GUIDE TO VANCOUVER

Try skiing and snowboarding in the mountains,

Vancouver holidays will take you to one of the most beautiful cities in the world and have something special to offer you whatever the season.

The warm Pacific Ocean currents and shelter of the Grouse Mountains keep temperatures moderate throughout the year, the winters can be wet but the local mountains usually provide enough snow for excellent skiing conditions with the world famous Whistlers Resort just a couple of hours away.

Vancouver holidays focus very much on the great outdoors, and nowhere is this more evident than in the fantastic Stanley Park; the largest city park that Canada has to offer. This stunning park stays green all year round as it is covered with fir and cedar trees, with fabulous ocean views to one side, walkers, joggers and cyclists all enjoy the panoramic scenery from along the seawall while the slightly less energetic take a leisurely horse drawn carriage tour. The park is also home to one of North America’s largest aquariums; The Vancouver Aquarium Marine Science Centre, the residence of hundreds of tiny species of marine life plus otters, dolphins, sea lions, turtles and even whales! An absolute must to visit on all holidays to Vancouver whatever time of year it is.

Stanley Park is located in downtown Vancouver on the Burrard Peninsula along with the wonderfully historic Gastown and contrasting cosmopolitan Yaletown with its trendy bars, shops and galleries. China town, Canada’s largest area dedicated to Chinese culture and cuisine is just close by as is Commercial Drive, a multicultural area with quaint Italian coffee houses, live music venues and theatres. Lying between here and Stanley Park is the West End, a highly populated area yet a prime example of laid back Canadian life, where the landscape is green and the people are relaxed and welcoming. It’s worth a visit here even if it’s just to witness the amazing sunsets over English Bay.

Just along from English Bay lies False Creek, a body of water that almost cuts off the downtown area and is home to Granville Island, a lively district with an abundance of shops, entertainment houses and art galleries, with many marinas and boats berthed all along its waters edges, a wonderful place to explore and take a leisurely stroll along its promenade.

Old English pubs, Victorian and Edwardian architecture

Grouse Mountain is another year round attraction as during the summer months hikers enjoy the challenge of reaching its panoramic peak, while those a little less adventurous take the passenger tram and appreciate the breathtaking views in a little more luxury. The amazing sight of downtown Vancouver unfolding below and the distant Vancouver Island make the effort very worth while.

During the winter months as the snow descends it is a haven for skiers and there’s no need to worry if the season is a little warm for snow as there has been millions of dollars spent on machines that make man made snow, so you can never be disappointed on skiing holidays in Vancouver. This also makes Vancouver one of the only places where you can ski or snow board on a morning and enjoy a leisurely game of golf in the afternoon!.

So whatever time of year it is, there is always something to do in Vancouver, whether it’s exploring the downtown waterways and parks, skiing and snowboarding in the mountains, browsing the fantastic shops, or enjoying the immensely diverse cuisine all while lapping up the wonderful warm hospitality of the Canadian people, this beautiful part of Canada will entrance and excite you. With accommodation ranging from luxurious hotels to inexpensive family guest houses, holidays to Vancouver are affordable and available to book today at Late Deals, so take a look now we’re sure you’ll be very pleasantly surprised.