Surrounded by mountains and searching over the ocean, Canada’s third greatest metropolis (inhabitants 2.4 million) persistently tops the charts of essentially the most livable cities on this planet — and for guests it has one thing for everybody.
The persons are pleasant and it’s simple to get round, too — there’s an underground metro however you possibly can stroll from one facet of Vancouver to the opposite inside half an hour.
Climate is just like that in Britain.
Homely: Canada’s third greatest metropolis persistently tops charts of essentially the most habitable on this planet
En route: The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge arrive in Vancouver tomorrow morning
ESSENTIAL VIEWING
Spectacular: Vancouver Artwork Gallery, set on Hornby Avenue and slotted into the outdated courtroom home, is is presently taking part in host to the most important exhibition of Picasso’s work ever introduced within the metropolis
It’s sometimes called the ‘metropolis of glass’ or ‘the see-through metropolis’, and many of the downtown space ascribes to this West Coast fashion of structure.
There’s little to see from the distant previous, however Metropolis Corridor, a white stone construction on Principal Avenue — accomplished in 1936 — is an effective instance of Artwork Deco, as is Lions Gate Bridge.
To take in extra design historical past, go to Vancouver Artwork Gallery on Hornby Avenue. It’s inside the outdated courtroom home, and is taking part in host to the most important exhibit of Picasso’s work ever introduced within the metropolis.
ROYAL SLEEPOVERS
The Fairmont Resort Vancouver is completely positioned among the many retailers and bars of Downtown
Fittingly generally known as the ‘citadel within the metropolis’, with its inexperienced copper spire rising above the glass buildings that encompass it, the Fairmont Resort Vancouver (from £176 an evening) has a wealthy royal historical past, having been opened by King George VI and Queen Elizabeth in 1939.
It’s completely positioned among the many retailers and bars of downtown. And the Fairmont’s house owners are nearly as a lot a fan of canines as our personal Queen. In addition to providing pet-friendly rooms, they’ve an enthralling Labrador referred to as Beau, who visitors can take for walks in the event that they’re lacking their very own pup.
For someplace extra hipster-chic, the Opus in Yaletown has brightly colored partitions, enormous ensuites and iPads in every of its 96 rooms (from £164 an evening).
MADE FOR CHILDREN
Wonderful: Stanley Park will present few days value of wholesome household actions
Stanley Park, ideally positioned on the northwestern fringe of downtown and outcropping into Vancouver Harbour and English Bay, will present few days value of household actions.
Spend a day biking the five-mile perimeter alongside the ocean wall, taking within the majestic Lions Gate Bridge and views of the North Shore mountains. Hire your bike — or tandem — from Bayshore Bicycle Leases on Denman Avenue.
The subsequent day, head contained in the park with a picnic, earlier than taking a tour in a horse-drawn carriage or visiting the llamas and ponies on the Youngsters’s Farmyard.
GET ACTIVE
Take a gondola up the famed Grouse Mountain, often known as “Mom Nature’s Stairmaster”
Grouse Mountain looms out of the woods simply quarter-hour from town.
Referred to as Mom Nature’s Stairmaster or the Grouse Grind, you possibly can hike the strenuous 2.9km of steep steps as much as the summit in the summertime (or take the gondola for those who’d moderately not break a sweat).
GRUB’S UP
Tuck in: Richmond Night time Market, held each weekend in summer time, is a superb meals competition
Kate is claimed to be a sushi fan, and Vancouver definitely places its personal spin on Japanese meals. For lunch, head to Momo on Robson Avenue, the place the parts are beneficiant, the costs low cost.
The Horny Salmon Roll has a little bit of every part and is available in at solely $8.50 (£5).
Richmond Night time Market, held each weekend in summer time, is a global (primarily Asian) meals competition of epic proportions, with greater than 1,000 stalls.
SWEET TREATS AND THE PERFECT TIPPLE
Take the boat: Cross False Creek to Granville Island, the place you discover a splendid public market
Honey Donuts & Goodies on Gallant Avenue, in North Vancouver’s Deep Cove, serve treats adequate to tempt Canada’s bears into city, in addition to what the Canadians consider to be a British drink referred to as the London Fog, which is Earl Gray tea steeped in foamed milk. It’s good, however not precisely a cup of builder’s.
There’s a robust heritage of craft brewing and craft distilling. Cross False Creek to go to Granville Island, the place there’s a public market, plus Liberty Distillery. Strive its Breakfast Martini that includes gin, triple sec, recent lemon and marmalade, allegedly a favorite of Kevin Spacey. Excursions of the distillery, together with tastings, run each weekend.
WORD OF ADVICE
Don’t be stunned for those who scent one thing stronger than maple leaves: Vancouver not too long ago launched regulated ‘medical’ pot retailers.
