Saturday, November 5, 2011

What makes Vancouver such a Popular Canadian City?

By Lisa Stienway


Vancouver, British Columbia, is Canada's third largest city and home to many lagoons and bays, as well as beautiful beaches. This vibrant city is a traveler's paradise with its fantastic shopping, exciting night life, and numerous attractions and activities. It is no wonder that London based Economist Group of Economist magazine named Vancouver as not only the best place to live in Canada but also the best city in the world to live.

Vancouver is such a popular city for travelers as it is home to friendly and diverse residents, beautiful scenery, an appealing climate, and an assortment of eclectic neighborhoods, from Kitsilano to Chinatown. Aside from its laid-back atmosphere, there is much to see and do in Vancouver that includes: fascinating museums, beautiful hiking trails, many educational attractions, and a whole range of fun and unique activities. Vancouver is also a very 'green ' city with a number of large regional parks that are environmentally protected. You can walk, cycle, and hike in these beautiful parks. As well, many neighborhoods are lined with stunning old trees. In Vancouver, one of the most popular things to do is to walk, jog, bike, or roller blade the Seawall. Also, Vancouver is famous for being near places for skiing and snowboarding. Vancouver is near such fun hills as Cypress, Grouse Mountain, and Seymour. Vancouver is also not far from world famous Whistler.

There is more to Vancouver than just its beautiful outdoors. The city offers visitors many cultural events, concerts, theater productions, symphony and opera venues, and outdoor live theatre productions. The city's Chinese heritage comes alive during Chinese New Year. Chinatown, which is located in the east side of downtown, is filled with colorful festivities including its spectacular parade. In June, visitors can experience its annual Dragon Boat Festival on False Creek. The festival that attracts the biggest crows is the HSBC Celebration of Light which is a four night celebration with incredible fireworks displays.

Vancouver's downtown peninsula consists of many attractions, restaurants, high-end hotels, beautiful architecture, fine dining, and world class shopping. It includes the West End, Chinatown, Yaletown, Stanley Park, and Gastown. It is also home to four beaches that include Sunset Beach, English Bay (First Beach), Second Beach, and Third Beach. On the Westside, you will find the markets of Granville Island, museums, beaches, gardens, and a vibrant arts scene.

Another exciting event held in Vancouver is EAT! Vancouver - The Everything Food + Cooking Festival. This festival takes place every May. Visitors will enjoy Celebrity chefs, cookbook authors, popular local restaurants, artisans, wineries, and many other professionals from the culinary world. There are celebrity chef cooking demonstrations, culinary competitions, beverage and cooking related exhibits, diverse delicious food, great shopping, and much more.

If you are considering a visit to the exciting city of Vancouver, British Columbia, make sure you plan your days and nights to enjoy everything the city has to offer. You will be assured of having a fantastic and memorable time when you visit Vancouver.




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