This award-winning glass and concrete structure hold one of the world's most extensive collections of Northwest Coast First Nations art. This University of British Columbia Museum is a must-see while you are in the city. History, culture and art are on display in an atmosphere of tranquillity and light. See totem poles, canoes and sculptures in silver, gold and wood. There's also a gift shop if you wish to buy some souvenir for your family or friends.
Get a 360-degree view of Vancouver and its outlying areas from one of British Columbia's tallest buildings at the Harbour Centre. Its observation deck gives an unobstructed view of the city, Burrard Inlet, the North Shore mountains, Burnaby Mountain, West Vancouver and Bowen Island. Getting there is a fun experience in itself; glass elevators whisk you up 168 meters (553 feet) in just 40 seconds. There are multilingual guides available for those who are interested.
As part of the complex of museums located in Vanier Park, Vancouver museum is paired with the Macmillan Planetarium at the Pacific Space Centre. It has been in operation since 1894, with most exhibits and presentations focusing on the history of the city and the regions surrounding it. Renowned for its collection of natural history, ethnology, archaeology, and Asian artifacts, there are many things here to see and explore.
Considered one of the best such facilities in North America, this structure has had many transformations. Aside from the planetarium and observatory, H.R. MacMillan Space Center also features the Cosmic Courtyard hands-on gallery, a Virtual Voyages full-motion simulator, Ground-station Canada exhibits and multimedia and popular laser shows. Its overnight adventures and space camps are popular. Don't forget to visit the gift shop with space-related souvenirs. Check the website or call ahead for timings of the evening laser shows. Admission prices mentioned are applicable throughout the day.
A glossy green oasis in Shaughnessy, VanDusen Botanical Garden captivates visitors with its stunning display of diverse plant life, featuring well-kept gardens and enchanting landscapes that showcase the beauty of nature. Spread over nearly 22 hectares (54.3 acres) of lush foliage, the park features collections of plants and trees from around the world harmoniously set amidst lawns, lakes, and rock work. Some areas demonstrate plant relationships wonderfully, such as the Rhododendron Walk, or geographical beginnings, like in the Sino-Himalayan Garden. Also, a Christmas light display goes up every December here.
Near the sunlit banks of the Lower Fraser River, the village of Steveston became home to a booming salmon cannery in 1894. The Gulf of Georgia Cannery burgeoned to great heights, going on to become British Columbia's leading producer of sockeye salmon, a feat that earned it the moniker 'Monster Cannery'. Besides being a beacon of the fishing industry on Canada's West Coast, the cannery also promoted a healthy multicultural philosophy, one where people of various descents worked alongside each other, rolling can after can of the indigenous fish. While the industry soon collapsed after the advent of machinery and the conclusion of the war, the building of the Gulf of Georgia Cannery continues to acquaint visitors with the golden heydays of fishing, through riveting guided tours of the cannery-turned-museum, and exhibits of age-old canning machinery and equipment.
Chinese Cultural Centre of Greater Vancouver - Museum & Archives is the first museum dedicated to the history and culture of the Chinese community in Canada. While the permanent exhibits focus on the history of Chinese Canadians, the temporary exhibits present the work of local and international artists. The building blends classical and modern architectural styles and mimics the Ming Dynasty's Su Zhou Garden. Open all year round, the museum offers guided tours, language classes, tai chi workshops and historical discussion groups. The museum is adjacent to the Dr. Sun Yat Sen Classical Chinese Gardens.
Featuring the largest collection of motorcycles, the Deeley Motorcycle Exhibition is the only one of its kind in Vancouver. Owned by motorcycle enthusiasts, Don James and Malcolm Hunter, this state-of-the-art museum takes visitors through the history and evolution of the two wheeled speed machine. The collection spans 120 years with over 250 antique, vintage and modern pieces from the likes of Harley-Davidson, Zenith and more.
Rent a motorboat and go fishing on the cool-blue waters. Or cruise the islands and inlets of Howe Sound as well. Rates include dockside instructions and equipments. You can also let experienced guides bring you to where the salmon are jumping and biting. A five-hour charter trip includes everything except licenses and food. You can also take a wild ride on an inflatable hull!
The University Chapel is an evangelical chapel located within the University of British Columbia Vancouver. They preach and pray in two languages; Korean and English. They have various events that take place therefor the students and for outside visitors. Few of their events are the Connections Lunch where there is an orientation program for new comers who wish to learn more about the University Chapel, then there is the All Night Lazer Tag which is a bit like being a part of Star Wars with the light sabers. For further details do check their website.
Offering a beautiful and a large campus, Kwantlen Polytechnic University, has a wide range of certified and world class courses to offer its students. Some of the areas in which these courses are available include business, health, horticulture, humanity and social sciences. Apart from studies, this place also proves to be a real fun place to be at with several events taking place throughout the year. To know more about this college, please check the website.
Since its establishment in 1950, the West Vancouver Memorial Library has grown to be one of the country's busiest public libraries. The library was established as a memorial to the brave soldiers who lost their lives as they fought for their country in the Second World War. The West Vancouver Memorial Library offers the district's residents a treasure trove of information through an extensive collection of books, microfilm, newspapers, magazines, microfiche, CDs, DVDs and VHS cassettes that cover a range of topics. Storytime for kids, classes, book readings and launches, movie screenings, book club meetings and other events are also hosted here, alongside musical concerts and art exhibitions that showcase upcoming artists. The library itself makes a picturesque sight against a backdrop made up of the scenic North Shore mountains and Memorial Park across the street. Warm, inviting and cozy, the library sets the perfect tone for a day of discovery. Snuggle up with a book in one of the libraries comfy reading rooms, or browse the online database on one of the public computers. Free WiFi access is available through the facility to help you stay connected. Additional services include e-reader rentals and tech support for tablets.