Attractions

Just a few steps from downtown, Gastown, whose economic development was driven by the gold rush, is the oldest part of Vancouver. On East Pender Street, the scene changes radically. The colour and atmosphere of public markets, plus a strong Chinese community, bring this street to life.

Canadian Pacific Railway Company truly built downtown Vancouver, laying the streets and erecting many important buildings.

The West End neigbourhood is the city's most westerly point. Despite all its concrete skyscrapers, the West End has a laid-back atmosphere that's influenced both by the immensity of the Pacific and the wisdom of the Orient.

Stanley Park lies on an elevated peninsula stretching into the Georgia Strait, and encompasses 405 hectares (1,112 acres) of flowering gardens, dense woodlands and lookouts offering views of the sea and the mountains.

Burrard Inlet is the long and very wide arm of the sea that is the site of Vancouver harbour which was been Canada's most important port for over 20 years now.

False Creek is located south of downtown Vancouver and, like Burrard Inlet, stretches far inland. In 1986, False Creek hosted Expo ?86, attracting several million visitors in the space of a few months.

In Vancouver, the culture of the Pacific, as well as the history and traditions of the Aboriginal peoples are omnipresent. In the West Side you will find posh residential neighbourhoods, numerous museums, a university campus and several sand and quartz beaches from which Vancouver Island is visible on a clear day.

Going Out

The artificial island of Granville, created in 1914 is now a major recreational and commercial centre. A public market, many shops and all sorts of restaurants, plus theatres and artists' studios, are all part of Granville Island.

The Lonsdale Quay Market was built on a quay stretching out into Burrard Inlet. The cafés surrounding the market offer an unimpeded view of Vancouver and the mountains. You can also witness the activity at the nearby port, for the colourful tugboat dock flanks the eastern side of the market.

Robson Street is lined with fashionable boutiques, elaborately decorated restaurants and West Coast-style cafés.

Bard on the Beach is an annual event held in honour of Shakespeare. Plays are presented with actors in period costumes, under a huge tent on a peninsula with a view of English Bay. The season runs from mid-June to the end of September.

Where on earth

Situated in the Canadian province of British Colombia, Vancouver benefits from a spectacular location, bordered by mountains to the north, beaches to the south and English Bay to the west. The downtown area is situated on a peninsula that juts out into English Bay.