Vancouver holiday travel

For those who love the outdoors, Vancouver is the spot to go. There is plenty of beautiful wilderness to explore, hiking trails to take, and lakes to enjoy. The city itself is also a pleasure with lots of shops, galleries, restaurants, and other attractions.

Where to stay - hotels

Vancouver is a popular summer destination, so there are plenty of hotels to choose from all over the city. However, that also means that they can get booked fairly quickly during the high season. It's best to reserve a Vancouver hotel room in advance.

Vancouver truly is a beautiful city in a picturesque area. You can choose any number of hotels that have great views of the mountains or waterways. Good deals on Vancouver hotels are available here.

Hotels are located all around the city and on Vancouver Island. This popular destination can be expensive, however, so it's best to shop online for a hotel. More information on hotel accommodation in Vancouver can be found here.

What to do

Vancouver has plenty of restaurants, shops, and theatres. Robson Street is the upper-class area of town, offering classy shopping. Granville Island has cobbled streets, artisan studios, and an eclectic market for a more trendy day out. Stanley Park, the city's largest park, is a good spot for a stroll or to take a picnic as it offer some beautiful views.

One of the most popular attractions downtown is Chinatown, a thriving business and market district designated a heritage area. The Dr Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden is the only full-scale Chinese garden outside China and offers respite from the busy shops and streets; while nearby is the Sam Kee building, the world’s narrowest building.

Gastown, along Water Street at the elbow of the peninsula, should not be missed by those interested in history and architecture. Nineteenth-century office buildings now play host to restaurants, bars, boutiques and galleries.

What to see - by hire car

Getting around Vancouver is easiest in a hire car. All the major car hire companies are available here. Good rates on Vancouver car hire can be found online.

Traveling outside the city by hire car is also recommended as there are plenty of neat things to do in the area. Taking a day trip by hire car to Lynn Canyon Park is one of them. There's a suspension bridge over Lynn Canyon, many hiking trails, and a plethora of picnic and swimming spots. The Lynn Canyon Park Ecology Centre has displays, films, and slide shows about the biology of the area.

Mt. Seymour Provincial Park is another popular destination easily reachable by hiring a car in Vancouver. You can drive all the way to the peak of Mt. Seymour for some fantastic views. There are also many hiking trails here for those who love taking in the outdoors.