Top Rated Attractions in Vancouver

With sweeping ocean and island views, this park is a photographer's paradise. Take a picnic basket along and lay down a blanket and enjoy the fresh air. The area's calm waters make it a popular spot for scuba divers. The cobble beach is great for beachcombing, and there are secluded spots among the rocky cliffs for picnics. There are various short, well-worn trails that lead to view points on the cliffs overlooking the Strait of Georgia. Summer weekends are the busiest. It is easily accessible by public transit bus from Downtown.

This park is considered one of the most ideal places to have a picnic. Built in 1912, Point Atkinson Lighthouse is a wilderness area close to the West Vancouver city center. Easily accessible by car and public transit, it is a favorite day hiking spot. The park trails take you through huge Douglas firs, rocky cliffs and a granite shoreline. Be on the lookout for the bald eagles that nest in the Douglas firs. Call or see the website to know more.

Famous for the thrilling and one of the oldest attractions of North Vancouver called the Capilano Suspension Bridge, the park also features other attractions. These include the 'Treetops Adventure' where you can walk across from one Douglas fir tree to another on bridges and walkways that are attached to tree trunks 30 meter (98.43 feet) above the rain-forest floor. For those enthused with regional folk-art, the cluster of totem poles made by First Nation people is located inside the remote section of the park. The carvings on the trees are breathtaking and according to popular belief, the intricate carvings offer stories of their own.

The River Rock Casino Resort qualifies as its own mini Las Vegas, what with all the amounts of entertainment available. The resort features nine restaurants, the very large River Rock Show Theatre, Lulu's Lounge, and, of course, a swanky casino. With so much, you may not even find time to take in the lush, spacious suites that measure no less than 48 square meters (525 square feet). Be sure to check out some of the theater shows and events and spend a couple of hours at the tables and slots in the casino.

Take an easy ride by public transit or car to the quaint village of Deep Cove in North Vancouver. The area was first inhabited by the Squamish Salish nation, who settled in the area thousands of years ago. In the 1800s, the English and Spanish used the area as a fishing village and whaling cove. Although it's only 20 minutes from downtown, visitors to Deep Cove will feel as though they have left the hustle and bustle of city life far behind them. Surrounded by mountains and overlooking a tranquil cove, the town is a spectacular setting in which to spend a day. Visitors can enjoy a myriad of activities, including kayaking, hiking, biking, shopping, sampling the offerings of great restaurants, or just relaxing at one of the town's outdoor coffee shops.

A walk through Stanley Park guarantees getting acquainted with nature in just two hours. Rough it out on the trails, drink in the pure forest atmosphere, study the diverse flora and fauna and learn about the various trees in the park. The park guides are informative, so save all your nature queries for them. These discovery walks take place every Sunday. Do check the website for rates and discounts.