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Vancouver, Canada is a large coastal town in the western part of the country which is loved by visitors from all around the world. People from across America often choose to visit this city to see what Canada is all about. They’re rarely disappointed since Vancouver is a great example of a progressive Canadian city. Filled with diversity and attention to cultural differences, Vancouver has recently put itself on the map as a large city that is making great efforts towards becoming an eco-friendly urban area. This globally-aware attitude combines with a lot of great attractions to make Vancouver an attractive place to travelers.

But what exactly should you make sure to see if you get the chance to spend some time in this Canadian city? Following are some of the sights that you won’t want to miss out on during your stay:

• Beaches. There are nine different beaches in Vancouver so you’ll have your pick of where to go. Rent kayaks at English Bay Beach, play tennis on the courts at Jericho Beach or check out the old train which is stationed at Kitsilano Beach. Whatever you decide, make sure that you don’t skip this part of the sightseeing since the waterfront is so important to the way of life in Vancouver. There are also several water parks on and around the beaches so if you’re in Vancouver on a family vacation you might want to think about checking those out.

• Bloedel Floral Conservatory. You will be awed by the beauty of the city of Vancouver including the nature found there. However, if you’re on the hunt for an even more wondrous experience, you might want to check out this attraction which has a stunning array of beautiful flowers for you to breathe in. Hopefully you like birds because there are over one hundred different species of them living within the conservatory and they’re allowed to fly about in relative freedom. It’s a popular spot for weddings so if you happen to fall in love in Vancouver, you might want to plan an event at this place!

• Granville Island. This is an island off of Vancouver that is highly popular with travelers. The main reason that tourists trek over here is to go shopping because there are tons of little stores here. A public market, street performers and a theatre district are other reasons that folks take the ferry trek to Granville Island. Additionally, there are a number of microbreweries on the island which offer tours to those folks who want to know more about Canadian beer.

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• Harbour Centre. This isn’t the tallest building in Vancouver but it’s right up there in the rankings and is the most popular one for visitors to check out. That’s because you’re able to take a ride up to the top where you will be treated to a three hundred and sixty degree view of the city. It’s a sight that anyone visiting Vancouver for the first time should make sure to see. You’ll want to go back again and again since the skyline here is so striking. To add a little bit of history, the building was opened by Neil Armstrong who left an imprint of his foot on the concrete here. To add some tourist appeal, there is a revolving restaurant in the building for you to enjoy.

• Lighthouse Park. This is a really small park in West Vancouver that wouldn’t likely get attention except for one outstanding feature – it’s an amazing place to watch a Vancouver sunset. If you’re a fan of this aspect of nature (or you’re seeking a way to infuse your trip with a little bit of romance) this is a must-see place on the Vancouver itinerary.

• Lonsdale Quay Market and Shops. This shopping area in North Vancouver is known for two things. First, it is known for its terrific shopping opportunities which include a market, boutique shops and a selection of international food stores. Second, it is known for being a place with a terrific view of the Vancouver skyline. Shopping and scenic beauty all in one spot; can you ask for anything more? If you can, you should know that there are also a variety of events held in this area so you won’t be bored while you’re here.

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• Mount Seymour. Take a day out of your trip to enjoy the nature that has been so beautifully preserved in the eco-friendly Vancouver area. There are several state parks in the area so you can take your pick but this mountain is a favorite. During the warmer months, you can hike the trails here which range in skill level from beginner to intermediate. During the colder months, you can do what this place is really known for – skiing!

• Museum of Anthropology. One of the things that you will learn about if you do some research into the history of Vancouver is that there is a group of native people called the First Nations. To gain a better understanding of this culture and the role it’s played in Vancouver’s history, you can take a tour through the exhibits of this museum. Even the building itself is designed to reflect the building practices of the First Nations people.

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• Robson Square. This is a public plaza in Downtown Vancouver where all of the government offices for the city can be found. The architecture in the area is impressive and will likely spur you to take your camera out and get some snapshots. Three large waterfalls and an outdoor skating rink make this an appealing place to spend some time.

• Stanley Park. When you go to New York, you go to Central Park. When you go to San Francisco, you go to Golden Gate Park. And when you go to Vancouver, you go to Stanley Park. That’s just the way that it is and you don’t want to be that foolish tourist that fails to see this urban paradise. Located near downtown Vancouver, it covers approximately 1,000 acres of land and provides a lot of opportunities for enjoying different activities. The seawall, a “lost lagoon” and a set of historic totem poles are a few of the attractions that you’ll want to check out on your meanderings through the park.

• Vancouver Aquarium Marine Science Center. This is a marine research area where people in the business of water life can learn more about their field. However, it’s also a public aquarium and it’s one of the favorite attractions for people who are visiting Vancouver. Caimans, dolphins, sea lions, beluga whales and sharks are just a few of the animals that you’ll get a chance to see if you take the opportunity to visit this location.

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• Vancouver Art Gallery. If there’s only one museum that you get a chance to see during the time that you spend in Vancouver, you’ll want it to be this one. It is the goal of the museum to remain at least as progressive as the city that it is in so there are always interesting and innovative exhibits to see here. If you’re the kind of person that believes that a culture’s art reflects the pulse of what is happens with its people, then this is where you will want to go to take the pulse of the Vancouver population.

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• Vancouver Canucks. This is Vancouver’s hockey team and they’re an important part of the life of the city. If you’ve got any interest at all in sports, you should make an effort to see a game while you’re in town.

Tags: British Columbia | Canada | Canucks | North America | Vancouver