Top 10 highlights: Vancouver and Vancouver Island

Poised between the Pacific and the Coast Mountains, Vancouver is one of the most beautifully located cities on earth and a great base to explore Vancouver Island.

Must-sees and dos for the cool Canadian city and the Pacific coast, mighty mountains and incredible islands nearby.

1

Capilano Suspension Bridge Park

Teeter over a wooden bridge high above the Capilano River, walk along a boardwalk into the treetops, and learn about local history and forest ecology as well as First Nations culture at this incredible park.

2

Around Long Beach

Wild Pacific shores, rare old-growth forests and spectacular scenery abound in the Long Beach area on Vancouver Island’s rugged west coast.

3 Victoria

With its historic buildings and green parks, Victoria makes a great base for trips around Vancouver Island.

4

Museum of Anthropology at UBC

Located in an impressive modern building, this place has one of North America’s finest collections of Northwest Coast First Nations and Inuit art. There is also a great collection of European ceramics and textiles.

5

Stanley Park

Created in 1888, Stanley Park is North America’s third-largest urban park. It offers a heady mix of forest and ocean.

6

Granville Island

This popular island on False Creek is a bustling mix of shops, galleries, restaurants, and theatres.

7

Science World

Science comes alive inside the dome-shaped Science World. Hands-on exhibits inspire and capture the imaginations of all ages.

8 Whistler

Ideally placed for a city escape, Whistler is an upscale resort a two-hour drive north from Vancouver. Two mountains tower over alpine-style resort villages.

Skiers abound here but there are countless other year-round activities to explore too.

9

Canada Place

Built for Expo ‘86, Canada Place is an outstanding convention and hotel complex overlooking

Vancouver Harbour. Cruise ships dock alongside an inviting promenade.

10 Vancouver Art Gallery

From the swirling forests of British Columbia artist Emily Carr to radical installations, this gallery features the best of West Coast and international art.

Vancouver island’s wild wonders Tofino offers rugged, sandy beaches all year around; (above) Victoria’s parliament building

This feature is adapted from the DK Eyewitness Top Ten Vancouver & Vancouver Island travel guide, which contains illustrations, tour suggestions and a pull-out map. See dk.com

Step out of time (clockwise from above) Visit the future in Science World; big traffic at Canada Place; Vancouver Art Gallery; Whistler Mountain is popular for winter adventures; explore the area’s heritage in Stanley Park