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Vancouver is a city in southwestern British Columbia, Canada and is named after Captain George Vancouver, an English explorer.

flag Introduction to CANADA

Date travelled: July 1991 for three weeks
Tour Operator: Not Used

Whistler Mountain

"... Whistler rated best ski resort in North America ... "

Whistler Resort is known world-wide. For several years in a row, Whistler has been rated the best ski resort in North America by international ski publications. This resort, actually two mountains, Whistler and Blackcomb offers one mile of vertical (5,280') on over 100 marked runs, including bowl and glacier skiing.

Stanley Park

Totem poles in Stanley ParkStanley Park is a city treasure and one of the largest urban parks in North America. Enjoy the parks many attractions, including the formal Rose Garden, Lost Lagoon, Malkin Bowl (an outdoor theater), totem poles at Brockton Point, Lumbermans Arch, Beaver Lake, Vancouver Aquarium, the Vancouver Rowing Club, the Lions Gate Suspension Bridge, Siwash Rock, Ferguson Point, a water park, and beaches. During the summer months, a free shuttle bus travels through the park, stopping at some of the most popular attractions.

Grouse Mountain

Grouse mountainOnly 15 minutes from downtown Vancouver, Grouse Mountain (1,211 metres) has been one of Vancouver's top winter destinations since 1926. Now the city's most visited four-season attraction, Grouse Mountain offers 25 runs for skiers and riders of all abilities.

Chinatown

About 36,000 people of Chinese descent live in the city's thriving downtown Chinatown, a designated heritage area, centred on W Pender St at the base of the peninsula. For the most part it's a real Chinese market and business district where most signs are in Chinese and English is rarely spoken. If you need respite from the crowds head to the Dr Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden and Park, the only full-scale Chinese garden found outside China.

Gastown

Steam clock in GastownHistory buffs wishing to raise a glass to town founder 'Gassy' Jack Deighton should head to Gastown, where the publican's statue stands. Along Water Street, the once-shabby Gastown underwent renovations in the 1970s to become a bright and shiny neo-Victorian business district. Nineteenth-century office buildings now house restaurants, bars, boutiques and galleries; old lamps line the brick streets and vendors and buskers add to the holiday feel of the area. At the western end of Water Street is the Gastown Steam Clock; you can see its works through glass panels and hear it toot every 15 minutes.

 

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Travel Advice for Canada

WEATHER

The best time to visit Vancouver is from early June to early October when there's less rain, temperatures are warm & daylight hours are long. The winter ski season peaks in January and February, but at resorts like Whistler the slopes are open year-round

PASSPORT

Persons visiting from countries other than the US must have a valid passport and may require other documentation such as visas. Check with the nearest Canadian Consulate

VISA

Visa (see above)

MONEY

Most major credit cards are accepted
Currency is the Canadian Dollar ($)

ELECTRICITY

Electricity is 110 volts/60 Hz. Adapters are required for electrical appliances

TIME ZONE

Time difference is - 8 hours GMT

FLIGHT

Flight time approx. 10 hours

WATER

Tap water is safe to drink

DISEASE

Vaccinations not required

LINKS

Embassy - Fax: 020 7258 6506 or link to Canadian Embassy

** Information on the travel pages was correct at the time of publishing. Passport & Visa information applies to UK citizens.