Vancouver, British Columbia is called Canada’s Emerald Jewel because of its lush rainforests and unparalleled natural beauty in an urban setting. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast, a cultural buff, visiting on business or strictly for pleasure, Vancouver has plenty to do year round. The city boasts the best and biggest attractions in many categories, making it a draw for business and vacation travelers.

Vancouver’s Outstanding Attractions

Vancouver’s prized possession is Stanley Park, one of the largest urban parks in North America. This city cornerstone features a miniature railway, petting zoo, totem poles, a water park, miles of nature trails and a demonstration salmon stream. The park’s 5.5-mile seawall is a favorite spot for walking, biking and people watching, in addition to great sea and city views. The Vancouver Aquarium within Stanley Park is Canada’s largest with world-class marine exhibits.

Vancouver has one of the most beautiful natural settings in the world, so be sure to take the time to visit some of the parks and gardens. The University of British Columbia Botanical Garden has a renowned collection of rhododendrons and the nearby Nitobe Memorial Garden is an authentic Japanese Garden designed by one of Japan’s leading landscape architects. Travel Maestro tip: The Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden adjacent to Vancouver’s Chinatown is labeled a World Top City Garden by National Geographic.

Vancouver’s Chinatown exudes an authenticity earned from a century of Chinese culture and business savvy. Locals shop for produce, meats and herbal medicines while visitors will find good souvenirs. Neighboring Gastown is decidedly more touristy with a three-block area of restored Victorian buildings housing restaurants and boutiques.

Granville Island is an outstanding covered public market packed with tantalizing produce, fresh seafood, home-baked breads, and local artisan shops and studios. To answer the inevitable mouth-watering, an excellent food court offers many ethnic eats. Travel Maestro tip: Take a three-hour Island Market or Gourmet Shopping guided tour.

The Capilano Suspension Bridge is Vancouver’s oldest visitor attraction (opened in 1889). It’s a world-famous suspension footbridge 230 feet above the Capilano River. For even more adrenaline-inducing views, take the CliffWalk that uses narrow suspended stairs, bridges and a glass-bottomed U-shaped bridge cantilevered 300 feet above the canyon. The park also includes an impressive collection of totem poles and Native American craftsmen at work. Travel Maestro tip: It’s a bit touristy and can get crowded, but the gift shop is a good source for local crafts.

Vancouver’s Unique Culture

Vancouver is regularly listed as one of the most livable cities in the world. It has a relaxed, outdoorsy vibe, yet is quite cosmopolitan with a vibrant arts scene. Favorite festivals include the summer Bard on the Beach Shakespeare Festival, Vancouver International Jazz Festival in June, and Vancouver International Film Festival in the fall. Travel Maestro tip: Vancouver Tourism posts weekly events listings online.

Vancouver is a gateway to Asia and as such is one of North American’s most Asian cities. Not surprisingly, you’ll hear a lot of Cantonese and Mandarin spoken and over half of Vancouver’s school-age children learn English as a second language.

Lonely Planet reported, “Don’t tell Montreal or Toronto, but Vancouver is the culinary capital of Canada.” Dine Out Vancouver in January and February celebrates the city’s hot culinary scene. Travel Maestro tip: To embrace the everyday local foodie culture, be sure to take a coffee break at one of the omnipresent cafes or grab a meal at one of the many food trucks.

Of course, no discussion of Vancouver’s culture could be complete without mentioning the most beloved Canucks, Vancouver’s National Hockey League team. They play October through April in Rogers Arena. Vancouver is also a steadfast supporter of their BC Lions football team that plays at the state-of-the-art BC Place Stadium.

Vancouver is an exceptional city in so many respects. To experience its’ many superlatives yourself, contact the equally remarkable travel advisors at Covington Travel.