Canada Place 's renown symbolises not just Vancouver, but the whole of Canada thanks to its walk along the water. The country's 10 provinces and 3 territories are symbolically represented throughout the walk, which is divided into 13 sections. It's a great opportunity to learn more about the country with the maple leaf. The entire pier is a popular spot for tourists and locals alike, who gather for a drink or a bite to eat overlooking the ocean. It's also home to FlyOver Canada, a spherical cinema that gives you the impression of flying across Canada. Like a 4DX theatre, the smells, wind, rain, etc. are felt throughout the attraction. Tickets for adults and children cost 30 and 20 dollars respectively. Book online to avoid queuing on the day. Canada Place is also the hub for boat departures, bus excursions and even seaplane flights!
Vancouver's city centre, still known as "Downtown", is nothing like a Canadian forest, except for the sheer number of buildings that have sprung up everywhere. Impressively tall, they feel awfully small and it's easy to get lost in them, just like in the heart of the woods. However, Downtown still has a diversity of cultural landscapes to visit. From the historic district, with its cobbled streets and Victorian buildings, to the trendy district littered with cafés and bars, not forgetting the shopping district with its myriad shops popping up all over the place, Downtown is the place to be. Whether you're a night owl, a window shopper, a pastry connoisseur, an admirer of architecture or a history buff, there's something for everyone in the heart of Vancouver.
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Canada, a stroll along the water's edge
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View of Canada Place, Vancouver, Canada
- © EB Adventure Photography / ShutterstockGastown, the historic red-brick district
North of Downtown is Gastown, officially the city's historic district since 2009. It boasts the largest concentration of brick buildings in the city. These Victorian and Edwardian buildings escaped destruction in the late 1960s during a wave of modernisation in the city. Since then, these stone facades have become the pride of the district and are regularly renovated. Another original feature that adds to Gastown's charm is its famous 'Steam Clock', a large clock that runs solely on steam delivered through a network of underground pipes. Fans of SteamPunk structures will love this local attraction. The area is also home to the atypical Hotel Europe, built in 1908 in the shape of a triangle and now offering affordable rooms.
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The steam from the Steam Clock is released as the clock approaches midnight, Vancouver, Canada
- © Daniel Avram / ShutterstockYaletown, the trendy district with its lively bars
For a long time,Yaletown was mainly a residential area for employees working on the Canadian railways, most of whom came from Yale, 180 km away, and the name has stuck. The district got a modern boost with the 1986 World's Fair. The event attracted a steady stream of visitors for several months, and businesses were set up in the district to meet the demand. Since then, the area's popularity has not waned, and it's still the best place to go for a drink. Hamilton Street and its parallel Mainland Street are the two streets with the most restaurants and bars. You'll find everything from Italian and seafood restaurants to Indian dishes. These two streets are located to the south of Downtown, very close to Yaletown-Roundhouse Station.
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Yaletown district and its bars and cafés lining the streets, Vancouver, Canada
- © cdrin / ShutterstockRobson Street, the city's biggest shopping street
Shopping fans, however, prefer to spend the day in Robson Street before going for a drink. The street is teeming with major chain shops. On one side is BC Place Stadium, where sports fans will be delighted to visit the home of the BC Lions, the American football team, and the Vancouver Whitecaps, the city's football team. The venue hosts all kinds of sporting events, as well as concerts and exhibitions. You can check the programme on the venue's website.
On the other side of Robson Street is Stanley Park, a 405-hectare park for those who miss the great Canadian outdoors. It is open from 9am to 5pm. To get there, simply take the N24 bus, which drops you off at the park entrance. There are also several car parks in various locations around the park. And of course, in between these two locations, there are a whole host of eye-catching shops: ready-to-wear, cafés, lifestyle, beauty, etc. The list is long, but can be found onthe street's website.
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Robson Street shopping street, Vancouver, Canada
- © i viewfinder / ShutterstockPractical information
🚌 Access to Gastown: Bus 003, 004, 007, 008, 014, 016, 019, 020, 022, 050, 209, 210, 211, 214, N8, N20, N35, R5
🚌 Access to Canada Place: Bus 044 and R5, accessible by train via Waterfront stop, Canada Line and Expo Line metro lines
🚌 Access to Robson Street from BC Place Stadium: Bus 006, 017, 023 and N15. There is also a car park at the stadium.
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Seawall River Winter Day in Stanley Park, Vancouver, Canada
- © Marcelo Rodriguez / Shutterstock![Victorian Hotel](https://ims.ev.mu/large_12592985_298b7ea1b0/large_12592985_298b7ea1b0.jpg)