I am travelling from

Blowing off steam in Gastown

Authentic Victorian buildings and old cobblestones: welcome to Gastown. History is interspersed with a hip mix of boutiques, trendy clubs and charming restaurants. This is one of the most popular and fashionable neighbourhoods of Vancouver.

Arts & Culture

The Gastown steam clock

The steam clock whistle

The steam clock is Gastown’s most famous attraction. To cover a steam grate and make effective use of the steam, the city decided to build the steam clock. Steam is fed to the clock by pipes which run below the streets and provide heat to all of downtown Vancouver. Every 15 minutes the clock toots and lets out some steam. On the hour, the clock whistles a cheerful tune and emits steam from all of the pipes. Although it looks a lot older, the steam clock was actually placed here in 1977.

One of a Few

Gastown is home to many interesting and unique stores but 'One of a Few' deserves a special mention. This small boutique has a unique selection of women's clothing not found anywhere else in Vancouver. In addition to the latest fashion, the shop also sells stylish shoes and trendy accessories. If only there were more shops like ‘One of a Few'…. The owners finally gave in and opened 'Two of a Few' right next door; the shop has the same trendy concept but is geared towards men.

The patio of Chill Winston

Chilling at Chill Winston

Chill Winston boasts not only a great menu, but also an excellent location. The restaurant lies on a large square with a great view of the interesting architecture of the Hotel Europe. In summer there is a large sunny patio with red parasols, the perfect place to relax with an order of fresh crab cakes and a drink. At night the restaurant transforms into an attractive lounge where patrons can enjoy a glass wine and some delicious finger food.

Vancouver International Jazz Festival

Racing through Gastown

Gastown also regularly hosts large events. Once a year hundreds of cyclists race across the cobblestone streets during the Global Relay Gastown Grand Prix, which takes place in July. The race is part of a series of 9 races that are held in and around Vancouver. The Vancouver International Jazz Festival is also held in Gastown each year.

All

Wellness

Ski holidays

Nature

Active & Outdoor

Wellness

Plants and flowers thrive in Vancouver’s mild climate. The city boasts numerous attractive parks but you will also find several specialty gardens that are perfect for a leisurely visit. There are numerous gardens to choose from and most are open year-round.

Wellness

Hot stone massages, panoramic saunas and soothing whirlpools: there’s nothing more relaxing than enjoying a day of wellness. Vancouver Island is the perfect wellness destination. Most of the spas here are located amidst the island’s overwhelmingly beautiful nature. How about soaking in a bubble bath in the middle of a rainforest? Or enjoying a sauna with ocean views? These are only a few of the possibilities.

Ski holidays

There are 3 mountains in the immediate vicinity of Vancouver that are popular with winter sports enthusiasts: Cypress Bowl, Mount Seymour and Grouse Mountain. The latter, only fifteen minutes by car from the city centre, is popularly called the ‘Peak of Vancouver’. A trip to Grouse Mountain guarantees a very special experience, namely skiing and snowboarding while enjoying views of the Vancouver skyline.

Nature

With its rugged coastlines, jagged mountains and moss-covered rainforests, Vancouver Island's natural environment is overwhelmingly beautiful. An unparalleled diversity of flora and fauna is found here in a relatively small area. There are no fewer than 18 nature parks to explore and bears, orcas and dolphins are a common sight.

Nature

Rugged mountaintops, flower-covered alpine meadows, an abundance of outdoor possibilities: Garibaldi Provincial Park is Vancouver’s backyard. The park is named after the 2,678-metre-high Mount Garibaldi. A tremendous variety of wildlife and vegetation make this park a favourite with city residents.

Ski holidays

The global trend of better and healthier food has also found its way to the Canadian après-ski scene. Those who don’t want to spend an entire week eating junk food can enjoy an abundance of healthy eating options in the ski resorts around Vancouver. Chefs prepare out-of-this-world dishes with local ingredients that are sure to make you lose all interest in fast food.

Wellness

Vancouver lies in one of the most fertile areas in North America, and one of the benefits has been the large number of farmers’ markets offering some fantastic fresh produce. There are good reasons why these markets are popular and visitors come here to browse for special produce such as rainbow beets and heirloom tomatoes. The quality is much higher than what you will find in the grocery store and you may sample many of the delicacies on offer.

Nature

Grab a life jacket, hang on tight and keep your eyes open! Whale watching on Vancouver Island has become an extremely popular attraction. The coastline around Vancouver Island is the scene of a large whale migration that moves through the Pacific Ocean. From March to October, the waters around Vancouver and Vancouver Island teem with various species of whales.

Nature

The green heart of Vancouver is called Stanley Park. These 400 hectares of natural beauty is where the residents of Vancouver come to play and there definitely is plenty to do! The most popular attraction is the Seawall, a 22-kilometre-long wall along the water that almost completely circumnavigates Stanley Park.

Active & Outdoor

The Capilano Suspension Bridge sways 70 metres above the Capilano River. This 137-metre-long suspension bridge draws hundreds of thousands of visitors each year and is one of Vancouver’s most popular attractions. Due to its height, people with vertigo may want to skip the opportunity to walk over this narrow bridge.

Ski holidays

The 2010 Winter Olympic Games showed the world just how beautiful Whistler is in winter. The region is home to some fantastic ski areas and after the snow has melted it still has plenty to offer. Whistler is known as the mountain resort of North America. The excellent variety of shops and restaurants provide a welcome break from the many outdoor activities available in the surrounding mountains.