One of the reasons Vancouver is often listed as one of the world’s best places to live is the wide range of things to do, and the breathtaking scenery in which to do them, just a short drive away from downtown. The ski slopes and golf courses of Whistler are reached after a scenic two-hour drive, ideal for an overnight excursion. Superb rain forests can be enjoyed on the western side of Vancouver’s Pacific Spirit Regional Park and in North Vancouver’s Capilano Suspension Bridge Park. Towns like Squamish or the Brackendale community provide unforgettable nature walks, hikes, and climbs. Small waterfront towns such as Steveston, a former fishing village, have proudly preserved their local history.

TopTen

1. Whistler

Two mountains, Whistler and Blackcomb, rise side by side at the popular resort town of Whistler. Ski in winter, enjoy views of the four villages and surrounding mountains and valleys from gondolas and lift chairs year-round, or cycle the Valley Trail in summer.

TopTen

Blackcomb Mountain and Harmony Lake in Whistler

2. Grouse Mountain

prac_info Visitor Centre: 6400 Nancy Greene Way, North Vancouver; 604 980 9311; www.grousemountain.com • Adm to Skyride

There’s lots to do atop this Vancouver landmark. The Feasthouse invites visitors into a beautifully crafted cedar longhouse to learn about Pacific Northwest First Nations cultures. At night, legends come alive with local cuisine, song, and dance.

3. West Vancouver

Horseshoe Bay, Lighthouse Park and Cypress Provincial Park are among the top scenic attractions in this region. A pleasant day-trip destination, Horseshoe Bay boasts a small bayside park with two totems. BC Ferries depart here for Nanaimo, Bowen Island, and Sunshine Coast. The pedestrian Centennial Seawall links Ambleside Park and the charming Dundarave village.

TopTen

Point Atkinson Lighthouse in Lighthouse Park

4. Steveston

prac_info Gulf of Georgia Cannery: 12138 4th Ave; 604 664 9009; open 10am–5pm daily; adm

The old-fashioned Steveston village was built on the salmon industry, with 15 canneries once employing thousands. The Gulf of Georgia Cannery National Historic Site offers a glimpse into this interesting past. The converted 1894 building rests on pylons over the Fraser River. View the film inside, then tour the building. The Ice House has a fun children’s discovery area.

TopTen

Gulf of Georgia Cannery National Historic Site by the Fraser River, Steveston

5. North Vancouver

prac_info Lynn Canyon Park: at the end of Peters Rd, Lynn Valley • Lynn Canyon Ecology Centre: 604 990 3755

North Vancouver is a busy North Shore city of more than 53,000 residents. Take the scenic SeaBus ride across Burrard Inlet. Disembark at Lonsdale Quay, a public market selling fresh produce. To the east, Lynn Canyon Park boasts its own suspension bridge, which spans the dramatic canyon, 165 ft (50 m) above Lynn Creek, as well as nearly 40 types of moss, and 100-year-old Douglas firs. Stop in at the Ecology Centre to view the displays and films, and get details on park tours and trails.

6. Squamish

”Squamish,” a Coast Salish word meaning “mother of the wind,” is an apt name for this windy town that has become a major center for outdoor activities. Rock climbers relish the challenge of the Stawamus Chief, an imposing granite monolith. Others windsurf on the Squamish River or camp in nearby parks, including the renowned Garibaldi Provincial Park.

TopTen

Windsurfing in Squamish

7. Capilano Suspension Bridge Park

This North Vancouver park was opened in 1888. Its suspension bridge sways 230 ft (70 m) above the Capilano River.

8. Brackendale

The community is best known for the bald eagles that winter in the nearby 3-sq-mile (7.8-sq-km) Brackendale Eagles Provincial Park, but the ocean and the river location here make this small town a very popular place for rafting and canoeing.

TopTen

Juvenile bald eagle in Brackendale

9. Richmond

prac_info www.richmondnightmarket.com

BC’s fourth-largest city is making waves as a multicultural foodie destination. The Richmond Night Market from May till October, and the International Buddhist Temple are well worth traveling for.

