Other sights in Canada
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Wreck Beach
Follow Trail 6 into the woods then head down the steep steps to the water and you'll find Vancouver's only official naturist beach, complete with a motley crew of counterculture locals, independent vendors and sunburned regulars. The pants-free bunch are in a continuing battle with the university over the building of residential towers that threaten their privacy, so be sure to offer your support as you peel off. Time your visit well and you can take part in the annual Bare Buns Fun Run. And if you fancy connecting with other local naturists during your stay, check in with the Van Tan Nudist Club for events, including regular swimming meets at local pools.
reviewed
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Gulf Of Georgia Cannery
Once you've perused the boats hawking the day's fresh catch, check out Steveston's excellent cannery museum, illuminating the sights and sounds (and smells) of the region's bygone era of labor-intensive fish processing. Most of the machinery remains – polished and cleaned of its permanent film of blood and fish oil – and there's an evocative focus on the people who used to work here before the plant closed in 1979. You'll hear recorded testimonies from old workers percolating through the air like ghosts and see large black-and-white blow-ups of some of the staff who spent their days immersed in entrails in order to roll thousands of cans down the production line. Take one…
reviewed
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Brockton Point
The park's eastern peninsula, this picturesque kneecap of land contains Brockton Oval cricket pitch (both Don Bradman and Freddie Trueman have played here), the squat Brockton Point Lighthouse (where Arnold Schwarzenegger handed the Olympic torch to Sebastian Coe before the 2010 Winter Olympics) and the electrically fired Nine O'Clock Gun. But the highlight is the clutch of eight colorful totem poles. A favorite tour-bus lure, these are actually photogenic replicas of the originals that were moved here from Alert Bay. In 2008 they were joined by three n-shaped carved 'gateways' created to welcome visitors by the First Nations who originally called the park home.
reviewed
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Lost Lagoon
This rustic area near the park's entrance was originally an extension of Coal Harbour, but by 1916 the bridge was replaced with a causeway, and in 1922 the new body of water was named, transforming itself into a freshwater lake a few years later. Today it's a nature sanctuary – keep your eyes peeled for beady-eyed blue herons – and its perimeter pathway makes for a wonderful stroll. The excellent Lost Lagoon Nature House provides exhibits and illumination on the park's wildlife, history and ecology. Ask about its fascinating park walks, covering everything from bird-watching strolls to artsy ambles.
reviewed
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Prospect Point
One of Vancouver's most glorious lookouts, this lofty spot is located at the park's northern tip. In summer you'll be jostling for elbow room with the tour groups as you angle for a view of the passing cruise ships – heading down the steep stairs to the viewing platform usually shakes some of them off. Look out for scavenging raccoons here and remember that it's never a good idea to pet these semi-tame, rabies-carrying critters. The cairn here commemorates the 1888 wreck of the SS Beaver, a Hudson's Bay Company steamship that was the first to travel the entire west coast of North America. Prospect Point Café offers refreshments – aim for a table on the deck and a view…
reviewed
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Parc de la Chute Montmorency
This waterfall is right by the Taschereau Bridge on the way to Île d’Orléans and is worth a stop if you’re in the area. It’s 83m high, topping Niagara Falls by about 30m, though it’s not nearly as wide. What’s cool is walking over the falls on the suspension bridge to see (and hear) them thunder down below. The park is free but parking ($10 per car) and the cable car (adult/child $11/6) can add up over the average one-hour visit. You can opt to walk the circuit instead of taking the cable car up. This is an interesting stop even in winter. When the spray from the falls freezes, it creates a 30m-high toboggan hill. The falls are about 12km from Québec City.
reviewed
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Christ Church Cathedral
Completed in 1895 and designated as a cathedral in 1929, the city's most attractive Gothic-style church is nestled incongruously among looming glass towers. Undergoing extensive renovations in recent years, it's a busy site and is home to a wide range of cultural events, including regular choir and chamber music recitals and the occasional Shakespeare reading. Self-guided tours of the 32 stained-glass windows are available, but if you're short of time just head down to the basement for the highlight: a colorful Edward Burne-Jones beauty created by the William Morris Company. Also check out the church's dramatic hammerbeam ceiling as well as its newest window: the stunning…
reviewed
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Steam Clock
Halfway along Water St, this oddly popular tourist magnet lures the cameras with its tooting steam whistle displays. Built in 1977, the clock's mechanism is actually driven by electricity while only the pipes on top are fueled by steam (this might cause a riot if you reveal it to the patiently-waiting tourists). It sounds off every 15 minutes but marks each hour with a little whistling symphony. Once you have the required photo, spend time exploring the rest of cobbled Water St. One of Vancouver's most historic thoroughfares, its well-preserved heritage buildings house shops, galleries and resto-bars: cast your gaze above entrance level and check out some cool old-school…
reviewed
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West Vancouver Seawall
Take bus 250 from downtown Vancouver and hop off on Marine Dr at the intersection with 24th St. Peruse the charming clutch of stores and coffee shops in Dundarave Village here, then stroll downhill to the waterfront. Drink in the panoramic coastline views from Dundarave Pier, then weave eastwards along the shore-hugging Centennial Seawalk route. West Van's favorite promenade, you'll pass joggers, blue herons and public artworks before the 2km paved walkway comes to a stop. From here, head back up to the Marine Dr shops or weave over to Ambleside Park where you'll find a dramatic First Nations welcome figure facing the water.
