One of the most stunningly situated cities in the world is Vancouver. Almost a floating city in parts, Vancouver exhibits a beautiful battle between nature and civilisation. With glorious mountain ranges as an impressive backdrop, the city’s skyscrapers creep up precariously on every bit of land available in an area dominated by the pristine waters of the Strait of Georgia. There is nothing like a scenic flight over the city, a relaxing boat cruise around it or a fun bike ride through it to truly absorb Vancouver’s remarkable scenery.
Vancouver is a truly cosmopolitan city and bursting with different nationalities, languages and cultures to explore, while it is also the national centre for the arts, sport and fashion. With some of the best shopping in the world and great value for Australian shoppers, you’ll find everything considerably cheaper so be sure to leave plenty of room in your suitcase or take a spare! The city itself is adorned with beautiful parks that only enhance its landscape, a perfect way to enjoy the sun or have a snowball fight in winter. Visit the world-renowned Stanley Park, Queen Elizabeth Park for its unique gardens and UBC Botanical Gardens, the oldest continuously operating university botanical garden in Canada with a stunning array of plant species.
For an escape to the mountains nearby, take on the Grouse’s Grind path that leads you 850m up the world’s most hiked mountain. If you want to make it to the top without wearing out the body however, there is the Skyride Gondola that offers an easier way to enjoy the view. Enjoy nature and the Capilano River from a different perspective by walking across the, at times wobbly, Capilano Suspension Bridge. At 137 metres long and 70 metres high, it’s not for the faint-hearted! For an interactive science experience, visit the globe-shaped Science World British Colombia or for a glimpse of history, explore the UBC Museum of Anthropology with over 6,000 objects from British Colombia’s First Nation.
