Canada

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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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.