10. University of British Columbia

prac_info 604 822 2211 • www.ubc.ca • Gardens: open daily; 604 822 4208; www.botanicalgarden.ubc.ca; adm

A lovely mix of historic and modern architecture, the buildings of BC’s oldest university are complemented by diverse gardens. Stroll around the traditional Japanese Nitobe Memorial Garden, or navigate suspended walkways high up in the tree canopy at the Botanical Garden.

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Exhibit at the Museum of Anthropology at UBC

A CONVOCATION OF EAGLES

Almost half the world’s bald eagle population lives in BC. Thousands make their annual winter home in Brackendale. The first eagle count took place along the Squamish River in 1985, when six people counted 500 eagles. Some 600 to 900 eagles are now counted annually. Brackendale Eagle Festival takes place every January.

A DRIVE ALONG THE SEA-TO-SKY HIGHWAY

TopTen

Morning

Start your day heading north from Vancouver on the Sea-to-Sky Highway, which is officially known as Highway 99. Tiny Britannia Beach and its Mine Museum make an interesting first stop. Shannon Falls, 4.5 miles (7 km) further on, is well worth the ten minutes on foot from the parking area off the highway. Continue driving on the dramatic coastal road to Squamish and take the ten-minute Sea-to-Sky Gondola to access summit trails, a suspension bridge, and sweeping views. Have lunch at one of the three great eateries at Summit Lodge (888 913 8811), 2,900 ft (885 m) above Howe Sound.

Afternoon

After lunch, continue your journey north toward Whistler. Make sure to leave time for the renowned Garibaldi Provincial Park and its namesake turquoise lake; there are five access points to the park between Squamish and Pemberton, all with parking for various trailheads. A short final drive through the classic BC backcountry brings you to Whistler and its famous ski resort, Whistler Blackcomb, where you can spend as many hours or days as your itinerary allows. Book relaxing spa treatments at Scandinave or take to one of the championship golf courses found nearby. An indulgent dinner at the excellent restaurant, Trattoria di Umberto, will make a perfect end to your day.

Best Greenspaces

1. Lighthouse Park

prac_info Marine Dr & Beacon Ln, West Vancouver • 604 925 7275 • www.westvancouver.ca

Giant ferns and huge boulders are signatures of this waterfront park. Quiet trails lead through the area’s last stand of old-growth trees.

2. Pacific Spirit Regional Park

prac_info W 16th Ave at Blanca St • 604 224 5739 • www.metrovancouver.org

Over 45 miles (73 km) of trails snake through a stretch of thick rain forest, and along bogs and cliffs in this park.

3. VanDusen Botanical Garden

prac_info 5151 Oak St • 604 257 8335 • Adm • www.vandusengarden.org

Secluded nooks and crannies can still be found at this world-famous garden with seasonal flower displays.

4. Cypress Provincial Park

prac_info Top of Cypress Bowl Rd, West Vancouver • 604 926 5612 • www.env.gov.bc.ca

Cypress Mountain, in the park, offers sports galore and great views as far as Mount Baker in Washington State.

5. Queen Elizabeth Park

prac_info W 33rd Ave & Cambie St • 311 • www.vancouver.ca

Located 499 ft (152 m) above sea level, this park is the highest point in Vancouver. It offers a conservatory, lovely gardens, and splendid views.

TopTen

Conservatory at Queen Elizabeth Park

6. Boundary Bay Regional Park

prac_info Boundary Bay Rd, Tsawwassen • 604 520 6442 • www.metrovancouver.org

Beachcombers, horseback riders, and birders frequent this pretty oceanside park throughout the year.

7. Mount Seymour Provincial Park

prac_info 1700 Mt Seymour Rd, North Vancouver • 604 986 2261 • www.env.gov.bc.ca

Mountaineers and skiers relish the snow and gentle slopes in winter. In summer, hikers come for the views.

