems, VCR, CD, large screen colour tv

• 2-3 bedroom suites with Queen-size beds and 2 bathrooms

• Full diningrooms or areas

• Kitchens:

o Dishwashers, microwave, gas ranges, coffee makers, utensils, crockery, etc.

o Recycling

• All suites have two, separate entrances

• Maid-service

• Cook-in is optional–she/he will prepare your breakfasts or other meals

• Business Support:

o Data ports for modems

o Private line telephones with local calls free

o En-suite Fax optional

o En-suite copier optional

o Consultants available

On-Site

• Full laundry facilities–either do-it-yourself or we will

• Recycling

• Meditation garden–in season we have fresh herbs, tomatoes and fruit guests are welcome to use.

• BBQ (catering services available ensuite and in the Garden)

• Pre-stocking & shopping services available optionally (including ethnic, organic food)

• Full fax and e-mail facilities

• Selected business services

• Computer assistance (WWW, communications, programming, etc.)

• And, for longer term stays, suites can be configured with whatever communications system suite you require.

• Airport pick-up and greeting included in some plans

• Let our experts:

o design a complementary fitness and /or diet plan during your stay

o arrange tours and guides for those favourite places everyone knows about (and those that everyone does not)

Within a 10 minute walk … • Grocery and fashion shopping (Robson Street)

• about 100 restaurants and bars

• State of the art fitness club, full gym and swimming pool

• The Seawall

• Stanley Park

• English Bay Beach

• Tennis Courts

• Robson Street

• Passenger ferry to Granville Island Market

• Skytrain (about 12 minutes, actually)

• Bus to Chinatown one block (takes about 15 minutes–$1.50 per person each way)

• Check out

Vancouver, located at the coastal city of British Columbia, Canada, also had its own tale of story to be shared that will go down for generations to come. Like other countries and cities of the world, it was a fertile land where Aborigine people once lived eight to ten thousand years ago.

In 1791, the first European explorer named José María Narváez of Spain explored the coastline area of the present day Point Grey and parts of Burrard Inlet. But it was not until Captain George Vancouver explored the island of the inner harbor of Burrard Inlet in 1792 that the city was actually named after him. After nearly sixteen years, a North West Company Trader named Simon Fraser, a fur trader and an explorer, arrived at present day Marpole. Originally searching for the Columbian River, only to find out that the city was not Columbia, they were in hot pursuit by hostile Indians. However, even if his pursuit of the river turned out be wrong, the overland route from Eastern Canada was still named after him.

The arrival of Hudsons Bay Company started the first non-native settlement. They built a trading post on Fraser River in 1827 that still stands up to this day. In 1858, the news of gold on the banks of the Fraser River sparked a lot of interest resulting to about 25,000 prospects sailing to have a search for this so-called gold.

For the next sixty years starting from 1860’s, different establishments started to emerge.  New Westminster and Fort Langey were popular settlements for non-natives. Popular community establishments were built such as railroads, a hospital, a saloon for forestry workers, a school for the sapper’s children, and even a church was built. When the railroad was completed in 1887, there was a boom in expansion and development continued in a rapid pace.   

In 1886, the city of Vancouver is known to be Granville where 1,000 people reside. The first mayor is known to be a realtor named M.A. McLean. However a brush of fire burnt the city to the ground, but it was rebuilt after a few days. Shipping also increased and at present, it is known to be Canada’s Main West Seaport.

The city of Vancouver is now known to be about one hundred years old. As it continued to grow and expand, the Greater Vancouver area now makes up Vancouver, Burnaby, New Westminster, West Vancouver, Port Moody, Richmond, Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, Surrey, White Rock and Delta.  This makes Vancouver the third largest city in Canada, with a flourishing seaport and a growing number of tourists visiting the city.