| If you stand in downtown Vancouver and turn in | | | | surrounding countryside. It's easy to see the |
| a 360-degree circle, you'll no doubt find yourself in | | | | reason Vancouver was selected as the host city |
| awe. Majestic mountain ranges and crystal-blue | | | | for the 2010 Winter Olympics from this vantage |
| seas are only enhanced by the elaborate | | | | point. |
| cityscape of this modern town. To see | | | | Stanley Park, one of the greatest parks of the |
| Vancouver today, you'd never know it had such a | | | | world, is Vancouver's first park. Located on a |
| rocky start. | | | | 1000-acre parcel of land set aside by Vancouver's |
| The city was devastated by the Great Fire within | | | | first City Council, Stanley Park boasts a 5.5-mile |
| two months of incorporation in 1886. The | | | | seawall that completely surrounds the park. There |
| wind-swept blaze lasted less than an hour but left | | | | are at least four restaurants offering fine dining in |
| the city with just a half-dozen buildings. The | | | | this forest-type environment that delivers park, |
| people and businesses didn't let the fire destroy | | | | sea and mountain views. You'll also discover |
| their plans for growth, however. They began | | | | playground equipment, a swimming pool, water |
| rebuilding immediately leading to present day | | | | park, miniature railway and farmyard with live |
| Vancouver. | | | | animals. |
| With the distinction of being voted the "Best City | | | | The Capilano Suspension Bridge is located just |
| in the Americas" for 2004 through 2006 by | | | | minutes from downtown. The bridge was first |
| Conde Nast Traveler magazine, Vancouver and | | | | built in 1889. You find yourself 230 feet above the |
| the surrounding area provides a wide variety of | | | | Capilano River when you are in the middle of the |
| unique and exciting indoor and outdoor activities | | | | 450-foot bridge. Why bother to cross a bridge? |
| for adults, kids, couples and individuals from all | | | | Because on the other side you'll have the unique |
| walks of life. | | | | opportunity to trek through rainforest trails. You |
| Vancouver is surrounded on three sides by water. | | | | can participate in an exceptional Treetops |
| Add to that the Coast Mountain Range to the | | | | Adventure described by the Capilano Bridge |
| north and east and you have stunning panoramic | | | | website as "a squirrel's eye view of a thriving |
| scenery that makes the perfect backdrop for the | | | | coastal forest". |
| city. With mountains and the shore at arm's reach | | | | Walk from tree to tree on a series of elevated |
| what else could Vancouver offer? How about a | | | | suspension bridges that rise 100 feet above the |
| rainforest? You'll find it just minutes from the city. | | | | forest floor and view the rainforest environment |
| You'll also find over 180 parks, world-class | | | | without causing damage to its structure. Be sure |
| museums and galleries as well as magnificent | | | | to visit the Totem Park and other attractions |
| gardens. These attractions plus the mildest climate | | | | located here. |
| in Canada make Vancouver an ideal vacation spot. | | | | No vacation is complete without a shopping trip. |
| Vancouver is called home by numerous cruise | | | | The Metropolis at Metrotown can satisfy the |
| lines that provide voyages to Alaska from May | | | | needs of even the most serious of bargain |
| through September. Chances are you'll find an | | | | hunters. With 470 stores, this is British Columbia's |
| itinerary that departs from this city so it only | | | | largest shopping center. Exceptional theaters, two |
| makes sense to book a pre- or post-cruise | | | | indoor courtyards and a food court with |
| getaway while you're here. | | | | two-dozen shops provide a variety of delights to |
| Major Tourist Attractions | | | | satisfy your appetite. |
| The Vancouver Lookout at Harbor Centre is an | | | | Make plans to spend time in Vancouver before or |
| excellent first stop. The observation deck is | | | | after your next Alaskan cruise. Oftentimes, |
| located a whopping 50 stories above street level! | | | | affordable package deals are available that provide |
| An quick elevator trip to the top takes a mere 50 | | | | great savings for savvy travelers who want |
| seconds and rewards you with an unobstructed, | | | | added adventure. Check with your travel agent or |
| 360-degree view of Vancouver and the | | | | cruise line for details and rates. |