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Canada
Ottawa -
Toronto -
Montreal -
Vancouver -
Qubec City
Vancouver
Canada's most beautiful city wins hearts without even trying. Its hilly
terrain and many bridges offer stunning views of the ocean, bays and Vancouver
itself. The mild climate (by Canadian standards) and breezy Californian-style
atmosphere mean that even US neighbors rave about the place. Downtown Vancouver
offers a busy patchwork of attractions, from the renovated Victorian charm of
the old Gastown area to the emerald expanses of Stanley Park - one
of the world's great city parks. Then there's famed strips of sand and surf like
Wreck Beach and numerous hiking, rafting and picnicking oases within easy
reach of the city proper. Nearby Vancouver Island has plenty of natural
wonders, including whale watching. Needless to say, summer in Vancouver can get
a bit squeezy.
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Gastown
This part of downtown got its name from saloon owner "Gassy
Jack" Deighton, who was a rather chatty fellow. In case anyone doubts the true
root of the area's title, there is a large statue of this historical figure on
Water Street. Cobblestone streets and original architecture, shops, restaurants
and bars fill the area. Popular Historic Walking Tours are
given free every day from mid-June to the end of August. Highlights include The
Landing, Hill's Native Art, Deluxe Junk
Co., Salmagundi West, Sonar, and
the Irish Heather Bistro.
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Robson Street
This was where the original German community in Vancouver shopped.
Robsonstrasse, as it was formerly known, was lined with delis, bakeries and
restaurants. Today, it's one of the city's most fashionable shopping streets:
Alfred Sung, Salvatore Ferragamo, Chanel, Rodier Paris and Stephane de Raucourt
are just some of the big names in this urban shopping destination. Options for
grabbing a bite abound. Find everything from Schnitzel to Sushi along this
bustling thoroughfare. It is also cruising central in the summertime, with cars
and sidewalks filled with people enjoying the warm summer air.
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Granville Island
Take a full day to explore this shopping and entertainment favourite, a
destination on everyone's "best of" list. The island is five minutes from
downtown and has the famous Public Market,
Emily Carr College of Art, shops, restaurants, theatres, galleries, sculpture,
performance art, history and the Kids' Market. There is also
a water park and sea kayak rental, canoes and other water sports. Sample
excellent microbrews at the Granville Island Brewery. At the
quiet end of the island, the large Granville Island Hotel
awaits guests.
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Science World
Fondly known as the "golf ball" because of the glittery geodesic dome that sits
atop it, this science centre is a former Expo '86 pavilion. Today, it is a top
family destination, offering educational, entertaining and interactive exhibits.
Three main galleries explore the areas of biology, physics and music. A 3-D
laser show presents fun images. The biggest attraction is the OMNIMAX Theatre,
which features science and nature films on one of the world's largest dome
screens.
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Stanley Park
Attractions abound in this massive downtown park, a veritable
rainforest within a metropolis. To name just a few of the activities and
attractions: the Children's Farmyard, Miniature Railway, tennis courts, beaches,
children's water park, heated ocean side swimming pool, the Theatre Under the
Stars, the Vancouver Aquarium and the 10.5-km perimeter
Seawall, which is packed with joggers, walkers and
rollerbladers. Once a military reserve, the park became one of the city's
premier attractions by action of the city's first council.
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