Summer Information For Vancouver In British Columbia






Jul 4, 08

Vancouver
British Columbia

An Exciting Mix of Culture and Recreation

The Vancouver and North Vancouver area has a wonderful mix of recreational and cultural experiences. North Vancouver is the traditional homeland of the Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh Nations, two of British Columbia's 197 First Nation Bands. Both belong to the Coast Salish cultural grouping, which has created cultural, familial and historical ties between the two Nations.

Trails with a View

A vast trail system exists in Vancouver's mountain areas and provides a variety of day hiking possibilities. Many afford great views of the city and the Strait of Georgia in Mt. Seymour and Cypress Provincial Parks.

Along with numerous trails, Lynn Canyon Park includes 617 acres of temperate rain forest and breathtaking canyons. A 272-foot-high suspension bridge spans the canyon and a waterfall.

Nearby Grouse Mountain provides the perfect setting for hiking, biking, sightseeing and more. In the summer, helicopter tours are available to give visitors a bird's eye view of the region's spectacular scenery.

The Skyride, North America's largest aerial tramway, takes you to the top of the world and to numerous trails for hiking and mountain biking. There's a trail to suit everyone from novice to advanced. See the history and the breathtaking beauty of the mountain from a unique vantage point. Some trails are accessible by chairlift as well.

For Water Lovers

For some great Chinook and Coho salmon fishing, Horseshoe Bay up Howe Sound is the place to look. Freshwater fishing opportunities are endless at the variety of lakes and rivers found in the Vancouver area where a medley of trophy trout and salmon can be found.

Water sports are plentiful here as well. Windsurfing, canoeing and boating are just a few of the many aquatic activities that attract residents and visitors alike. The Squamish River offers excellent rafting adventures to really get that adrenaline pumping. For a truly exciting day, whitewater kayaking on the Capilano River is sure to deliver. Only 15 minutes from downtown, the Capilano's heart-stopping glacier-fed rapids provides kayakers with a unique and thrilling experience.

Whale-watching and scuba diving tours are available summer-long for those wishing to witness some of the amazing creatures that inhabit the frigid waters of the Northern Pacific. Wolf eels, octopus, and stunning red coral are just a few of the sights a diver will see while plumbing the waters between Vancouver Island and the mainland. Grey whales, minke whales, humpback whales, or the iconic pods of orcas, are not uncommon sights on whale-watching tours.

"#1 Undiscovered Golf Destination"

Vancouver is quickly gaining a reputation of being a year-round golfing paradise. The five courses in the area offer golfers a spectacular setting and a challenging game. Mountain and coastal scenery provide a beautiful backdrop for these well-groomed, championship fairways. Wind down after a day on the greens by taking a stroll through Stanley Park, a 1000 acre wilderness area located only blocks from downtown.

Culture and Dining

An abundance of art galleries, museums and performances make this area a cultural Mecca. Festivals throughout the summer, including Canada Day Celebrations and the Harmony Arts Festival, entertain visitors and locals alike.

Hundreds of restaurants offer countless dining options ranging from Far East to West Coast. Historic Lower Lonsdale has several specialty restaurants, including Greek, Italian, Japanese and Thai.

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