Vancouver: Where Man and Nature Meet
Few cities in the world can boast having the lush and natural landscapes that Vancouver holds. The city intertwines so elegantly with nature, it’s sometimes hard to believe you’re still within the city limits (or at least close to them). From major parks to intimate gardens, Vancouver has an array of destinations to travel to if you’re looking to escape some of the hustle and bustle of the big city. Using PlanetWare, and US News and World Report, below is a list of some awesome natural destinations you can visit when visiting this very special city.
Grouse Mountain
Just 15–20 minutes from downtown Vancouver, Grouse Mountain is an awesome place to visit in both the summer and winter months. The site includes activities for just about every taste all year round, making it a popular natural getaway for both locals and tourists. During the summer, Grouse Mountain offers a great opportunity for hiking, with famed trails including Grouse Grind — affectionately called Mother Nature’s Stairmaster. The mountain includes wildlife observation centers, as well as a multiple eateries. At night (as well as in the day), it’s location offers a beautiful panoramic view of the city and it’s lights, as well as the perfect setting to stargaze on a clear, temperate summer night. Of course in the winter, it is a great place to ski, snowboard, and even ice skate.
Stanley Park
A lush green peninsula park that encompasses more than 1000 acres of total land, Stanley Park is one of Vancouver’s most visited sites. Most visitors take the time to visit the park either on foot, or by bicycle, exploring attractions like the totem poles at Brockton Point, or the 14 mile seawall that hugs the park’s lush greenery. The spectacular waterfront views and scenic forest backdrop will dazzle and romance any visitor to stay a few more hours than initially anticipated. If you’d like to avoid some of the crowds that regularly visit the park, take your bike or hike the 17-miles of forest trails the park encloses. Stanley Park is definitely one of Canada’s most beautiful and sought after tourist and local attractions.
Kitsilano Beach
Kitsilano Beach is located on the sandy shoreline of English Bay, across from Vancouver City and its mountain backdrop. The view is gorgeous and serene, but still so close to the city and its action. When you’re finished walking it’s Sandy Shorelines, take a dip in the bay, or the beach’s heated saltwater Kitsilano Pool.
Capilano Suspension Bridge
Capilano Suspension Bridge is Vancouver’s first major tourist attraction, constructed in 1889 according to US News and World Report. The 450-foot long, 230-foot high bridge offers spectacular views of the landscape’s picture-perfect scenery, and the Capilano River. The bridge sways and wobbles, and is may not be recommendable for the vertigo-prone. However if you’re looking for a sightseeing thrill in a beautiful rain-forest like setting, this is the place to check out.
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