Vancouver is the western and largest metropolitan area the third largest city in Canada, with a population of 2,6 million. Located in the southwestern corner of the coastal province of British Columbia, is known around the world for its majestic natural beauty.
The city is nestled between the mountains and the shoreline on the Pacific Ocean. Often referred to as one of the "best cities to live", only by visiting it can you understand how this statement is more true than ever. AND one of the most beautiful destinations to visit in Canada and North America.
When to go to Vancouver
One of the most frequently asked questions among travelers is when is the best time to go to Vancouver. THE best times to visit Vancouver they are from March to May and from September to November.
In this period the weather is mild and the hotel rooms are not very coastal. In the period from May to September you can also witness an extraordinary event, the migration of whales.
Summer is the time of high season, most days are nice and warm, but hotel room prices are higher. If you want to visit the city in the summer, it is advisable to book the hotel at least one month in advance.
If you like them winter sports, winter is also a great time. This city is a favorite destination for skiers and snowboarders, and is also one of the coolest cities in Canada. Not far away are the renowned ski resorts of Grouse Mountain and Whistler.
To see
A destination not to be missed is it Vancouver Zoo. Inside the park you can spend a wonderful day discovering the flora, fauna and marine world of British Columbia and Canada.
The most important park in the city is Stanley Park, inaugurated in 1886, it is bathed by the ocean from all sides. Stanley Park is home to extensive coniferous forests and crystal clear water lakes.
In the park there are various recreational activities for sport and the Vancouver Aquarium, Canada's largest aquarium with diverse species of mammals, fish, invertebrate birds, amphibians and reptiles.
Things to do in Vancouver
Go sightseeing, walking the streets and admiring the ancient buildings of the nineteenth century, enjoying the singing of birds and the sound of leaves in the parks. Most of the shops and shopping centers they are open from 10.00 to 18.00. Sunday is a public holiday, only shopping centers are open until 21:00.
One of the things you can do in Vancouver is it skiing and snowboarding in winter. Grouse Mountain is easily accessible by urban public transport while the Whistler it is about a couple of hours from the city. A day of skiing on the Grouse mountain it is quite expensive, but the fun and the beautiful landscapes will surely pay off.
It is also very nice to have a coffee in the many cafes of the city. Almost all of them offer connection Free WIFI like restaurants. Furthermore, if you want to connect to the internet there is no need to enter the premises. There are open Wi-Fi connections on almost every street in downtown Vancouver.
Where to eat
If you want to eat quickly and cheaply, the best solution is i Food Court present in all shopping centers. They are large courtyards with chairs and tables around which there are numerous restaurants with fast service.
An urban legend says that Vancouver is the city in the world, outside of Japan, where it can be found the best sushi. If you like Asian food, there are plenty of restaurants in the Richmond area.
Getting around
The public transport system is perfectly developed in the city. The bus they operate from 5 in the morning until late in the evening. Tickets can be purchased at kiosks near the bus stops. Also here you can request a free map of public transport routes and timetables.
If you want to rent a car you must have an international driving license and a credit card with an adequate amount of money needed as a deposit.