Few major cities boast a setting as naturally spectacular as that of Vancouver, British Columbia. With the rugged beauty of the Coast Mountains at its back, and the vast blue expanse of the Pacific stretching out before, this is a city rooted in the breath-taking landscape which surrounds it – but it's also a buzzing, cosmopolitan and thoroughly modern metropolis known for its diverse cultural influences and high quality of life.
With one of Canada's most varied and innovative culinary scenes, a wealth of outdoor activities, and a fabulous selection of up-and-coming boutiques, galleries and markets showcasing the best of the West Coast, there are countless ways to spend your time during your stay in Vancouver. Book a hotel in Vancouver's downtown core or one of the scenic suburbs and you'll have easy access to all the city's chief attractions.
Explore the cobbled streets of historic Gastown, the oldest part of Vancouver – now known for its quirky shops, restaurants and charming architecture. Browse through colourful markets in Chinatown, the largest community of its kind in Canada. Visit the famous Kitsilano Beach – and the stylish galleries and shops nearby – and spend a morning wandering through the Granville Island Public Market, where you'll find a tantalising assortment of fresh produce, crafts, art, street food, baked goods, artisanal products and more.
Fancy an outdoor adventure? Head to the nearby mountains (just a half hour drive away) for skiing, rock climbing, mountain biking and leisurely hikes, or hit one of the city's beaches for swimming, kayaking, scuba diving and more. There's also a wealth of beautiful parks and gardens throughout the city, including the must-visit Stanley Park. This vast urban oasis offers an abundance of walking and cycling trails passing through ancient rainforest and along the scenic seawall, as well as beaches, cafés, totem poles and other attractions.
For culture lovers, the Museum of Anthropology at the University of British Columbia is a fascinating place to learn about the local First Nations, while the Vancouver Art Gallery features touring exhibitions and a great collection of works by esteemed local artist Emily Carr.
It is also definitely worth savouring the city's fantastic food scene, which features a huge selection of international cuisines and high-quality West Coast produce. Keep an eye out for good-value seafood, sushi and dim sum, as well as a range of stylish eateries offering up healthy eats.
Ready to discover this breath-taking city for yourself? Book a Vancouver hotel with Marriott and start planning your West Coast adventure.