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Lighthouse Park
Some of the region's oldest and most spectacular trees live within this accessible 75-hectare park, including a rare stand of original coastal forest and plenty of those gnarly, copper-trunked arbutus trees. It's ideal for a romantic picnic, and you'll find plenty of doe-eyed couples hogging the grass here. About 13km of hiking trails crisscross the area, including a recommended trek that leads to the rocky perch of the Point Atkinson Lighthouse, where you'll come across some shimmering, camera-worthy views over Burrard Inlet and the nearby tree-covered islands. If you're driving from downtown, turn left on Marine Dr after crossing the Lions Gate Bridge to reach the park.
reviewed
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Maple Tree Square
Vancouver's historic heart, this brick- cobbled area is now lined with convivial bars and restaurants but it's also still full of heritage charm. Check out the flatiron-style Hotel Europe and peer along Blood Alley (reputedly named for the butcher shops that once were here). The jaunty Gassy Jack statue, perched atop a whiskey barrel, dominates the square. It sits near the spot of his first saloon and the development that kick-started the modern-day city. Nearby is the red-painted Byrnes Block. One of the first structures built after the 1886 Great Fire, it's the oldest Vancouver building still in its original location.
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Woodward's
The development that aims to revitalize the long-troubled Downtown Eastside, this former department-store building was a derelict, paint-peeled shell after closing in the early 1990s. Successive plans to renovate and transform it failed until, in 2010, it was finally reopened as a new hub for the community and a trigger for neighborhood gentrification. Combining new condos, shops and a university campus (plus a shiny new reproduction of the iconic neon 'W' that sat on the roof for decades), duck inside the atrium and check out the giant 'Gastown Riot' artwork. And consider coming back for a performance at the Fei & Milton Wong Experimental Theatre.
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Roedde House Museum
For a glimpse of what the West End looked like before the apartment blocks arrived, drop by this handsome 1893 Queen Anne–style mansion, now a lovingly preserved museum. Designed by infamous BC architect Francis Rattenbury, the house is packed with antiques and the surrounding gardens are planted in period style. Sunday entry – including tour, tea and cookies – costs $1 extra. The abode is the showpiece of Barclay Heritage Sq, a one-block site containing nine historic West End houses dating from 1890 to 1908. If you don your top hat, monocle and twirly waxed moustache, you'll fit right in. Pick up a free map covering the square's history highlights from Roedde…
reviewed
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Miniature Railway & Children's Farmyard
A short walk from the aquarium, these twin, kid-friendly attractions are a big summer draw. The farmyard allows youngsters to interact with llamas, sheep, goats, cows, hens and other small animals in a way that will make you wonder why you bother spending money on much pricier zoos back home. In contrast, the railway offers a 15-minute forest train ride that kids of all ages can enjoy. At Halloween the railway rises from the dead of the off- season to become a ghost train, while at Christmastime its carriages and route are adorned with fairy lights. The farmyard was under threat of a funding-related closure at the time of research – call ahead before you set out with the…
reviewed
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Pendulum Gallery
A creative use for the cavernous atrium of the city's main HSBC Bank Building – you'll be overlooking the cash machines and smiling bank tellers – this gallery offers an ever-changing roster of temporary exhibitions. It's mostly new art, and can range from striking paintings to challenging photographs and quirky arts and crafts. The space also houses one permanent exhibit: a gargantuan 27m-long buffed aluminum pendulum that will be swinging over your head throughout your visit. Designed by Alan Storey, it weighs 1600kg and moves about 6m (the swing is assisted by a hydraulic mechanical system at the top). There's also a coffee shop here if you need to rest your trek-weary…
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Portobello West
This monthly indoor market enables more than 100 local artists and designers to display and sell their work. Prices are reasonable and you'll find an amazing selection that can include hand-painted boots, striking original paintings, unique ceramics and just about everything in between. There's usually a party atmosphere, as DJs spin their stuff and food vendors give you something to munch on while you peruse the goods. To get here from the Main St-Science World SkyTrain station, walk east along Terminal Ave to Cottrell St. Turn right and the station building is just ahead of you. Admission is free in some summer months when the weather is good enough to hold the event…
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Coal Harbour Seawall
An idyllic waterfront stroll from Canada Place to Stanley Park (it's about 2km), this is a perfect way to spend a sunny afternoon. You'll pass the new convention center expansion, a gaggle of bobbling floatplanes and the grassy nook of Harbour Green Park, where you can stop for a bistro bite at Mill Marine and catch a breathtaking mountain-framed vista. Continue past the handsome Light Shed artwork – a replica of one of the many marine sheds that once lined this area – then look out for the cozy houseboats in the marina and the Westin Bayshore hotel, where Howard Hughes holed up for three months in 1972. You'll soon be on the doorstep of Stanley Park.