8. George C. Reifel Migratory Bird Sanctuary

prac_info 5191 Robertson Rd • 604 946 6980 • Adm • www.reifelbirdsanctuary.com

Some 60,000 birds visit this huge site on Westham Island yearly. View the wetlands from platforms and hides.

9. West Dyke Recreational Trail

prac_info www.richmond.ca

Enjoy awe-inspiring views of Sturgeon Banks, which attracts 1.4 million birds annually, at this 3.5-mile (5.5-km) trail.

10. Deer Lake Park

prac_info Canada Way & Sperling Ave, Burnaby • 604 294 7450 • www.burnaby.ca

This park has plenty of wildlife, trails, picnic spots, a playground, various art centers, a restaurant, and the open-air Burnaby Village Museum.

Adventure Sports

1. Mountain Biking

prac_info Mountain Biking BC: www.mountainbikingbc.ca

The 93-mile (150-km) Sea-to-Sky trail stretches from Squamish to D’Arcy. Find trail maps on Mountain Biking BC’s website.

TopTen

Mountain biking in Squamish

2. Heli-Snowboarding & Skiing

prac_info Whistler Heli-Skiing: 604 905 3337; www.whistlerblackcomb.com

Fly away via helicopter from the Whistler Blackcomb crowds into the pristine high-alpine powder.

3. Kayaking with Orcas

prac_info Ecomarine Paddlesport Centres: 604 689 7575; www.ecomarine.com

Paddle alongside an orca pod at Vancouver Island’s spectacular glacier-carved eastern coastline.

4. Paragliding

prac_info iParaglide: www.iparaglide.com

Learn to be airborne on a tandem flight with a certified teacher. Coastal winds ensure breathtaking heights.

5. Rock Climbing

prac_info Squamish Rock Guides: 604 892 7816; www.squamishrockguides.com

Squamish is one of the top climbing areas in North America. You’ll have to brave Stawamus Chief, a formidable cliff rising 2,303 ft (702 m).

6. Windsurfing

prac_info Squamish Windsports Society: www.squamishwindsports.com

Windsurfers converge at the mouth of the Squamish River on Howe Sound. Squamish Windsports Society operates the sailing park and the rescue service, and charges a sailing fee.

7. Diving

prac_info Diving Locker: 604 736 2681; www.divinglocker.ca

Find marine life, diving spots, and artificial reefs at Howe Sound’s many dive sites. The Diving Locker offers charters, lessons, and equipment.

8. Whitewater Rafting

prac_info Fraser River Raft Expeditions: 604 863 2336; www.fraserraft.com

Paddle or power raft just two hours from Vancouver in Yale on the Fraser, Nahatlatch, and Thompson rivers. Fraser River Raft Expeditions offer a choice of rafts and trips.

TopTen

Rafting on the Fraser River

9. Skydiving

prac_info Abbotsford Skydive Center: 604 854 3255; www.vancouver-skydiving.bc.ca

The view of the Fraser Valley at 3,000 ft (915 m) is amazing. First-jump tandem lessons are available from Abbotsford Skydive Center.

10. Glacier Skiing

prac_info Whistler Blackcomb: 604 967 8950; www.whistlerblackcomb.com

Horstman Glacier offers 128 acres of skiing and incomparable views year-round.

Hiking Trails

1. Tunnel Bluffs

A 5.3-mile (8.5-km) route starting at Tunnel Point past Lions Bay, it follows old logging roads and steep trails with viewpoints of Howe Sound on the way.

2. Dog Mountain

prac_info www.metrovancouver.org

Best done in snowshoes during winter, this 3-mile (5-km) round-trip trail in Seymour Provincial Park offers a bird’s eye view of Vancouver from the top.

3. Quarry Rock

prac_info www.lynncanyon.ca

A relatively easy 2.5-mile (4-km) climb up and down, this trail winds through wooden stairs, bridges and thick forest cover. It ends on a rocky outcrop with incredible views of Deep Cove.

