VANCOUVERS TOP 5 PLACES TO VISIT

Since we moved to Vancouver we have been visiting all the sights that Vancouver has to offer. Our family and friends always ask us about the best places to visit whilst they are here. We thought that other people may want to know this information too, we have therefore put together a list of the top five places to visit in Vancouver. We hope you have a great time.

STANLEY PARK
We absolutely love going to Stanley Park, the walks and scenery are beautiful and you cannot help but feel relaxed. Stanley Park is a green oasis at the edge of downtown Vancouver away from the lively atmosphere of the busy city streets. The park covers 1,000 acres and is home to Fir, Cedar and Hemlock trees, raccoons, squirrels and over 200 species of migrating seabirds, waterfowl and songbirds. The park also has three beautiful beaches with fantastic views out to the ocean with the backdrop of the coastal mountains. Stanley Park should be at the top of anyones list visiting Vancouver, you will love it.

AQUARIUM
We have been to the Vancouver Aquarium several times and we always enjoy it. The aquarium is situated in Stanley Park and is the largest aquarium in Canada at approximately 9000 m². It is home for some wonderful animals including the amazing white beluga whales, huge sea lions, dolphins, cute sea otters, sharks, alligator lizards, snakes and giant fish. There are many animal shows put on throughout the day, the show times are listed just inside the building so you can plan what you would like to see. The aquarium is a great time out whatever your age.

DOWNTOWN VANCOUVER
We always have a great time when visiting the heart of the city, known as Downtown. The city has an energetic buzz that offers great shopping. After the shops visit Canada Place, which has a 'deck' that offers excellent views of the Ocean, Stanley Park and the coastal mountains. Then for some truly spectacular views head to the Harbour Centre Tower, which give you a great 360 degree view of the city. Your ticket allows you to visit the observation deck as many times as you like that day, which is great as you can see the great views in the daytime and then go back in the evening when the city is all lit up, don't forget your camera.

MOUNT SEYMOUR
We love visiting Mount Seymour, in the summer it offers some lovely walks but the mountain really comes into its own in winter. It is like walking into a scene from a Christmas card, it's really beautiful. There are all the usual winter activities available here offering skiing and snowboarding and they offer great lessons for beginners. If however, like us it is your first experience in the snow, we strongly recommend going snowshoeing on a guided trail, it is fantastic and you get to see some beautiful scenery, make sure you take your camera.

GROUSE MOUNTAIN
Grouse Mountain offers a great day out, we have been in summer and winter and both have been great experiences. Grouse Mountain is situated in North Vancouver, so firstly you need to get a sea bus over to the north, which in itself is a great experience offering wonderful views of the city. In the summer months Grouse Mountain has some great walks, amazing scenery and breathtaking views of the city and mountains. In the winter months the mountain is covered in snow and plays host to an array of winter activities from skiing, snowboarding, ice skating and sledge rides.