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Must Visit Attractions in Vancouver

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Corraled by the English Bay on one side and the Vancouver Harbour on the other, this stunning stretch of land was declared the city's first public park in 1886. Unlike most city parks, Stanley Park was not laid-out by a landscape architect, but instead, grew organically over the years. The rainforest forms the core of Stanley Park, with trees towering to a height of 76 meters (249 feet) and close to 100 years old, while the seawall hems the park's waterfront. Scattered throughout are monuments, landmarks and public art, as well as gardens with vivid floral displays and totem poles; a tapestry of varied habitats teeming with native wildlife that is held together by a network of trails. The park is also home to attractions like a miniature railway, the Malkin Bowl and the Vancouver Aquarium.

English Bay is one of Vancouver's most diverse neighborhoods. It's where the energetic action of Denman and Davie streets converges. The area is a popular venue for outdoor activities like in-line skating, cycling, walking the seawall, running, and jogging. There are bookstores, gift shops, fashion and cosmetic retailers and other specialty shops, complemented by an eclectic fusion of culinary arts and eateries with the clientele to match. Some of the city's best dine-with-a-view restaurants can be found here. Overall, the bay is one of the most upscale and scenic neighborhoods of the city.

The Seawall is a scenic pathway that surrounds the Stanley Park and was built in 1917 under the supervision of James Cunningham to protect the city's waterfront from erosion. It is a perfect getaway from the din of the city. The seawall is open to pedestrians, cyclists and joggers. However, due to various conflicts and mishaps in the past, the stretch of the seawall is divided into parts reserved for pedestrians and cyclists. The starting point of the seawall is at Coal Harbor from where the cyclist route begins. The bikes can be rented from the Seawall Adventure Centre.

Once a warehouse area, this is now the city's newest shopping, high-tech and film industry district. Turn-of-the-century buildings that now house high-end furniture, home design and designer clothing retailers characterize the neighborhood, and it has become the favorite spot for film industry offices and shooting. Stick around and you might see a Hollywood star along the streets. Some of the city's best pubs and restaurants can also be found here. Great sips can be had at the Yaletown Brewing Co.

Vancouver's Queen Elizabeth Park is a myriad of awe-inspiring sights rolled into one. This verdant retreat is the crown jewel of Vancouver's urban landscape, perched at the city's highest point, in full view of the North Shore Mountains and the city itself. The park is a diverse tapestry of luxuriant spaces, each a cornucopia of delights. At the Quarry Garden, the former wasteland has been transformed into a lush garden complete with a babbling brook and cascading waterfall, while the Rose Garden abounds in variously hued floral displays. Nearby, the Arboretum shelters a collection of native and exotic trees, interspersed with sculptures and public art by the likes of Henry Moore. The Dancing Fountain is another popular feature, as is the Painters' Corner where local artists can be seen working on picturesque landscapes, their original artwork on display. For the more actively inclined, the park also features sports facilities like tennis courts, mini-golf and lawn bowling.

Opened in 1912, the Lynn Canyon Park covers an area of about 250 hectares (617 acres). A respite from the grey jungle of the city, this park is home to century year old trees and in terms of activities, the park is covered with multiple hiking trails. The Baden-Powell Trail being the most challenging for its passage across the Lynn Canyon Suspension Bridge. And for the more daring, cliff jumping is also organized during the summer months. So for a walk back to nature, load the car and head off to Lynn Canyon Park.

Occupying a sizable space in Stanley Park, the Vancouver Aquarium offers unseen glimpses into the beauty of the marine kingdom with enchanting displays and a strong emphasis on conservation. Officially known as the Vancouver Aquarium Marine Science Centre, this aquarium is divided into distinct spaces that feature aquatic wildlife from the Arctic to the Amazon. Nearly 58,000 creatures inhabit in this sprawling marine centre, from playful yet majestic Steller sea lions and genteel dolphins who dive through the air, to killer whales and African penguins. There is a touch pool for visitors to discover the magic agility that cownose and southern stingrays are blessed with. The aquarium also acts as the crusader of sorts for sea creatures, evident from its Ocean Wise program. Not only does it employ professional naturalists to interpret animal behavior, but also contains a living exhibit that illustrates the issues faced by marine life in the Georgia Strait.

Although it's safe, you will want to grip the rope as you step out on to the creaky wooden planks of Capilano Suspension Bridge, which provides a look at the glorious Capilano River raging down at 230 feet (70 meters). This popular attraction, situated at the park of the same name, isn't recommended for those who fear heights. Ten minutes from Downtown, the attraction includes a restaurant, post and gift shop and offers guided tours as well. All the park attractions are included in the admission price.

This trigonometric dome sits on the highest point of the city, in Queen Elizabeth Park. Enter a miniature world of waterfalls and bamboo bridges. You can talk to parrots or watch 50 species of birds fly around 500 plant species, in climates ranging from lush tropics to deserts. Colorful fish swim in an indoor pond. The huge conservatory is also home to seasonal garden displays.

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.

Brimming with a delightful vibrancy, Granville Island is a veritable haven of shopping, entertainment and culture located only a few minutes away from Downtown Vancouver. At the crack of dawn, water taxis can be seen ferrying across False Creek, bearing local wares and fruit crates ready to be sold at the Public Market. The Island's colour, warmth and jubilant personality are fed by each of the 300 businesses and vendors that inhabit its charming stretch. Whether it is the assortment of handicrafts, Aboriginal Art and locally curated souvenirs sold at its homegrown shops and galleries or the pull of culture on display at its performing arts venues, Granville Island saves something for everyone. Notable among its many landmarks is the Emily Carr University of Art and Design, the Vancouver Theatresports League and the Granville Island Brewing Company.

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.

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