If
you’re taking a cruise to Alaska, Hawaii or down the West Coast from Vancouver,
British Columbia, it’s a fantastic opportunity to spend some extra time in this
beautiful city before your cruise. Vancouver’s unique character begins with the
natural beauty of its setting, nestled between the Strait of Georgia and the
North Shore Mountains.
Vancouver
has grown into a multicultural and sophisticated city, but it began a modest
saloon opened in 1867 by a gentleman named “Gassy Jack” Deighton (so nicknamed
for his talkative nature, they say). There’s a statue of him in Maple Leaf
Square in Gastown, near where he once served whiskey to sawmill workers. Gastown’s
residents have fought hard through the years to preserve the neighborhood’s
historic architecture and cobblestone streets. It’s a great place to stroll and
visit hip boutiques, restaurants and galleries by day, and theaters and
nightclubs by night.
Right
next to Gastown is one of the largest Chinatowns in North America. Enter
through the Millennium Gate and enjoy traditional Chinese restaurants, tea
rooms, open-air markets and shops along streets lit by red lamps adorned with
golden dragons. Don’t miss the Sam Kee building, 8 West Pender Street, one of
the skinniest commercial buildings in the world (just under 5 feet wide on the
ground floor).
In
addition to Gastown and Chinatown, neighborhoods worth exploring include
Granville and its famous public market; trendy Yaletown; and Kitsilano, which
includes Vanier Park and some fine museums.
An
absolute must-see in Vancouver is Stanley Park, a huge (1,001-acre) public park
that’s nearly an island, surrounded by the waters of Vancouver Harbor and
English Bay. It’s not far from the cruise ship dock at Canada Place. This isn’t
a manicured park, but a beautiful urban forest that’s largely been allowed to
evolve on its own. There are man-made attractions, too, including the seawall
where residents and visitors love to stroll, jog and bike. There’s also a
swimming pool and water spray park, an aquarium, forest trails, play areas and
a miniature railway.
The
neighborhoods, park, museums and restaurants of Vancouver are more than enough
to fill a few days before your cruise. But, you can also go across the strait
to visit Victoria Island, or venture in to the mountainous interior of British
Columbia.
For
more and ideas about what to see and where to stay in Vancouver, talk with Anita,
your Cruise Holidays personal cruise expert.
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