Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada is considered by many to be one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Home to the 2010 Olympic Games, Vancouver is a multi-cultural oceanfront city with many parks as well as activities to suit every taste. Some of the most popular things to do in Vancouver include visiting Stanley Park, the Vancouver Aquarium, Science World, Chinatown and Granville Island.
Granville Island is known as a fun place for people of all ages to spend the day. There is a children's market as well as a public market with everything from deli to fish. You can enjoy BC salmon or other foods in the different restaurants and top it off with sweet treats from the bakery. Shopping the many unique stores on Granville Island is one of the most popular things to do in Vancouver for both visitors and residents alike. You can also visit the Emily Carr College of Art here or maybe rent a kayak or canoe and head out into the water.
Vancouver's Chinatown area is located in an old section of downtown and is quite large. You can find many interesting restaurants, shops and markets here. Chinatown is known to have an outdoor night market operating on weekends in the summer months. You can enjoy some dim sum and browse the stores for great gifts such as fancy carved chopsticks.
Spending a day at Science World is one of the most popular things to do in Vancouver for families. Conveniently located at the end of the Skytrain commuter railway, the building that houses Science World is topped by a golf ball shaped dome. The exhibits are hands-on and Science World also has films and demonstrations. The permanent exhibits include Kidspace Gallery, an educational play area for children aged six and under, and Our World which focuses on critical thinking about how our choices affect the world's problems and solutions.
The Vancouver Aquarium and Marine Science Centre have more than 8,000 sea creatures. The Aquarium's Pacific Canada Pavilion features sea life and educational materials that relate to Vancouver's Georgia Strait area. Orca, dolphin and beluga shows are usually available and there is also an Amazon gallery with reptiles and other animals. The Aquarium is located in Stanley Park.
Visiting Stanley Park is one of the 'absolute must' things to do in Vancouver and even if you just drive through it you're sure to be impressed by the great ocean and mountain views. If you want some exercise, head to the Seawall in the Park. The Seawall circles around Lost Lagoon Lake in a pleasant setting and is a popular place for walking, biking and rollerblading. You can have a drink and a bite to eat at the old Sylvia Hotel near the entrance to the park by English Bay and there is a beach there also. Stanley Park has a miniature train and Farmyard for kids and is home to Theatre Under The Stars in the summer.