Vancouver, also known as 'Lotus Land', a magical city filled with exotic cultures, cosmopolitan theatre and dining
Vancouver
is a magical city, full of contradictions. The gateway to the Pacific, it
is a multi-cultural city with an easy-going air, filled with cosmopolitan
restaurants and boutiques, and offering visitors the opportunity to sail
and ski in the same day.
The first European to discover the area was Captain George Vancouver, who
wrote of a deep, sheltered harbor with
'innumerable pleasing landscapes'. Before his arrival by sea, the area
had largely been a seasonal outpost for the indigenous peoples of the Burrard inlet — the Musqueams on the northern arm of the Fraser River and
the Squamish in the Squamish and Cheakamus Valleys.
White settlement began in 1862 with the discovery of coal in the aptly
named Coal Harbor and by the 1880s, major development was underway.
However, the true pioneer of Vancouver was 'Gassy' Jack Deighton, who
became the first saloon proprietor in 1867, in the area now known as 'Gastown'.
Located near the cruise ship terminal, Gastown is a charming Victorian
cobbled area, complete with mews, antique shops, boutiques and art
galleries housed in historic buildings. The sound of the unique Steam
Clock sounding the Westminster chimes every quarter of an hour echoes
through the quaint courtyards and passages. At the entrance to Gastown,
you can enjoy the sweeping 360-degree views from the Lookout Tower, a
33-floor observation deck above Harbor Centre. From here, awe-inspiring
vistas greet you at every turn.
Vancouver's centerpiece is the 1,000 acre Stanley Park. One of the
largest urban parks in North America, it is the city's most famous
landmark and has woodland trails, secluded lakes, vast gardens and the
largest aquarium in Canada. The meandering path around the park's
perimeter offers views of the stunning skyline, the glistening harbor
and the pristine beaches, as well as the spectacular North Shore
Mountains looming in the distance.
Another reminder of the city's cultural heritage is its Chinatown, the
second largest in North America after San Francisco. The area is alive 24
hours a day and filled with red pagoda-roofed phone boxes and the aroma
of exotic spices, while traditional herbal medicines and exotic foods are
stacked precariously high on tilting, over-stuffed shelves. By contrast,
this area is also home to the tranquil Dr Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese
Garden, the only Ming Dynasty Classic Chinese Garden outside China.
Other multi-cultural landmarks include the Punjabi Market, Little Italy,
Greektown, Japantown, Commercial Town and a handful of Koreatowns, all of
which are marked by their bilingual street signs.
Granville Island is another area of the city not to be missed. Home to
theatres, studios, galleries, restaurants and the famous public market,
which offers a truly dizzying array of fresh produce, this once
industrial island now hosts outdoor entertainment and a boisterous
nightlife.
From trendy Robson Street to timeworn Hastings Street, Vancouver is a
paradise for those seeking thrills in the wilderness, on their palate, on
the stage or in their wardrobe. This is certainly a must-see destination.