reviewed
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Sam Kee Building
This structure near the corner of Carrall St made it into the Guinness World Records as the world's narrowest office building. It's easy to miss because it looks like the front of the larger building behind, to which it is attached. A businessman's vendetta against city hall led to the structure's anorexic shape. Chang Toy, the Sam Kee Co owner, bought land at this site in 1906, but in 1926 all but a 1.8m-wide strip was expropriated by the city to widen Pender St. Toy's way of thumbing his nose at city officials was to build anyway, and up sprang the unusual 'Slender on Pender' dwelling. It's almost in the shadow of the towering Millennium Gate, inaugurated by Prime…
reviewed
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Exploration Place
Exploration Place has a public atrium and 1115 sq m of exhibition space devoted to nature and history. Once you get past the gloss designed to attract people afraid of the word 'museum' the center is an engaging stop. There's lots of good historical stuff - especially on First Nations groups like those confluencers, the Lheidli T'Enneh - and it's fun to check out the Nature Exchange, where kids can trade rocks and other items they've found.
Kids also seem to love the SimEx ride simulator (where you get shaken up like a can of paint at the hardware store; no big chili lunches first).
It's southeast of the downtown area on the corner of 20th Ave and Queensway.
reviewed
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Dr Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden & Park
A tranquility break from clamorous Chinatown, this intimate 'garden of ease' illustrates the Taoist symbolism behind the placing of gnarled pine trees, winding covered pathways and ancient limestone formations. Entry includes a fascinating 45-minute guided tour – look out for the lazy turtles bobbing in the jade-colored water – where you'll learn that everything in the garden reflects balance and harmony. Check the garden's website for its summer schedule of Friday-evening concerts. Adjacent is the free-entry Dr Sun Yat-Sen Park. Not quite as elaborate as its sister, it's still a pleasant oasis of whispering grasses, a large fishpond and a small pagoda.
reviewed
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Vandusen Botanical Garden
Vancouver's favorite ornamental green space, this 22-hectare idyll is a web of paths weaving through dozens of small, specialized gardens: the Rhododendron Walk blazes with color in spring, while the Korean Pavilion is a focal point for a fascinating Asian plant collection. There's also a fun Elizabethan maze and an intriguing menagerie of marble sculptures. Free tours are offered daily at 2pm. VanDusen is also one of Vancouver's top Christmastime destinations, complete with thousands of twinkling fairy lights illuminating the dormant plant life. Check the website to see what's in bloom seasonally.
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Vancouver Public Library
This dramatic, Colosseum-like building must be a temple to the great god of libraries. If not, it's certainly one of the world's most magnificent book-lending facilities. Designed by Moshe Safdie and opened in 1995, it contains 1.2 million books and other items spread out over seven levels, all of them seemingly populated by language students silently learning English from textbooks (and messaging each other under the tables). There's free wi-fi available on-site (plus terminals if you don't have your laptop) and the library hosts a lively roster of book readings and literary events. If you're traveling with kids, the downstairs children's section is an ideal hangout.
reviewed
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HR Macmillan Space Centre
Popular with packs of marauding school kids – expect to have to elbow them out of the way to push the flashing buttons – this high-tech science center illuminates the eye-opening world of space. There's plenty of fun to be had battling aliens, designing a spacecraft or strapping yourself in for a simulator ride to Mars, and there are also movie presentations on all manner of spacey themes. There's a stand-alone observatory (open weekends, weather permitting, entry by donation) across from the main entrance, and a popular planetarium running weekend laser shows (tickets $10.75) with music by the likes of Led Zeppelin and Pink Floyd.
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David Lam Park
A crooked elbow of landscaped waterfront at the neck of False Creek, this 15-year-old park is Yaletown's main green space. A popular spot for free shows at the Vancouver International Jazz Festival and also sometimes used for free alfresco summer movie screenings, this is the perfect launch point for a 2km seawall walk along the north bank of False Creek to Science World. You'll pass intriguing public artworks, glass condo towers foresting the old Expo '86 site and the stadium where the Vancouver Canucks NHL hockey team plays. Look out for birdlife along the route and ask the locals about the unexpected 2010 visit from a grey whale in these waters.
reviewed
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Canada Agricultural Museum
Nope, the Canada Agricultural Museum isn’t about the history of the pitchfork – it’s a fascinating experimental farm. The government-owned property, southwest of downtown, includes about 500 hectares of gardens and ranches. Kids will love the livestock as they hoot and snort around the barn. The affable farmhands will even let the tots help out during feeding time. Guided tours lead visitors to an observatory, a tropical greenhouse and an arboretum. The rolling farmland is the perfect place for a scenic summer picnic, and in winter the grounds become a prime tobogganing locale. The farm can be reached on the city’s network of cycling routes.
reviewed