4. Cypress Falls

prac_info www.westvancouver.ca

Winding through Cypress Fall Park, this is a 1.9-mile (3-km) round-trip trek through rainforests and Cypress Creek. Two awe-inspiring waterfalls await you at this hidden gem.

5. Grouse Grind

prac_info www.grousemountain.com

With its trailhead at the base of Grouse Mountain, this steep one-way hike is not for the faint hearted. It involves 2,830 steps and a thrilling 2,800-ft (853-m) elevation gain. Hikers have to take the Skyride gondola back down.

TopTen

Stunning forests along Grouse Grind

6 Garibaldi Lake

prac_info www.env.gov.bc.ca

Take your camping gear along on this hike. The view of the jewel-colored lake crowned by snowy peaks is well worth the 11-mile (18-km) round trip.

TopTen

The dazzling Garibaldi Lake

7. Stawamus Chief

prac_info www.exploresquamish.com

Bouldering and climbing along chains and ropes on this three-hour round trip may be intimidating, but you’ll be fairly rewarded with a stunning view of the sparkling deep-blue Howe Sound.

8. Brandywine Falls

prac_info www.env.gov.bc.ca

Located close to Whistler, these falls are easily accessible along a half-mile (1-km) flat path in Brandywine Falls Provincial Park.

9. Killarney Lake Loop

prac_info www.tourismbowenisland.com

Bring the kids along this easy but magical 2.5-mile (4-km) hike through rainforests and a pretty little lake.

10. Buntzen Lake Loop

prac_info www.buntzenlake.ca

This popular four-hour loop snakes around the Buntzen Lake Reservoir, and has an easy, mostly shaded, trail.

Restaurants

1. Caramba!

prac_info 12–4314 Main St, Town Plaza, Whistler • 604 938 1879 • $$

This relaxed eatery encourages families to share wood-oven pizza, calamari, and rotisserie meats.

2. Bishop’s

prac_info 2183 W 4th Ave • 604 738 2025 • Closed L, Sun & Mon • $$$

Chef John Bishop combines intimate dining with flawless service. Seasonal organic ingredients determine the weekly West Coast menu.

3. Workshop Vegetarian Café

prac_info 296 Pemberton Ave, North Vancouver • 604 973 0163 • Closed Sun • $

This quirky Japanese-inspired café offers tasty healthy fare. It’s great for coffee, cake or the signature ramen.

4. Salmon House on the Hill

prac_info 2229 Folkstone Way, West Vancouver • 604 926 3212 • $$

Perched in the North Shore hills, this restaurant is known for its flavorful green alderwood-grilled BC salmon.

5. The Galley Patio & Grill

prac_info 1300 Discovery St • 604 222 1331 • $

With one of the best patios in Vancouver, this outdoor beachside restaurant offers pub-style food and great craft beer.

6. Pear Tree

prac_info 4120 E Hastings St, Burnaby • 604 299 2772 • Closed Sun & Mon • $$

Widely said to be the “Best of the Burbs,” the Pear Tree feels world-class. Its menu emphasizes fresh, quality ingredients.

7. La Quercia

prac_info 3689 W 4th Ave • 604 676 1007 • Closed Sun & Mon • $$

The Vancouverites flock to this eatery, with an intimate setting, for exceptional Italian dishes and wines.

8. The Beach House at Dundarave Pier

prac_info 150 25th St, West Vancouver • 604 922 1414 • $$

Sit on the deck of this 1912 house, choose a glass of wine from the long list, and enjoy West Coast cuisine.

9. Trattoria di Umberto

prac_info 4417 Sundial Pl, Whistler • 604 932 5858 • Closed L • $$$

The warmth of Tuscany is reflected in the imaginative pasta dishes of celebrity chef Umberto Menghi.

10. Araxi

prac_info 4222 Village Sq, Whistler • 604 932 4540 • $$$

Local produce is served with a Pacific Northwest slant at this vibrant spot. Try the oysters, salmon or lamb confit.

TopTen

Elegant dining room at Araxi

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