Vancouver Attractions

English Bay, along the ocean front in the western section of downtown Vancouver, is an action packed area. The area offers shopping and upper end restaurants but is also a popular outdoor area where people come to walk, bike, roller blade or hang out by the ocean. The main streets through this area are Davie and Denman.

The Buschlen Mowatt Galleries in Vouncouver offer up changing exhibits of modern and contemporary art. The gallery showcases the work of international artists, including well known names and emerging talent.

Exhibits change regularly. Check with the gallery to see current and upcoming exhibitions.

At the north end of Granville Street, the CP Waterfront Station (the old Canadian Pacific Railway terminal) is now the point of departure for the city's "SkyTrain" and "SeaBus" services.

The 15 minute passenger ferry crossing to North Vancouver on the SeaBus, or AquaBus as it is sometimes called, gives superb views of the city skyline.

The CP Waterfront Station is a historic area as well as a commuter hub. It is a convenient location for accessing other parts of the city.

There little shops and restaurants in Denman St. (city center west). At its northern end is the wharf used by the harbor ferries.

This street is popular with locals and travelers as a dinner or shopping spot. There are many restaurants, cafes, and other establishments along Denman Street that almost make it a community of its own. The street is often busy at night, particularly during the summer months, with young people coming here to enjoy the atmosphere.

The H R MacMillan Space Centre in Vancouver allows visitors to discover the wonders of Space through live demonstrations, interactive exhibits and games, virtual voyages, Planetarium shows, and the observatory. The centre is located in the same building as the Vancouver Museum.

Harbor tours on the paddle steamer "Constitution" are a delight.

There are various harbor tours available throughout the year although most are offered during the summer months when the harbour is at its best. Most tours provide information or narration on Vancouver's Inner Harbour and offer food and beverage services.

Harbour Tours are a great way to soak up the amazing scenery and spend an hour or so on the ocean.

A harbor tour (1hr) aboard the little "Tymac" leaves from the wharf at the northern end of Main St.

Holy Rosary Cathedral in downtown Vancouver was completed at the turn of the 20th Century. It is a gothic style cathedral with asymmetrical towers and vaulted ceiling. Some of the highlights of the cathedral include the stained glass windows, the tiled floor with design based on the sixth century Basilica of San Vitale in Ravenna, and the stations of the cross.

THIS ATTRACTION IS CLOSED PERMANENTLY.

MacMillan Bloedel is one ofCanada's biggest timber companies. There is an information center in MacMillan Bloedel Place where it is possible to learn all about the forests of British Columbia and their economic significance.

Of Vancouver's first sawmill only the store and post office survived the 1886 fire and the later rapid development of the city. Built in 1865 the Old Hastings Mill Store is today a museum housing items from pioneering days and the period of Indian settlement.

The Old Hastings Mill Store building is thought to be one of the oldest, if not the oldest, in Vancouver. The little white building with red doors and shutters is worth a look for visitors who are in the area.

Playland Amusement Park has games, miniature golf and over 30 rides including a wooden roller coaster built in 1958. This small scale park is perfect for small children as well as teens looking for some excitement. Playland offers specials for birthdays and other events. There are also picnic areas and open spaces. Playland is a popular facility with families.

The Punjabi Market in the Punjabi Districti of Vancouver is located on Main Street between approximately 48th and 51st Avenues. The area is geared toward the local community rather than tourists but offers some great dining opportunities and authentic shopping.

The Queen Elizabeth Theatre is Vancouver's largest theatre. It stages opera, ballet and musicals as well as drama.

The Ballet British Columbia calls the theatre home, as does the Vancouver Opera. Other concerts and events are also held here.

Also at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre is the Mezzanine Art Gallery featuring works by local artists. The gallery offers changing exhibits on a monthly basis. Art work includes a variety of mediums including paintings, photography, sculpture and more.

Look out for the newly renovated Sam Kee Building which being barely 2 m (61/2 ft) wide claims to be the narrowest office building in the world.

Located in Chinatown, the Sam Kee Building is located between Pender and Carral Streets. When Pender Street was expanded the property owner had all but approximately 2 meters of his property expropriated. The owner has the Sam Kee building designed and it now houses a number of shops and offices.

A harbor tour (1hr) aboard the little "Tymac" leaves from the wharf at the northern end of Main St.

The Vancouver International Airport is located in Richmond, just south of Vancouver. The airport has everything travelers may need with boutiques, clothing stores, restaurants, flower shop, golf store, and gift shops. Killing time between flights is never a problem at the Vancouver International Airport.

The airport is a major gateway to Asia from North America with regular flights to all of the major ports.

The Vancouver Public Library is notable for its unique architecture. Designed by architect Moshe Safdie in 1995 it is one of Vancouver's most recognizable landmark buildings. This cylindrical, coliseum style building is also home to an art gallery and huge book store. It is often used in filming movies and tv shows.